This 6th version of the 996 carries on the legacy of lightweight comfort, speed, and the FuelCell midsole for a smooth ride!
Built for players who crave lightweight speed in their court shoes, the New Balance 996v6 2E is comfortable and supportive with FuelCell in the midsole! This update carries on the comfortable and responsive feel underfoot with the full length FuelCell, while the upper has been re-engineered for increased support and durability in the areas you need it most. With this 6th edition New Balance made strategic improvements to increase the lock-down around the heels and in the forefoot. The NDurance rubber compound provides durability in high-wear areas, and the traction grips and gives when needed for the gritty hard courts. Backed by a six month outsole durability guarantee.
- Upper: Lightweight engineered mesh upper for comfort and ventilation, while it is reinforced in target areas to maximize support and improve upper durability.
- Midsole: Full length FuelCell for soft cushion, and propulsion for each stride.
- Outsole: NDurance rubber outsole in multi-directional tread pattern. Great traction on any court surface, but this version is ideal for hard courts. Backed by a six month outsole durability guarantee.
- Color: Daybreak / Berry
Fit Details
| Length: | Slightly Short |
|---|---|
| Width: | 2E Wide |
| Arch: | Medium |
| Break-in: | None |
| Surface: | Hard (all court) |
| Durability Guarantee: | Yes |
| Weight: | 14.7 ounces (size 10.5) |
Stock #: MCH996O6E
Other items in New Balance 996 Men's Tennis Shoes
Other items in New Balance 2E Men's Shoes
Customer Reviews
2E & ExpensiveMost expensive shoe I have ever bought! Wanted the wider shoe to accommodate my sore outside toe bone. It's a nice shoe. Hard to put on without a shoehorn.
Very comfortableOnly company that provides good 2e sneakers for tennis that hold up for over 6 months
Not as wide in the toe box as neededI had been wearing the KSwiss Lite 2E shoes for pickleball and began to notice my feet were sore after playing and looked like I was developing a bunion. So I bought a pair of the NB1007 and the NB996V2 both 2E widths looking for a wider toe box. I kept the NB1007 and returned the NB996V2. The NB1007 felt wider in the toe box and much more comfortable even when playing for 5 hours straight. I also notice my shins don’t feel as beaten up after playing as the NB seem to have plenty of cushioning. Definitely will be sticking with the NB1007s.
Fantastic combo of stability and speedThese shoes are great. These are my first New Balance tennis shoes. I don't normally wear wide shoes but have been having a problem with my toes and decided to try these. I've played in every Asics Gel Res except the X and liked them but these are my new go to. One day on court and I immediately bought another pair. They're plenty stable, great grip, and much faster than other stability shoes I've tried. They're great looking as well. Highly recommended.
New balance X yonexthis new balance is a good one, light, confortable, but, it is not as wide like yonex.
Heavy shoe built like a tankThis shoe is very durable and heavier than I like. Fits true to size and wide was a good fit for my wide feet. I play doubles and prefer a lighter weight shoe.
GREAT SHOESComfortable, stylish, slightly narrow (my problem) but fine shoes.
Comfortable shoe for foot problemI'm having "Hallus Rigidus" problems with big toe probably due to years of wearing shoes with too small toe box. This shoe is 1/2 size bigger than I previously wore and size 2E. With an orthopedic insole, it helps me in playing tennis/pickleball 2x per week. I would give this 5 stars if it weren't that my foot/toe still hurts at times and I'm not sure if it's just my foot or if there is a better shoe. For now, I'm getting along better with this shoe and that matters!
Not better than prior versionsI have worn this model for many years because of comfort and no break in period. Just bought a pair of the latest version and are clearly narrower and tighter fit than prior versions. I always upgrade the insoles for extra comfort and support, but may have to remove them. I am stretching the shoes now. May be the last pair of these I buy. Time will tell.
ClumsyWearing these feels like wearing home slippers for tennis. NB was know to provide overall quality and comfy tennis shoes for wide feet. Not any more - shoes are getting narrow and heel cushioning is only average.
Comfort and SupportI’ve tried the last two versions of this shoe as well and these are by far my favorites. The v4 were too narrow at the toes and v5 too roomy in the mid foot and heel. These are perfect for my feet. Even more comfortable and cushy than the v5 but are more snug in the heel and mid foot so there isn’t any heel slippage. Toe box is perfect. Don’t know about the durability as I’ve only played 5 times or so in them. Highly recommend.
very tight even 2EThis model is heavier, and very tight regardless I tried 2E. Also the shoes had a clumsy fit feeling. It looks like NB is turning to narrower shoes instead of traditionally wide fit. Too bad. Not recommended.
4.5 player/ 4x week/ formal state champion
good shoeLike the majority of us tennis players, we tire of companies changing shoe models each year sending us on a journey to discover the best replacement model. Some of us just when finding the right shoe end up buying as many pairs as we can before the model year ends. This shoe however is as good as previous model. Not better, certainly not worse, but just as good.
BuyWish I got a little wider shoe. But it’s a great shoe overall
Durability is trash, Performance is goodSuper good lightweight shoes with excellent stability comfort and support. However, I go through one of these a month. Although I keep buying them.
True to size fitI have been wearing the 996 for over 15 years. 11.5E-E fits the same each time and the shoe is a very good performer.
Sturdy, like a brickWhen I first got these, I noticed they felt a little heavy, which I didn't mind. They felt sturdy, especially when changing direction. The soles also felt stiff.
Over time, it seemed like the soles got even stiffer. By my fourth month with these, both my knees would ache for a couple days after playing. I switched to another brand and the knee pain went away (and I am a long-time New Balance wearer with no history of any kind of knee injury/pain).
Toe Box Too SmallI've bought this model the last two versions and liked the how light it felt yet durable. The toe box for this version is too small where I had to remove the original inserts to fit my feet. However, this cause more feet and back pain from not being able to use my custom orthotics.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Great shoe, runs shortThis is a great shoe! Comfortable right out of the box. I’m normally a 9.5 for NB. I should have stuck with the 10.0’s since it does run a bit short.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
New Balance 996v6 2E Terrarium/Firefly Men'sPlayed with it six or seven times, it feels good
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
One step backI love New Balance 996 court shoes, but this latest version is somehow less comfortable than the previous version. It’s more stiff and less wide! I used to replace the insole with an upgraded one, but can’t do it with this new shoe version, my feet just won’t fit into the shoe.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
