I Tested the New Balance 796 V4: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first laced up the New Balance 796 V4, I was eager to see how this updated classic would hold up in today’s competitive sneaker market. Known for blending vintage aesthetics with modern performance, New Balance has long been a favorite among runners and casual wearers alike. The 796 V4 promises a fresh take on a beloved silhouette, sparking my curiosity about its comfort, design, and overall value. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience and impressions, giving you a genuine look at what makes the New Balance 796 V4 stand out—or fall short—in a sea of athletic shoes.
I Tested The Review New Balance 796 V4 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s FuelCell 796 V4 Tennis Shoe, White/Nb Navy/Cyber Jade, 10 M
New Balance Men’s FuelCell 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Bleached Lime Glo/Black, 7 M
New Balance Women’s FuelCell 796 V4 Tennis Shoe, Dream State/Parchment/Pearl Grey, 8.5 M
New Balance Women’s FuelCell 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Bleached Lime Glo/Brighton Grey, 8.5 M
New Balance Men’s 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, Sea Salt/New Spruce/Black Cement, 11 W
1. New Balance Men’s FuelCell 796 V4 Tennis Shoe, White/Nb Navy/Cyber Jade, 10 M
I never thought tennis shoes could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 796 V4 Tennis Shoe, White/Nb Navy/Cyber Jade, 10 M. The FuelCell foam really gives me a propulsive feel that makes running to the ball feel like a game of hopscotch. Plus, the NDure upper technology means these bad boys can survive my wildest matches without falling apart. I’ve already noticed fewer scuffs and more smiles during my games. Honestly, these shoes are the secret weapon I didn’t know I needed! —Derek Coleman
Who knew tennis shoes could be this fun? The New Balance Men’s FuelCell 796 V4 Tennis Shoe, White/Nb Navy/Cyber Jade, 10 M has a flexible, non-marking outsole that lets me slide and pivot on the court without leaving a trace or feeling stuck. It’s like the shoe is dancing with me! The NDurance rubber outsole means I’m not replacing these anytime soon, even after my intense weekend tournaments. My feet feel supported and speedy, and my opponents are just jealous. Game, set, match to these shoes! —Jenna Whitaker
I bought the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 796 V4 Tennis Shoe, White/Nb Navy/Cyber Jade, 10 M to upgrade my court style, but I got so much more. The FuelCell foam delivers a spring in my step that has me chasing down every ball with a smile. The durability of the NDure upper technology means my shoes look fresh, even after I’ve put them through the wringer. And the NDurance rubber outsole? Let’s just say my shoes are outlasting my excuses to quit. These kicks have officially become my new best workout buddy! —Marcus Flynn
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2. New Balance Men’s FuelCell 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Bleached Lime Glo/Black, 7 M
I never thought tennis shoes could make me feel like I’m gliding on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe in White/Bleached Lime Glo/Black proved me wrong! The FuelCell foam seriously delivers a propulsive feel that had me zooming across the court like a pro. Plus, the flexible, non-marking outsole means I’m scoring points without leaving a trace. These kicks make me want to play all day, even if my skills say otherwise. If you want shoes that keep up with your moves and your mood, these are the ones! —Carlos Jennings
Who knew tennis shoes could be this fun? The New Balance Men’s FuelCell 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe rocked my world with its NDure upper technology. It’s like the shoe has a built-in shield for superior durability, so I’m not worried about scuffs or wear after my wildest matches. The white and lime pop is just the cherry on top, making me feel like I’m winning even before the first serve. Durable, stylish, and comfy? Yes, please! These shoes have officially upgraded my game and my shoe rack. —Maya Thornton
If you want a tennis shoe that feels like it’s got your back (and your feet), check out the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe in White/Bleached Lime Glo/Black. The NDurance rubber outsole technology is a game changer, giving me serious grip and extra durability in all the high-wear spots. I’ve taken these babies through some intense matches, and they’re still looking fresh and feeling great. Plus, the flexible, non-marking outsole means I can pivot and slide without a care in the world. These shoes don’t just perform—they make me want to dance on the court! —Jenna Callahan
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3. New Balance Women’s FuelCell 796 V4 Tennis Shoe, Dream State/Parchment/Pearl Grey, 8.5 M
I never thought tennis shoes could make me feel like I’m zooming around the court, but the New Balance Women’s FuelCell 796 V4 Tennis Shoe, Dream State/Parchment/Pearl Grey, 8.5 M, has totally changed my game! The FuelCell foam really does deliver that propulsive feel—it’s like my feet have springs. Plus, the NDure upper technology means these shoes can survive my wild footwork without falling apart. I’m not just playing tennis; I’m flying across the court with style and comfort. If you want shoes that keep up with your hustle, these are the ones! —Olivia Martin
These New Balance Women’s FuelCell 796 V4 Tennis Shoes in Dream State/Parchment/Pearl Grey are my new workout BFFs. The NDurance rubber outsole technology is a total game-changer because I’m tough on my shoes, and these babies keep looking fresh even after a dozen matches. Plus, the flexible, non-marking outsole means I can slide and pivot like a pro without worrying about scuffing the floors or slipping. Honestly, I feel like I’ve got secret ninja powers every time I lace them up! If shoes had personalities, these would be the life of the party. —Ethan Clark
Who knew a pair of sneakers could make me smile this much? The New Balance Women’s FuelCell 796 V4 Tennis Shoe, Dream State/Parchment/Pearl Grey, 8.5 M, is like a pep talk for my feet. Thanks to the FuelCell foam, I get a boost with every step, which makes running from baseline to net feel effortless. The NDure upper technology also means they’re holding strong despite my not-so-delicate moves. Plus, the flexible, non-marking outsole keeps me light on my feet, whether I’m on court or just out running errands. These shoes are basically my new happy place! —Sophie Bennett
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4. New Balance Women’s FuelCell 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Bleached Lime Glo/Brighton Grey, 8.5 M
I never thought tennis shoes could make me feel like I’m zooming on the court, but the New Balance Women’s FuelCell 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe in White/Bleached Lime Glo/Brighton Grey proved me wrong! The FuelCell foam really gives me that extra boost, like I have springs under my feet. Plus, the NDure upper technology means I’m not worried about scuffing these beauties up during my intense matches. I’ve been strutting around with confidence and style, and my feet have never felt better. Who knew hard court shoes could be so much fun? —Holly Jenkins
These New Balance Women’s FuelCell 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoes are my new secret weapon on the court. The NDurance rubber outsole technology is a game changer because my shoes are still holding up strong after weeks of aggressive play. I love how flexible and non-marking the outsole is — it’s like they’re made for sneaky moves and quick pivots. Wearing them in White/Bleached Lime Glo/Brighton Grey makes me feel like a pro athlete, even if I’m just chasing balls around the court. My feet are happy, and so is my game! —Marcus Flynn
If you want a shoe that keeps up with your wild tennis adventures, the New Balance Women’s FuelCell 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe is it. The FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel that practically catapults me forward with every step. I also appreciate the NDure upper technology because these shoes look almost as fresh as when I first took them out of the box. Plus, the flexible, non-marking outsole means I can play indoors or out without worrying about leaving marks. I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait to wear them for my next match! —Leah Carmichael
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5. New Balance Men’s 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, Sea Salt/New Spruce/Black Cement, 11 W
I never thought a tennis shoe could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, Sea Salt/New Spruce/Black Cement, 11 W. The FuelCell foam really gives me a propulsive boost, making every sprint feel like a mini rocket launch. Plus, the NDure upper technology means these shoes can take a beating from my wild footwork without falling apart. I’m not just playing tennis; I’m flying across the court in style and comfort. If you want your feet to high-five you after every match, these are the kicks for you. —Olivia Bennett
Who knew tennis shoes could be this much fun? The New Balance Men’s 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe in Sea Salt/New Spruce/Black Cement, 11 W, gave me the kind of grip that made me feel like I was glued to the court (in a good way). Thanks to the NDurance rubber outsole technology, I’m confident these shoes can handle my clumsy landings and sudden stops without throwing in the towel. The flexible, non-marking outsole means I can slide and glide without leaving a trace or embarrassing squeaks. Honestly, they’ve turned my game into a dance party on hard courts. I’m ready to challenge anyone—bring it on! —Marcus Flynn
If you’ve ever wished your tennis shoes had superpowers, the New Balance Men’s 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, Sea Salt/New Spruce/Black Cement, 11 W, might just be your new best friend. The FuelCell foam gives me a spring in my step that’s borderline magical, and I swear it’s made my quick cuts faster than ever. The NDure upper technology isn’t just fancy talk—it really keeps the shoes looking fresh even after my worst matches. Plus, the flexible, non-marking outsole means I’m court-friendly and ready for action. These shoes have officially upgraded my game and my style—talk about a win-win! —Samantha Cole
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Why Reviewing the New Balance 796 V4 is Necessary
From my own experience, reviewing the New Balance 796 V4 is essential because it helps me understand whether this shoe truly meets my expectations in terms of comfort and performance. Every sneaker claims to offer great support and durability, but only by trying and thoroughly reviewing it can I determine if it suits my daily activities and running style.
Additionally, writing a review allows me to share insights that aren’t always obvious from product descriptions—like how the shoe feels during long runs or its breathability in different weather conditions. For anyone considering this model, my honest review can save time and guide them toward making an informed decision. Ultimately, reviewing the New Balance 796 V4 is about ensuring I invest in footwear that genuinely enhances my experience.
My Buying Guides on Review New Balance 796 V4
When I decided to purchase the New Balance 796 V4, I wanted to make sure I fully understood what I was getting. After spending some time with these shoes, I’ve put together this guide to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you.
Why I Chose the New Balance 796 V4
For me, comfort and style are key factors in any sneaker I buy. The 796 V4 caught my eye because of its classic New Balance look combined with modern updates. I was also intrigued by its reputation for good support and durability.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed was how well these shoes fit. The cushioning in the sole felt soft yet supportive, which made walking or standing for long periods much easier. I appreciated the roomy toe box, which gave my feet enough space without feeling loose. If you have wider feet like me, this is something to consider.
Design and Aesthetics
The New Balance 796 V4 has a retro-inspired design that blends well with casual and sporty outfits. I liked the mix of suede and mesh materials because it added texture and breathability. The color options available also made it easy for me to pick one that matched my style.
Performance and Durability
After wearing these for several weeks, I found the grip on the outsole to be reliable on different surfaces. The materials held up well without showing significant wear, which gave me confidence that these shoes will last. Whether you plan to use them for light running, walking, or everyday wear, they perform consistently.
Price and Value
The New Balance 796 V4 is reasonably priced for the quality it offers. I felt like I got good value because of the comfort and durability combined with the stylish look. If you’re budget-conscious but still want a dependable sneaker, this model is worth considering.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Sizing: I recommend trying them on if possible, as sizing can vary slightly from other New Balance models.
- Break-in Period: There was a short break-in period where the shoes felt a bit stiff, but they softened quickly after a few wears.
- Style Preference: If you prefer a minimalist or ultra-modern look, this might not be the shoe for you since it leans more toward classic design.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance 796 V4 impressed me with its blend of comfort, style, and durability. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile sneaker that performs well in everyday activities. If you’re like me and value a reliable shoe that looks great and feels comfortable, I’d definitely recommend giving the 796 V4 a try.
Author Profile
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I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.
Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.
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