New Balance 796 v2 review

Who should buy the New Balance 796 v2

Club players honing their footwork techniques and going for vigorous drills might find this cushioned tennis shoe for hard court appealing. It is a solid option if you:

• Need a shoe that is superbly light. 
• Need a shoe that is covered with a no-sew upper but offers stability when darting at different directions, making quick cuts, and doing sudden stops. 
• Need a shoe that is built with a durable rubber that’s designed to grant good clutch on the hardcourt, especially during pivot turns and lateral movements. 

Updates to the 796 v2

Improved ventilation

Compared with the flagship NB796 model, this second version is constructed with more perforations on the upper, which helps enhance the flow of air in and out of the shoe. This cushioned footgear is a fraction lighter than the previous model. Aside from retaining the same lightweight REVlite midsole as its predecessor, the middle section of its outsole is significantly carved out.

Excellent traction

This trainer is equipped with the Ndurance rubber compound that’s assembled to provide superior grip on the abrasive hard court surface. It comes with a herringbone tread pattern and non-marking property that offers a steady foothold. The rubber compound’s abrasion-resistant quality puts more life to the shoe, particularly on the high-wear areas.

Excellent cushioning

It features the pioneering New Balance REVlite foam compound, which is lightweight and responsive versus other midsole properties that are generally 30% heavier. The midsole offers stability without sacrificing underfoot cushioning and rebound capability.

This athletic footgear comes with an 8-mm heel-to-toe drop. This low-profile built allows the wearer to feel a significant amount of padding underfoot while being able to achieve natural movement.  

Breathable and durable

New Balance made a few tweaks on the design of the synthetic and mesh outer membrane by adding more perforations throughout the cover. This no-sew concept not only enhances the breathability of the shoe but reduces the load for better maneuverability. 

Since toe dragging has become part of the game, this shoe is fabricated with the NDure technology for added protection around the forefoot. 

Secure fit

Like most New Balance shoes, the 796 ver2 is available in wide-width options. However, broad-footed wearers might find the width tighter than their usual tennis shoes, since this NB796 iteration runs relatively narrow.