New Balance 796 v2
Verdict from 100+ user reviews
7 reasons to buy
- Most of the satisfied buyers revel about how ultra-lightweight the New Balance 796 v2 is.
- Cushioning hasn't been an issue for many pleased users.
- A majority of the reviews reveal that this trainer requires no break-in time.
- Many of the playtesters claim that this hardcourt footgear offers excellent mobility.
- A considerable number of those who find it durable say that it can withstand long hours of play.
- Lots of wearers assert that it’s backed up with a superb support structure.
- It’s one of the most affordable tennis shoes from New Balance.
2 reasons not to buy
- Few wearers affirm that the tongue of this trainer is partly long that it rubs against the collar.
- Some say that the wide-width option of the New Balance 796v2 is deceiving as it feels rather narrow.
Bottom line
Best price from 30 shops
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70% say it's true to size.
Overview of this review
Profile of the New Balance 796 v2
Who is it for? Club players honing their footwork techniques and going for vigorous drills might find this cushioned tennis shoe for hard court appealing.
What makes it different?
- This updated version doesn’t weigh you down as it comes superbly light.
- It’s covered with a no-sew upper but offers stability when darting at different directions, making quick cuts, and doing sudden stops.
- Its outsole 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.
Lighter built. 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.
Outsole
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.
Strength. The rubber compound’s abrasion-resistant quality puts more life to the shoe, particularly on the high-wear areas.
Midsole
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.
Heel drop. 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.
Upper
Breathability. 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.
Durability. Since toe dragging has become part of the game, this shoe is fabricated with the NDure technology for added protection around the forefoot.
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.
Nice to know
- The New Balance 796 series is an offshoot of the New Balance 696 variations, which are from the same hardcourt family.
- Compared to the New Balance 696 shoes, the New Balance 796 trainers come with more forefoot perforations making them more breathable.