New Balance 896 v2 review

Who should buy the New Balance 896 v2

New Balance re-introduced its 896 tennis shoes with a more modern and straightforward aesthetic. It is a solid option if you:

• Prefer a shoe that stretched out the entire cover as well as its liner to promote breathability.
• Prefer a shoe that has synthetics and sturdy components and is assembled on high-wear zones of the upper to enhance durability.
• Prefer a shoe that is modified with a full-length herringbone tread.

Updates: NB 896v2 vs. 896v3

New Balance 896 versions 2 and 3 offer the same supportive and adaptive shape utilizing the Fantom Fit technology. These profiles also feature the lightweight and innovative REVlite midsole that’s designed to deliver responsive cushioning. 

New Balance NDurance outsole

To prolong the operational life of the shoe, New Balance incorporated an abrasion-resistant rubber compound called NDurance in the outsole. The high-wear medial section has a solid modified herringbone tread pattern. On the lateral side, it has tight tread for stability during slides.

Lightweight and protective

Unlike the previous model, the underside of this shoe has a cut out under the arch to make its weight lighter. 

As additional support on the forefoot, the proprietary NDure cage is placed at the tip. It also works as a protective guard during toe dragging. 

REVlite shock-absorbing technology

Still, in the context of keeping this shoe light, the brand devised it with the REVlite shock-absorbing technology. Such a foam compound is 30 percent lighter than the standard midsole units. This material is crafted to provide an equal amount of responsiveness and stability without minimizing underfoot cushioning.

896 v2 is a stable tennis shoe

There’s an approximately 10mm difference between the heights of the heel and toe. Such heel drop grants a noticeably raised heel. The added height on the rear side provides the springiness when readying for a swing, pushing towards the net, moving sideways, or doing a variety of stances.

Fantom Fit

New Balance utilizes a form-fitting, engineered cover called Fantom Fit. It’s a fusion of two materials that helps to slash down tons of weight while keeping the shoe flexible. Specifically, NB replaced the leather material used in the first version of the 896 with more substantial synthetic leather. The synthetic is fused to a mesh material using a no-sew process that’s supposed to deliver a pliable and soft feel.

Breathable and moisture-absorption

The combination of synthetic and mesh is meant to allow air to circulate in and out of the shoe. The perforated tongue lets more air to flow throughout the shoe.

Using the NB Ice inner fabric, this shoe features a fast-drying process, which intends to grant comfort, especially during prolonged game sessions.

Comfortable cushioning

For extra comfort, the heel collar is developed with padding. It also helps lock the heel down during directional movements.