The New Balance 796 V4 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The New Balance 796 v4 is an entry-level tennis shoe designed for beginner and recreational players. With a notable 12 mm drop, it is ideal for those seeking comfort during their matches. The shoe features a stable platform, supported by its firm foam density of 31.5 HA, which contributes to effective performance on the court.

However, players may notice that the shoe can feel stuffy in hot conditions, potentially impacting overall comfort. While the value-to-price ratio of the New Balance 796 v4 is fair, exploring slightly more expensive options could lead to improved performance.


Pros

  • Fair value for money
  • Comfortable step-in feel
  • Good impact protection
  • Sufficient stability
  • Sturdy toe drag guard
  • Reliable grip

Cons

  • Not breathable at all
  • Not very durable

Key Features

  • FuelCell foam: Delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward, making your movements more efficient.
  • NDure upper technology: Designed for superior durability, ensuring that these shoes last through intense gameplay.
  • NDurance rubber outsole: Provides enhanced durability in high-wear areas, allowing you to get more out of your investment.
  • Flexible, non-marking outsole: Ensures optimum grip without damaging indoor court surfaces.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Mesh
  • Closure type: Lace-Up

New Balance 796 V4 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

New Balance 796 v4 Wilson Rush Pro 4.0 Nike GP Challenge Pro K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2
Price $90 $135 $120 $110
Shoe type All Court All Court All Court All Court
Construction Stability Stability Stability Speed
Breathability Warm Warm Moderate Moderate
Weight lab 12.2 oz / 346g 12.9 oz / 367g 14 oz / 397g 12.3 oz / 349g
Lightweight
Drop lab 7.5 mm 9.1 mm 6.3 mm 9.8 mm
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Wide
Toebox width Medium Medium Narrow Medium
Size Half size small True to size Slightly small True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Firm Balanced
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Torsional rigidity Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Moderate Flexible
Midsole width - forefoot Wide Average Wide Very wide
Midsole width - heel Average Average Wide Average
Outsole durability Bad Decent Good Decent
Heel padding durability Bad Bad Decent Decent
Heel stack lab 28.4 mm 29.1 mm 29.7 mm 29.2 mm
Forefoot 20.9 mm 20.0 mm 23.4 mm 19.4 mm
Insole thickness Average Thin Average Very thick
Removable insole
Heel tab None None None None
Toebox durability Decent Good Decent Good
Outsole hardness Average Average Average Very hard
Outsole thickness Very thick Average Thin Average
Ranking Bottom 2% Top 47% Top 18% Top 31%
Popularity Bottom 10% Bottom 5% Top 44% Top 31%