The New Balance Fuelcell 996 V5 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The New Balance FuelCell 996 v5 is a tennis shoe designed for players seeking a balance of comfort and stability. Its construction features a notable **12 mm drop**, making it ideal for athletes who prioritize agility during rapid movements on the court.

Lab tests indicate that the lightweight design, combined with the firm 31.5 HA foam, translates to a stable platform that supports quick directional changes. This combination ensures optimal performance for competitive players looking to maintain speed without sacrificing support.


Pros

  • Speedy around the court
  • Lightweight build
  • Very grounded feel
  • Lasting outsole (with a 6-month warranty)
  • Stiff and propulsive platform
  • Unmatched upper comfort
  • Wide-foot friendly

Cons

  • Could be more breathable
  • Not much side support

Key Features

  • FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward.
  • NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas.
  • Constructed from synthetic/mesh materials for breathability and support.
  • Enhanced lateral stability with a higher midsole topline.
  • PU support on the tip for added durability where needed.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Mesh
  • Inner material: Fabric

New Balance Fuelcell 996 V5 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

New Balance FuelCell 996 v5 New Balance FuelCell 996 v6 ASICS Gel Dedicate 8 NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro
Price $135 $135 $80 $120
Shoe type Hard Court Hard Court All Court All Court
Construction Speed Speed Stability Speed
Breathability Moderate Breathable Breathable Breathable
Weight lab 11.9 oz / 336g 13.8 oz / 390g 11.3 oz / 319g 12.1 oz / 343g
Lightweight
Drop lab 8.3 mm 8.4 mm 10.2 mm 8.8 mm
Width / fit Medium Wide Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Wide Medium Medium
Size Slightly small Slightly small Slightly small True to size
Midsole softness Firm Balanced Balanced Firm
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Flexible Moderate
Torsional rigidity Moderate Stiff Moderate Flexible
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Moderate Flexible Moderate
Midsole width - forefoot Average Wide Narrow Average
Midsole width - heel Very narrow Average Narrow Narrow
Outsole durability Good Decent Decent -
Heel padding durability Decent Bad Bad -
Heel stack lab 28.1 mm 29.8 mm 28.6 mm 26.4 mm
Forefoot 19.8 mm 21.4 mm 18.4 mm 17.6 mm
Insole thickness Average Average Average Average
Removable insole
Heel tab None None None None
Toebox durability Decent Decent Bad -
Outsole hardness Very hard Hard Average Average
Outsole thickness Average Average Average Average
Ranking Bottom 33% Bottom 1% Bottom 15% Top 26%
Popularity Bottom 18% Bottom 7% Top 34% Bottom 38%