The New Balance Fuelcell 996 V6 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The New Balance FuelCell 996 v6 is a performance tennis shoe designed for players seeking stability and responsiveness on the court. This shoe is particularly ideal for those who frequently engage in fast-paced movements, as its design accommodates quick direction changes effectively.

Lab testing reveals that the shoe offers notable propulsiveness, which translates to an efficient energy return during play. However, while it performs well under hot conditions, the durability metrics suggest limitations that may affect long-term usability.

Overall, if you find the New Balance FuelCell 996 v6 at a discount, it could be a worthwhile addition to your tennis footwear collection, provided you are aware of its durability considerations.


Pros

  • One of the most breathable tennis shoes
  • Lively and propulsive cushioning
  • Excellent impact protection
  • Very secure foot containment
  • Highly stable platform
  • Comfortable step-in feel
  • Reliable grip
  • Wide option available

Cons

  • Serious lack of durability
  • Heavier than average

Key Features

  • FuelCell foam: Delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward during intense matches.
  • NDure upper technology: This design provides superior durability, ensuring that your shoes last through rigorous wear.
  • Enhanced lockdown and stability: Achieved through a well-constructed heel and saddle, offering support during lateral movements.
  • NDurance rubber outsole: Specifically formulated to provide excellent durability in high-wear areas, maximizing the life of your footwear.
  • Non-marking outsole: Ideal for indoor courts, preventing scuffs and maintaining cleanliness on the playing surface.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Rubber
  • Inner material: Cotton

New Balance Fuelcell 996 V6 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

New Balance FuelCell 996 v6 On The ROGER Pro 2 Nike GP Challenge Pro Nike Zoom GP Challenge 1
Price $135 $200 $120 $160
Shoe type Hard Court Hard Court All Court All Court
Construction Speed Speed Stability Stability
Breathability Breathable Breathable Moderate Moderate
Weight lab 13.8 oz / 390g 14.4 oz / 407g 14 oz / 397g 14.7 oz / 417g
Drop lab 8.4 mm 9.1 mm 6.3 mm 7.5 mm
Width / fit Wide Medium Medium Wide
Toebox width Wide Medium Narrow Medium
Size Slightly small Slightly small Slightly small Half size small
Midsole softness Balanced Firm Firm Firm
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Moderate
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Moderate Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Midsole width - forefoot Wide Wide Wide Average
Midsole width - heel Average Average Wide Average
Outsole durability Decent Decent Good Good
Heel padding durability Bad Decent Decent Decent
Collaboration - Roger Federer - -
Heel stack lab 29.8 mm 29.2 mm 29.7 mm 30.0 mm
Forefoot 21.4 mm 20.1 mm 23.4 mm 22.5 mm
Insole thickness Average Average Average Average
Removable insole
Heel tab None None None None
Toebox durability Decent Bad Decent Decent
Outsole hardness Hard Average Average Average
Outsole thickness Average Average Thin Average
Ranking Bottom 1% Bottom 7% Top 18% Bottom 33%
Popularity Bottom 7% Bottom 41% Top 44% Top 42%