The New Balance FuelCell 996V5 Pickleball Shoe is the next top option in our ultimate Pickleball Shoes series edition. These shoes are engineered for our intermediate to more serious pickleball enthusiasts that require an incredibly solid indoor court shoe. I found it boosted my stability, precision, and traction on the court for an all around great performance.
In this post, I reveal one of the most well-known court shoe brands for Pickleball shoes in 2023, the New Balance Men’s 996V5 Fuelcell Pickleball shoe. After reading this review, you will come to understand its advanced technology, features, pros and cons, and other alternative Pickleball shoes in the market.
Table of Contents
New Balance FuelCell 996V5 Pickleball Shoes Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Shoe Type | Indoor court shoe |
| Upper Material | Synthetic and mesh |
| Outsole Material | NDurance rubber |
| Technology | FuelCell foam, NDure upper |
| Closure | Lace-up |
| Weight | 12.5 oz (men’s size 9) |
| Width | Standard, wide |
| Colors | Black, white, blue, red |
| Price | $129.99 |
New Balance FuelCell 996V5 Pickleball Shoe Review
My Experience
The New Balance FuelCell 996 Pickleball shoe is an exceptional option for pickleball players seeking a durable, comfortable, and high-performing Pickleball shoe. The only catch, it’s purposed for indoor courts.
I noticed the FuelCell foam technology delivered a dynamic feel to enhance my agility, velocity, and lateral movement quest, supporting explosive and fast movement changes on the pickleball court. Plus, the NDure upper technology improves the shoes’ sturdiness and longevity to ensure that I can survive intense pickleball matches week in and week out..
I appreciated the full-length NDurance outsole as it offered superior grip and stability to enhance my on-court traction and ensure my feet were well protected at all times. Lastly, the shoe has been constructed to deliver extra lateral movement stability which is significant for pickleball players that make risky and rapid movements to outscore their rivals.
Total Score: 9.3/10
- Padding Rating: 92/100
- Traction: 95/100
- Style: 88/100
- Durability: 93/100
- Price: 83/100
Pros:
- Exceptional padding
- Optimal comfort and support
- Superb traction
- Very durable outsole
Cons:
- Sizing may run slightly narrow for certain users.
- Not ideal for outdoor courts
New Balance FuelCell 996V5 Pickleball Shoe Features
Keep reading to learn what technology powers the FuelCell 996V5 and how it enhanced my performance during our New Balance shoe testing session.
FuelCell Technology
The 996 FuelCell Pickleball shoe possesses New Balance’s FuelCell foam technology, delivering an additional energy rebound for superior movement around the Pickleball court.
NDurance Rubber Outsole
We found the outsole is constructed with a special NDurance rubber that delivered ample protection and sturdiness to our pickleball game. It offers superior traction and ensures the high-wear areas can stand the intensity of pickleball matches, especially if you play frequently.
Adjustable Lace Closure
I enjoyed the adjustable lace closure which allows our pickleball enthusiasts to effortlessly optimize their laces without hassle for a comfortable fit and free-flowing play on the pickleball court.
Synthetic/Mesh Upper
We noticed that New balance combined synthetic materials and mesh in the shoe’s upper to deliver a breathable and lightweight feeling. This assists our pickleball players in keeping their feet fresh and comfortable, especially during multiple matches on the same day and during the brutal summer heat.
Who Should Use The New Balance FuelCell 996V5 Pickleball Shoe?
Intermediate to advanced pickleball picklers who play on indoor courts should appreciate the FuelCell 996V5 shoes. They are comfortable, agile and deliver outstanding traction. I feel avid picklers are the only ones who can justify the higher price tag attached to these high performance indoor court shoes.
New Balance FuelCell 996V5 Pickleball Shoe Alternatives
ASICS Men’s Gel-Game 9 Pickleball Shoes
- These Asics Pickleball shoes have gained an exceptional reputation between Pickleball players and for excellent reason. They contain 50% recycled content in the upper material, excellent for our eco-conscious pickleball players who want to make an difference inside and outside the Pickleball court.
Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler Shoes
- The Wilson Rush Pro Ace is regarded as one of the best outdoor pickleball shoes on the market, owing to their exceptional support and durability features. We noticed that they come in a sleek design that can easily withstand the demands of outdoor pickleball and tennis play, a superior option for our more serious pickleball players.
Adidas Gamecourt 2 Sneaker
- Our final alternative, the Adidas Gamecourt 2 kicks are available in three unique color options and feature a breathable mesh upper that is also made of at least 50% minimum recycled materials. Although they were originally designed for tennis, many of our hardcore pickleball enthusiasts have mentioned the stability, durability, and comfort of these shoes.
Read New Balance Fuelcell 996V5 Amazon Reviews Here
FAQ
Are these suitable for outdoor courts?
No, New Balance FuelCell 996V5 Pickleball Shoe does not suit outdoor Pickleball courts as it’s purposed for indoor pickleball. Although durable, the NDurance outsole will wear faster if utilized on outdoor courts.
Can I remove the insole for custom inserts?
Yes, the insole is removable, allowing for custom orthotics if necessary.
Do they run true to size?
Generally, they run true to size. However, it’s always recommended to refer to the New Balance’s sizing chart for the most accurate fit.
Final Thoughts
After reading our review about the New Balance FuelCell 996V5 Pickleball Shoe, it is easy to see that they are a fantastic option for our pickleball players in need of enhanced precision, stability, and comfort on the pickleball court.
I felt the NDurance outsole, PU support tip enhanced my stability on east to west movements, while the padding kept my feet cushioned. Positives aside, these shoes are not perfect, as they are purposed for indoor play, which excludes them if you play on open air Pickleball courts.
The other factor to consider is the narrow fit on the standard width. My fat feet struggled to get comfortable, but after trying the wider fit, I was ready to go.
Read more Reviews: The 3 Best New Balance Women’s Pickleball Shoes in 2023
