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One of the most difficult parts of being a tennis parent is finding a pair of junior tennis shoes that are both durable and comfortable. Are you considering getting your child the New Balance Kid’s 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoes? In this article, we will weigh the pros and cons of these popular girls’ tennis shoes.
RELATED: Best Kids Tennis Court Shoes
Overall Rating of New Balance Kid's 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoes
New Balance has designed these tennis shoes specifically for young, growing junior tennis players. If you are looking for a shoe that will provide both comfort, durability, and even style, then these girls’ tennis shoes are definitely worth checking out. The New Balance Kid’s 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoes are designed with a herringbone outsole pattern and perforation detailing in the forefoot, making them ideal for hard courts. The breathable construction keeps your daughter’s feet feeling cool and comfortable throughout the entirety of practice. If we had to rate it on a 1-10 scale, we would give it a solid 9.
These girls tennis shoes are available in sizes 1 to 13.5 which is perfect for girls between 4 and 12 years old. Wide sizes are available, which can be somewhat rare when it comes to junior tennis court shoes.
New Balance Girls Tennis Shoe Features:
- Rubber Sole – The rubber sole of this shoe is designed for use on hard courts. This feature provides traction and grip to help your daughter maintain her balance while she plays tennis.
- Lightweight Midsole – The midsole of this shoe is made from lightweight material that provides cushioning and comfort. It also helps to absorb shock, which can reduce the risk of injury when playing tennis.
- Outsole Features Ultra-Durable Compound – The outsole features an ultra-durable compound that is designed specifically for hard court play. This compound will not wear down or break down as quickly as regular soles, which means that it will last longer than other girl’s tennis shoes.
Pros and Cons of the New Balance Girls Tennis Shoes
Kids Tennis Shoe Pros:
- Breathable and lightweight
- Super durable sole structure
- Many sizes/styles available
- Great traction on hard courts
Kids Tennis Shoe Cons:
- Not recommended for clay or grass courts
- Can be somewhat expensive for a kids tennis shoe
- Reported instances of laces fraying prematurely
How the New Balance Kid's 696 V4 Compares to Other Girls' Tennis Shoes
How do these junior tennis shoes compare to similar models? We will compare them to the Adidas Unisex-Child Courtjam X Tennis Shoes.
The New Balance 696 V4 is a lightweight and durable tennis shoe designed for hard courts. This shoe features an “NDurance” rubber compound outsole, which is designed specifically for hard court play. The midsole of this shoe is made from lightweight material that provides cushioning and comfort. The upper portion of the shoe has been constructed using breathable mesh material in order to provide enhanced ventilation and increased airflow around your daughter’s feet.
The Adidas Court Jam X Tennis Shoes are another great choice for junior tennis players who need durability and support. These shoes feature a breathable, comfortable mesh upper with a TPU-reinforced toe for durability. The EVA midsole offers lightweight cushioning to help absorb shock during play. The Adiwear 6 outsole provides solid high-wear durability. This shoe is best for standard (not wide) feet and has a natural regular fit.
Which junior girls’ tennis shoe is better, though? We wish we had a straight-up answer, but it truly depends in this case. They are both great options; but if your daughter has wider feet, go with the New Balance tennis shoes. If your child’s feet are standard size and they might be playing on surfaces other than a hard court, then consider the Adidas girls tennis shoes.
Where to Buy New Balance Kid's 696 Kids Tennis Shoes
Amazon currently has 11 different styles of these girl’s court shoes available in a wide variety of sizes. They can also be found at physical New Balance stores, though you might want to call ahead to see if they are in stock. To check the current price, available sizes/colors, and browse customer reviews, head over to the Amazon listing here.
Girls Tennis Shoes Sizing Chart
| Age (years) | US Shoe Size | Foot Length |
| 5 | 12.5 | 7 1/4 |
| 6 | 13.5 | 7 1/2 |
| 7 | 1Y | 7 5/8 |
| 8 | 2Y | 8 |
| 9 | 3Y | 8 3/8 |
| 10 | 4Y | 8 5/8 |
| 11 | 5Y | 9 |
| 12 | 6Y | 9 3/4 |
Get the Best Junior Tennis Gear for Your Daughter
It’s hard to go wrong with the New Balance Kid’s 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoes for girls. But don’t take our word for it! Try them out, and if they don’t fit or meet your standards, you should be able to return them free of charge to wherever your purchased from.
Read more of our kids’ tennis reviews to find out what other gear your child needs to succeed on the court. Whether you want an inexpensive junior racket or a kids tennis skirt, we try our best to provide the most up-to-date information to all tennis parents like yourself. Not sure where to start? Take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Junior Tennis for Parents.
