New balance 996v5

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Delouie9154

Rookie
Hey everyone,

was looking at sites for deals on any new balance lav v2 and came across the new 996v5.

the v5 look to have much more cushioning than then v4/4.5. I wanted to like the v4/4.5 but it felt like it was bottoming outway too much for my liking.

personally I like the new logos and added plastic added for durability on the uppers. Hoping they come in a sleek white or a bright neon yellow.

photos here:

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Subway Tennis said:
Wow they’ve changed the look quite a bit. I wonder how thick / durable that translucent outsole is in the forefoot of the shoe?
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If New Balance continues with their 6 month warranty, hopefully its the same thread depth. Based on the height of the cushioning, maybe they are following slight influence from Lav V2 by increasing the stack.
 
Delouie9154 said:
If New Balance continues with their 6 month warranty, hopefully its the same thread depth. Based on the height of the cushioning, maybe they are following slight influence from Lav V2 by increasing the stack.
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It’s a very interesting shoe. I actually didn’t mind the previois 996 but I could never find the wide version.

It would be very interesting if it’s a slightly more bulked up version of the previous 996 with a tad more support and cushion but similar court feel. Could be a winner.
 
Delouie9154 said:
You managed to get your hands on a pair? :love:

Do you have any comparisons on fit and feel?
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I had it in prototype testing. So I’m not sure if there are changes after I tested. The pair I tested were perfect. I have a bit of a wider foot and these accommodated for that. Felt very stable yet low to the ground. And durability was very nice. I had called customer service to let me keep them and they said they couldn’t. I loved them that much. Again there may have been changes from the version I got to the final release
 
AVSH said:
I had it in prototype testing. So I’m not sure if there are changes after I tested. The pair I tested were perfect. I have a bit of a wider foot and these accommodated for that. Felt very stable yet low to the ground. And durability was very nice. I had called customer service to let me keep them and they said they couldn’t. I loved them that much. Again there may have been changes from the version I got to the final release
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These were heavier than the outgoing model right? More similar to the LAVs or the 996v3 than the 996v4 right?
 
d-quik said:
These were heavier than the outgoing model right? More similar to the LAVs or the 996v3 than the 996v4 right?
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Sorry no idea on weight. I didnt measure them or try the LAVs or 996V3 long enough to remember how they felt. I tried the Coco and I felt the 996v5 were definitely lighter than those
 
mpournaras said:
I did not find the v5 particularly durable but they are indeed very comfy and stable. I cannot imagine they will offer a 6-month guarantee as they may go broke haha
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I have a feeling they will offer less 6 months warranty on their models. I did not know the Coco CG1s also had a outsole warranty. Lifted straight from their website, looks like you have had purchased in calendar year 2022 to qualify for the guarantee. That is some tough language considering they are still selling the 996v4.5, Lav V2, 1006, and CG1s.

• This limited guarantee program is for shoes purchased between January 1st, 2022 through December 31st , 2022.
• This limited guarantee covers the New Balance 996, 1006, Fresh Foam Lav, and UCHCOCO models sold at retail stores within the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, or purchased through www.newbalance.com or other online retailers by customers with delivery addresses within 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

 
Delouie9154 said:
I have a feeling they will offer less 6 months warranty on their models. I did not know the Coco CG1s also had a outsole warranty. Lifted straight from their website, looks like you have had purchased in calendar year 2022 to qualify for the guarantee. That is some tough language considering they are still selling the 996v4.5, Lav V2, 1006, and CG1s.

• This limited guarantee program is for shoes purchased between January 1st, 2022 through December 31st , 2022.
• This limited guarantee covers the New Balance 996, 1006, Fresh Foam Lav, and UCHCOCO models sold at retail stores within the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, or purchased through www.newbalance.com or other online retailers by customers with delivery addresses within 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

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That is really sketchy language considering the 4.5 is still on sale like you said.
 
Chairman3 said:
What is the obsession with every new shoe looking like a cross between sketchers shape-ups and an orthopedic shoe....? :eek::unsure:
Can't we just have understated design with a flashy colorway?
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I find that design to be extremely restrained considering the market and competition. Asics has the waves and shark shapes and crap and Adidas has bigger heels than "Porsche" the "biology student just trying to make it through school" over at the local club
 
mpournaras said:
I find that design to be extremely restrained considering the market and competition. Asics has the waves and shark shapes and crap and Adidas has bigger heels than "Porsche" the "biology student just trying to make it through school" over at the local club
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The design isn't the worst...but google "sketchers shape ups"
All shoes now have such severe heel and toe contours, as if you're supposed to rock back and forth. Also the sidewall of the outsole looks a bit chunky and over-cushioned (primarily the medial side).
The overall upper design I like, and the translucent outsole is cool.
 
These look like a return to the general shape and style of the 996v3, a potentially good thing in my opinion. I thought NB was close to a great shoe with that one but, instead of tweaking and improving it, they veered off in different directions with the LAVs, Cocos, and “speed” 996s, none of which fit and function as well for me as the 996v3. The v3s just needed a bit more forefoot cushion and better ventilation.
 
JeffG said:
These look like a return to the general shape and style of the 996v3, a potentially good thing in my opinion. I thought NB was close to a great shoe with that one but, instead of tweaking and improving it, they veered off in different directions with the LAVs, Cocos, and “speed” 996s, none of which fit and function as well for me as the 996v3. The v3s just needed a bit more forefoot cushion and better ventilation.
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I agree with that one! the 996v3 to me felt like a more plush Vapor X knit. light enough, but not too light with great support.
 
First impressions...

Color: The men's orange is "Traffic Cone" orange. They are LOUD. But I love em. Louder than the photos show.

Fit - Length: True to size. Basing this off 3 years of wearing FF Lav and FF Lav 2. Ordered same size I wear in those.

Fit - Toe Box: D width feels a bit wider than the Lav/Lav2 D width. Not overly wider, but a bit roomier and less glove like in the toes.

Fit - Cushion: Tweener shoe. Not a heavily supportive shoe, but not a fly weight. They feel fast without comprising lateral support in the mid foot.

Thats just from wearing the shoes around the house for a few hours. Play test coming in the next couple days.

If it helps - mens 18+ 4.5/5.0, very hard on shoes. Wear through 6mo warranty shoes in 2-3.
 
It appears another large retailer is offering a 6-month durability on these. But it appears it is done through them NOT New Balance?

I wonder if TW will offer a similar thing if New Balance won't be offering it going forward
 
PFG1 said:
Color: The men's orange is "Traffic Cone" orange. They are LOUD. But I love em. Louder than the photos show.

Fit - Length: True to size. Basing this off 3 years of wearing FF Lav and FF Lav 2. Ordered same size I wear in those.

Fit - Toe Box: D width feels a bit wider than the Lav/Lav2 D width. Not overly wider, but a bit roomier and less glove like in the toes.

Fit - Cushion: Tweener shoe. Not a heavily supportive shoe, but not a fly weight. They feel fast without comprising lateral support in the mid foot.

Thats just from wearing the shoes around the house for a few hours. Play test coming in the next couple days.
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PFG1 - if you tell me you are about 200LBs/90KG at 6 ft 3 in/190 cm tall we might be twins separated at birth.
 
PFG1 said:
First impressions...

Color: The men's orange is "Traffic Cone" orange. They are LOUD. But I love em. Louder than the photos show.

Fit - Length: True to size. Basing this off 3 years of wearing FF Lav and FF Lav 2. Ordered same size I wear in those.

Fit - Toe Box: D width feels a bit wider than the Lav/Lav2 D width. Not overly wider, but a bit roomier and less glove like in the toes.

Fit - Cushion: Tweener shoe. Not a heavily supportive shoe, but not a fly weight. They feel fast without comprising lateral support in the mid foot.

Thats just from wearing the shoes around the house for a few hours. Play test coming in the next couple days.

If it helps - mens 18+ 4.5/5.0, very hard on shoes. Wear through 6mo warranty shoes in 2-3.
Click to expand...
Thanks to you I just impulse purchased a pair. Was sold on the traffic cone orange comment. Pictures of Tommy Paul wearing them seemed much brighter than the dull orange in stock photos.
 
n80aoag said:
Thanks to you I just impulse purchased a pair. Was sold on the traffic cone orange comment. Pictures of Tommy Paul wearing them seemed much brighter than the dull orange in stock photos.
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They are def brighter than the stock photos. Great looking shoes. These appear to be a real winner for my feat. Looking forward to the other color ways that will be dropped this year.
 
PFG1 said:
They are def brighter than the stock photos. Great looking shoes. These appear to be a real winner for my feat. Looking forward to the other color ways that will be dropped this year.
Click to expand...
I’m a big fan of the Lav V2’s. Any comments on the benefits of the 996v5’s over the Lavs? Lav V2 cushioning is hard to beat, so I’m definitely keeping them in the rotation for training, drills etc
 
n80aoag said:
I’m a big fan of the Lav V2’s. Any comments on the benefits of the 996v5’s over the Lavs? Lav V2 cushioning is hard to beat, so I’m definitely keeping them in the rotation for training, drills etc
Click to expand...

I too have been a big fan of the Lav V2s. I've run through 4 pair now I believe.

Lav 2 cushioning is hard to beat, and the 996v5's dont match that cushioning. But they seem plenty sturdy and supportive, even being a faster lighter shoe. It may be something you just have to try. It will be an experiment for me as well.
 
PFG1 said:
I too have been a big fan of the Lav V2s. I've run through 4 pair now I believe.

Lav 2 cushioning is hard to beat, and the 996v5's dont match that cushioning. But they seem plenty sturdy and supportive, even being a faster lighter shoe. It may be something you just have to try. It will be an experiment for me as well.
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How would you compare to the V4/4.5?
 
Delouie9154 said:
How would you compare to the V4/4.5?
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I never played in the V4/4.5 simply because they made me nervous that I wouldn't get enough cushion. I'm a hard stopping, fast starting, sprint to every ball kind of player. So I get a ton of toe jamming, foot pounding when I play.

These feel more substation/supportive, but thats only from try on. I'm still playing in 2 pair of Lav V2s, so these are getting worn around the house to break in (minimal to no break in time needed its feeling like).
 
PFG1 said:
I never played in the V4/4.5 simply because they made me nervous that I wouldn't get enough cushion. I'm a hard stopping, fast starting, sprint to every ball kind of player. So I get a ton of toe jamming, foot pounding when I play.

These feel more substation/supportive, but thats only from try on. I'm still playing in 2 pair of Lav V2s, so these are getting worn around the house to break in (minimal to no break in time needed its feeling like).
Click to expand...

Exactly how I felt, Im a hardcourt slider. The V4/4.5 felt really quick but eventually on those high impact slides my heel would feel it deeply.
 
Ordered them today from Tennis Warehouse today, they had most sizes in stock.

I use to use 996 V4 Lav V1, and now playing with K Swiss Supremes.
I prefer a lighter shoe and found the Lavs a bit clunky.
As a reference I'm 6ft and 200lbs.
 
I'll make this quick...

One week of playing hard in them.

Each time I play, I find my toes end up a bit sore. I might need a thicker sock or something to help with the pounding in the toe box.

But. They are FAST. Hard for me to determine how much faster I am in these vs Lav's...but faster. Quicker. I fly.

Remains to be determined if my feet hold up, but right now I'm going to play in these, and train in the Lav
 
Mine arrived today. I ordered 2E but might have been ok in standard width. These are wider then normal shoes. They fit larger than V4 as a comparison. I’ll use my Thorlos and it should be fine though.
 
In short, these are a more comfortable, stable, grippier offering than any Nike Vapor ever (yes even the 9.5, please don't ban me...). Love the bright orange, don't love the lack of ventilation still. Going to return these since the Lav V2s are the GOAT for my feet/lower extremity joint comfort. But if I needed something that felt quicker, lighter and more nimble I'd definitely go with the 996v5's. Or if I'm tempted with another great colorway in the future I'd still get these.
 
Played in them last night. They are great.
They got a bit warm but overall happy with them.
Personally I like the colour scheme, makes a statement.
I was playing in K Swiss Hypercourt Supremes, these are more stable sure.
My Lavs are more stable but I find them heavy and I’m not a small guy at 6’ and 200lbs.
 
I ordered these in a normal width and had to send back. I have a very narrow foot and these were very wide. I normally wear Vapor Pros but Nike isn't making them anymore and I don't like how clunky the Vapor Pro 2 and Vapor 11s are for a speed type of shoe. Sadly, I'm trying other things. I'll probably just return to the Asics Speed Solutions as they are okay but not as comfy as the original Vapor Pro.
 
How’s length? I had a pair of Lotto Raptors and Lav 2’s sent both in 11.5 and the Raptors fit great and the Lav’s were boats. Thinking I’d need an 11 here to be safe …
 
So_Close said:
I ordered these in a normal width and had to send back. I have a very narrow foot and these were very wide. I normally wear Vapor Pros but Nike isn't making them anymore and I don't like how clunky the Vapor Pro 2 and Vapor 11s are for a speed type of shoe. Sadly, I'm trying other things. I'll probably just return to the Asics Speed Solutions as they are okay but not as comfy as the original Vapor Pro.
Click to expand...
You need to try Yonex shoes
 
Another big week of play. Lots of court time in these shoes now, and I can fully compare them to the Lav V2

Toe box: 996v5 is a bit wider
Cushion: Lav V2
Speed: 996v5
Comfort: Push
Playability: 996v5
Durability: TBD - too early to tell on the 996
Lacing: Lav V2 - not a huge fan of the laces on the 996, they dont seem to snug up as well as the Lav
Shoe to Train in: Lav V2
Shoe to Play in: 996v5
Looks: 996v5

Thats all I've got so far.
 
Delouie9154 said:
@PFG1 When you say comfort is "Push" does that mean they do not feel different from each other?

That would be a huge step!
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They feel different. When I step into my Lav V2s, its PLUSH under foot. The 996v5 don't give that plush feel - nor should they, when looking at the 2 sides side x side. Lots more underfoot support from the Lavs

I give comfort a "Push" rating bc the Lav do it with supportive plush-ness (is that even a word?), and the 996v5 do it with a much more grounded feel. Comfort is so subjective, but for as much as I've always loved the Lav V2s, I also thought the plush-ness was at a cost to lateral rebound and supportiveness. They are a bit "rolly" to me, until you break them/wear them into the foot. The 996v5 are a ground feel comfort, and don't blink an eye at lateral breaking, north/south sprinting. Different types of comfort, but equally comfortable to wear and play in. IMO.

I would agree with the others...the toe box is a bit wider, but I'm not finding it to be a problem.
 
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