New Balance

FuelCell 796V4 Tennis Shoes

Women's

Ive been on an endless search for a tennis/pickleball shoe with a roomy toe box that I dont have to size up in length for, but also one my heel doesn't slip out of. I have a pesky 1st MTP joint (big toe) that gets annoyed with anything too tight or a material too unforgiving on the upper. Ive tried all of the recommended brands for a wider foot and other brands in a wide size. These were comfortable right out of the box, no break in time, easy to get on and off, and dont look awful. Win. I did buy the wide in these vs the medium. I took my normal athletic shoe size (I'm a true 7.5 for dress shoes but took an 8)

I have been looking for sneakers that do not have a heightened heel and these shoes are flat. After many years of back trouble and a spinal fusion, I have discovered that any elevation of the heel exacerbates the pain. A heightened heel tips me forward and puts stress on my back. With these shoes, my center of gravity is where it should be and my body is not constantly having to fight an unnatural stance. In addition to that, the moment I put these shoes on, they fit comfortably. I actually went shopping all day and even took my old shoes with me in case these gave me any pain but, I ended up wearing them all day. I noticed that some of the Fuel Cell options do have an elevated heel so be aware of the heel height. One of the reasons that I like Zappos is because most of their shoe descriptions do include the heel height. I hope New Balance continues to make this sneaker.

I first ordered a 7.0 Wide (D) even though my suggested size was 7.5 - I should have listened. It was super easy to exchange, though, and I ordered the 7.5 EE, which are great. The shoe is stiff, but I'd expect that with a court shoe. I played volleyball in them last night and had no issues. it's also nice to have a mostly white shoe without a lot of gaudy gross colors!! finally.

The upper material was stiffer than expected. These shoes did not fit because the material did not have enough stretch.

I’ve had multiple NB in Wides and these are not wide. This shoe is for a narrow foot. I couldn’t even stand after putting them on.