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New Balance 696v7 Tennis Shoe vs TOMS Alp FWD Sneaker

The New Balance 696v7 is the real tennis shoe here: a low-top court shoe with an Ndurance rubber outsole built to survive hard-court wear, plus normal and wide width options. The TOMS Alp FWD is an espadrille-style sneaker with a recycled cotton upper, a removable OrthoLite insole and elastic gore instead of laces. Buy the New Balance for actual racket play; buy the TOMS for casual everyday wear with a softer, slip-on feel.

  • Choose the New Balance 696v7 if you play tennis on hard courts and want a durable outsole, a laced fit and a choice of normal or wide widths.
  • Choose the TOMS Alp FWD if you want a soft, slip-on sneaker with a removable cushioned insole for casual wear, not for the court.

Prices

  • New Balance 696v7 Tennis Shoe: $61.60 at Opentip.com (last seen Nov 10)
  • TOMS Alp FWD Sneaker: $18.90 at aboutyou.com (checked today)
  • Difference: the TOMS Alp FWD Sneaker is $42.70 cheaper than the New Balance 696v7 Tennis Shoe at the latest prices (Nov 10 and Nov 11)
New Balance
New Balance Tennis Shoes 696v7

New Balance 696v7 Tennis Shoe

New Balance Tennis Shoes 696v7

4(6 ratings)
$61.60at Opentip.comChecked 23 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Opentip.com
Pros
  • Ndurance outsole resists wear on hard courts
  • Laced fit holds the foot during lateral movement
  • Available in normal and wide widths
  • Canvas upper is breathable and durable
Cons
  • Canvas upper offers less structure than synthetic court uppers
  • Low-top cut gives less ankle coverage
  • Padded insole is basic compared with premium cushioned models
TOMS
TOMS Alp FWD Neon Yellow Tennis Felt

TOMS Alp FWD Sneaker

TOMS Alp FWD Neon Yellow Tennis Felt

$18.90at aboutyou.comChecked 34 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit aboutyou.com
Pros
  • Removable OrthoLite insole adds cushioning and can be swapped
  • Soft TENCEL lining and recycled cotton upper feel comfortable barefoot
  • Elastic gore makes it easy to slip on and off
  • Rubber cupsole gives decent grip for everyday walking
Cons
  • Not built for tennis: no court-specific support or durable outsole
  • Elastic gore gives a looser fit than laces
  • Only one width available
  • Espadrille construction is less rugged for heavy use

What separates them

New Balance 696v7 Tennis ShoeTOMS Alp FWD Sneaker
Intended useBuilt as a multi-court tennis shoeAn espadrille-style casual sneaker
OutsoleNdurance rubber with added protection at high-wear areasRubber cupsole about 1/2 inch thick
ClosureLaces for a locked-in fitElastic gore slip-on
UpperDurable canvasRecycled cotton felt
InsolePadded polyurethane insoleRemovable OrthoLite Eco LT Hybrid
LiningTextileTENCEL Lyocell
Width optionsNormal and wideD-width only
Court supportLow-top with stability for lateral movementCasual cupsole with no court-specific support

Price history

$124.99$18.90
Nov 8Nov 11
  • New Balance 696v7 Tennis Shoe: lowest $61.60 on Nov 8 at Opentip.com; $61.60 on Nov 10.
  • TOMS Alp FWD Sneaker: lowest $18.90 on Nov 11 at aboutyou.com.

Prices at every store

New Balance 696v7 Tennis Shoe

  • Opentip.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $61.60Checked 23 h ago
    Visit Opentip.com
  • Tennis ExpressNew

    Availability unknown

    $69.95Checked 23 h ago
    Visit Tennis Express
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $69.95Free shippingChecked 23 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • League OutfittersNew

    Availability unknown

    $74.99Checked 23 h ago
    Visit League Outfitters

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 17 stores and price history →

TOMS Alp FWD Sneaker

  • Zappos.comNew

    In stock

    $44.66Free shippingChecked 34 min ago
    Visit Zappos.com
  • aboutyou.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $18.90Checked 34 min ago
    Visit aboutyou.com
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $35.34Checked 34 min ago
    Visit Amazon
  • Dressinn.comNew

    Availability unknownShips from abroad · duties may apply

    $43.99Checked 34 min ago
    Visit Dressinn.com

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 11 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNew Balance 696v7 Tennis ShoeTOMS Alp FWD Sneaker
InsolePolyurethaneRemovable OrthoLite® Eco LT Hybrid™
LiningTextileTENCEL™ Lyocell
Upper MaterialCanvasRecycled Cotton
WidthNormal, WideD-width
ColorWhite, Yellow—
OutsoleRubber—
GenderMale—
Type of Racket SportTennis—
Size (US)13, 12, 9.5, 10.5, 8.5, 11.5, 7.5, 10—
SeriesNew Balance 996—
FasteningLaced—
Age GroupAdult—
Show all 15 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNew Balance 696v7 Tennis ShoeTOMS Alp FWD Sneaker
Outsole height—approximately 1/2″
Sole type—Rubber cupsole
Closure—Elastic gore

What reviewers say

TOMS Alp FWD Sneaker

Owners of TOMS slip-on styles generally praise the cushioned insole and easy on-off fit. The Alp FWD draws similar comments on comfort and the grippy rubber sole, with some noting the flat footbed and stretch panels loosening with wear.

What people mention
  • ComfortPraisedOwners find the cushioned insole comfortable for all-day casual wear.
  • Slip-on fitPraisedThe elastic gore makes the shoe quick to put on and take off.
  • Arch supportCriticisedSome wearers say the flat footbed lacks support for long standing.
  • DurabilityMixedThe rubber sole holds up, but the stretch panels can loosen with regular use.

Questions and answers

Can I actually play tennis in the TOMS Alp FWD?
It is an espadrille-style casual sneaker, not a court shoe. It lacks the lateral support and durable outsole of the New Balance 696v7, so it is a poor choice for regular play.
Which is better for wide feet?
The New Balance 696v7 comes in both normal and wide widths. The TOMS Alp FWD is offered in a single D-width, so it fits a narrower range of feet.
Which lasts longer?
The New Balance 696v7 is built for court wear, with an Ndurance outsole reinforced at high-wear areas. The TOMS is a casual sneaker and will show wear sooner under sport use.
Is the TOMS worth stepping up to over the New Balance?
Only if you want a slip-on casual shoe with a removable cushioned insole. For tennis, the New Balance is the more capable shoe.
Which is more comfortable for all-day walking?
The TOMS has a softer recycled cotton upper, TENCEL lining and a removable OrthoLite insole, which suits casual walking. The New Balance is firmer and tuned for court stability.
Do the New Balance 696v7 run true to size?
They are generally reported to fit true to size, and the wide option helps if you are between widths. Try your usual tennis shoe size first.

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