New Balance has updated one of its core tennis models ahead of the U.S. Open, rolling out the new FuelCell 996v7 as part of its push into the late-summer tennis spotlight. The timing puts the brand in front of one of the sport’s biggest events, with the shoe positioned as a key piece of its current performance lineup.
Alongside the footwear launch, New Balance is also introducing head-to-toe collections for several of its top tennis athletes. The early details point to kits connected to players including Tommy Paul and Jordan Thompson, showing that the company is pairing its latest shoe release with a broader on-court apparel story.
The update also comes with a look beyond this season. According to the preview, New Balance has plans for additional on-court kit launches in 2026, suggesting a longer-term strategy around tennis product drops and athlete-driven collections.
Taken together, the FuelCell 996v7 release and the upcoming apparel plans show New Balance using the run-up to the U.S. Open to refresh a flagship tennis shoe and build momentum around its presence in the sport. The move ties footwear, athlete styling and future kit releases into one coordinated tennis launch.
