Ever laced up a pair of running shoes and felt like you were floating? Or maybe you’ve experienced the opposite – shoes that felt heavy and awkward, slowing you down? Choosing the right running shoe can make a world of difference in how you feel on your runs.
New Balance offers a fantastic range of running shoes, but with so many models, it’s easy to get a little lost. You want a shoe that feels comfortable, supports your stride, and helps you reach your running goals. But how do you know which New Balance shoe is the perfect match for *your* feet and *your* runs? It can feel like a puzzle trying to figure out the differences between cushioning, stability, and drop.
This post is here to help you solve that puzzle! We’ll break down what makes New Balance running shoes great and guide you through picking the best one for you. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which New Balance shoe will help you conquer your next mile with confidence and comfort.
Our Top 5 New Balance Running Shoe Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 New Balance Running Shoe Detailed Reviews
1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe
Rating: 8.6/10
Step into comfort and style with the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe in the beautiful Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic colorway, size 8.5. These shoes are designed to make your runs feel amazing. They offer a super soft and light feeling under your feet, perfect for hitting the pavement or just enjoying a walk.
What We Like:
- The Fresh Foam midsole provides a really soft and light cushioning.
- The mesh upper keeps your feet cool and comfortable.
- No-sew overlays on the upper give a smooth and clean look.
- The sport-inspired paint job looks really cool.
- The durable rubber outsole helps you grip the ground well.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the cushioning is great, some runners might want even more support for longer distances.
- The light colors might show dirt more easily.
Overall, the New Balance Arishi V4 is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a comfortable and stylish running shoe. You’ll love how they feel on your feet.
2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe
Rating: 9.3/10
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe in Black/Castlerock/Silver Metallic, size 10, is designed for runners seeking a comfortable and responsive experience. It features New Balance’s signature Fresh Foam midsole, engineered to provide exceptional cushioning and a lightweight feel. The shoe’s upper is crafted from breathable engineered mesh and synthetic materials, helping to keep your feet cool and comfortable during your runs.
What We Like:
- The Fresh Foam midsole offers a super soft and cushioned feel with every step.
- The engineered mesh upper allows for excellent airflow, keeping your feet from getting too hot.
- The shoe feels very lightweight, making it easy to pick up the pace.
- The secure lace closure ensures a snug and personalized fit.
What Could Be Improved:
- The stated 10 mm drop is approximate and can vary slightly due to manufacturing.
- While comfortable, some runners might prefer a shoe with more arch support.
Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam 520 V9 is a solid choice for runners who prioritize comfort and a lightweight feel. It delivers a smooth and cushioned ride that can handle everyday runs.
3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
Rating: 8.9/10
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe in Reflection/Grey Matter/Electric Jade (size 9) is built for comfort on your runs. It features a special Fresh Foam midsole that gives you a soft, light feeling with every step. This foam is partly made from plants, which helps the environment by lowering our carbon footprint.
What We Like:
- The Fresh Foam midsole makes running feel super soft and light.
- The knit upper breathes well and feels comfortable.
- It has a no-sew design for a smooth, sleek fit.
- The rubber outsole adds extra comfort under your feet.
- Using some plant-based materials is good for the planet.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8 mm drop is an estimate and might vary slightly.
This shoe offers a great blend of cushioning and a smooth feel for your daily runs. It’s a solid choice for runners looking for comfort and a touch of eco-friendliness.
4. New Balance Men’s FuelCell Rebel V4 Running Shoe
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to fly with the New Balance Men’s FuelCell Rebel V4 Running Shoe in a vibrant Hot Mango/Angora/Black colorway, size 12. These shoes are built for speed and designed to make every run feel amazing. The special FuelCell foam gives you a powerful push forward. You’ll feel a real spring in your step with every stride. They look great too, with cool graphics that stand out.
What We Like:
- The FuelCell foam makes running feel super fast and energetic.
- The wider and taller midsole design offers a more stable and cushioned ride.
- The unique outsole pods help improve grip and keep you moving smoothly.
- The gusseted tongue and no-sew overlays create a comfortable, snug fit that won’t rub.
- The fun, eye-catching sublimated graphics add a stylish touch to your running gear.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some runners might find the bright “Hot Mango” color a bit too bold for everyday wear.
- While the pods offer good grip, they might pick up small pebbles on very rough trails.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel V4 is a fantastic option for runners seeking a responsive and stylish shoe. It’s a shoe that truly helps you enjoy your miles.
5. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X More V6 Running Shoe
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to experience running like never before with the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X More V6 Running Shoe in the stylish White/Blue Agate/Reflection colorway, size 9.5. This shoe is designed to give you the softest and most comfortable ride, thanks to its amazing Fresh Foam X midsole. It’s like running on clouds!
What We Like:
- Super Soft Cushioning: The Fresh Foam X midsole offers New Balance’s most cushioned experience yet, making every step feel incredibly comfortable.
- Smooth Ride: This shoe provides a smooth and effortless transition from heel to toe, helping you feel good mile after mile.
- Lightweight Feel: Despite all the cushioning, the shoe feels surprisingly light on your feet, which can help reduce fatigue during longer runs.
- Supportive Fit: The upper wraps your foot securely, giving you a stable and supportive feel without being too tight.
What Could Be Improved:
- Durability of the Upper: While the cushioning is top-notch, some runners might find the upper material less durable for very rough trail running.
- Breathability in Hot Weather: On extremely hot days, the ample cushioning might make the shoe feel a little less breathable than some other lightweight trainers.
If you’re looking for a shoe that prioritizes comfort and delivers a smooth, cushioned ride, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More V6 is an excellent choice for your daily runs and long-distance adventures.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best New Balance Running Shoe
New Balance makes great running shoes. They have many different kinds for all types of runners. Finding the right pair helps you run better and feel more comfortable. This guide will help you pick the perfect New Balance running shoe for your feet.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you look at New Balance running shoes, keep these important things in mind.
Cushioning
Good cushioning protects your feet and legs from the hard ground. It absorbs shock. Some shoes have a lot of soft cushioning. Others have less for a more “ground feel.” Think about how far you run and what kind of runs you do. Longer runs usually need more cushioning.
Support
Your foot needs support to run smoothly. Some runners need more support to stop their feet from rolling inward too much. This is called pronation. New Balance has shoes with different levels of support, from neutral to stability.
Fit
A good fit is super important. The shoe should not be too tight or too loose. You need enough room for your toes to wiggle. Your heel should feel secure and not slip. Many New Balance shoes come in different widths, which is helpful.
Durability
You want a shoe that lasts. Look for shoes made with strong materials. The outsole (the bottom part of the shoe) should be tough so it doesn’t wear out too fast.
Breathability
Your feet can get hot when you run. Shoes with breathable uppers let air flow through. This keeps your feet cooler and drier.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in New Balance shoes make a big difference.
Midsoles
This is the part between the outsole and the upper. New Balance uses different foams here.
- Fresh Foam X: This is a very soft and bouncy foam. It gives great comfort and energy return.
- FuelCell: This foam is lighter and provides more responsiveness. It’s good for faster running.
- EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): This is a common and durable foam. It offers a good balance of cushioning and support.
Uppers
The upper is the part that covers your foot.
- Mesh: Most New Balance uppers are made of mesh. This material is light and breathable.
- Engineered Mesh: This is a special kind of mesh. It’s designed to be strong in some areas and stretchy in others for a better fit.
Outsoles
The outsole grips the ground.
- Rubber: Durable rubber is used for the outsole. Some shoes have different types of rubber in different places to make them last longer or grip better.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make New Balance shoes better, while others might not.
What Makes Them Better:
- Advanced Foam Technologies: Using foams like Fresh Foam X and FuelCell makes shoes more comfortable and responsive.
- Well-Designed Support Systems: Shoes with good stability features help runners with overpronation.
- Multiple Width Options: Offering shoes in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide sizes is a big plus for getting a perfect fit.
- High-Quality Stitching and Construction: Strong seams and careful building mean the shoe will hold up better.
What Might Reduce Quality:
- Overly Soft Cushioning for Some: While soft is good for comfort, some runners might feel the shoe is too “mushy” and doesn’t give enough energy back.
- Mesh Uppers That Wear Out Quickly: If the mesh is too thin or not reinforced well, it can rip or get holes faster.
- Outsoles That Lose Grip: After many miles, the rubber on the outsole can wear down, making the shoe slippery.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
People use New Balance running shoes for many reasons.
Everyday Running
Shoes with good cushioning, like those with Fresh Foam X, are great for daily runs. They keep your feet comfortable mile after mile.
Long Distance Running
For marathons or long training runs, look for shoes with maximum cushioning. This helps prevent fatigue and injury.
Speed Work and Racing
Shoes with FuelCell foam or a more responsive design are good for faster runs. They help you feel quicker.
Walking
Many New Balance running shoes are also comfortable for walking. Their cushioning and support are great for all-day wear.
Trail Running
New Balance also makes trail running shoes. These have more grip on the outsole and often offer more protection for your feet.
Frequently Asked Questions about New Balance Running Shoes
Q: What is the best New Balance running shoe for beginners?
A: For beginners, a neutral shoe with good cushioning is usually a great choice. Models like the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 or 1080 are popular and work well for many runners.
Q: How do I know if I need a stability shoe or a neutral shoe?
A: If your feet don’t roll inward much when you run, you likely need a neutral shoe. If your feet roll inward significantly (overpronation), a stability shoe can help. You can often tell by looking at the wear patterns on your old shoes or by getting your gait analyzed at a running store.
Q: How long do New Balance running shoes usually last?
A: Most running shoes, including New Balance, last between 300 to 500 miles. This can change based on how you run, your weight, and the surfaces you run on.
Q: Can I wear my New Balance running shoes for other sports?
A: While running shoes are comfortable, they are designed for the forward motion of running. They might not provide the right support or stability for sports like basketball or tennis, which involve side-to-side movements.
Q: How important is the width of a New Balance running shoe?
A: The width is very important for comfort and preventing blisters or foot pain. New Balance offers shoes in various widths, so finding the right one can make a big difference.
Q: My feet get sore after running. What should I do?
A: Sore feet can be caused by many things, including the wrong shoes. Make sure your shoes have enough cushioning and support for your running style. Sometimes, trying a different model or a wider size can help.
Q: Are New Balance shoes good for people with wide feet?
A: Yes, New Balance is known for offering a wide range of widths, including wide and extra-wide options. This makes them a good choice for people who need more room in their shoes.
Q: What’s the difference between Fresh Foam X and FuelCell?
A: Fresh Foam X is softer and offers more plush cushioning, making it great for comfort and daily runs. FuelCell is lighter and more responsive, providing a bouncier feel that’s good for faster paces and racing.
Q: How do I clean my New Balance running shoes?
A: It’s best to clean them by hand. Use a mild soap and cold water. Remove the insoles and laces and clean them separately. Let them air dry completely, away from direct heat.
Q: When should I replace my New Balance running shoes?
A: You should replace them when they feel less supportive or cushioned than before, or when you notice excessive wear on the outsole. Keeping track of your mileage is also a good way to know when it’s time for a new pair.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.