Aside from churning out a few of the best-looking running footwear on the market, New Balance innovates alongside heavy hitters like Nike and Adidas. It hasn’t shied away from implementing the newest tech, like ultra-light foams and carbon plates, whereas sustaining its heritage consolation and reversion vibe.
And what makes New Balance so extensively interesting is the incontrovertible fact that it makes nice footwear for each runner. Whether you might be an elite marathoner or somebody who jogs a number of miles per week, the model does not really feel exclusionary or area of interest. Its on a regular basis trainers are versatile and sturdy—and its racers are comfy, accessible, and lightning fast.
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Best Overall New Balance Running Shoe: FuelCell SuperComp Rebel v4
Nathan Lemin
The newest New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Rebel v4 is my early choose for finest running shoe of the yr. While earlier variations of this shoe have diverse in high quality, the v4 nestles completely into the day by day coach class.
While some of us need area of interest choices and a number of footwear for various efforts, I’m a giant fan of versatility and worth. That’s the place the Rebel v4 shines. The shoe is peppy however not at the sacrifice of consolation. It’s nimble however doesn’t forgo stability. It’s quick and lightweight however doesn’t break the bank. I took the Rebel v4 out on a straightforward 10K that ended with some interval pace work. I re-laced them as soon as early on, then they stayed comfortable and felt nice, even late in the effort. When I turned on the jets for some sooner running, the excessive lightness of those footwear was actually noticeable. Late into high depth workouts, I discover issues like power return, smoothness of transition, and weight, and the Rebel v4 carried out as hoped.
One of the shoe’s most direct opponents, the Asics NovaBlast 4, cannot fairly match the pep or the lightness of the Rebel v4, and whereas I additionally love that shoe, I believe this New Balance providing narrowly beats it. And for $140 this shoe gives extra efficiency and extra consolation than opponents. If you are searching for a racing and training combo, the Rebel v4 and Elite v4 pair completely.
Pros:
- Capable and versatile for an important value.
- One of the lightest and most enjoyable day by day trainers I’ve examined.
- Updated PBA x EVA foam mix balances cushion, sturdiness, and bounce.
- High stack peak and sole width creates clean, secure journey.
- Soft and comfy FantomFit higher.
- Durable outsole rubber.
Cons:
- Foot slips out of shoe, regardless of gusseted tongue.
- Not the beefiest heel counter for a day by day coach.
Weight: 7.1 ounces (dimension 9)
Heel-Toe Drop: 6 mm
The New Balance Rebel v4 launches on March 1, 2024.
Best New Balance Running Shoe for Daily Training: Fresh Foam X 1080v13
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The Men’s Journal check staff has been loving the newest 1080 for practically a yr. New Balance claims if it solely made a single shoe, this may be the one—and it’s not laborious to see why. It packs a ton of versatility and efficiency right into a smooth, light-weight package deal.
The 1080v13 makes use of New Balance’s newest Fresh Foam X, which our staff discovered to be tremendous smooth underfoot. It excels as an on a regular basis coach, so should you can solely purchase one running shoe at a time, the 1080 is a superb choice.
The 1080v13 was one among my go-to footwear for simple miles, restoration runs, and threshold efforts. A member of our check staff stated it moved forward of the SC Trainer v2 (talked about under) as his favourite New Balance coach.
Pros:
- Midsole, higher, and lacing all match and really feel nice.
- Lightweight for the quantity of cushion.
- Outsole performs properly on moist terrain and lightweight trails.
- Looks good
Cons:
- Not fairly as responsive as the earlier model.
- Plushness isn’t for everybody.
Weight: 9.2 ounces
Heel-Toe Drop: 6 mm
Best New Balance Marathon Racing Shoe: FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4
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Just as thrilling as the competitors to interrupt the marathon information is the race for the finest tremendous shoe amongst main corporations. The staff at New Balance had a superb, accommodating racer in the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3, however they elevated to a brand new stage with v4.
The foam used for these footwear feels softer out of the field than opponents. There’s a significant squish in the Elite v4, and the bounce again is excellent. Speeding up was easy, however going sluggish feels good too. While different super-shoes minimize weight at the expense of utility and luxury, the higher on this New Balance FC SC Elite v4 is absolutely comfy—though barely hotter than opponents. I additionally love the match, as the shoe did not take lengthy to break-in.
The solely situation I skilled with these footwear is that the tongue and laces loosened up over the course of my run. I retied them 3 times over a ten mile run. Obviously that might be a difficulty in a race, however I plan to make this my racing shoe this yr anyway. I used to be capable of maintain them comfortable utilizing a good surgeon’s knot at the prime (looping your preliminary single knot an additional time or two), and should you had sufficient laces, a runner’s loop would possible work too.
Pros:
- More comfy and approachable out of the field than different elite racing footwear
- Incredible power return.
- Stable and cheesy for a high-stack racing shoe.
Cons:
- Laces and tongue loosen whereas running, resulting in some heel slippage.
- Soft outsole doesn’t appear very sturdy.
- Upper is a bit hotter than opponents.
Weight: 8.4 ounces
Heel-Toe Drop: 4 mm
More New Balance Running Shoes We Love
Best Long-Distance New Balance Running Shoe: FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2
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The SuperComp Trainer v2 was one among my favourite footwear final summer time. They are peppy, comfy, and look nice. Whenever I had a Sunday future or fartlek, these have been one among my prime selections. The mixture of soppy cushioning and propulsive plate felt comfy and quick over massive miles.
If you wish to race in footwear that you would be able to additionally frequently train in, give the SuperComp Trainer v2 a severe look. At $180 they’re considerably dear for a coach, however the capability to train pace and distance in addition to race gives wonderful worth. Plus, for these not eager on carbon plates, the Trainer v2’s plate feels approachable and never as stiff as others. I additionally discovered the higher and laces to offer a safe match.
Unfortunately for folk dwelling on gravel roads, there’s a massive void in the heart of the outsole that exposes the plate, and this hole picks up rocks, which then make a grating noise towards the plate. Additionally, the outsole didn’t maintain up in addition to we’d’ve preferred, and I like to recommend holding this on fairly clean tarmac—keep away from even mild gravel. That stated, the efficiency and luxury are wonderful in the Trainer v2, and it’s one other nice shoe in the FuelCell lineup.
Pros:
- Fun and quick.
- Comfortable.
- Versatile, can be utilized for training and racing.
- More secure than different long-distance trainers.
Cons:
- Outsole wears comparatively quick.
- Exposed carbon plate void picks up rocks.
Weight: 9.7 ounces
Heel-Toe Drop: 6 mm
Best Budget New Balance Shoe: Fresh Foam Arishi v4
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While there may be nothing notably inspiring about the Fresh Foam Arishi v4, for $70 you get a superbly succesful and stable wanting shoe. It makes a superb strolling shoe or journey shoe, as the easy strains and light-weight consolation are stable for all-day put on.
However, I didn’t love running greater than three miles in the Arishi. The laces don’t come up very high on the shoe, so I did not really feel safe. However, I wore these all day round city for a weekend and like them for strolling and as a pair of informal footwear, as they’re straightforward to slide on and off. While I wouldn’t suggest these to a severe runner, I do assume they make a flexible pair of journey footwear, particularly if you wish to go on a pair runs while you’re on the go.
Pros:
- Affordable.
- Comfortable to stroll in and run brief distances.
- Lightweight.
- Durable, grippy outsole.
Cons:
- Poor lacing system does not lock your foot in.
- Cushioning doesn’t maintain as much as longer distances
Weight: 9.5 ounces
Heel-Toe Drop: 6 mm
Best Max-Cushion New Balance Running Shoe: Fresh Foam X More v4
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If you want smooth cushioning, then the Fresh Foam X More v4 needs to be in your shoe rotation. I’ve by no means run in footwear as smooth and squishy. That’s not for everybody, however for simple efforts, the appreciable shock absorption make for a complete consolation journey.
When you run, you exert an enormous quantity of power in your body. That isn’t all the time comfy, particularly should you’re heavier. A well-cushioned shoe that doesn’t really feel clunky or heavy is tough to return by, so New Balance has made a compelling max cushion shoe with the newest FFX More v4.
Pros:
- Soft underfoot.
- Surprisingly light-weight.
- Super secure, nice for heavier runners.
- Tacky and sturdy outsole.
Cons:
- Struggled to lock in match with unfastened, stretchy materials.
- Zaps power return, particularly on useless legs.
- Not versatile.
Weight: 8.4 ounces
Heel-Toe Drop: 4 mm
Best New Balance Trail Running Shoe: Fresh Foam X More Trail v3
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A path model of the Fresh Foam X More v4 featured above, the Fresh Foam X More Trail v3 is principally a highway shoe with larger lugs tacked on. I usually go for nimble, mild path runners which can be fairly stiff as a result of I worth rock safety and fast toes once I’m running trails. The More Trail v3 is neither nimble nor stiff, nevertheless it gives wonderful long-wearing consolation.
Over the course of testing, this grew to become my go-to path runner for simple miles. I used the More Trail v3 for runs with my canine, flowy single tracks, and different chill path runs. While it’s not stiff and has no rock plate, the high quantity of stack created a protecting really feel on path. It felt a bit broad, even in the customary width, so it is laborious to lock in match. And paired with the smooth midsole, I often skilled sloppy transitions going into turns and on uneven terrain. Therefore, this isn’t a shoe to run quick in, as the smooth really feel can sluggish momentum. Speaking of soppy, the Vibram outsole lugs don’t present full protection of the midsole, so the uncovered foam ultimately will get chewed up on sharp rocks, diminishing long-term sturdiness. That stated, should you want a max cushion path shoe, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3 was surprisingly candy.
Pros:
- Plush journey is good for lengthy path runs and restoration days.
- Flexible midsole and grippy Vibram lugs mix to create nice traction.
- Available in three widths.
- Super secure on path, particularly much less technical efforts.
Cons:
- Soft cushioning can sluggish momentum at occasions, particularly uphill.
- Not very sturdy or nimble for a path shoe.
- Slightly broad, even in customary width.
Weight: 11.4 ounces
Heel-Toe Drop: 4 mm
Best New Balance Stability Shoe: Fresh Foam X 860v13
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These days, each running shoe firm makes an important stability oriented shoe. New Balance gives overpronators assist with their 860 lineup, and the Fresh Foam X 860v13 is a worthwhile iteration of that shoe.
While the More v4 and 1080v13 really feel nice, they each characteristic very smooth cushioning. For sure runs, particularly on diverse terrain, I favor a extra stable platform. The 860v13 has a pleasant stability of stiffness and luxury; it nonetheless options the FreshFoam X that makes the 1080 so smooth, but additionally contains some stiffer foam. It suits properly proper out of the field, without having for inventive lacing. The higher, whereas slightly heat, gives lockdown match and the stability options felt stable below the interior foot.
Pros:
- Added rigidity.
- Supportive medial put up works as meant to stop overpronation.
- Upper feels actually comfortable and comfy.
- Durable and cheesy outsole, even on rougher surfaces.
Cons:
- Not notably performance-driven.
Weight: 10.9 ounces
Heel-Toe Drop: 10 mm
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Why You Should Trust Me
I run in dozens of various running footwear yearly. The footwear chosen for this roundup by a staff of testers and I are the fruits of months of testing. Some of the finest New Balance running footwear have been on my toes since early final yr, and lots of of those choices are in my full-time, go-to running rotation.
Because I really like New Balance a lot as a running model, I’ve notably high expectations of its newest footwear and kit. I check all their footwear, particularly newer variations of previously-tested fashions, with an in depth and important eye. Their year-over-year enchancment is a part of why I like the model and their footwear as a complete.
Nathan Lemin
What We Look for When Reviewing Running Shoes
My three go-to questions when testing running footwear are as follows:
- Do I wish to put on it once more?
- Is it holding as much as frequent put on?
- Does it serve its meant objective?
We right here at Men’s Journal search out sturdy, comfy and succesful running footwear that carry out the job they have been designed for. That means a racing shoe ought to present speedier transitions, long-wearing consolation and light-weight match, an on a regular basis coach ought to present sturdy outsoles, accommodating match and loads of assist, and a path running shoe ought to present wonderful tread and enhanced safety.
In my training and racing efforts, New Balance footwear assist me get the most out of my work. I discover their footwear match properly, providing a spread of widths in lots of fashions; they’ve a smooth but responsive cushioning, particularly their FreshFoam X and FuelCell foams; they usually look cool, too.
A couple of of the testers in our staff have New Balance footwear of their common rotation, together with former cross-country and monitor athletes. On tester cited the stability of efficiency and luxury at a greater value than different manufacturers he used to train in. And it’s true, there are a pair footwear on this record that, at their value level, cannot be beat by any competitor.
Related: We Tested Dozens of On Running Shoes. These Are the Best
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