18 Best New Balance Running Shoes

Best New Balance Running Shoes

New Balance started out by selling arch supports in 1906. At that time, it was known as the “New Balance Arch Support Company” and wasn’t too popular among the masses. New Balance rolled out its first sneakers in the year in 1938, and since then, the company has been producing top-quality shoes. In 1976, New Balance introduced its 320 running sneakers, which quickly became the number one running shoe in the market.

Over the years, the company has evolved and now creates some of the best running shoes. The 990 is another very popular model from New Balance. This shoe came with EVA midsole, encapsulated by a soft polyurethane shell, which helps the foam retain its bounce and shape over time. The result was a highly responsive and durable pair of running shoes that athletes loved. Today, many consumers are fond of running shoes made by New Balance. If you are one of them, you are in the right place.

Since New Balance has introduced a variety of models over the years, you’ll find many different shoes of the brand in the market. This can make it a little hard for you to find a good pair of running shoes from New Balance. But don’t worry as we have carried out detailed research work to compile a list of best New Balance running shoes. We have also listed things you should consider when shopping for these running shoes.

Things to Consider When Shopping for New Balance Running Shoes

1. Fit

The first thing to consider when looking for New Balance running shoes is the fit. Some novice buyers only consider the length of the shoes while not paying attention to the width of the pair. This is a mistake because if you have wide feet, you would need a wider pair of running shoes for a good fit. Otherwise, your feet would hurt from running or just by keeping the shoes on.

New Balance vs Nike Sizing
Fit

You can determine the size and fit of the shoe by reading reviews of customers. If the shoe fits true-to-size, you can go with your original size. If it runs small in size, you would have to order a size up, and conversely, if it runs large, then you should go with a one or half size down your original.

2. Comfort

Comfort is a very important factor to consider when looking for New Balance running shoes. Running can do a number on your feet if you are wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes that don’t offer good shock absorption.

Since your feet would continuously come in contact with the ground, you need shoes that attenuate shock on impact, thereby preventing fatigue and foot-pain. Make sure that the New Balance running shoes you buy have a thick midsole that offers good cushioning and shock absorption. Also, consider the insole of the shoe. Ideally, the insole should have some padding to keep your feet comfortable during running sessions. If you need more comfort and support, look for a pair that comes with removable insoles.

The outsole of the running shoe should also be thick to reduce shock on impact. Moreover, it should offer good traction on a variety of terrains to ensure that you don’t lose your grip while running.

Read Also: Best Minimalist Running Shoes

3. Durability and Breathability

Running shoes tend to be a little expensive. Since you’ll be investing a lot of money in a pair of New Balance running shoes, you would naturally want a model that lasts a long time. Therefore, it is important to consider the materials used in the construction of the shoes.

New Balance vs Nike Sizing
Durability and Breathability

New Balance running shoes are made with a combination of synthetic materials that mesh to offer breathability and durability. Running shoes should allow air to flow in and out of the shoe to help keep your feet dry, cool, and sweat-free while running. Warm, damp feet can lead to a number of foot problems, like hot spots or blisters, which is why breathability is very important. The best New Balance running shoes are both breathable and durable.

4. Stability

Another important factor that sets the best shoes apart from the rest is how stable they are. Stability is vital to help you maintain proper form and keep your balance as you run. Runners with flatter arches or over-pronation usually need more support to compensate for the lack of support from their feet. Therefore, shoes with removable insoles are a better option for them.

For normal runners, a shoe with a padded insole and a rubber outsole works well. It offers good support and stability, helping you maintain your balance and form as you run.

5. Price

The last factor you need to consider when shopping for New Balance running shoes is price. If you have money to burn, you can go with an expensive running shoe. However, it is worth noting that just because a shoe is pricey doesn’t mean that it will be comfortable and durable.

New Balance vs Nike Sizing
Price

Therefore, make sure to check the feature of the shoe before you buy one. If the features and construction of the shoe justify the price, go ahead and get it. Otherwise, look for a model that gives you better value for money.

Read Also: Does New Balance Run Big or Small

Our Top 3 Choices

Best Overall: New Balance Women’s W870V4 Running Shoe

Premium Product: New Balance Men’s 990v4

Best Value: New Balance Men’s Sonic V2 FuelCore Running Shoe


Best New Balance Running Shoes

1. New Balance Women’s Vazee Summit V2 Running Shoe

New Balance Women's Vazee Summit V2 Running Shoe Trail Runner

The New Balance Vazees Summit V2 is a good option for trail runners. The upper of the shoe is made with a layer of breathable mesh and synthetic material to offer breathability and durability. This upper offers a snug fit and makes the shoe flexible. The midsole of this running shoe is made with REVlite foam, which attenuates shock on impact, offering a soft and responsive ride. It cushions the blow of each impact to keep your feet comfortable throughout the run.

At only 7.7 oz, the New Balance Vazee Summit V2 is relatively light in weight. The outsole of this model is crafted with Hydrohesion rubber, which offers good traction on a variety of terrains. The short lugs on the outsole don’t easily trap dirt or debris, allowing for easy cleaning.

The New Balance Vazee fits narrow, which is why we recommend going with a size up for a comfortable fit.

Pros of the New Balance Women’s Vazee Summit V2 Running Shoe

  • Comfortable and supportive
  • Durable
  • REVlite midsole for cushioning and shock absorption
  • Flexible

Cons of the New Balance Women’s Vazee Summit V2 Running Shoe

  • Runs small in size

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2. New Balance Men’s Beacon V2 Fresh Foam Running Shoe

New Balance Men's Beacon V2 Fresh Foam Running Shoe

The New Balance Beacon V2 is the second iteration of the popular Beacon model introduced last year. The Beacon line is known for delivering soft cushioning in a flexible and lightweight package. This model offers the same level of cushioning as the previous model with some changes in the upper unit. The upper of the Beacon V2 is crafted with a lightweight and breathable mesh material. It grabs your foot and provides a secure fit.

This running shoe comes with a Fresh Foam midsole, which offers exceptional cushioning and shock absorption. Moreover, this foam provides a soft, comfortable underfoot feel. Despite offering soft cushioning, the Fresh Foam material is lightweight. The thick layer of midsole eliminates the ground feel by absorbing shock, but you shouldn’t expect a responsive ride.

The outsole of the New Balance Beacon V2 is made with EVA foam with a small amount of blown rubber strategically placed in high-impact areas. It offers good support and traction, helping you maintain your balance and foam as you run.

Overall, the New Balance Beacon V2 is a solid running shoe at a reasonable price. If you liked the last year’s version of the Beacon, you would love this one as it comes with the same cushioning and an upgraded upper.

Pros of the New Balance Men’s Beacon V2 Fresh Foam Running Shoe

  • Breathable uppers
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Fresh Foam midsole attenuates shock
  • EVA foam outsole with rubber in high-impact areas offers good traction

Cons of the New Balance Men’s Beacon V2 Fresh Foam Running Shoe

  • Not too responsive

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3. New Balance Men’s Coast V4 FuelCore

New Balance Men's Coast V4 FuelCore Athletic Shoe Running

If you want a running shoe that won’t cost an arm and a leg, the New Balance Coast V4 FuelCore should be on your shortlist. This shoe offers a natural, smooth ride with a minimal heel drop. The upper unit of the shoe is made with a combination of synthetic material and mesh for durability and breathability. It should keep your feet cool and dry while you run, reducing the likelihood of painful blisters and hot spots. These shoes are designed for wide feet and don’t have a traditional tongue, which is why you won’t get a very snug fit if your feet are narrow.

The midsole of the New Balance Coast V4 FuelCore is made with an EVA foam to provide a balance between softness and responsiveness. It attenuates shock on each impact, preventing fatigue and foot-pain. The removable insoles rest on top of the midsole to enhance feel and responsiveness. Since these insoles are removable, you can use your custom orthotics for better support.

The outsole of these shoes is made with EVA foam and incorporates blown rubber for grip.  The blown rubber is strategically placed in high-impact areas. The limited use of rubber is an issue as it reduces the traction and durability of the shoe.

Pros of the New Balance Men’s Coast V4 FuelCore

  • Synthetic and mesh uppers for durability and breathability
  • Lightweight and responsive
  • Affordable
  • Removable insoles

Cons of the New Balance Men’s Coast V4 FuelCore

  • May not offer the best traction
  • Designed for wide feet

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4. New Balance Men’s Sonic V2 FuelCore Running Shoe

New Balance Men's Sonic V2 FuelCore Running Shoe

The New Balance Sonic V2 features a durable upper, responsive midsole, and a beefy outsole. Its upper is made with a combination of synthetic and textile materials and incorporates Boa lacing for a snug fit. Put the shoes on and twist the dial for perfect tightness. The laces are very thin, so they slide to distribute the pressure evenly between the front and back.

The New Balance Sonic V2 comes with a REVlite midsole, which is responsive and soft. This midsole also offers good cushioning and attenuates shock on impact. The outsole of the shoes is made with EVA but incorporates a lot of blown rubber to offer good traction. This means that the sole of the unit can take a beating and would last a long time. However, this outsole won’t offer a reasonable grip on wet roads due to the limited use of rubber.

If you want to lose some serious miles in an affordable pair of running shoes, the New Balance Sonic V2 FuelCore is worth considering.

Pros of the New Balance Men’s Sonic V2 FuelCore Running Shoe

  • REVlite midsole for cushioning and shock absorption
  • Boa lacing system
  • Durable uppers
  • Good value for money

Cons of the New Balance Men’s Sonic V2 FuelCore Running Shoe

  • Doesn’t offer good traction on wet surfaces

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5. New Balance Men’s Impulse V1 FuelCell Running Shoe

New Balance Men's Impulse V1 FuelCell Running Shoe

The Impulse V1 FuelCell is great for road racing and track workouts. Right out of the box, it looks sleeks and feels light in hand. The upper of this model is crafted with two layers of mesh and provides a tight midfoot feeling. It is incredibly breathable, which means that it would keep your feet dry, cool, and sweat-free.  The insole of these shoes is removable; thus, you can opt for a specialized orthotics for better support.

The New Balance Impulse V1 FuelCell’s midsole and outsole comprise of two different regions. The forefoot region is crafted with FuelCell midsole – a TPU cushioning infused with nitrogen –, which sits on top of an outsole made with rubber. The midfoot and heel areas are made with REVlite midsole and rubber outsole. Both the midsole and outsole of the Impulse V1 offer decent support, cushioning, and shock absorption to keep your feet comfortable.

The Impulse V1 is a good shoe for forefoot strikers looking for a very fast option. It boasts great features at a decent price range, which is why it deserves to be in your shortlist.

Pros of the New Balance Men’s Impulse V1 FuelCell Running Shoe

  • Fast feeling
  • Responsive
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable uppers
  • Durable outsole
  • Unique midsole

Cons of the New Balance Men’s Impulse V1 FuelCell Running Shoe

  • More suitable for forefoot strikers

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6. New Balance FuelCell Rebel

Best New Balance Running Shoes

This offering from New Balance is designed to help you go fast. It comes with a roomy toe box, giving your toes enough room to wiggle to reduce the likelihood of blisters and hot sports. The upper unit of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel is made with soft mesh material for breathability and offers a snug fit. It would keep your feet dry and cool even during long-running sessions. This shoe features a wire lacing system that helps secure your foot without caging it in.

For the midsole, New Balance has used its FuelCell material, which is good for runners who wish to go fast. This material is incredibly responsive and helps attenuate shock. FuelCell is also light, which means that it’ll offer a cushioned and highly-responsive running experience without overloading your legs. On the outsole, New Balance has incorporated a thin layer of rubber on forefoot and heels. These are strategically placed to offer grip during running.

It is worth noting that the New Balance FuelCell Rebel runs small in size. Therefore, you should order a size up your original for a comfortable fit.

Pros of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel

  • Designed to help you go fast
  • Responsive and shock absorbent FuelCell midsole
  • Breathable uppers

Cons of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel

  • Not the best option for long runs
  • Runs small in size

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7. New Balance FuelCell Propel

Best New Balance Running Shoes

The New Balance FuelCell Propel is a comfortable, cushioned, and responsive running shoe designed for both novice and professional runners. Its upper unit is made with mesh material and features synthetic overlays for durability. The mesh promotes airflow, ensuring that your feet stay cool and comfy even during long runs. The tongue and collar of the shoe are lightly cushioned for added comfort.

The New Balance FuelCell Propel comes with foam cushioned insoles for added support. The midsole is made with FuelCell material and provides shock absorption and energy return to enhance your running experience. The outsole of these shoes is made with rubber and offers good traction on a variety of surfaces.

Pros of the New Balance FuelCell Propel

  • FuelCell midsole offers the responsiveness and shock absorption
  • Foam cushioned footbeds
  • The outsole offers good traction
  • Fits true-to-size

Cons of the New Balance FuelCell Propel

  • Not the most durable offering
  • A little pricey

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8. New Balance Men’s Zante V3 Running Shoe

New Balance Men's Zante v3, Artic Fox/Black, 12 2E US

The New Balance Zante V3 is a good pair of sneakers, available at a reasonable price. Despite being inexpensive, these shoes boast some great features, which have earned it positive reviews from the majority of customers. The upper unit of these shoes is made with a combination of synthetic and mesh material. Synthetic material increases the durability of the shoe while mesh promotes airflow to keep your feet cool and comfy.

The midsole of the New Balance Zante V3 is made with Fresh Foam material. Fresh Foam offers exceptional cushioning and shock-absorbing, preventing your ankles, joints, and feet from feeling the impact of the run.

This model features a blown rubber outsole, which offers good traction on a variety of surfaces, ensuring that you don’t lose your grip while running. At this price range, the Zante V3 Running Shoe is a good option. If you are strapped for cash and want a good-quality running shoe, you should definitely consider it.

Pros of the New Balance Men’s Zante V3 Running Shoe

  • Shock absorbing midsole
  • Breathable and durable uppers
  • Rubber outsole for traction
  • Inexpensive

Cons of the New Balance Men’s Zante V3 Running Shoe

  • Not too responsive

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9. New Balance Men’s Zante V4 Running Shoe

New Balance Men's Zante V4 Running Shoe

The New Balance Zante V4 is another great pair from New Balance. It is the upgraded version of the Zante V3 and features some minor improvements. The upper of the Zante V4 is made with a combination of traditional mesh and HypoSkin material. HypoSkin helps keep your feet secure while enhancing durability. On the other hand, mesh promotes airflow, ensuring that your feet stay cool, dry, and sweat-free as you run.

The midsole of the New Balance Zante V4 is crafted with Fresh Foam material, which is known for cushioning and shock absorption. Thus, this midsole will reduce shock on each impact and prevent fatigue and foot-pain.  The insole of this model is removable, which means that you can use specialized orthotics with the Zante V4 for more comfort and support.

The outsole of these shoes is crafted with blown rubber for good traction on tracks and roads. Thus, you wouldn’t lose your grip while running. It is worth noting that the New Balance Zante V4 fits true-to-size, which means that you can go with your original size.

Pros of the New Balance Men’s Zante V4 Running Shoe

  • Comfortable and breathable
  • Responsive
  • Lightweight
  • Fresh Foam midsole absorbs shock, cushioning every step
  • Breathable and durable uppers

Cons of the New Balance Men’s Zante V4 Running Shoe

  • Takes time to break-in

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10. New Balance Men’s 990v4

New Balance Men's 990v4

If you have money to burn and want a high-end model, consider going with the New Balance 990v4. This model has received positive comments from the majority of customers for its comfort, durability, and responsiveness. The upper unit of this model is made with a combination of genuine leather and textile. Thus, you can expect it to last a long time.  The upper also incorporates lace keeper technology to keep the laces secured and prevent your feet from moving around.

The midsole of these shoes is very impressive. It features ACTEVA LITE foam for cushioning and the ENCAP midsole technology. The ENCAP technology enhances responsiveness while the ACTEVA LITE foam cushions every step for a comfortable running experience.

The outsole of the New Balance 990v4 is made with blown rubber compound to offer soft cushioning while maintaining traction and responsiveness. The design of the outsole makes it suitable for off-road trails.


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Pros of the New Balance Men’s 990v4

  • ACTEVA LITE AND ENCAP midsole technology
  • Responsive and shock absorbing
  • Durable and breathable
  • Blown rubber for traction
  • Suitable for off-road trails

Cons of the New Balance Men’s 990v4

  • Expensive

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11.  New Balance Men’s MT610V5

New Balance Men's MT610V5 Trail Shoe-M, Black/Gold Rush, 10 4E US

The New Balance MT610V5 is a good pair of trail running shoes that both novice and professional athletes can use. The upper of this model combines the use of synthetic material and mesh. Mesh enhances breathability, while synthetic overlays promote durability and support. Compared to the previous iteration, this model has fewer overlays, which makes the shoe lighter. The tongue, collar, and heel are padded for comfort. The heel also offers stability to help you maintain proper form while running.

The midsole of the New Balance MT610V5 is crafted from injection-molded EVA foam. This midsole is flexible, soft, and supportive. It also incorporates the rubber ABZORB crash pad, which helps attenuates shock on impact, allowing you to run comfortably on rough terrains. Moreover, ACTEVA LITE offers cushioning for a smooth ride.

The New Balance MT610V5 features an all-terrain tread outsole, which provides good traction for off- and on-road runs. This outsole comes with multi-directional lugs, which keep gravel and rocks out of the tread. This model fits true-to-size, which means that you can go for your original size.

Pros of the New Balance Men’s MT610V5

  • Comfortable
  • Responsive
  • Good for wide feet
  • Great traction
  • Cushioning midsole for additional comfort

Cons of the New Balance Men’s MT610V5

  • The upper isn’t as durable as the rest of the unit

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12. New Balance Women’s W870V4 Running Shoe

New Balance Women's W870V4 Running Shoe

The New Balance W870V4 is the cream of the crop. It has all the features a dedicated runner could want in their shoes. Its upper is made with mesh and TPU overlays for breathability and support. Thus, you won’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable because of sweat buildup on your feet. This shoe also incorporates the FANTOM FIT interior, which means that the shoe would wrap your feet securely without being too tight. The tongue and collar of the shoes are padded for extra comfort. This model also features an Ortholite sockliner to prevent a buildup of odor and bacteria.

The midsole of the New Balance W870V4 combines two technologies – REVlite and ABZORB. The REVlite foam blankets the ABZORB crash pad for better shock absorption to help keep injuries at bay. The midsole offers good arch support and responsiveness for a comfortable running experience. The outsole of these shoes, like several other models, is made with blown rubber that offers good traction while being lightweight. The New Balance W870V4 fits true-to-size. Thus, you can order your original size.

Pros of the New Balance Women’s W870V4 Running Shoe

  • Lightweight
  • Breathable and comfortable
  • Durable
  • Blown rubber outsole offers good traction
  • Fits true-to-size
  • Shock absorbing REVlite and ABZORB midsole

Cons of the New Balance Women’s W870V4 Running Shoe

  • Not too lightweight

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13. New Balance Men’s M560v7 Running Shoe

New Balance Men's M560v7 Running Shoe

The New Balance M560v7 is an affordable option for those who don’t want to put a dent in their wallet. These shoes provide a comfortable fit thanks to the mesh upper with synthetic overlays. Mesh allows air to flow in and out of the shoe to help keep your feet cool and dry. The midsole of this running shoe incorporates ACTEVA LITE and ABZORB technologies for a cushioned and responsive running experience. It attenuates shock on impact, reducing its effect on your joints, ankles, and back.

The New Balance M560v7 Running Shoe comes with an ultra-soft insole for added comfort. The outsole of this model is durable and offers good traction. It is equipped with an extra layer of rubber to protect the shoe from wear and tear. Thus, you won’t have to worry about replacing the shoe due to a worn-down outsole.

The New Balance M560v7 Running Shoe fits true-to-size, which means that you can with your original size.

Pros of the New Balance Men’s M560v7 Running Shoe

  • ACTEVA LITE and ABZORB midsole
  • Breathable and comfort
  • Ultra-soft insoles
  • Durable rubber outsole
  • Reasonable pricing

Cons of the New Balance Men’s M560v7 Running Shoe

  • Upper isn’t too durable

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14. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080v7 Running Shoe

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 1080v7 Running Shoe, Supercell/Sunrise, 5.5 D US

The Fresh Foam 1080v7 is one of the high-end shoes from New Balance. It has undergone major improvements over the last iteration – the 1080v6. These shoes are supportive, comfortable, and durable while being stylish at the same time. There are three updates on the 1080v7’s upper. One, the structure of the mesh has changed. The v6 had a more open surface while the mesh of the former is packed tighter. The second update is in the midfoot panel. In this model, the engineered mesh has been generously used while the synthetic leather is applied to the boundaries. Lastly, a minor tweak has been made to the molded toe-cap. While the design stays the same, the sides are higher than the previous model’s toe-cap.

The Fresh Foam 1080v7 comes with a removable insole, which means that you have the option to use custom orthotics for more support and comfort. Moreover, the midsole is made of a one-piece Fresh Foam, which sits on top of a blown rubber outsole. The Fresh Foam is thick and absorbs shock to reduce its effect on your joints, ankles, and feet. The wide base of this shoe makes it very stable. The layer of Fresh Foam is quite dense, which is good for durability and shock absorption but doesn’t offer much in terms of responsiveness.

If you are a fan of the 1080v6, you would certainly love this version and appreciate the new modifications.

Pros of the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080v7 Running Shoe

  • Lightweight
  • Removable insole
  • Fresh Foam midsole for cushioning and shock absorption
  • Several color options
  • Durable and comfortable
  • Breathable uppers

Cons of the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080v7 Running Shoe

  • High-priced

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15. New Balance Men’s Vazee Rush Running Shoe

New Balance Men's Vazee Rush Running Shoe-M, Grey/Orange, 12 D US

The New Balance Vazee is a good option for novice runners who want to go fast and run without getting injured. Lightweight materials are used in the construction of the shoe, which makes it great for fast running. The REVlite midsole is used to ensure that the runners are comfortable on roads. The upper of the Vazee Rush is made with mesh and features synthetic leather overlays. Synthetic leather ensures that the shoe is supportive while mesh enhances breathability to keep your feet cool and fresh. The shoe fits snugly but does not feel too tight.

The REVlite midsole of the Vazee Rush provides cushioning and shock absorption. This material is lightweight and provides good energy return for a responsive ride. The midsole also comes with a separated heel counter to enhance support.

The outsole of the shoe is made with blown carbon rubber. This material ensures a good grip even on wet surfaces. The lugs on the outsole aren’t too aggressive, which means that the Vazee Rush isn’t ideal for trail running but more suitable for roads. This shoe runs a bit small in size, which is why we recommend going with a size up for a good fit. Overall, the Vazee Rush is a pretty solid option at its price range.

Pros of the New Balance Men’s Vazee Rush Running Shoe

  • REVlite midsole offers cushioning and shock absorption
  • Molded sockliner
  • Carbon rubber outsole offers good traction
  • Breathable and supportive uppers
  • Affordable

Cons of the New Balance Men’s Vazee Rush Running Shoe

  • Not the best option for pro’s
  • Runs small in size

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16. New Balance Men’s Vazee Rush v2 Running Shoe

New Balance Men's Vazee Rush v2 Running Shoe, Black/Pink, 8 D US

This is the second iteration of the Vazee Rush with some minor improvements. The upper of this shoe is again made with synthetic leather and mesh for support and breathability. Since mesh promotes airflow, you won’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable in your run due to sweaty-feet. This shoe also comes with a molded sockliner to keep your feet comfortable even on long runs.

The outsole of the Vazee Rush v2 is different from the previous model. It is made with a combination of rubber-based foam – called the Rapid Rebound – and hard rubber.  Rapid Rebound fills the gaps between each rubber lug to increase responsiveness. As a result, you would notice excellent traction and powerful energy return when you take the Vazee Rush v2 on the track.

The Rapid Rebound technology has also been incorporated into the midsole of these shoes. Thus, you’ll get good shock absorption and energy return. This model has a big heel drop – around 6 mm – which provides extra padding in the heel area to absorb shock on heel strikes.

While the previous version of the Vazee Rush ran small in size, this one fits perfectly, which means that you can go with your original size.

Pros of the New Balance Men’s Vazee Rush v2 Running Shoe

  • Molded sockliner
  • Shock absorbent and responsive Rapid Rebound midsole
  • The outsole offers great energy return and traction
  • Fits true-to-size
  • Comfortable

Cons of the New Balance Men’s Vazee Rush v2 Running Shoe

  • Not the most durable offering

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17. New Balance Men’s FuelCell 5280 Running Shoe

New Balance Men's FuelCell 5280 Running Shoe

The FuelCell 5280 is a unique pair from New Balance, which is designed for racing. It is made of a multi-directional carbon fiber plate to keep the weight at the minimal. The midsole is made of an updated version of the FuelCell foam.

Both the upper and outsole of this shoe are minimal. The upper unit features delicate mesh reinforced at the toe, the heel counter, and the sides. This is a very minimalist upper, and the reason behind it is that this shoe is designed to help you run fast. The outsole is very thin and features lightly speckled tread. Thus, you won’t get great traction on wet surfaces but would be able to maintain your grip on tracks and roads. These features are what allow this shoe to be so light.

The FuelCell 5280 is narrow and fits like a sock. The laces keep your foot securely in place, and the toe-box runs narrow, which means that this shoe isn’t the best option for people with wide feet. This model costs a bomb, so only go for it if you need a high-end model for racing.

Pros of the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 5280 Running Shoe

  • FuelCell foam midsole
  • Thin outsole
  • Designed for fast running
  • Breathable uppers
  • Very lightweight

Cons of the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 5280 Running Shoe

  • Not too durable
  • Very expensive

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18. New Balance Women’s 880v9 Running Shoes

New Balance Women's 880v9 Running Shoes

The New Balance 880v9 is a sturdy trainer with generous protection, making it a good option for runners who need extra support. Woven knit mesh has been used for the upper unit, which provides support and flexibility. The mesh is also very breathable, which means that your feet would stay cool, fresh, and sweat-free. The 880v9 comes with a Trufuse midsole, which feels responsive and offers moderate cushioning.

The outsole of these shoes is made with a grippy rubber, which provides solid traction even on wet roads. Thus, you won’t have to worry about losing your grip while running. Overall, the 880v9 is a pretty solid option for runners who need more support.

Pros of the New Balance Women’s 880v9 Running Shoes

  • Breathable mesh uppers
  • Mid-level cushioning and shock absorption
  • Responsive and comfortable
  • The outsole offers excellent grip even in wet conditions

Cons of the New Balance Women’s 880v9 Running Shoes

  • Not the most durable offer
  • A little bulky

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Final Thoughts

Well, this brings our list to an end. This list, although a long one, is our attempt at making an exhaustive resource that can help you in purchasing the best New Balance running shoes. We hope you find everything discussed here helpful. The ball is in your court now, and it is up to you to decide which pair of New Balance running shoes you should go with. However, if you are still struggling to find a suitable model, let us make things even easier for you.

We mentioned our top three choices earlier. Now we will let you know why the New Balance Women’s W870V4 Running Shoe is the cream of the crop, what makes the New Balance Men’s 990v4 the best premium pair of shoes, and why we think that the New Balance Men’s Sonic V2 FuelCore Running Shoe gives you the best bang for your buck. If you have already made your decision, you can skip this section; otherwise, continue reading to choose the right pair of New Balance running shoes.

1. Best Overall Choice

The New Balance Women’s W870V4 Running Shoe is the best overall choice of footwear because it has all the features that you could want in a running shoe. Its upper is made with mesh and TPU overlays for breathability and support. Thus, you won’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable because of sweat buildup on your feet. This shoe also incorporates the FANTOM FIT interior, which means that the shoe would wrap your feet securely without being too tight. The tongue and collar of the shoes are padded for extra comfort. This model also features an Ortholite sockliner to prevent the buildup of odor and bacteria. The midsoles of the New Balance W870V4 combine two technologies – REVlite and ABZORB. The REVlite foam blankets the ABZORB crash pad for better shock absorption to help keep injuries at bay. The midsole offers good arch support and responsiveness for a comfortable running experience

2. Premium Product

If you have money to burn and what the best premium footwear, we recommend you go with the New Balance Men’s 990v4. The upper unit of this model is made with a combination of genuine leather and textile. Thus, you can expect it to last a long time.  The upper also incorporates lace keeper technology to keep the laces secured and prevent your feet from moving around.  The midsoles of these shoes are very impressive. It features ACTEVA LITE foam for cushioning and the ENCAP midsole technology. The ENCAP technology enhances responsiveness while the ACTEVA LITE foam cushions every step for a comfortable running experience. The outsole of the New Balance 990v4 is made with blown rubber compound to offer soft cushioning while maintaining traction and responsiveness. The design of the outsole makes it suitable for off-road trails.

3. Best Value

If you want shoes that give you the best value for money, we suggest you settle for the New Balance Men’s Sonic V2 FuelCore Running Shoe. Its upper is made with a combination of synthetic and textile materials and incorporates Boa lacing for a snug fit. Put the shoes on and twist the dial for perfect tightness. The laces are very thin, so they slide to distribute the pressure evenly between the front and back. The New Balance Sonic V2 comes with a REVlite midsole, which is responsive and soft.

This midsole also offers good cushioning and attenuates shock on impact. The outsole of the shoes is made with EVA but incorporates a lot of blown rubber to offer good traction. This means that the sole of the unit can take a beating and would last a long time. However, this outsole won’t offer a reasonable grip on wet roads due to the limited use of rubber.

Now pick a pair from our list and enjoy running comfortably. When deciding to buy running shoes from New Balance, consider the factors we discussed earlier, including fit, comfort, durability, breathability, stability, and price. Moreover, avoid wearing shoes with a thin midsole because running is a high-impact activity and as such, puts pressure on your joints. If you continuously run in an uncomfortable pair of shoes, which lacks cushioning and shock absorption, you might suffer from serious issues over time. This is why we suggest you invest in a pair of good-quality New Balance running shoes that feature breathable uppers, a shock-absorbing midsole, and an outsole that provides solid traction.

We have provided detailed information on New Balance shoes you can wear for running, but if you are still struggling to select a pair that would be right for you or have any questions to ask from us, feel free to reach out to us. We’ll be more than happy to assist you in finding a pair of New Balance shoes that are a good fit for running.