New Balance RC1600 General info
The New Balance RC1600 is their first racing shoe to incorporate RevLite foam which allows this shoe to be featherlite and durable enough to race your next marathon.
New Balance RC1600 First impression
There is something very pleasurable about lacing up a new racing flat. Call it placebo effect but it can feel mentally and physically encouraging to have a light weight pair of racing slippers on your feet when you line up for your next speed workout or race.
Upon trying on the RC1600 I was immediately impressed by the form fit, lightweight, and relatively protective heel toe drop (6mm). I found myself wanting to save these shoes, running in them sparingly at first, afraid to wear them out quickly as many featherlight racing shoes are wont to do. But the more time I spent in the RC1600 I realized that the Revlite cushioning takes a beating from repeated workouts and races and continued to provide resilient cushioning and protection.
New Balance RC1600 Sole unit
The more time I spend running in RevLite midsoles the more I think that this compound is the best midsole foam on the market for several reasons. It is incredibly light, seems to last past 500 miles, and the geometric design lends some support over longer races and tempo runs.
I found that the midsole of the RC1600 lasted three races, six workouts, and a total of over 120 miles without feeling any different than the day I put them on. Cetainly the midsole was more broken in and feels better on my foot, but my legs and feet recovered quickly after pounding the pavement at race pace in the RC1600.
The outsole consists of blown rubber which shoes little wear on my model and DynaRide which provided great traction on wet and even freezing surfaces. The DynaRide is featured predominantly on the front third of the shoe, perfectly placed for fast turnover.
New Balance RC1600 Upper
The RC1600 upper is made of open mesh covered with welded overlays which New Balance calls FantomFit. Overlays are well placed and the interior of the upper is basically seamless, allowing runners who like to be sock less to get away with it.
Rather than using one of the current NB lasts they chose instead to go with more of a traditional racing flat style last, and this is where my one complaint of the shoe takes place. A moderate heel and forefoot width seem to taper into a narrow toe box, much like a track spike, which irritated my pinky toes. These toes in fact have not been irritated since college when I wore track spikes several times weekly.
The fortunate part about RC1600 upper is that it is flexible enough to accommodate wider feet, but after 10k of hard running I found that my pinky toes developed blood blisters.
New Balance RC1600 Opinion
It should be noted that as most running shoe companies have moved towards a wider forefoot fit, my toes, cramped from years in track spikes, have been able to breath making it difficult for me to slip on anything resembling a racing last. Since my only critique of this shoe was the fit, one shouldn’t dismiss this shoe as a miss in any way.
The RC1600 is one small tweak away from being the best racing flat I’ve ever worn. I will continue to race in this shoe, pinky toe blisters be damned, simply because the cushioning is so resilient and protective. Runners with narrow forefeet or those that prefer a very snug fit in the toe box will love the snug feel of the upper.
Regardless of your foot type, the RC1600 deserves a look as your next racing shoe.
We thank the nice people at New Balance for sending us a pair of RC1600 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.
price comparison
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New Balance - Mrc1600 (kinetic Blue/black) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns |
$93.46
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New Balance - Mrc1600 (men's) - Kinetic Blue/black Shoebuy Free shipping, free return shipping, price guarantee and no sales tax |
$109.95
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Written by Thomas Caughlan
Tom Caughlan has been running since age 11 and ran competitively in college. Tom has six years of experience at running specialty stores and continues to test products for running shoe companies. Ever the gearhead, Tom enjoys testing shoes on the roads and trails of the rocky mountains in Colorado.
My feet are narrow, and the fit (including forefoot) was perfect for me. I just ran a half marathon in them and they were fantastic (6:50 pace, midfoot striker). When I hold them in my hands they don’t seem as if they’d be enough shoe for a marathon(I’ve used the adios 1 in the past). Based on how they felt after a half, though, I’ll probably just do a 20-miler in them to be sure and then use them for Boston this spring. The reviewer makes a good comparison–if you like the fit of track spikes in a 1500 or a 5000, this is your road racing shoe.
sorry, 5:50 pace (these shoes are meant to go faster than that, though, so hopefully I can work that pace down!)
Hi Thomas…. have you ever run a full Marathon in the RC 1600′s yet?
Also, are you familiar with the Brooks T-7 racer ?
If so, how would that shoe compare;considering they are both extremely light weight race type shoes?
I’m a neutral runner with a few Marathons completed at 3:20 pr all wearing the adidos adizero 2.
The shoe feels a bit stiff for me and since I’m not super fast…I’m not sure if that’s the best shoe for me.
I currently train in the Brooks Pure Connect and like the feel for shorter distance; not distance miles.
As a side bar,I’m a light weight runner 140 lbs and train 50-60 miles per week. And have trained in the Boston adizero 3. Adizero 2 and New Balance 890′s and the Puma Faas 350.
The Brooks T-7 I’ve completed some 12 mile runs in the past without a problem. I get a great toe off with the shoe and it feels comfortable. But, 20 miles and up not sure if they will offer enough support as my form drops off.
I have the ING NYC on Nov 4. this will be my fourth Marathon in the past 8 months; so, I logged some miles.
I have both a brand new pair of the T-7 and NB RC 1600 and about 40 miles of training to run them before the nov 4 Marathon. Also, I have a pair of Adizero already broken in with about 70 miles.
I guess my question is would the RC 1600 be an option for a full Marathon, Brooks T-7 or run the adizero adidos 2 ? I figure if the weather is damp and rainy, I would go with the adizero because of the Continetial rubber bottom.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thank you.
-Robert
I ran the 2013 Boston Marathon in these shoes after using them for most of my long runs. I’m also 140 lbs., my PR is 3:13, but my shoes choices are much different – New Balance MT10BY (minimal shoes) for runs under 12 miles, and bouncing around between some Nike Lunar Trainers and traditional Asics for when my feet get sore (but getting away from these shoes). I haven’t found any adidas shoes that work for me, which is why I think its interesting we both like the RC1600.
I love these shoes and am looking to order another pair even though I feel like mine are still good after 300 miles.
My mid-foot and toes were a little sore the last few miles of the marathon, but they recovered by the next day. I plan to wear them in my next Marathon.
Hi
I currently wear Mizuno precision but have been lately suffering from blisters on my toes. I 130lb and train 4/5 times weekly and race marathon. I’m considering moving to RC1600, thk for any advice
Cheers
D