This was my first experience running in the New Balance 1500’s and I was pleased with how well they performed on fast up-tempo training runs.

The shoe had all the qualities you would want and expect in a racing shoe – comfortable and snug fit, durability and reliable cushioning.

The shoe offers mild stability using a dense (firm) midsole material and T-Beam shank.

The 1500 v3 delivered a fast ride coming in at 8.0 oz. during training runs whether it was on the street, track or the treadmill. I have not had the chance to lace the shoe up on race day yet but would not hesitate to do so.

The Fantom Fit upper provided a secure fit while the REVlite midsole and newly designed outsole provided ample cushioning and a smooth toe-off during each foot strike.

New Balance 1500 v3 General Info

New Balance 1500 v3 – Toe

The 3rd generation of the New Balance 1500 continues its tradition as a fast racing shoe combining reliable cushioning, snug fit and mild stability all in a lightweight package.

The shoe is designed to handle the demands of “up-tempo” training with bit of stability for those runners who need it.

The Fantom Fit mesh upper provided a secure fit and the sockliner kept my foot secure and comfortable the moment I put the shoe on for the first run.

The latest model has an updated tread design which has unique lug pattern which added durability and good traction on a variety of running surfaces.

The 1500 v3 builds on its legacy by delivering a lightweight, a glove-like fit while offering reliable cushioning,
durability and performance.

The overall ride was excellent and the updated outsole provided a good grip and very responsive transition during each foot strike.

New Balance 1500 v3 Sole Unit

New Balance 1500 v3 – Sole

The sole unit of the latest New Balance 1500 is where you will not only see but feel the updates. The updates are minor, in my opinion, when I looked at the previous models (this was the first 1500 I have run in) yet they were enough to make this a reliable racer.

The midsole and outsole of the 1500’s delivered excellent comfort, durability while retaining the high standard of performance during every training run whether it was short intervals on the track or long progressive tempo runs.

The REVlite midsole remains and provided a comfortable ride during each of my training runs regardless of the distance.

As the mileage increased, the lightweight nature of the shoe with the cushioning of the midsole the performance remained high.

New Balance 1500 v3 – Medial Side

The outsole is where most of the visible changes are noticeable. The compound that New Balance used in the latest model offers a bit more “grip” on the road along with a new lug pattern.

You can see from the photo they are more of a symmetrical pattern versus the previous versions. The new material and pattern did not take away from performance, in my opinion.

I was curious how the unique lug pattern would feel underfoot and I was pleased as I never noticed them so in my book that means they worked as intended and didn’t take away from the ride.

The stability in the shoe is delivered via a high-density midsole on the medial side (see picture) which remains from the previous version(s) to assist with overpronation along with the TBeam midfoot shank.

The TBeam increases “torsional” stability during each ground strike keeping the entire foot more aligned.

The 1500 v3 has a bit more cushioning than the ASICS DS-Racer 11 which I really enjoyed running in and have used during a marathon last year.

The NB 1500 is slightly heavier than is ASICS competitor and I attribute this to the little bit of extra REVlite cushioning.

The ASICS was a solid shoe but was much more of a true racer with a touch of stability like the 1500 v3.

The 1500 v3 combines a responsive midsole which delivers mild stability and comfort with a durable outsole delivering responsive ground contact from heel-to-toe.

The blown rubber in the forefoot combined with the carbon rubber beneath the heal allowed for a very smooth transition for this shoe.

New Balance 1500 v3 Upper Info

The upper of the 1500 v3 remained from previous version and the updates were minor. The entire upper provided a very comfortable and supportive fit enhanced by the Fantom Fit seamless mesh which is lightweight and breathable.

The 1500 comes with a no-sew sockliner for increase comfort and something I always look for in a racer. It provided a soft, glove-life fit as it wrapped the entire foot.

New Balance 1500 v3 – Lateral Side

The upper also provided added stability as it kept my heel locked in place during hard training runs of various mileage.

I never encountered any “hot spots” during any fast, up-tempo training runs. For racing shoes, the fit of the upper is important to me as I want a secure yet comfortable fit.

The Fantom Fit mesh material along with the seamless design to the upper delivered a comfortable and lightweight, snug fit. I was pleased with how responsive and supportive my foot felt throughout the entire ground contract.

New Balance 1500 v3 Conclusions

New Balance kept things simple by making only minor changes to an already great shoe even if it is only on its 3rd iteration. Too many times, brands tend to make major changes to good shoes that have loyal followers.

New Balance 1500 v3 – Heel

I think New Balance got it right this time. If you were someone who ran in the first two versions, I believe you will enjoy the v3.

The upper of the latest version of the 1500 continues to deliver a supportive and comfortable fit. The Fantom Fit lightweight mesh gives a snug fit and the no-sew sockliner adds additional comfort as it wraps the foot.

I was pleased with how responsive and supportive my foot felt throughout the entire ground contract during testing.

I have put on around 200+ miles on this shoe and it shows very little wear and I plan on keeping it in my rotation as it has more miles left on it.

I would recommend this shoe to anyone seeking a solid racing shoe which provides mild overpronation control while delivering a responsive and smooth ride on short to long runs.

This shoe is perfect for those seeking a lightweight, racing (or training) shoe with mild stability at a great price point!

We thank the nice people at New Balance for sending us a pair of 1500 v3 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.