On 7/17, Kristin decided to update her rating of this shoe from 2.5 to 3 stars. This is the rationale: "I recently wore the adidas Vengeful again and was struck by how much it reminded me of the Vongo v2. Given that the two shoes that I find the v2 to be closest to (Vengeful and Nike Odyssey 2, were given 3.5 stars and I originally ranked the shoe at 2.5 stars, I'm revising this ranking to three stars. It's still heavier (in my weighing, not the official weight) and more bulky than these previously mentioned shoes.

Although it did not stand out to me as particularly well-suited for a specific type of run (as did Odyssey), I do think that some may really like this shoe for its cushion and very lightly structured flexibility. "

New Balance completely redesigned the upper for this second version, replacing structure lines and overlays with air mesh and internal plastic strips that run at angles below the mesh (the green) along both sides of the upper.

A soft layer of fabric (bootie) lines the inside of the upper, altogether feeling very similar to to Nike’s Odyssey 2.

It’s basically Odyssey with the opposite in offset (4mm. vs 12), slightly more room in the toe box and a bit more weight (.4 oz. heavier/shoe).

It reminds me a lot of UA’s Europa in toe box fit and with the low structure of midsole (for a “stability” shoe), yet I do prefer Europa’s midfoot lockdown and heel counter.

New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v2 General Info

Vongo debuted last year as the first “stability” shoe in New Balance’s Fresh Foam line, joining their Vazee Prism and 1260 shoes in this category.

The New Balance Vongo v2 follows its lightly stable first edition with an even less stable second version as the structured upper was replaced with a mesh bootie design.

New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v2 – Medial Side

An extended flex groove through the sole allows the shoe to move more with my foot, which together feel great for casual use.

However I already have loose ligaments in my feet, so I prefer a higher level of support for running.

I haven’t tried HOKA’s Hupana or New Balance’s Fresh Foam Cruz, two shoes designed as “casual running,” but Vongo v2 looks like the shoe that is more supportive than these yet not to the level of what I’d call a “stability shoe”…it’s the bridge between that new category of “causal-running” trainers and “technical” running shoes.

I didn’t notice the “strengthening” benefit that I mentioned in my first Vongo review, but that’s likely because I’m used to running in them now.

If you’re new to low drop shoes, I recommend easing into them by alternating runs with a shoe you’re familiar with. See the first Vongo review for more information about this.

Out of the box the Vongo v2 felt surprisingly heavy given the upper’s new material. It weighs in at actually just over an ounce heavier than the first version (in my size) and is on par with the Transcend 4 and Supernova ST for weight.

Despite the weight increase the shoe was very comfortable to walk around in, but it’s hint at lack of structure was confirmed as I started running in them.

New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v2 Sole Unit

Vongo’s sole unit has some modifications but maintains the use of a Varus Wedge design and a medial forefoot that is flared out from the upper to ground contact, to combat excess pronation.

New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v2 – Sole

Often found in heel wedges or shoe inserts, a Varus Wedge is angled from a higher medial side down to a thinner lateral thickness, to correct anatomical pronation of the ankle and its resulting ankle, knee and hip problems.

Because Vongo relies solely on this built-in Wedge, without utilizing more traditional medial posts or midfoot shanks, the ride offered is more smooth than that of many stability shoes on the market.

The brand’s Fresh Foam midsole is soft yet returns the energy applied into the toe-off (responsive).

This second version has an extended longitudinal flex groove running almost the entire length of the sole, splitting a redesigned blown rubber outsole.

The groove makes the shoe more flexible under the toebox, which takes away from the stability I appreciated in the first version.

It also makes the shoe more easy to bend, toward the midfoot. The v2’s outsole pattern has deeper grooves, which promise longer-lasting tread durability than the shoe had previously, and the midsole’s appearance is changed, only affecting the shoe aesthetically.

New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v2 Upper Info

The Vongo’s new upper consists of breathable engineered mesh with a FantomFit overlay, which is strips of plastic running at angles through both sides of the upper, between the outer mesh and an inner layer of soft fabric.

New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v2 – Lateral Side

This increases the comfort of the shoe but decreases its structure.

The sockliner is comfortable, and like the first version, I notice more arch support as the shoe is broken in; it must compress laterally after about 30 miles of pounding as the arch feels more comfortable for my medium-height arches, than it did when they were new.

I prefer the v2 for casual use, but since this is a “running shoe” review, I do appreciate the more structured first version for running.

The shoes pattern, however, is much more attractive. The first’s pattern was fun for being different…the second’s is more appealing in general.

I like the white perforated look over the black bootie, with glimpses of the FantomFit’s sea green beneath, with a touch of purple on the “N.”

This shoe also comes in black with lime green and cobalt blue, white with blue, and red with lime, for the men and black with sea green, as well as vivid berry with tangerine, for the women.

The heel fit is moderately snug (didn’t stand out either way), and the somewhat firm plastic around the back of the shoe helps to counter heel motion.

New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v2 Conclusions

The Fresh Foam Vongo v2 is a flexible stability shoe…the oxymoron of that phrase is why I ranked the shoe so much lower than its first edition.

New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v2 – Heel

The extended flex groove in the sole increases the shoe’s flexibility in the forefoot and also brings a less-stiff midfoot: the shoe bends more readily throughout.

The Varus Wedge midsole is the shoe’s saving grace toward stability. Vongo v2 may work well for some runners, especially those who run low mileage and/or those looking for shoe that moves with your foot but like the counter of the wedged sole.

It’s comfortably breathable for hot summer runs.

What do you think? Is this the shoe for you? Let us know in the comments!

We thank the nice people at New Balance for sending us a pair of Fresh Foam Vongo v2 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.