Our team tests 120+ running shoes for at least 50 miles. These are the best running shoes from New Balance.
Updated: December 31st, 2020
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DAILY TRAINING
DAILY TRAINING
DAILY TRAINING
New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v10
New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v10
The Fresh Foam 880 is a great neutral "do it all" running shoe. Versatile and well priced, it has something for everyone.
The Hierro 5 is an attractive, comfortable, and durable trail shoe. For runners who want to look good on long and easy trail runs.
Jim Coulson
Fast Road and Trail Runner. Career Firefighter.
We have seen this trend now: since a couple of years, most brands started shying away from the usual neutral > support > motion control way of classifying their running shoes. We have seen this with Nike and Brooks.
New Balance is also moving in that direction, splitting their collection in 3 big buckets:
Fresh Foam Collection: Focus on a soft and smooth ride
FuelCell Collection: Focus on lightweight and responsiveness, for speed
NBx Collection: Focus on high mileage
Let’s now look at the shoes in each bucket, what technologies they adopt and let’s try and make sense on who should be wearing what.
New Balance Fresh Foam Series
The Fresh Foam collection takes its name from NB's new foam material. These shoes have been engineered with the analysis of data from thousands of athletes.
Fresh Foam midsoles are laser engraved to reduce weight and provide different kinds of cushion and support on different part of the shoe, based on the athelete's need. The results are extremely versatile shoes that can take you from easy runs to races and anything in between.
“The New Balance 880v10 is a versatile trainer that hits almost all of its marks. From the regular run to the long distance, this shoe can cover it all. ”
Recommended for
This shoe is designed for people logging high mileage or going for slower runs. This shoe can fit most runners, and is a great beginner shoe.
Fresh Foam X provides a plush, but stable ride for high mileage.
A sock-like knit upper keeps the foot locked down without feeling restricted.
Responsive and somewhat firm cushioning, combined with a rocker shape, allows for faster paces.
Relatively lightweight for the amount of protection compared to other max cushioned models.
“The New Balance 1080v10 is a high mileage neutral trainer designed for runners looking for maximum protection with a fairly firm ride. A durable shoe, runners should expect to get a full 500 miles out of the 1080v10 without seeing much breakdown in the cushioning or the upper.”
Recommended for
The 1080v10 will work for any type of runner, beginner, enthusiast, or high mileage runners. The neutral design and responsive cushioning should work for most runners, but will be especially appreciated by high mileage runners looking for a a shoe for their easy days and long runs.
“The New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon V3 has been updated with a new upper, midsole and outsole configuration and is now closer to a proper daily trainer with softer cushioning and a more stable ride. Its midsole is now Fresh Foam X but the Beacon V3 still rides like previous, well-rounded versions but in a more refined package. ”
Recommended for
If you're a runner looking for a stable shoe that bridges the gap between a daily trainer and a lightweight tempo trainer, I highly recommend the Fresh Foam Beacon V3.
“The New Balance 890 got a complete makeover for its 8th birthday. The lightweight mid-distance shoe now features a full-length FuelCell midsole and expanded blown-rubber coverage on the outsold for improved traction. The shoe is firm, but not hard. It performs best on pavement during up-tempo thresholds or fartleks over moderate distance (5-8miles). As an added bonus, this sleek and stylish shoe can easily transition from a workout to trendy streetwear. ”
Recommended for
Runners with a neutral foot-strike that are looking for a lightweight performance trainer to round out their shoe rotation.
“The New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is super plush runner that offers a lot of features you want in a daily and high-mileage trainer. The ride is soft and quick.”
Recommended for
This shoe is for any runner looking for high cushion and is tackling long miles. With only a 4mm heel-toe drop, it might be a tough shoe for beginners.
“The Fresh Foam Tempo is a refreshing and worthy replacement for the Fresh Foam Zante. Like the cover of a classic song, the Tempo keeps the same melody and rhythm but adds a modern twist. The Tempo adds in new elements such as a plastic heel counter and a new Fresh Foam X midsole but retains the essence of the beloved Zante.”
Recommended for
The Fresh Foam Tempo is for the runner who seeks a lightweight, cushioned trainer. It's a shoe with a lower stack height , a moderate drop and great ground feel.
“The New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v4 hits a precise balance between comfort and hold, avoiding shoe string issues that show up with thin tongues by utilizing traditional width laces with a touch of stretch. The Vongo's unique combination of low drop, high cushion, and varus wedge angled midsole make it stand out as it's own niche of mild stability offering.”
Recommended for
This shoe is tailored to fit runners seeking innovative stability and increased cushion for daily and long runs in a low drop trainer.
NBx includes all the "traditional" running shoes from New Balance that didn't really fit into one or the other category, but that are true and tested milestones from New Balance that have hundreds of thousands of loyal fans.
The focus of the shoes in this category is to be trustworthy workhorses that are reliable for high mileage training or for racing.
Shoes in this category do not have a medial wedge or similar stability elements.
Revlite midsole foam provides a responsive smooth ride.
Newly constructed upper is highly breathable and comfortable.
Simple and effective traction
“The 1400 v6 continues to deliver the same peppy solid execution runners expect from a go-to racing flat. The 1400 v6 is a solid choice for the road runner serious about performance.”
Recommended for
The 1400 v6 is a superbly designed racing flat, with a peppy ride. This flat would be the perfect choice for the competitive runner looking to enlist a race shoe capable of taking on distances from 5k up to possibly a marathon.
“The New Balance 1500 v6 is great shoe for someone who wants something fast with subtle amounts of stability support. It is as sleek as it is fast and continues to be a favorite of this reviewer.”
Recommended for
This is for seasoned runners looking for something fast and functional. It's ideal for workouts and race distances up to a half marathon.
Jon Ober
Serial Marathoner and Stability Running Shoe Expert
NBx includes all the "traditional" running shoes from New Balance that didn't really fit into one or the other category, but that are true and tested milestones from New Balance that have hundreds of thousands of loyal fans.
The focus of the shoes in this category is to be trustworthy workhorses that are reliable for high mileage training or for racing.
Shoes in this category have a firmer medial wedge or similar support feature.
Traditional approach to stability. Moderate support, but not too much.
Firm, responsive and light feeling ride despite being on the heavier side.
Upper uniquely functional and comfortable.
“The New Balance 860 is a workhorse stability shoe meant for high mileage and daily training. The sole of the 860 is made of New Balance TruFuse foam, which is a mix of two different foams in order to provide both cushioning and some degree of responsiveness. ”
Recommended for
This is a shoe made for an overpronator plain and simple. It is ideal for someone training for longer distances 10K and up.
Jon Ober
Serial Marathoner and Stability Running Shoe Expert
“The New Balance 1500 v6 is great shoe for someone who wants something fast with subtle amounts of stability support. It is as sleek as it is fast and continues to be a favorite of this reviewer.”
Recommended for
This is for seasoned runners looking for something fast and functional. It's ideal for workouts and race distances up to a half marathon.
Jon Ober
Serial Marathoner and Stability Running Shoe Expert
“The New Balance 870v5 is a straightforward lightweight stability trainer. The no frills approach may not be for everyone but ideal for those who yearn for simpler consistent lightweight stability trainer built to handle any speed or distance.”
Recommended for
I would recommend the New Balance 870v5 for a runner who wants a simple no nonsense lightweight stability trainer built for miles and speed.
“The New Balance Rubix v1 combines exceptional support with a light step, utilizing key design features to get the best of both traditionally opposed fields.”
Recommended for
If you yearn for a lightweight stability shoe (not light-stability) - that maintains a stiff midfoot, secure upper, and a solid base throughout footplant, Rubix breaks into the market as your go-to for speed through endurance runs. Those who prefer an even lighter shoe for fast efforts but want...
Shoes in the FuelCell collection are lightweight, responsive and engineered for speed. FuelCell is a TPU foam blend and has nitrogen infused into it which gives it its signature bouncy feel.
Outstanding outsole that grips well in all conditions.
Breathable racing upper is snug but not tight.
“The New Balance FuelCell RC Elite is a highly cushioned racer which excels at the marathon distance. Its ultra-low density FuelCell midsole combined with its carbon plate result in an efficient ride which is much faster than it feels. ”
Recommended for
If you're a runner with relatively good form, looking for a fast marathon racing shoe which won't beat up your feet, the FuelCell RC Elite is an excellent choice.
Thick FuelCell midsole has enough cushioning for a full marathon
Carbon plate provides propulsion
“The FuelCell TC is the best carbon plated shoe I have had the honour of experiencing. Its thick FuelCell midsole produces a really unique ride which is both soft and bouncy while not sacrificing any efficiency. It has an upper which is comfortable and roomy enough for long training runs and it feels good at any pace. The FuelCell TC is definitely worth its high price tag. ”
Recommended for
If you’re a runner looking for a different carbon plated experience, you should get the FuelCell TC. What sets the TC apart is its high level of cushioning which works in tandem with the carbon plate to deliver a propulsive yet comfortable ride.
Lightweight with some stability. A rare combination.
Soft and fast ride.
Comfortable fit.
“The New Balance FuelCell Prism has a lightweight design with modest stability traits. It's a versatile shoe that performs great when you need it to. It checks off all the boxes for someone looking for something fast yet supportive.”
Recommended for
This is ideal for the runner looking for something with an emphasis on speed, but also desire just a little bit of support. Great as daily trainer that can perform on tempo workouts and longer runs.
Jon Ober
Serial Marathoner and Stability Running Shoe Expert
“The New Balance FuelCell 5280 is a road racing shoe that Runner’s World calls “a track spike, without the metal pins.” This is because the FuelCell 5280 is designed to help you run fast on the pavement. In fact, the shoes are especially designed for runners who run a mile under five minutes and 30 seconds. The shoes provide the same level of power as a track spike. However, if you have wide feet you may find a problem with the overall fit of the shoes because of how narrow they run. ”
Recommended for
The New Balance FuelCell 5280 is designed specifically for runners who run a mile under five minutes and 30 seconds. The shoes are also made to handle one mile at a time. Overall, the shoes have a narrow fit but offer lots of power during your toe off.
“The New Balance FuelCell Propel V2 is an affordable road running shoe that is comfortable, versatile, and offers excellent responsiveness and speed for a variety of run lengths and training styles.”
Recommended for
For a road runner looking for a versatile, low-cost shoe to supplement a more serious runner's training quiver or as a single shoe that works for all types of runs.
“The New Balance FuelCell Rebel is a super-fast racing flat that offers cushion despite the light weight packaging. Although it has a higher price tag, these are easily worth it if you run and race 5k or 10k races.”
Recommended for
This shoe is designed for anyone who wants to go fast. This shoe is not for a beginning runner, but experienced runners who want to up the speed will love them.
“The Hierro 5 is an attractive, comfortable, and durable trail shoe. For runners not looking to set any PR’s but look good on long easy trail runs the Hierro just might be the shoe for you. ”
Most of you will be familiar with NB’s most popular models of a few years back: MR1080 v4, MR890 v3, WR1260v5… there is a surefire way to exactly understand the kind of shoe by looking at this number – the image below will help you understand.
Basically each model name/code was composed by 4 sections:
“MR”: The first two letters identify the gender and the sport activity. “M” is for MEN, “W” for WOMEN. “R” is for Running. “WW” will be Women’s Walking, “MX” will be Men’s Cross-Training and so on.
“10”: The “hundreds” number (890, 1260 etc) represents the level of “premium” of the shoe. It used to be symbolic of the pricepoint of the shoe, where 890 would be a shoe around $80, 1080 a shoe around $100 and 1260 a shoe around $120. While this is not strictly the case anymore, the concept stays: you can expect the cost (and features) of the shoe to go up when moving from a “8” model to a “10” or a “12”.
“80”: The last two digits of the number used to indicate the level of cushioning: a “60” being a stability shoe while a “80” a neutral shoe. This is the actual list:
60 = stability
70 = light stability
80 = neutral/cushioning
90 = speed
“v6”: the “V” is the version of this shoe.
These numbers were not exactly customer friendly – but I have to admit that once you know the logic, it actually makes a lot of sense.
Running Shoes Buying Guides
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