Our team tests 120+ running shoes for at least 50 miles. These are the best running shoes from New Balance.
Updated: July 31st, 2022
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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.
“The New Balance 1080v11 is yet another great cushioned offering by the American brand. With plenty of cushion for long runs, it's still peppy for the moments you want to pick up the pace.”
Recommended for
This shoe is for anyone looking for a max cushion shoe. With great cushion and responsiveness, this shoe would be good for an experienced runner or beginner alike.
“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 v3 is a maximal trainer that can log the miles and will last a good while. Although the price is high, they may just be worth it. ”
Recommended for
This shoe is for any neutral runner who is looking for max cushion and to log long miles. These shoes would be great for a bigger runner as they have great cushion and bounce.
“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 redesigned and rebuilt New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo 5 is an exceptional everyday max stability trainer. Its versatility and comfort make it one of the best stability trainers out there. ”
Recommended for
I recommend the New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo 5 to those looking for an everyday max stability trainer any type of run you want to take it on.
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.
“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
A runner who is looking for a workhorse in a stability trainer and is ready to put on the miles.
“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.
“The New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2 is an energetic, highly cushioned racer which is perfect for the marathon distance or beyond because it has long-distance comfort in spades. Version 2 has a thicker midsole and flat forefoot outsole rubber which results in a softer ride which is smoother and an overall better shoe than version 1. ”
Recommended for
If you're a runner who prefers a high level of cushioning over a prominent, propulsive carbon plate, the RC Elite v2 is the super shoe for you. The RC Elite v2 has a similar ride to the Rebel v2 but with extra cushioning and a stiff plate to improve efficiency over long distances.
“The New Balance Supercomp Trainer is one of the softest and most cushioned max-cushioned trainers on the market due to its jumbo 47 mm heel stack height. It has a flexible carbon plate which improves efficiency and a very wide base to provide a stable ride. The Supercomp Trainer is also extremely versatile as a result of its thick FuelCell midsole and its unique geometry which returns a very high level of energy. ”
Recommended for
If you crave a super soft ride but you also want something which has the ability to pick up the pace at the drop of a hat, the Supercomp Trainer is a great option. It's a neutral trainer with a very stable ride but it weighs more than the average carbon fibre shoe.
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 Propel v3 is a versatile daily training shoe. It’s budget-friendly and unlike other daily training shoes, this one does surprisingly well when tested on faster training runs.”
Recommended for
This shoe is for the individual who is looking for a daily training shoe that will be able to fit all their needs. There is nothing wildly impressive about the shoe but it's a solid choice that will not disappoint.
“The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2 is a lightweight daily trainer that's best suited to easy and steady runs. It has a super soft ride with good energy return. Version 2 of the Rebel has been updated with a midsole that compresses more, is more flexible and has a softer outsole which makes the Rebel v2 more suited to slower paced, longer distance runs than V1. ”
Recommended for
If you’re a runner with good form looking for a really smooth, lightweight daily trainer with a very soft ride, the Rebel v2 is the perfect shoe for you.
“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.
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