Best New Balance Running Shoes (October 2024)

Pros

• Affordable daily trainer
• FuelCell midsole
• Durable outsole
• Good traction with the outsole

Cons

• TPU plate doesn't give you the responsiveness it proclaims
• Rocks can get stuck in between the canyon designs of the outsole

Who should buy it

If you are looking for a daily trainer that will protect your feet underfoot, the FuelCell midsole could be ideally for you because of how soft it is. And at $120 USD this is one of the few affordable shoes out there with this much quality.

Who should not buy it

This is not a shoe I would not recommend using for any particular speed workout. Although the Propel V5 has a plate within the midsole the weight of the shoe itself and the softness underfoot will not give the quality workout you need. I would highly suggest looking for a lighter and more responsive shoe instead.

Pros

• EVA Film Technology
• Comfort
• Round Fit
• Adaptive Stability

Cons

• Can feel bulky occasionally

Who should buy it

A runner who needs a stability trainer built for everyday training

Who should not buy it

A runner who lives by the medial post when it comes to stability.

Pros

• Cooler upper
• Stiffer forefoot results in a more rockered ride
• Improvement in versatility (can handle faster paces better)
• More stable than its predecessor due to higher midsole sidewalls

Cons

• Heavier than v13
• Very narrow toe box
• Fresh Foam X lacks energy return when compared to the FuelCell range

Who should buy it

If you found the 1080 v13 too soft or too warm, the 1080 v14 is a good replacement. If you’re looking for a soft, comfortable trainer for easy runs, the 1080 v14 is a good option.

Who should not buy it

If your preference is firm trainers with high ground feel, the 1080 v14 is not the shoe for you. If you need a high level of stability and structure, the 1080 v14 will be too unstable for you.

Pros

• Firmer, faster ride with significantly more energy return
• Feels more like a speed trainer
• Great value for money
• Excellent breathability

Cons

• Upper is too voluminous
• Price increase of $10

Who should buy it

If you enjoy doing speedwork in trainers without a plate, the Rebel v4 is a great choice. If you want a similar ride to the SuperComp Elite v4 but with natural transitions and more ground feel, the Rebel v4 is also a great choice.

Who should not buy it

If you’re looking for a workhorse daily trainer for mostly easy runs, the Rebel v4 is not the shoe for you. If you want a stiff, plated speed trainer for long runs, the Rebel v4 is also not for you.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Great traction
• Stable

Cons

• Long laces
• Upper absorbs water

Who should buy it

The ideal situation for this shoe is a hard one to pinpoint. I can honestly say it could work for anyone. The perfect scenario would be, for the runner who takes them out on various terrains. These terrains would include dirt paths, gravel paths, roots, and technical downhills.

Who should not buy it

It’s not for the individual with a wider foot. The upper material makes them snug but does offer some room for breathability. I would not recommend them for very rocky terrains.

Pros

• Much better, more comfortable upper than v3
• Improved heel lockdown
• Increased cushioning
• Faster ride than v3
• Durable outsole

Cons

• Not as propulsive as other super shoes
• Too similar to the SC Trainer
• Heavier than v3

Who should buy it

If you’re looking for a super soft, long-distance racer with good durability, the SC Elite v4 is an option. If you want something less aggressive than other super shoes which is easier on the legs, it’s also a good option.

Who should not buy it

If you want a really stiff, aggressive and firm-riding racer, the SC Elite v4 is not the shoe for you. If you want a super lightweight racer, it’s also not for you.