New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1 review
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New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1 Verdict
The pros
- Super soft, plush shoe
- Bouncy ride
- Lightweight
The cons
- Unstable base
- Not for faster paces
Rating breakdown
Facts / Specs
Size/Fit
Cushioning & ride
Usage
Who should buy the New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1 ?
This is a shoe for any runner who wants a lightweight, premium-feeling, soft daily trainer for all of those easy day runs. I could see this as race shoe for anyone who is not interested in a carbon-plated shoe and runs a marathon 4 hours or slower or half marathon 2 hours or slower.
Who should not buy the New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1 ?
If you need an all-around shoe then this will not help you on those tempo, threshold, or V02max days. It will not feel very comfortable at those faster paces. If you’re looking for a shoe at a lower premium price point then this will not fit your price range.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1 Introduction
The New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1 is the first iteration of a premium training shoe from New Balance.
It seemingly slots in between the 1080 and the More as a shoe that should be lightweight, bouncy, and soft.
This shoe use PEBA based foam, which is their most premium foam and the only shoe outside of their plated racers to use this foam.
The Balos also uses a rocker technology.
In combination, this shoe aims to deliver a very plush and bouncy ride for your daily miles.
Priced at $199.95, this shoe is more expensive given the lighter materials and premium midsole foam.
The rest of this review will help you determine if the higher cost is worth the premium additions.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1 First Impressions
When I first looked in the box, my first visual impression was the unique design and color scheme.
The rocker technology and the way the shoe uses the color on the outside of the midsole to make it looked pronounced gave me a fast impression of the shoe.
It was also very noticeable when I first picked it up and put it on that the shoe was made of very lightweight materials. It felt bouncy right from the get-go without even trying to run.
My first run in these shoes was an easy 7 mile run and this shoe felt great. I could feel the rocker helping me in my transition from heel-to-toe and the bounciness felt like the running was effortless.
My next run was a different story as it was time for some 5k paced intervals. The shoe was not responsive going to those faster paces. It was also difficult to hit those paces because the shoe was too soft. The rocker technology and bounciness of the midsole didn’t help with my faster paces.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1 Upper
The construction of the upper on this shoe might be the best part of the shoe. The tongue is very light and is gusseted (attached).
The laces are well constructed and stay together on a single tie for at least 2 hours. The entire upper is breathable and held up well during the tropical heat. I never felt like my foot was overheating.
The toebox on this shoe is pretty roomy and that was nice for the feet especially as the runs got over an hour.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1 Sole Unit
The midsole is the feature element of this shoe with the PEBA-based foam. The height in the heel is 42mm and the height at the forefoot is 36mm for 6mm heel drop. The overall stack height is 5mm higher than the 1080.
For my men’s size 9, the weight of the shoe was 8.6 oz, which is more than a half ounce lighter than the 1080.
The rocker technology they use is called Camber Geometry which is marketed to help runners roll smoothly through their stride to make running easier. The rocker technology does do that at the slower paces. As mentioned earlier, the foam is very plush and bouncy.
In comparison to the 1080, this shoe is softer and bouncier. If you can tell the difference between stack heights, this shoe is noticeably higher off the ground.
The traction on the outsole is ok. I actually waited to write this review because there were some rainy days upcoming and I wanted to see how this shoe responded in those conditions. The answer is: not great.
I never felt like I was going to fall or slip but I also never felt comfortable with how my feet were landing. There is not a fully slab of rubber on the outsole, only some strategically placed rubber on the forefoot and heel.
The rest of the shoe is covered by EVA foam. The other issue in the rain is that my shoe got very squeaky during the run. It was a minor annoyance yet something I don’t typically experience with other shoes.
My other critique of the sole unit is that I never felt comfortable taking turns at a regular pace. I always slowed down as the shoe was too soft for me to feel confident that I could turn without falling.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1 Conclusions
The New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1 is a premium daily trainer that is very lightweight, bouncy, and plush.
It’s a great shoe for all the daily miles.
I struggle overall with this shoe in terms of it’s price point. I’m not completely sold on paying an extra $35 for this shoe over the 1080 especially since it’s not more versatile.
If you want more bounce and greater plush and you think it’s worth more, then go for this shoe. I’m unlikely to believe that those additions are worth it.
How does the Fresh Foam X Balos v1 compare?
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13
New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4
Why you can trust us
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.We purchased this pair of New Balance at Running Warehouse with our own money.
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.
Reviewed by Larry
Larry lives outside of Raleigh, NC with his wife, 3 kids, and his dog. He's been running since high school and loves pretty much any distance up to the 50k. Larry enjoys running for both fun and competition - in that order. Outside of running, Larry chauffeurs his kids around to their various exploits - soccer, swimming, track, dance, music, etc.
User feedback (7)
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3 days ago
Anyone with flat feet try the Balos yet? My podiatrist recommended something stable for my slight overpronation, but I’m worried about the stack height. Also, do they run small like the 1080s? Those always pinch my toes unless I size up.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.5 days ago
Need something cushy for those day-after-long-run shuffles – anyone switched from the More v4 to these? Bit worried about wobbling around in such a tall shoe when I’m dragging at 10+ min/mile pace.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.2 weeks ago
Just spent an hour at Fleet Feet trying these on. Man, that cushioning is cloud-like but honestly felt a bit wobbly on my test run around the block. Hard to justify dropping $200 when the Bondi 8 feels more stable for my wide feet. Might grab these when they hit the sale rack though!
Your comment is awaiting moderation.1 month ago
Really need a new recovery day shoe and these caught my eye. My legs are usually pretty shot after weekend long runs – anyone using these for those slow, easy miles? Been burned before by shoes that feel unstable when I’m tired. Also curious how the Fresh Foam X holds up over time compared to the regular stuff.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.2 months ago
Hey there! Training for my first marathon and eyeing the Balos v1. My current More v4s feel a bit unstable on longer runs – anyone switched between these two? I tend to like firmer shoes (been running in Saucony Rides), so wondering if these might feel too mushy for me. Also, do they run small like other New Balance shoes?
Your comment is awaiting moderation.2 months ago
Getting back into running after knee issues and trying to decide between these and the More v4. Anyone with stability concerns tried both? My current NB shoes are pretty snug – wondering if I should size up like usual. Planning to use these for my comeback training this spring.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.3 months ago
I’ve put the Balos through its paces over the past month, logging about 120 miles. The Fresh Foam X cushioning is incredibly plush – possibly the softest New Balance shoe I’ve tried, even more so than the More v4. Perfect for recovery days when my legs are beat up. Used it for a 16-mile long run and while the cushioning was great, I noticed some stability issues, especially when fatigue set in. Definitely agree it’s not suited for speedwork – tried some tempo intervals and felt like running in sand. The upper is beautifully constructed and the fit is perfect for my slightly wide feet. For pure easy day comfort, it’s outstanding, but the $200 price point is hard to justify given its limited versatility. Comparing it to the 1080v13, I’d say the Balos is softer but less versatile.
3 months ago
After putting 150 miles on these, I can honestly say they’re perfect for daily training and easy miles. Love how plush they feel on recovery runs, though they do get a bit wobbly when I try to push the pace. They’re definitely softer than my old Clifton 9s but don’t feel as stable. Been using them mainly for my easy 5-8 milers and recovery days. Pretty impressed they’re only 9.2 oz considering all that cushioning! Had to switch back to my Endorphin Speeds for speedwork though – these just aren’t made for that. Super comfy upper but wish it locked down my midfoot better.
4 months ago
I’ve tested the Balos extensively over the past month, logging 175 miles including a half marathon. The soft, bouncy ride is perfect for daily training – reminds me of the More v4 but lighter. The upper breathes well and I had no issues during a rainy 14-miler. However, the instability becomes noticeable on tired legs or uneven surfaces. I tried some tempo work but anything faster than 7:30/mile feels squirrely. For easy days and long runs (8:30-9:45 pace), these are fantastic. Foam shows minimal compression so far. A great addition to the NB lineup if you prioritize comfort over speed.
6 months ago
I tried these shoes for both short and long runs, and overall, I’m impressed but it’s not without flaws. The Fresh Foam midsole feels very cushioned and the upper is super breathable, so they’ve been great for warm-weather runs. However, the arch support feels a little off for me personally, and I noticed that the outsole doesn’t provide as much traction as I’d like on wet surfaces. That aside, they’re a solid choice for most road runners who prioritize comfort. Definitely one of the better models from New Balance recently.
7 months ago
I picked up these shoes last week, and I’ve already clocked a few miles in them. Gotta say, the Fresh Foam midsole really stands out—plenty of cushioning without being too soft. The upper fits snugly but might feel a bit narrow for wider feet, just a heads up!
7 months ago
I think these are a solid option for everyday runners. The cushioning is soft yet responsive, and they feel really stable during longer miles. However, the upper did feel slightly narrow for my foot, so I’d recommend trying them on in-store if you have wider feet. Overall, well-rounded shoe with a sleek design.
7 months ago
I’m really impressed by the cushioning. The Fresh Foam X feels soft underfoot, but also provides good stability. I didn’t feel much wobble even during faster paces. The design isn’t too flashy, which I like—it’s clean and understated. I found the fit true to size, though the toe box could be a bit wider for better comfort over long distances. Overall, solid choice for everyday training and long runs.