New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14
Pros
- Amazing step-in feel
- Excellent durability
- Cloud-soft midsole
- Ideal for forefoot and midfoot strikers
- Perfect for recovery runs
- Airy upper
- Fairly priced for a premium daily trainer
- Stability improvements
Cons
- Noticeable weight increase
- Tapered toebox limits toe splay
- Midsole could be too soft for some
- Lacks energy return
Key Features
- Fresh Foam X Midsole: The cushioning system is crafted with approximately 3% bio-based content, providing excellent comfort while being eco-friendly.
- Debris-Resistant Gusseted Tongue: This design feature helps keep dirt and debris from entering the shoe, enhancing your running experience.
- No-Sew Overlays: These overlays reduce weight and improve durability without compromising flexibility.
- Synthetic and Engineered Mesh Upper: This combination offers breathability and support, ensuring your feet remain comfortable during long runs.
- Adjustable Lace Closure: Tailor the fit of your shoes for personalized comfort and security.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Synthetic
The Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 is a top choice for those seeking comfort in a walking shoe. With its combination of an ultra-breathable upper and pillowy cushioning, it offers ease for all-day wear.
Upon trying the shoe, we noted its cloud-like touch. During our street tests, it effectively absorbed impact, which contributed to less fatigue after extended use. Our durometer readings showed a measurement of 11.9 HA, indicating a softness that is 43.3% above the lab average.
Another aspect enhancing comfort is the shoe's flexibility, despite its substantial stack height. A flex test yielded a near-average result of 15.8N, confirming its suitability for walking activities.
We experienced long hours in the shoes without discomfort or blisters, which is notable given that plush uppers typically restrict airflow. The triple-layer jacquard mesh construction yielded a score of 4/5 in breathability tests, surpassing expectations.
A drawback of the Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 is its tapered toebox, which may feel constricting as it narrows toward the big toe area. Prospective buyers with wider feet may want to consider other options.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos
Pros
- Plush, cloud-like cushioning
- Amazing rockered geometry
- Lightweight for its size
- Breathable, moisture-wicking upper
- Ideal for long runs and recovery days
- Works for walking if needed
- Fantastic knit tongue
- Superb for midfoot strikers
- 360-degree reflectivity
Cons
- Low-volume toebox
- Price feels a bit excessive
- Not enough energy return
- EVA outsole raises durability concerns
Key Features
- Fresh Foam X Cushioning: Provides exceptional comfort and support during prolonged use.
- Bio EVA Material: Lightweight and environmentally friendly, ensuring your shoes are both functional and sustainable.
- Lace-Up Closure: Allows for a customizable fit to suit your foot's shape and preferences.
- Not Water Resistant: Intended for dry conditions; best suited for outdoor activities on clear days.
Specifications
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Water Resistance Level: Not Water Resistant
The New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos is ideal for runners seeking superior shock absorption and comfort over long distances. Our lab tests demonstrate its exceptional cushioning capabilities, providing a plush platform that feels natural while being surprisingly lightweight.
Designed with muscle and joint protection in mind, the Balos features a generous stack height of 37.8/31.9 mm. This design ensures significant cushioning during long runs, evidenced by top-tier shock absorption scores of 158 SA in the heel and 129 SA in the forefoot.
The Balos offers a natural ride with an uncomplicated design. Our benchmarks show that the midsole is 15.3% more flexible than average, which enhances both comfort and versatility, making it suitable for walking as well.
We appreciate how easy it is to cover miles with the Balos’ lightweight construction. Weighing in at 8.7 oz (247g), it is 6.8% lighter than average, which is noteworthy given its substantial cushioning.
A notable drawback of the Balos is its somewhat dull ride. While it excels as a trainer for recovery runs, its performance may not be versatile enough for faster paces.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Ultra-soft, responsive midsole
- Includes a carbon plate
- Ideal for marathon training
- Great stability
- Premium upper delivers great fit
- Fantastic for midfoot strikers
- Solid traction
Cons
- Increased weight
- Still not 100% PEBA foam
- Midsole groove traps pebbles
- Upper durability
Key Features
- FuelCell midsole foam: Approximately 3% bio-based content enhances propulsion, helping you maintain speed while promoting eco-friendliness.
- Energy Arc technology: This innovative design combines sport-specific carbon fiber plate geometry with strategic midsole voids to maximize energy return during each stride.
- Lightweight construction: The angular midsole design not only reduces weight but also contributes to a more responsive feel as you run.
- Superior traction: The outsole is crafted for enhanced grip, allowing you to tackle various terrains confidently.
- Approximate 4 mm drop: Although the drop may vary slightly due to manufacturing processes, it provides a comfortable transition for your foot strike.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber for durability and traction
- Outer material: Breathable mesh to keep your feet cool
- Inner material: Soft cotton for additional comfort
The FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 is an excellent choice for runners seeking a cushioned shoe suitable for tempo runs. It provides energetic takeoffs while ensuring cushioned and stable landings. This shoe offers speed without excessive aggressiveness, making it a well-rounded trainer.
At the core of the SC Trainer v3's performance is the full-length Energy Arc carbon plate, designed with a central void to facilitate movement. In our bend test, it achieved a stiffness score that is 18.7% above average, while competitive racing shoes typically exhibit higher scores.
This model demonstrates that speedy footwear can also be comfortable, featuring an ultra-plush stack that surpasses average cushioning. Our durometer measurements show that the FuelCell foam is 57.9% softer than average, enhancing comfort over long distances.
Despite its substantial cushioning, the SC Trainer v3 maintains impressive stability through non-intrusive design features such as a broad sole flare, midsole sidewalls, and an expansive midfoot. Our caliper measurement indicates a width of 117.7 mm, compared to an average of 114.1 mm.
However, potential buyers should consider the weight of the SC Trainer v3, which may feel cumbersome in comparison to lighter models. Our scales recorded a weight of 9.8 oz (278g), indicating that more agile options are available in the market.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road
Pros
- Marshmallowy plush cushioning
- Great for recovery days
- Extremely flexible and forgiving
- Rockered midsole for smooth transitions
- Above average breathability
- Excellent performance in cold conditions
- Provides good stability
- Ideal for long runs
- Accommodating toebox
Cons
- Lacking in upper durability
- Needs some breaking in
Key Features
- Fresh Foam X midsole: Provides an incredibly cushioned experience for optimal comfort during runs.
- No-sew upper construction: Ensures a sleek fit and minimizes the risk of irritation.
- Synthetic/mesh upper: Offers breathability and durability, ideal for various weather conditions.
- Rubber outsole pods: Designed to withstand daily wear-and-tear, enhancing the shoe's longevity.
- Adjustable lace closure: Allows for a customized fit that can accommodate different foot shapes and preferences.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh
- Closure type: Lace-Up
At a price of $85, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road is positioned as a budget-friendly option among daily trainers, which average $131 based on our lab data. This shoe delivers a balanced combination of comfort for runs, a slight rebound effect, and reliable stability.
The midsole demonstrates notable comfort, achieving strong shock absorption scores of 132 in the heel and 124 in the forefoot. The plush cushioning alleviates stress on muscles and joints, enabling longer runs than initially anticipated.
With a responsive feel, the midsole provides a pleasant spring effect during takeoff. In our energy return test, the Kaiha Road achieved results beyond the standard, recording 59.2% in the heel and 61.7% in the forefoot.
This model balances softness and responsiveness with a broad base, measured at 119.2/100.1 mm, effectively enhancing stability during runs. This width allows for a more relaxed running experience without excessive effort to maintain balance.
However, the emphasis on cushioning contributes to increased stiffness in the Kaiha Road. Runners seeking a more natural underfoot sensation or a trainer suitable for walking may want to consider a more flexible alternative.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo v6
Pros
- Flexible design
- Comfortable, high-quality upper
- Exceptional durability
- Perfect for easy paces
- Also suitable for neutral runners
- Excellent for long runs
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Noticeably heavy
- Limited breathability
- Not the best for heel strikers
Key Features
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content for an ultra-cushioned ride.
- Supportive medial zone specifically designed to combat overpronation.
- Engineered mesh upper for enhanced structure, support, and breathability.
- Synthetic upper material with no-sew overlays for a seamless fit.
- 6 mm drop, providing an ideal balance between cushioning and performance.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber for durability and traction.
- Outer material: Mesh for breathability and flexibility.
- Inner material: Cotton for added comfort.
The Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 is a New Balance walking shoe designed for individuals seeking excellent arch support. Following extensive runs and rigorous lab testing, this model provides confident and secure strides without the typical stiffness associated with stability shoes. Its design focuses on comfort and effortless movement.
The Vongo v6 features a distinct stabilization method, utilizing dual-density foam complemented by a plastic plate positioned between the layers. Our durometer readings indicate that the foam closer to the foot has a plush rating of 15.8 HA, delivering comfort, while the base layer offers firmer support at 18.9 HA. The embedded EVA film plate contributes minimal stiffness, as demonstrated by our bend test, which revealed a flexibility increase of 20.6% compared to average stability shoes.
During extended walks, the midsole's comfort remains consistently high. Measurements show that the Vongo v6 provides substantial cushioning for a stability shoe, standing taller than other neutral models at 36.1/30.5 mm. This characteristic enhances the overall experience during prolonged use.
Despite its advantages, the Vongo v6 has a heavier build, weighing in at 11.0 oz (312g), which may not be ideal for those prioritizing lightweight footwear options. This weight could impact the preference of users looking for a more agile feel.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer v2
Pros
- Designed to fly at 5K/10K and half-marathon races
- Wonderful for lighter runners
- Cheaper than most supershoes
- Ultra-breathable upper
- Excels at interval training sessions
- Improved compared to its predecessor
- Perfect for classic racing flat enthusiasts
- Plush and bouncy PEBA foam
Cons
- Should be even lighter for its stack height
- Potential Achilles rubbing
- Unstable heel
- Short, non-gusseted tongue
Key Features
- 8 MM Drop: Optimally engineered for a balanced feel during your run.
- Imported Construction: Quality craftsmanship ensures durability and longevity.
- Rubber Sole: Provides excellent traction on various surfaces, enhancing stability.
- Mesh Outer Material: Ensures breathability, keeping your feet cool and dry.
- Cotton Inner Material: Offers comfort and a soft touch against your skin.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh
- Inner material: Cotton
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer v2 is best suited for runners seeking an explosive ride with significant energy return. Our lab tests indicate that it provides the highest energy return among New Balance running shoes, making it a notable option for performance-driven athletes.
This model features a FuelCell midsole, achieving energy return rates of 75.2% in the heel and 75.8% in the forefoot. Weighing only 7.1 oz (200g), it offers impressive responsiveness and cushioning, which helps maintain comfort over long distances.
With a moderate stack height of 32.9/25.4 mm, the SuperComp Pacer v2 balances ground connection and joint protection effectively. The shoe demonstrates near-average shock absorption scores of 132/97 SA, enhancing overall comfort during runs.
The upper design includes large ventilation holes that facilitate airflow, achieving a maximum breathability score of 5/5 in our smoke test. However, it received a low durability score of 1/5 in our Dremel test, indicating that the material may not withstand heavy wear. If durability is a priority, consider opting for a model with reinforced construction.