The New Balance Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road is a budget running shoe designed for daily runners seeking comfort and support. With its generous padding and verified midsole design, this shoe is ideal for those prioritizing cushioning during low-intensity runs.

The notable plushness of the midsole provides a smooth ride while walking or jogging. This translates to enhanced comfort underfoot, making it suitable for casual wear as well.


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

New Balance Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

New Balance Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 Reebok FloatZig 1 ASICS Novablast 5
Price $100 $165 $130 $140
Pace Daily running Daily running Daily running Daily running
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 9.9 oz / 281g 10.1 oz / 285g 10.1 oz / 285g 9 oz / 254g
Drop lab Drop brand 3.8 mm 4.2 mm 7.0 mm 7.4 mm
Strike pattern Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot Heel Mid/forefoot
Size True to size True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Soft Soft Balanced Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Normal Normal Normal Big
Toebox durability Bad Good Decent Bad
Heel padding durability Bad Decent Decent Decent
Outsole durability Good Good Bad Good
Breathability Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Narrow Medium Medium
Stiffness Stiff Moderate Moderate Moderate
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Moderate Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Stiff Moderate Moderate
Rocker
Heel lab Heel brand 35.8 mm 37.0 mm 36.8 mm 40.9 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 32.0 mm 32.8 mm 29.8 mm 33.5 mm
Widths available Normal Narrow Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 20% Top 47% Top 24% Top 5%
Popularity Top 5% Top 1% Bottom 30% Top 2%