The New Balance Tektrel Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The New Balance Tektrel is a versatile footwear option designed for casual runners seeking a reliable door-to-trail experience. With its unique design and accessible price point, the shoe is particularly suitable for those who value both road and trail performance.

Lab results indicate that the ride offers moderate responsiveness, which may not match the explosiveness of other models in its category. Additionally, while the outsole performance did not meet the highest standards, it remains a functional choice for runners looking to balance quality and affordability.


Pros

  • Tough yet breathable upper
  • Ideal for easy, non-technical trails
  • Competitively priced
  • Suitable for all footstrikes
  • Versatile for hiking and walking
  • Unique design
  • Versatile
  • Enough room for toe splay

Cons

  • Bad weight/cushioning ratio
  • Outsole durability concerns
  • Unconventional lacing system
  • Lacks reflective elements

Key Features

  • AT Tread outsole provides versatile traction during both on and off-road activities.
  • Performance midsole offers comfortable cushioning built specifically for running.
  • Lifestyle-inspired upper ensures effortless style, making these shoes suitable for casual outings as well.
  • Corded eyerow creates a locked-down feeling for added security during runs.
  • Suede and mesh upper combines durability with breathability.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Mesh
  • Inner material: Cotton

New Balance Tektrel Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

New Balance Tektrel On Cloudvista 2 New Balance 510 v6 Salomon Pulsar Trail
Price $90 $150 $90 $130
Trail terrain Light Light Light Light
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.7 oz / 302g 10.3 oz / 292g 11 oz / 312g 9.9 oz / 281g
Drop lab Drop brand 8.0 mm 6.0 mm 8.2 mm 7.2 mm
Strike pattern Heel Mid/forefoot Heel Mid/forefoot
Size Slightly small True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Balanced Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Normal Small Small Small
Plate Rock plate
Toebox durability Good Decent Decent Decent
Heel padding durability Decent Bad Bad Good
Outsole durability Decent Good Good Good
Breathability Breathable Warm Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Medium Narrow Narrow Medium
Toebox width Wide Medium Medium Medium
Stiffness Stiff Moderate Stiff Stiff
Torsional rigidity Moderate Stiff Moderate Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Lug depth 2.4 mm 3.1 mm 2.9 mm 2.5 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 32.2 mm 31.7 mm 33.8 mm 31.0 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 24.2 mm 25.7 mm 25.6 mm 23.8 mm
Widths available Normal Narrow Normal Normal
Season Summer All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Ranking Bottom 6% Top 35% Bottom 3% Top 42%
Popularity Top 49% Bottom 41% Bottom 13% Bottom 22%