New Balance Shoes and Apparel
New Balance’s plush-cushioned, everyday trainer, the 1080, has just received a significant update that makes it into a “must-have” trainer for all your miles. When reviewers discuss the new 1080 v10, their common refrain is that it is both “smooth and responsive.” This shoe is no longer a tank, it has lost nearly an ounce and a half compared to earlier versions through laser engraving on the midsole and the greater use of blown rubber on the outsole. This is also a more flexible shoe. Again, the laser engraving results in greater flexibility and the new engineered knit upper provides greater flexibility and security. Although nice and flexible, the new 1080 provides very secure midfoot lockdown and the new Ultra Heel prevents slipping. This shoe fits a lot of different runners well. The newly formulated Fresh Foam X is a great combination of soft and responsive. Runners have often commented on the 1080 v10 providing a nice “pop” while keeping their legs fresh. If you need a versatile everyday trainer that provides great cushioning, as well as energy return and has a locked-down, dialed-in fit, the new 1080 v10 will be your shoe!
The latest New Balance 860 improves on an already excellent cushioned stability shoe by refining the upper and adding a brand-new heel counter, the Ultra Heel, for a secure, locked-in feel. Version 10 of the venerable NB 860 incorporates a double jacquard engineered mesh upper that is plush and pliable and is smoother than the previous version. A newly-designed padded tongue adds additional comfort without any additional weight. The most noticeable update in the 860 v10 is the 3D molded heel cup that locks your heel in place –– the Ultra Heel –– to prevent slipping that some runners had experienced in previous versions of the 860. The molded heel cup has a soft interior pad to provide even more comfort. This is a great design. If you regularly run in the New Balance 860, you are going to love this shoe. If you haven’t tried the 860, now is the time to do so.
The updated Fresh Foam Beacon continues the success of the original with a very cushioned midsole that has the added benefit of being remarkably light. New rubber pads on the outsole provide greater durability, while the upper sees the implementation of New Balance’s new Ultra Heel that provides a sleek rear foot fit.
After a bit of a hiatus, the New Balance 870 is back! Version 5 features a new, sleek knit upper that conforms to your foot while providing secure comfort. The 870 is a lightweight, responsive daily trainer with a moderate amount of stability. If you are looking for something snappy with just a hint of support, the new 870 may well be your shoe.
New Balance tore more than two ounces off the weight of their performance lightweight trainer when they made version 7 of the 890. Part of the weight saving comes from a new minimal lightweight multi-density engineered mesh upper that moves well with your feet. A full ground contact REVlite midsole contributes to a firmer, more responsive ride, ideal for specific workouts or even as an everyday trainer. This is a remarkable shoe.
New Balance enters the maximum cushion running shoe category with the brand-new Fresh Foam More. This shoe has a stack height that rivals the Hoka Bondi for a soft ride. New Balance has also kept the heel-to-toe offset at a low 4 millimeters to help cultivate an ideal running form. The Fresh Foam More also sports a full-contact outsole for a smooth transition and has laser-engraved sidewalls to ensure flexibility. If your long runs are making your legs feel beat, come in and try the Fresh Foam More.
The New Balance 880 continues to be the workhorse of New Balance’s cushioned, neutral trainers. With a dual foam midsole that combines excellent cushioning and responsiveness, this is a shoe that can be used for all of your workouts, ranging from faster-paced to long runs. The latest version of the 880 uses no-sew material applications to prevent hot spots and problems associated with stitched overlays. An engineered mesh will keep your feet cool and comfortable, while giving you just the right amount of security on the upper. Version 9 continues the tradition of comfort and durability for which the 880 is known. Come in and try out a pair today.
The New Balance Zante Pursuit is a lighter, faster update of the venerable Zante v4, which continues to use a full-length Fresh Foam midsole for lightweight cushioning and amazing responsiveness. Bootie construction plus a new lightweight knit upper that moves with your foot and offers a great lockdown feel makes this a great shoe for faster-paced workouts. For those wanting a super lightweight trainer for everyday miles, the Fresh Foam midsole will take you a long way.
The next version of the 1080 sees some changes to New Balance’s venerable plush-cushioned neutral trainer. The full-length Fresh Foam midsole has been completely redesigned to be softer than ever. A blown-rubber outsole at the forefoot improves the cushioned feel and increased flex grooves on the outsole contribute to a more flexible ride. The 1080 v9 achieves greater comfort by becoming soft and flexible. The 1080’s plush feel is not limited to the midsole, however. There is a new double-layered jacquard mesh upper, plush padding at the heel to hold it in place, and a bootie construction upper that provides a soft, irritant-free wrap for the foot. This is a shoe designed to deliver a premium, plush running experience. If you want that to be your experience, you need to try the NB 1080.
If you need a stability shoe, but have found a traditional support technologies to be too aggressive, consider the latest version of New Balance’s Fresh Foam Vongo. The new Vongo uses a Varus wedge and geometric patterns in the midsole to supply stability to those runners spending too much additional time in a pronated position. With little dense material underfoot, the shoe exudes cushioning while supplying great stability. This version has an additional two millimeters of Fresh Foam throughout the midsole for even more cushioning, as well as higher side walls for additional stability. For previous owners of the Vongo who felt that the upper was not secure enough, the updated mesh has 3D overlays for greater security. The new Vongo allows you to have the best of both worlds – cushion and stability.
The New Balance 860 version nine continues the 860’s tradition of supplying a perfect combination of cushioning and stability. A dual-density posting ensures stability mile after mile. A new soft knit-like mesh upper contributes to a more comfortable, customized fit. If you have worn previous models of the 860, you will not be disappointed. If you like running in a stability shoe and you haven’t tried out the 860, now is the time.
The New FuelCell Impulse by New Balance is designed for up tempo running. FuelCell is a new nitrogen-infused foam located in the shoe’s forefoot that is designed to rapidly propel the runner forward. The upper is a bootie construction that results in a sleek and snug fit for the best lockdown for quick running. The REVLite midsole is 30 percent lighter than comparable foams for additional quickness. If you are looking for light and fast, you need to try this shoe.
If you’re looking for a light-weight, responsive running shoe for racing anything from the 5K to the marathon or for faster-paced training, but you also need some stability, the updated New Balance 1500 will fit your needs. The midsole of version 4 hasn’t changed. It still has a firm medial post and a T-Beam TPU shank for support. The upper of the 1500 consists of a thin, durable mesh that wraps the foot securely. A larger heel loop makes slipping the shoe on a breeze. If you want light-weight stability, the NB 1500 is your shoe.
The New Balance 1400 continues to be a versatile, responsive racing and tempo flat for distances ranging from 5K to the marathon. The responsive and lightweight RevLite midsole and grippy blown rubber outsole are the same as the previous version. The upper, however, has been completely revamped with an all-new highly-breathable engineered mesh and internal FantomFit support cage for a more secure fit. New Balance designers also developed a smooth, internal feel for the 1400 to appeal to those who prefer running sockless. This is a shoe designed for fast running or for those who don’t want to feel anything on their feet.
New Balance’s update of the 840 gives a sleeker look to the venerable neutral trainer. Version 4 still has great space for an orthotic or stability insert, but manages to have a more form-fitting upper for better control and security. The broad-base supplies great stability for a neutral shoe and the well-made sock liner ups the feeling of luxurious cushioning underfoot. The new 840 is one comfortable shoe.
Neutral Shoes
- Fresh Foam Beacon v2
- Fresh Foam More
- 1400 v6
- Zante Pursuit
- 880 v9
- 890 v7
- 1080 v10
- 840 v4
Stability Shoes
- 860 v10
- 870 v5
- 840 Walker
- 847 Walker
- 928 Walker
- X20 Minimus
