By Paul Freary
Here, we take a look at the best five shoes from New Balance in each of the categories: cushioning, support, tempo running, racing and trail running.
I’ve tried all these shoes, and these are my selections in each of the categories.
I’ll look at the specifications of each model, any specific technology in the shoes and how they perform.
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One point of note is regarding the fit of New Balance shoes. I find most models true to size, and runners in the US will most likely agree. In the UK, caution is required as New Balance to a half-size conversion from US to UK sizes. So, a US10 becomes a UK9.5. Most brands (Brooks, Nike, Saucony, etc) use a full-size conversion, so a US10 becomes a UK9.
1. New Balance Neutral Cushioned Running Shoe - Fresh Foam X 1080v14
Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; New Balance
The 1080 has long been New Balance’s range-topping neutral cushioned training shoe. While they now have other models, such as the Fresh Foam X More, that offer similarly high stacks of cushioning, the 1080 remains the most versatile offering from the brand as well as the most popular.
The Fresh Foam X midsole offers a soft, cushioned feel with a moderate amount of feedback. Although the 1080v14 is a little firmer than the previous version, the v13 was a very soft shoe. The 1080v14 remains a similar level of cushioning but doesn’t have the ‘running in sand’ feel of the 1080v13.
A rocker profile helps the deep stack of cushioning transition smoothly from heel to toe during the running gait.
A triple-jacquard mesh upper creates a plush, soft upper with a nice degree of stretch that creates a great fit around the foot.
The 1080v14 is the best version of the 1080 to date. It has now hit the sweet spot in terms of cushioning and responsiveness. Where the previous model was very soft, we now have a shoe that offers enough cushioning to absorb the initial ground contact impact but still offers an encouraging toe-off rather than all your effort sinking into the shoe.
For those seeking great cushioning above all else in a neutral running shoe, the New Balance 1080v14 is one of the models to add to your shortlist.
Other comparative shoes from competitor brands would be the Brooks Glycerin 22 and Saucony Triumph 22
2. New Balance Support Shoe – Fresh Foam X 860v14
Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; New Balance
New Balance support-type shoes have always included the ‘Six-Zero’ element at the end of their names (660, 860, etc.). Still, the 860 has always been the brand’s most popular support shoe offering for those who require control or support for overpronation.
This the 860v14 removes the traditional medial post from the shoe’s midsole to provide control in a more holistic manner that feels smooth and natural.
The 860v14 features the same Fresh Foam X midsole cushioning material as the 1080v14 (above).
It is worth noting that Fresh Foam X is an umbrella term for the cushioning material used by New Balance. It can be different densities and feel different from shoe to shoe.
In the 860, the Fresh Foam X uses two densities of material. A Firmer density is present on the medial side of the shoe. This is spliced into the midsole laterally with more of the firm material on the medial side and less on the lateral side. As the foot rolls inwards (overpronates), it rolls onto more of the firmer material, and this helps slow the rate of overpronation.
A stability plane (thin plastic sheet) sits between the two layers of Fresh Foam X. This adds to the stability and reduces overpronation.
Always one of the best options for overpronators, the 860v14 cements its position in the list of options to consider.
The shoe provides a soft ride that is still able to control pronation. The feel of the support is very subtle, taking care of the control without many people noticing. This makes it a great option in the support shoe category.
Other shoes offering similar levels of cushioning and control are the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 and Saucony Guide 17.
3. New Balance Trail Running Shoe – Fresh Foam X Hierro V8
Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; New Balance
Blending the cushioning and fit of a road running shoe with a grippy Vibram outsole, the Hierro provides a smooth riding trail running experience in a shoe that’s light, cushioned and versatile.
Gone are the days of heavy, clunky trail shoes, and we are now somewhat blessed by brands such as New Balance that are giving us off-road models with the overall comfort enjoyed by lighter road shoes.
Fresh Foam X again makes up the cushioning in the Hierro. Here, it is a single density of foam running the full length of the shoe to deliver a soft, smooth ride.
A Micro-Traction Lug by Vibram makes up the sole of the shoe. Known for its great traction, Vibram provides a tooth-like pattern that bites into the ground for great grip on a wide variety of surfaces.
Trail running shoes are as, if not more, varied than their road-going counterparts. The amount of traction you’ll require is something that is best known to you, depending on your local terrain and weather conditions.
The Hierro is a great all-around off-road running shoe that provides great cushioning and versatile grip that will work for a wide range of terrain and conditions.
The Hierro is a similar shoe to models such as the Saucony Ride TR and Nike Pegasus Trail. All are versatile options with cushioning based on road-going models from the same manufacturers.
4. New Balance Shoe for Faster-Paced Training – SC Trainer V3
Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; New Balance
First, we had ‘supershoes’, carbon-plated race day shoes that offered great, responsive foam cushioning and a carbon plate. Then we began to get ‘super-trainers’, a new category of shoe based on super shoes but being a little more durable, with a little more cushioning and capable of more regular use. The SC Trainer v3 is the super-trainer offering from New Balance.
The first version of the SC Trainer was an ‘illegal’ shoe in that it had over 40mm stack of cushioning. The cushioning simply absorbed anything you could throw at it. In fact, I wore the SC Trainer 1 for a downhill marathon. The event in Spain descended for the first 19miles of the race! I felt the SC Trainer was the perfect shoe for the conditions, and as it turned out it was, I won the race, yet even with the plush super high levels of cushioning, it was a rather punishing event.
The SC Trainer 3 is now more closely related to the SC Elite v4 and has a legal 40mm stack, as well as sharing the Energy Arc carbon plate.
In the brand’s faster and competition shoes, the cushioning becomes FuelCell midsole foam. This foam has a soft initial feel but with a much higher level of energy return to create a spring ride.
A carbon fibre Energy Arc runs the full length of the shoe and is paired with midsole voids. The voids allow the shoe to sink into them, and the carbon fibre then ‘rebounds’ into shape for a propulsive feel.
The Angular midsole design reduces weight yet adds a little stability to the shoe.
Being so closely related to the SC Elite v4, the SC Trainer is a really quite remarkable shoe. It’s still relatively lightweight, and many people could easily use this model as a racing shoe, making it more versatile than the Elite.
The cushioning is very similar to the Elite in that it shares the FuelCell foam and PEBA mixture; it’s just in this model, there’s less PEBA. The result is still a soft, light and highly responsive shoe and, if anything, a little more durable midsole compound.
The downside when compared to the Elite is that extra little weight and a little less spring. But bear in mind, this is a training shoe ultimately and as such, it’s a great shoe for faster-paced runs, interval sessions on the road and tempo efforts.
Similar competitor models would be the Saucony Endorphin Speed and Mizuno Rebellion Flash 2.
5. New Balance Racing or Marathon Shoe – SC Elite V4
Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; New Balance
The SC Elite v4 has become not just New Balance’s best road racing shoe but one of the best around. The latest version has hit a sweet spot in terms of cushioning and propulsion, with the blend of midsole foam proving versatile in road races of any length.
The midsole of the SuperComp Elite v4 contains FuelCell made with PEBA to provide the highest level of energy return in a shoe from the brand.
The carbon fibre Energy Arc pairs sport-specific carbon fibre plate with strategic midsole voids, these voids are designed to increase stored energy and deliver a higher amount of total energy return.
A rocker profile provides a smooth but, at the same time, makes the Elite v4 a very stable road racing shoe.
The FantomFit upper is a single layer thick to reduce weight, highly breathable and provides a secure fit.
As a road racing shoe, the SC Elite v4 is right up there with the best in the business. It’s light, highly cushioned and extremely responsive. I’d say it’s one of the best marathon-specific shoes around, too!
There is a deep stack of cushioning, and this lends itself, particularly to longer races, the half and marathon distances being where the shoe feels at home. You are able to settle into a pace, and the shoe just seems to cruise and get better and better the further you go.
The EnergyArc carbon plate is a little stiffer than many other carbon counterparts, but again, when striding along in longer races, it keeps the shoe very composed, adds stability and provides a great toe-off.
From other brands, similar riding models to the Elite v4 are the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 and ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris.
Overall, the New Balance SC Elite v4 is the brand’s best racing shoe, but it may very well be their best shoe full stop!
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