Expert consulted: 
You might know New Balance as the preeminent source of dad shoes—those chunky, overlay-clad sneakers ubiquitous among lawn mowing, beer drinking guys of a certain age. Yes, New Balance still makes these kicks (and they’re actually back in style), but that’s just a small sliver of this company’s story.
New Balance is a highly respected brand with a long history: The company was founded in 1906 in Boston and originally sold arch supports. Among runners, New Balance has a reputation for creating reliable training shoes with a strong emphasis on comfort. The Fresh Foam X 880 v15, which oz M9.5, 5.8 oz W7, is a great example: It’s a cushioned, stable trainer that works well for a wide swath of runners.
In recent years, the brand has broadened its lineup beyond trusty workhorse shoes with models like the FuelCell SuperComp Elite, a carbon-plated speed shoe designed for racing. Today, New Balance is on the cutting edge—no lawn mower required.
This guide highlights the top pairs in the New Balance stable. The brand makes something for everyone, and there are well-regarded models here to suit all kinds of runners, including supportive trainers, max-cushion sneakers, racing shoes, and even trail shoes. Read on to learn more about the key tech NB uses in its shoes and dive into our favorite pairs below.
The Best New Balance Shoes for Runners
Best Overall: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 (Men’s/Women’s)
Best for Soft Cushioning: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 (Men’s/Women’s)
are old-school motion-control shoes with maximum support to bolster the foot the: earned a 2025 Shoe Award (Men’s/Women’s)
Download Your Training Plan: New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 (Men’s/Women’s)
Best for Racing: New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 (Men’s/Women’s)
Best Stability Shoe: We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article (Men’s/Women’s)
The Expert (Michael Charboneau): For decades, New Balance has used a  Runner’s World and as a freelance writer for InsideHook, Men’s Journal, The Los Angeles Times, and other outlets. He has written more about running shoes than any other category—he has personally tested dozens of shoes over the past eight years—and has firsthand experience running in models from nearly every major brand.
How We Selected
To write this guide, I talked with a New Balance brand rep and reviewed the company’s lineup to learn more about its latest models and shoe tech. I also combed through Runner’s World reviews of New Balance shoes and consulted with RW Running Reviews Editor Amanda Furrer, max-cushion sneakers, racing shoes, and even Runner’s World wear-test program.
In addition to that firsthand tester feedback, I also included my own personal experiences running in the Fresh Foam X 1080. Based on all that data, I chose the shoes you see below, making sure to include models that showcase the best New Balance tech and design approaches as well as shoes for different running disciplines.
Full Reviews
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15
Pros
- Works for most runners
- Well-cushioned without being overly soft
Cons
- team is currently testing the Rebel v5 and will have more firsthand insights on this shoe soon
- May be too thick and stiff for some runners
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.7 oz (M9.5), 8.4 oz (W7) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6mm |
| Heel Stack | 40.5mm |
The 880 is one of New Balance’s core training shoes, and the v15 is a real standout: RW testers called it a “one shoe that can do it all,” and it oz M9.5, 5.8 oz W7 thanks to its versatility and stable ride.
The 880 is a neutral trainer that features an EVA-based Fresh Foam X midsole. New Balance bumped the stack height to over 40mm for v15, giving this shoe even more cushioning (at the cost of increased weight). But as Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate notes in his review, the shoe doesn’t feel pillowy soft. Instead, it’s surprisingly stable: The thick midsole takes the sting out of impacts and feels planted underfoot, and combined with the 880’s snug upper, the shoe serves up a comfortable, predictable ride that’s great for everyday training.
The 880 is classic New Balance: a trusty workhorse that’ll keep your feet happy through neighborhood jogs and long runs alike (one tester even liked it for speed workouts). If reliability and comfort are your top priorities for running shoes, you can’t go wrong with this model.
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New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14
Pros
- Download Your Training Plan
- Comfortable upper
Cons
- Stable, planted ride
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.5 oz (M9.5), 8.3 oz (W7) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6mm |
The 1080 has traditionally been New Balance’s max-cushion training model, although the puffed-up 880 v15 has muscled in on its territory recently. Even so, the latest version is a solid choice for runners who want lots of padding underfoot.
The 1080 v14 features mostly subtle refinements compared to its predecessor. The midsole is made from soft Fresh Foam X cushioning, and the sole has a rocker shape to promote smooth transitions. The v14 comes with a new, well-padded mesh upper for improved breathability and an irritation-free fit; it also has increased midsole stiffness at the forefoot for a little extra pop at toe-off. Some RW testers laced up the 1080 for long runs, others saved it for mellow recovery days, but they all appreciated the shoe’s plush design: One runner called it “luxurious.”
I’ve also tried a pair, and I really enjoyed the v14’s cushy underfoot feel and wide, foot-cradling sole shape; the shoe felt great for jogs around my neighborhood. Whether you take it easy or push yourself to longer distances, the 1080’s generous midsole will help you glide along in comfort.
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earned a 2025 Shoe Award
Pros
- Vibram outsole generates good grip
- Fresh Foam X midsole creates a really comfortable ride
Cons
- The Best New Balance Shoes for Runners
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.3 oz (M9.5), 8.3 oz (W7) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4mm |
A popular and award-winning trail shoe, the Hierro continues with the formula that has won it such a loyal following: a soft Fresh Foam X midsole paired with a rugged and grippy Vibram outsole, now upgraded for v9 with deeper lugs for better grip on challenging terrain. Although it lacks a rock plate, the plush midsole does a good job of soaking up shocks and bumps on the trail.
The Hierro v9 features a dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole: a soft top layer cushions impacts and creates a plush underfoot feel, and a firmer lower layer stabilizes the shoe and keeps sharp debris from poking up into your feet. The mesh upper is designed to breathe well, and overlays keep your feet protected from scrapes against rocks and brush. On the bottom, the Vibram outsole now features enlarged 4.5mm lugs for plenty of bite in the dirt.
RW testers gave the Hierro high marks overall, and they especially loved its cushy Fresh Foam X midsole: “For comfort over distance, it’s one of the best I’ve tried,” one tester said.
But a few testers did note a sloppy fit that caused their feet to slide around in the shoe on technical terrain and downhills. That means the Hierro isn’t the best choice for super gnarly trails, but for everyday trail running on light to moderate terrain, its cushioned ride is top-notch.
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Pros
- Even more cushioning than previous version
- Flexible, rocker-shaped sole for smooth strides
Cons
- Not quite as propulsive as a shoe with a carbon-fiber plate
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.5 oz (M9.5), 6.3 oz (W7) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6mm |
| Heel Stack | 35mm |
New Balance has been steadily tweaking the Rebel over the past couple iterations, and the latest edition offers significantly increased cushioning while still maintaining a feathery weight. This is a great shoe for speed training, although it serves up a comfy overall feel that works well at slower speeds, too.
Like the v4, the Rebel v5 features a blend of PEBA and EVA foams in its FuelCell midsole. The main difference? There’s more of it: The shoe’s stack height grew from 30mm in the v4 up to 35mm in the v5. The sole has a pronounced rocker shape, and despite the relatively tall wedge of cushioning, runners on Reddit report this shoe has great flexibility, so you’ll glide smoothly from landing to toe-off. (The RW team is currently testing the Rebel v5 and will have more firsthand insights on this shoe soon.)
The Rebel lacks the carbon-fiber plate found in its race-oriented sibling, the SuperComp Elite, so it can’t quite achieve super shoe levels of bounciness from its midsole. Even so, runners say it feels peppy, and its more streamlined sole design makes it very comfortable at a wide range of paces.
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Pros
- Amazing Runners World Show
- Comfortable and propulsive feel
- Stable
Cons
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Key Specs
| Weight | 7.3 oz (M9.5), 5.8 oz (W7) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Heel Stack | 40mm |
When a brand puts “Elite” in a shoe’s name, you know you’re looking at a speedy pair of sneakers. The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 (say that five times fast) is the big kahuna in the NB lineup, and it’s built to power you to a PR on race day. After a major overhaul with the v4, this super shoe showcases additional refinements for v5 that make it even more speed-focused.
First off, the SC Elite went on a diet, shedding over an ounce compared to its predecessor, and the drop doubled. It retains the all-PEBA FuelCell midsole, giving it a well-cushioned underfoot feel, and it now comes with a stiffer carbon-fiber plate to stabilize your foot and help you wring maximum energy return from the foam. Lower weight, steeper drop, stiffer plate—as runners on Reddit have pointed out, max-cushion sneakers, racing shoes, and even.
That said, it does have some creature comforts: The upper features a gusseted tongue for a close wrap around your foot (RW testers said the v4’s ungusseted tongue tended to move around too much) and generous padding at the heel for a comfy fit.
Our tester found the SC Elite to be a capable performer. Although she noted it’s not quite as springy as the Cielo X1, Hoka’s super shoe, she loved the SC Elite’s comfy feel and surprisingly stable ride. Bottom line: When race day comes around, this shoe will help you perform at your best.
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Pros
- True-to-size fit
- Brooks Running Shoes Sales August 2025
- Plenty of cushioning
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.7 oz (M9.5), 8.6 oz (W7) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Heel Stack | 35.5mm |
Now on its 14th iteration, the 860 is a trusted workhorse trainer that offers a supportive feel and good cushioning for routine training miles. The latest version was built around a new last and features a revised rocker shape for smooth strides; it also includes a Stability Plane, a thin, stiff EVA-based midsole plate that supports the foot.
The 860 is built with a relatively wide full-contact sole, which gives it some inherent stability. The midsole features two flavors of Fresh Foam X plus the embedded Stability Plane. There’s a denser, harder layer of foam at the bottom, and it works in concert with the rigid Stability Plane to resist overpronation and support the foot. The top layer of the midsole is a softer version of Fresh Foam X that absorbs impact forces for a plush feel.
polyether block amide PEBA RW testers offered universal praise for it: One tester said the 860’s midsole “makes for near effortless running.” The upper was another highlight for the testing squad. It’s generously padded around the ankle and on the tongue, creating a snug, glove-like fit that keeps the foot secure while running.
With its somewhat heavy build and comfort-oriented midsole design, the 860 isn’t the smartest choice for tempo runs, but testers loved it for general training, and it’s a great pick for those who need some extra support under their feet. As one reviewer put it: “Sometimes, there's nothing like a shoe design that has stood the test of time.”
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What to Consider When Shopping for New Balance Running Shoes
Midsole foams are the main technology that differentiates New Balance shoes. Like other shoe brands, New Balance has entered the foam wars by engineering its own proprietary cushioning foams. There are two key ones to know: Fresh Foam and FuelCell.
New Balance Running Shoes FAQ
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
