7 Best New Balance Running Shoes in 2024

After vigorous lab tests and spirited runs, we crown the zapatillas de running New Balance mujer supinador ritmo bajo talla 44.5 as the best overall running shoe in the New Balance line. With the plump midsole foam, an incredibly stable platform, and a grippy but robust outsole—this shoe lives up to its “More” moniker. 

Its ample and soft midsole foam made our variety of runs enjoyable and therapeutic—10/10 for plushness. In the lab, durometer measurements verified that at 15.5 HA, the Fresh Foam X More v4 is 37.8% softer than the average. It's definitely the king of soft cushioning. 

Despite the tall and soft midsole, we were pleased with how stable and planted our landings felt. In the lab, we found out that it has a wider-than-average base—12.5 mm wider at the heel and 7 mm wider at the forefoot. At the same time, the upper also gave us a snug and secure fit.

The outsole is also something to behold. Lab results showed that it is 5.9% softer than average, explaining the sticky and grippy sensations we felt on our runs. It is also 5.9% thicker than the average road running shoe, which makes it a durable shoe that will withstand long training blocks.  

Unfortunately, the “More” in its name also means more in terms of weight. At 10 oz (283 g), it is 6.8% heavier than average road running shoes. Those looking for lighter shoes will have plenty of other options.

After miles of sweaty runs and hours of lab tests, the new balance 327 clear yellow is our ultimate daily trainer in the New Balance roster. It offers out-of-this-world comfort with its plush midsole, flexible build, and unrestricted ventilation — making it a good place to be in for long hours.

The lab numbers had the proof, but our feet lived to tell the tale. The foam feels so delightful, oozing heavenly levels of comfort. Our durometer confirms a low measurement of 10.0 HA—57.6% softer than its counterparts. The platform delivers impact absorption and a pain-free experience in our daily runs. 

What adds to the comfort is the shoe’s flexible build, allowing us to move naturally without much resistance. Our bend test confirms it’s 30.0% more adaptive than average.

The knitted upper is a step above the rest. It seamlessly blends padding and ventilation—free from any rubbing, blisters, and sweat while racking up those miles. Our lab breathability test confirms the perforated upper gets a perfect 5/5 score.

Because the foam is still EVA-based, it lacks the spring and energy return to conquer speedier runs.

Within the New Balance lineup, the FuelCell Rebel v4 shines as the ultimate choice for speed training and it's no surprise. Its featherlight construction, exceptionally soft midsole, and responsive yet comfortable ride elevate every run—a fact supported by both our real-world tests and lab analysis.

At a mere 7.5 oz (213 g), the Rebel v4 is a standout, boasting a weight that's 19.6% lighter than the average road-running shoe, making it ideal for effortless intervals, fartlek sessions, and tempo runs. This trainer maintains a light build due to its moderately low stack that enhances agility.

What also keeps us nimble is the flexible midsole that gives a natural feel, perfect for runners who want to build speed without the aid of stiff carbon plates. True enough, our bend test confirms Rebel v4 is 54.8% more adaptive than average.

The platform enchants our feet with its plushness, as our durometer reveals an astonishingly low 8.5 HA—one of the softest we've encountered. Each step feels indulgent, blending a heavenly cushioned feel with an energetic rebound that’s ideal for speed workouts. This latest version also sports a rocker that promotes smooth forward transitions.

However, it's worth noting that both the midsole and toebox run wider than average. We recommend those with narrow feet to look elsewhere if they prefer a more secure fit.

Among all New Balance shoes we tested, Fuelcell Supercomp Elite v4 is our top racer. With race-legal soaring stack heights, incredible responsiveness, and the Energy ARC carbon plate, it provides all the support and energy we need for hard miles. To sustain long distances and fast paces, our legs are supported by the ultra-plush ride and long-lasting outsole.

An elite in terms of cushioning, it rises to 38.2 mm in the heel, nearing the legal limit to maximise both cushioning and energy return. Our feet are spoiled with pillowy goodness, which our durometer confirms at an ultra-soft 15.0 HA. This superior combination saves our legs from repetitive impact and fatigue.

To enhance speed, it has a full-length carbon plate featuring New Balance’s Energy Arc design, which includes multiple curves and a void underfoot for ease of movement. Its rocker structure facilitates smoother transitions to maintain our forward momentum.

The outsole features a very soft 64.4 HC rubber—yet surprisingly displays remarkable durability in our actual runs and Dremel test by showing less wear than average. Among its racer counterparts, its 2.0 mm outsole gives more than enough rubber to last long, perfect for marathon distances.

However, at 8.2 oz (232g), it’s quite hefty for a supershoe. We recommend using another pair for 5K to 10K races.

Crafted with comfort and unobtrusive support in mind, the Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 offers generous cushioning, subtle guidance, and a smooth ride, solidifying its status as our top New Balance stability shoe in the lab. We enjoyed the solid footing in our runs without the rigidity typically associated with stability shoes.

The shoe ensures unmatched steadiness through its dual-density midsole foam and plastic plate. Our durometer shows the top layer is a plush 15.8 HA for relief while the layer closer to the ground is a firmer 18.9 HA for better balance. Sandwiched in between is an EVA film plate that stabilises the ride without adding too much stiffness to the shoe. Our bend test confirms that Vongo v6 is 21.6% more flexible than average.

Besides its fluid ride, the shoe feels luxurious thanks to its maximum cushioning—another unusual feature of stability shoes. Our calliper shows the stack rises to 36.1/30.5 mm vs. the 33.6/25.0 mm average road running shoe, erasing any acrimony underneath.

The durable outsole, 7.5% firmer and slightly thicker than average, withstands daily runs without premature wear. Our Dremel affirms this with a minimal 0.7 mm dent vs. the 0.9 mm average.

However, the shoe dragged us down with its heavy 11.0 oz (312g) build. Runners seeking lighter options should explore further.

The Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 stands out as the top New Balance trail running shoe, excelling in both real-world and lab tests. Offering a blend of flexibility and cushioning, it caters to trail runners seeking comfort and versatility. It’s even supported by the stellar Vibram Megagrip outsole that promises reliable traction.

Our calliper records a stack height of 32.2/24.1 mm, providing excellent protection for extended trail outings. The Fresh Foam X boasts a 9.1 HA durometer rating, a remarkable 60.4% softer than average, enhancing its plush feel. Thankfully, it maintains a balanced ride since it’s sandwiched between a firmer insole and a thick outsole.

Boosting our agility is the fluid midsole, twisting and bending with our feet freely. Our lab confirms its versatility with a low 2/5 torsional rigidity score and a 47.5% more flexible result than average in our bend test. The cutouts in the outsole further enhance this free movement.

Our lab confirms Vibram Megagrip's top-tier reputation for durability and grip. Despite its slightly below-average 81.5 HC hardness, the rubber showed excellent resilience to our Dremel test, with just a minor 0.7 mm dent compared to the 0.9 mm average. Additionally, the 4-mm lugs provide stability on moderate terrains.

However, the thick upper displays subpar breathability with a 2/5 score. Those in warmer climates should check more ventilated options. 

The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav v2 is an excellent daily trainer that can double as a cross-training shoe. A lightweight and comfortable shoe at a pocket-friendly price, the Fresh Foam Roav v2 tops the charts as the best budget Crew Revives The New Balance 997H.

At an insanely low price of 85 USD, the Fresh Foam Roav v2 is leagues below the average price of road running shoes (130 USD). Yet, it punches above its class with some of its premium features.

Weighing in at just 238g (8.4 oz), the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav v2 is definitely a lightweight shoe. It is far below the average weight of road running shoes 268g (9.45 oz) and we were absolutely amazed by how it felt so light on our feet. 

The ‘Fresh Foam’ midsole unit on the Roav v2 is the highlight of this shoe as it is both comfortable and responsive. We measured the midsole to be 8.1% firmer at 26.5HA using our durometer test, but it never felt overly firm. In fact, it felt soft enough to provide ample protection and responsiveness for our feet during our runs.

Although the rubber outsole is thick at 4 mm, the exposed midsole on the bottom due to sparse outsole coverage really wore out pretty quickly. Runners looking for more durability should look at other shoes.