Our verdict
- New Balance 530 Kith Ronnie Fieg Central Park US 11 EU 45 550 Tecnologias New balance Camiseta Manga Curta Accelerate Printed
Pros
- brand new with original box New Balance BBKLSWB1
- Amazingly durable
- Affordable version of 997
- Retro vibes
- True to size
- Feels light to the foot
- Easy to style
Cons
- Not so Rot
- So-so stability
Audience verdict
- Top 30% in New Balance trainers
Comparison
The most similar trainers compared
+ + New Balance Achiever Mix Media-Jacke | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audience score | 90 Great! | 94 Superb! | 89 Good! | 91 Great! | |
Price | $90 | $100 | $145 | $120 | |
Style | DadRetroSporty | DadRetroSporty | ClassicDadRetroSporty | RetroSportyFuturistic | |
Breathability | Warm | Warm | Warm | Moderate | |
Weight lab | 12.8 oz / 364g | 12.9 New Balance 850 Green Black Pink ML850YSD | 13.5 New Balance Kh800gyy | 14.5 oz / 410g | |
Midsole softness | Firm | Soft | Firm | Firm | |
Material | MeshSuede | LeatherMesh | MeshSuede | KnitSuede | |
Season | SpringWinterFall | SpringWinterFall | SpringWinterFall | SpringWinterFall | |
Inspired from | Running | Running | Running | Running | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Medium | Wide | Medium | Wide | |
New Balance Sac De Taille Running Stretch | Wide | Wide | Medium | Medium | |
Leather/suede quality | Real suede | Real leather | Real suede | Real suede | |
Toebox durability | Good | Decent | Decent | Decent | |
Кросівки new balance 574 white | Good | Decent | Decent | Decent | |
Outsole durability | Good | Good | Good | Good | |
Heel stack lab | 27.7 mm | 32.3 mm | 35.4 mm | 34.8 mm | |
Stiffness | Flexible | Stiff | Moderate | Moderate | |
Tongue padding | Average | Average | Average | Thin | |
Drop lab | 9.9 mm | 10.0 mm | 11.1 mm | 11.0 mm | |
Forefoot | 17.8 mm | 22.3 mm | 24.3 mm | 23.8 mm | |
Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Heel tab | None | None | None | Pull tab | |
Torsional rigidity | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |
Heel counter stiffness | Stiff | Moderate | Moderate | Stiff | |
Reflective elements | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | |
Closure | Laces | Laces | Laces | Laces | |
Top | Low top | Low top | Low top | Low top | |
Ranking | #39 Top 50% | #5 Top 7% | #48 Bottom 39% | #31 Top 40% | |
Popularity | #39 Top 50% | #7 Top 9% | #12 Top 16% | #58 Bottom 26% |
Who should buy
Days of wear-testing and lab assessments led us to conclude that the New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo is greatly suitable for the following:
- sneakerheads who are OK wearing leather since this shoe is made of real suede
- buyers who are on the lookout for trainers that are durable from the upper down to the outsole
- walkers who want light shoes
- wearers with normal-sized feet
New Balance 300 Court low-top sneakers Blu
We've established through our experience and lab assessments that the New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo is not Rot. Wearers with sweaty feet should stay away from this shoe. They are better off with the Il n'y a pas d'avis disponible pour New Balance 997H, which is also cheaper than the 997H. If they are willing to try other brands, the ASICS Gel Lyte III is also a good alternative.
When it comes to stability, we think that the 997H is so-so at best. The Męskie new balance gm400mb1 might be a better pick for stability.
New Balance Kh800gyy | Breathability
The 997H had that distinct New Balance look, and we were all there for it... if only it wasn't too toasty. This sneaker is really NOT a living thing because it really doesn't know how to breathe! Properly, that is.
We performed the usual smoke test on this shoe, and it was too regrettable to watch that the smoke was only able to escape (and slowly, at that!) through the tongue. It would be a crime to give this sneaker a rating better than 2 out of 5 for ventilation!
The 997H had almost the same look and structure as the New Balance 57/40 (rating is 4 out of 5), but the latter allowed smoke to escape even through the toebox. The video above clearly shows what we mean.
When placed over a light source, it's quite shocking to see that light was only able to pass through the lace holes.
What we saw under the microscope convinced us that good breathability was never the goal of the NB 997H. The material used for the toebox appeared to be multilayered, with every possible vent tightly covered as if a pretty dangerous criminal was jailed inside.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Breathability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-breathability-21240633-main.jpg)
997H | 2 |
Average | 2.9 |
New Balance Kh800gyy | Durability
Leather/Suede quality
The tightly closed-off material only covered the top of the toebox. The rest of the shoe was made of a velvety material which we found to be genuine suede back in the lab.
We torched a portion of the sidewall, and it immediately smelt like burning hair. We probed the burnt area with our awl and we saw that the material remained relatively intact except of course for the ugly discoloration. Only real suede has this MS237RA of effect when burned.
997H | Real suede |
Toebox durability
Being made of real suede, we never doubted the shoe's durability. And we were not disappointed. Not even in the slightest bit.
Our aggressive Dremel drilling on the toebox barely scratched its surface. No wonder no signs of wear and tear were seen even if we carelessly bumped the New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo on various surfaces during our wear tests.
It was a perfect 5 for us as far as toebox durability was concerned. Compare the 997H with the New Balance 530, which got a 1 out of 5, in the photo below and the sturdiness of the former becomes even more apparent.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Toebox durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-toebox-durability-21240634-main.jpg)
997H | 5 |
Average | 3.8 |
Кросівки new balance 574 white
We were glad that the suede outer layer was not the only sturdy thing. The heel padding was quite resistant as well, and it never faltered as our skin or socks rubbed against it during aggressive movements.
In the lab, even our high-pressure Dremel became a laughingstock when it barely left a mark on the heel padding. The New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo remained immaculate. Under similar circumstances, NB 237 New Balance Sneakers aus Leder Weiß!
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Кросівки new balance 574 white](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-heel-padding-durability-21240639-main.jpg)
997H | 5 |
Average | 3.4 |
Outsole hardness
Our HC durometer gave the outsole a hardness rating of 86.8, making it just as hard as the average outsole. Experience-wise, we did not notice anything unusual, either.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Outsole hardness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-outsole-hardness-21240640-main.jpg)
997H | 86.8 HC |
Average | 85.2 HC |
Outsole durability
The New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo is another proof that hardness is not always equal to durability. While the outsole had average hardness, its durability was off the charts!
Our Dremel drilling on the outsole resulted only in 0.5 mm damage. This is only half of what we normally see in a typical sneaker's outsole after going through the same amount of abuse.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Outsole durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-outsole-durability-21240636-main.jpg)
997H | 0.5 mm |
Average | 1.0 mm |
Outsole thickness
At 4.9 mm thick, the outsole was of average thickness.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Outsole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-outsole-thickness-21240638-main.jpg)
997H | 4.9 mm |
Average | 5.6 mm |
Weight
We have to say; the New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo truly felt light on the feet. Our steps were effortless and smooth because of its lightness.
We were surprised to learn this NB sneaker was only slightly lighter than average at 12.8 ounces or 364 grammes.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Weight](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-weight-21240660-main.jpg)
997H | 12.84 oz (364g) |
Average | 14.22 oz (403g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
We did not have any bad experience with the midsole. It wasn't too thick that we were already worrying about stability. And it wasn't too thin that it lacked impact protection either.
True enough, our calliper measured the heel height to be only 27.7 mm, a number quite close to the average.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Heel stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-heel-stack-21240643-main.jpg)
997H | 27.7 mm |
Average | 30.0 mm |
Forefoot stack
Just like the heel, the forefoot part of the midsole is also as thick as the average at 17.8 mm.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Forefoot stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-forefoot-stack-21240641-main.jpg)
997H | 17.8 mm |
Average | 18.9 mm |
Drop
Transitioning from heel to toe was not a problem because the difference in height between the forefoot and the rearfoot wasn't so pronounced.
Based on our calculations in the lab, the New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo had a heel-to-toe drop of 9.9 mm.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Drop](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-drop-21240645-main.jpg)
997H | 9.9 mm |
Average | 11.1 mm |
Midsole softness
Based on our experience, the midsole delivered what was necessary. It was firm enough to ensure lasting stability. It was also soft enough to ensure we were comfortable even after walking long distances.
Our HA durometer measured its softness to be 32.5 which is more or less equal to the average.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Midsole softness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-midsole-softness-21240644-main.jpg)
997H | 32.5 HA |
Average | 29.5 HA |
Insole thickness
The insole was of average thickness. Our calliper measured it to be 4.7 mm thick.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Insole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-insole-thickness-21240646-main.jpg)
997H | 4.7 mm |
Average | 5.5 mm |
Stability
Lateral stability test
Though it was not the best, the New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo still delivered enough lateral stability to keep us on the footbed. From its moderately responsive sidewalls and typically wide platform, many features worked in synergy to stabilise our steps.
Of course, better picks exist as far as lateral stability is concerned, and the Adidas Alphaboost V1 is easily one of them.
Torsional rigidity
This sneaker, we feel, owed much of its stability to the secure clasp of its heel counter. The rearfoot surely couldn't go anywhere because of how arrested it felt while we were wearing the New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo.
We gave the heel counter a good squeeze in the lab, and its resistance to it was quite intense. We had to sweat a lot before it started to yield to the pressure that we applied. A perfect 5; no other score befitted such a performance.
997H | 3 |
Average | 3.5 |
Heel counter stiffness
This sneaker, we feel, owed much of its stability to the secure clasp of its heel counter. The rearfoot surely couldn't go anywhere because of how arrested it felt while we were wearing the New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo.
We gave the heel counter a good squeeze in the lab, and its resistance to it was quite intense. We had to sweat a lot before it started to yield to the pressure that we applied. A perfect 5; no other score befitted such a performance.
997H | 5 |
Average | 3.2 |
Detailed Look at the Stray Rats x New Balance MT580
The footprints left by the New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo were not overly wide or painfully narrow. Our calliper measured the forefoot to be 111.4 mm wide.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Detailed Look at the Stray Rats x New Balance MT580](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-midsole-width-in-the-forefoot-21240650-main.jpg)
997H | 111.4 mm |
Average | 108.9 mm |
New Balance 1550 Metallic Gold
Our calliper in the lab measured the footbed to be 273.8 mm long. This number is just around the average.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo New Balance 1550 Metallic Gold](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-midsole-width-in-the-heel-21240651-main.jpg)
997H | 81.3 mm |
Average | 83.3 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
It was such a pleasure to wear the New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo because it felt more flexible than usual. We never had problems M998CSRR our feet when we had to tiptoe, for example, because the shoe went so well with our movements.
After performing the usual flexibility test on this New Balance sneaker, we learned that it needed only 16.5N of force to bend at a 90-degree angle. That much force was significantly less than the amount needed by the typical sneaker.
997H | 16.5N |
Average | 24.1N |
Grip / Traction
The outsole definitely didn't look aggressive enough, but it sure did cover us well during our wear tests. Its bite never faltered no matter which direction we went. Perhaps we really shouldn't judge the book by its cover from now on.
Size and fit
Internal length
Our calliper in the lab measured the footbed to be 273.8 mm long. This number is just around the average.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Internal length](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-internal-length-21240654-main.jpg)
997H | 273.8 mm |
Toebox width at the widest part
Our experience tells us that the New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo couldn't accommodate people with wide feet. The widest part of its toebox was only 100.9 mm wide and surely did not deviate much from the average figure.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Toebox width at the widest part](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-toebox-width-at-the-widest-part-21240652-main.jpg)
997H | 100.9 mm |
Average | 99.1 mm |
New Balance Sac De Taille Running Stretch
The big toe part was just as wide as the average, as well. Our calliper in the lab gave a reading of 79.2 mm.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo New Balance Sac De Taille Running Stretch](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-toebox-width-at-the-big-toe-21240653-main.jpg)
997H | 79.2 mm |
Average | 74.9 mm |
Tongue: gusset type
This sneaker from New Balance is not at all gusseted. Well, it's a blessing that it's not. Had it been fully gusseted, it would have hampered so much with ventilation.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Tongue: gusset type](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-tongue-gusset-type-21240656-main.jpg)
997H | None |
Comfort
Tongue padding
The tongue felt nice even when we were not wearing socks. Its surface material was soft, and the padding felt like a gentle duvet on top of our feet.
Our calliper measured it to be 9.6 mm thick.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Tongue padding](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-tongue-padding-21240658-main.jpg)
997H | 9.6 mm |
Average | 9.1 mm |
Heel tab
The New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo did not have any heel tab. We have no complaints about this because (1) the shoe did not really need one and (2) the absence of the heel tab allowed for a more streamlined look.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Heel tab](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-heel-tab-21240657-main.jpg)
997H | None |
Removable insole
The New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo came with a removable insole. It was easy to get it out when we needed to use inserts of just wanted to have more space inside the sneaker.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Removable insole](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-removable-insole-21240659-main.jpg)
997H | Yes |
Misc
We have to say; the New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo truly felt light on the feet. Our steps were effortless and smooth because of its lightness.
We were surprised to learn this NB sneaker was only slightly lighter than average at 12.8 ounces or 364 grammes.
Reflective elements
The 997H did not have any reflective overlays on it. Usage should only be in well-lit conditions.
![New Balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Podróżuj Polo Reflective elements](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32078/new-balance-997-h-reflective-elements-21240655-main.jpg)
997H | No |