New Balance running shoes are two worlds. The first is FreshFoam, which is shoes that use this foam. These are the shoes with the best cushioning, primarily intended for training. The second world is the fast world of FuelCell – a nitrogen-doped foam that is characterized primarily by dynamics. Today I will explain what each is.
Let’s start with the traditional division of running shoes into:
- road running shoes, primarily for easy everyday training
- fast running shoes, for fast, dynamic running and running competitions
- trail running shoes, for running on dirt roads and trails in the forest and mountains
Road running shoes
We will start classically – with shoes designed for running on hard surfaces, which is the most popular category among runners. These are the first choice for both beginners and experienced runners looking for comfort over long distances. This group is dominated by models with the best shock absorption and stabilization, designed for everyday training.
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  More v5  1080 v14 |  Vongo v6 |
| very high cushioning |  880 v15 |  860 v14 |
| high cushioning |  680 v8 |
New Balance More v5
The top of the top when it comes to cushioning from New Balance. The midsole also has the highest amount of FreshFoamX soft foam, which makes for a high level of cushioning. Perfect for easy runs on hard surfaces, pavements and gravel paths. It is a great choice for people weighing over 100 kg who value exceptional softness and comfort, and at the same time want cushioning as soft as a cloud. Although this model is a bit heavier, in the category of “cushion” shoes, weight is not the key factor. Comfort is definitely more important here.
- Weight: 313 g men’s, 244 g women‘s
- Drop: 4 mm
- Regular price: 170 EUR
New Balance 1080 v14
If you don’t want to buy the More, you might want to consider the 1080, the second most cushioned model in the brand’s range. It has a large (but slightly smaller than the More) FreshFoamX soft foam in the midsole, making it one of the best cushioned running shoes for hard surfaces, and not just among New Balance shoes. Another advantage is its light weight, which is not obvious when you look at the stack. So if you run a lot, weigh a lot and are looking for maximum comfort, the NB1080 is the right shoe for you.
- Weight: 298 g men’s, 236 g women‘s
- Drop: 6 mm
- Regular price: 190 EUR
New Balance Vongo v6
The Vongo is a twin model of the 1080, but with a greater focus on stability. The midsole is basically made of the same FreshFoam X foam material, but reinforced on the medial side. This reinforcement makes the foot position more secure and stable, eliminating the possibility of it moving sideways. This makes the shoe both maximally cushioned and extra stable. It is perfect for both people with a high body weight and those with excessive pronation of the feet who are looking for extra stability.
- Weight: 303 g men’s, 243 g women‘s
- Drop: 6 mm
- Regular price: 180 EUR
New Balance 880 v15
The number “8” at the beginning indicates that this is a lower-class shoe with less cushioning than the model starting with the number “10”. The foam is less dense here, but it still offers a significant amount of cushioning (for runners up to 85 kg). In addition, thanks to the more classic upper, it adapts perfectly to the foot. It does not have any excessive features that might not be to everyone’s taste. Thanks to the solid reinforcement of the rear part, it also makes for high stability. It is a very versatile model that will prove itself in everyday running on city hard surfaces as well as on gravel or forest paths.
- Weight: 270 g men’s, 209 g women‘s
- Drop: 8 mm
- Regular price: 160 EUR
New Balance 860 v14
The 860 model is the equivalent of the 880 model for those looking for more stability. This is the thirteenth edition of this shoe, which, despite its relatively high weight, also makes for a high level of cushioning and stabilization. The midsole has the same foam as the 880, FreshFoam X, but is additionally equipped with an element stabilizing overpronation. This is New Balance’s most versatile training shoe for those looking for stability.
- Weight: 309 g men’s, 243 g women‘s
- Drop: 10 mm
- Regular price: 160 EUR
New Balance 680 v8
The simplest of the training shoes. It uses the basic version of FreshFoam (without X) in its construction, which makes it slightly less soft than the 880 model. Although devoid of technical innovations, it offers solid cushioning for runners up to around 80 kilograms. In addition, it has an affordable price.
- Weight: 297 g men’s, 238 g women‘s
- Drop: 12 mm
- Regular price: 115 EUR
Fast running shoes
Fast shoes by New Balance are mainly models based on FuelCell foam. In short, we have both carbon lines, such as Supercomp (referred to as SC), and non-carbon models.
| COMPETITION | TRAINING- COMPETITION | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum dynamics |  Supercomp Elite v4 |  Supercomp Trainer v3 |
| very high dynamics |  Supercomp Pacer v2 |  Rebel v4 |
| high dynamics |  Propel v5 |
New Balance Fuelcell Supercomp Elite v4
The Supercomp Elite v4 is New Balance’s fastest racing shoe. It uses PEBA FuelCell foam and a midsole with a heel height of 40 millimeters and a forefoot height of 36 millimeters. Inside the shoe is a full-length carbon fiber plate, which makes it very dynamic, especially at higher speeds. In my opinion, it is probably the softest carbon shoe currently available on the market, which can handle both slower running (slower than 5’00/km) and very fast running (faster than 4’00/km). Nevertheless, it performs much better at high speeds.
- Weight: 237 g men’s, 188 g women‘s
- Drop: 8 mm
- Regular price: 280 EUR
New Balance Fuelcell Supercomp Trainer v3
The SC Trainer is a slightly heavier version of the Elite, mainly due to the increased midsole height of 47 millimeters under the heel. This makes the running shoe “illegal” according to the World Athletics Federation. Otherwise, it is very similar to the Elite model, using FuelCell foam and a full-length carbon fiber plate. It is an excellent carbon training shoe that makes not only for dynamics but also for unparalleled comfort.
- Weight: 320 g men’s, 220 g women‘s
- Drop: 10 mm
- Regular price: 250 EUR
New Balance Fuelcell Supercomp Pacer v2
The third carbon shoe. Something for people who don’t feel comfortable in shoes with a height of about four centimeters and are looking for something with a lower profile. A lower profile means less responsiveness and less cushioning. It is therefore a shoe primarily intended for shorter distances.
- Weight: 201 g men’s, 158 g women‘s
- Drop: 8 mm
- Regular price: 200 EUR
New Balance Fuelcell Rebel v4
The first of the training and racing shoes without a carbon fiber plate. It can be easily compared to the SC Elite v4 model from which the carbon plate has been removed. This makes it a more flexible shoe that still offers a certain dynamism thanks to the responsiveness of the FuelCell foam. Lighter runners will use it primarily as a comfortable, fast training shoe or even as a racing shoe. On the one hand, it offers a lot of softness and comfort, and on the other hand, it allows you to accelerate very pleasantly if needed.
- Weight: 209 g men’s, 164 g women‘s
- Drop: 6 mm
- Regular price: 160 EUR
New Balance Fuelcell Propel v5
The second training and racing option from New Balance without carbon. Slightly stiffer than the Rebel model and slightly less soft underfoot. It is also a model with slightly more stability. Useful in case of slight overpronation, but this is not a prerequisite. Similar to the Rebel, it can be used by lighter runners as a comfortable, fast training shoe. Or as a shoe for shorter distances.
- Weight: 304 g men’s, 230 g women‘s
- Drop: 6 mm
- Regular price: 130 EUR
Trail running shoes
There are not many trail shoes by New Balance. We can find two slower but more comfortable options – designed for easy everyday off-road running. We can also find one faster option – designed for fast off-road running.
| COMFORT TRAIL | SPEED TRAIL | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  More Trail v3 | |
| very high cushioning |  Hierro v9 |  Fuelcell Supercomp Trail |
New Balance More Trail v3
More Trail has successfully combined the maximum cushioning of an asphalt shoe with the use of a trail shoe. It offers a very high level of cushioning, which is even suitable for runners weighing around 100 kilograms. In addition, it also makes the runner very stable. This shoe has a reduced drop of 4 mm, which is not a problem with this much cushioning. The shoe is complemented by a grippy Vibram rubber outsole. This running shoe is suitable for both ultra runs and light runs in forests and on rocky trails.
- Weight: 322 g men’s, 260 g women‘s
- Drop: 4 mm
- Regular price: 170 EUR
New Balance Hierro v7
It is a trail running shoe with balanced cushioning and a high level of comfort. It also has a moderately aggressive Vibram rubber outsole for good grip and durability. This running shoe is suitable for even the lightest and most experienced runners who want to cover long distances. For recreational runners, it is an excellent choice for daily training on the trail.
- Weight: 301 g men’s, 235 g women‘s
- Drop: 8 mm
- Regular price: 160 EUR
New Balance Fuelcell Supercomp Trail
The Supercomp Trail is a shoe for runners who prefer a dynamic approach to off-road running. This model is equipped with a carbon EnergyArc plate embedded in the midsole. Designed for cushioning, speed, durability and traction, thanks to the Vibram MegaGrip outsole. It is a great choice for runners looking for an off-road top, perfect for reaching a fast pace in demanding conditions. It is worth emphasizing that the carbon plate works best on less technical trails, and the optimal terrain for this shoe is rather rocky, but moderately difficult routes.
- Weight: 270 g men’s, 214 g women‘s
- Drop: 10 mm
- Regular price: 220 EUR
