7 Best New Balance Running Shoes in 2023

After vigorous lab tests and spirited runs, we crown the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 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 sweating it out during runs, and hours of intensive tests in our lab, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 has emerged as the best daily trainer in the New Balance roster. The luxurious cushion of the midsole, its unrivaled fit, and its grippy outsole make it the perfect running ally—day in and day out.

The lab numbers had the proof, but our feet lived to tell the tale. The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12’s cushion felt like we were running on clouds. Our durometer measurement confirmed this with the midsole cushion scoring 12.5 HA—49.7% softer than the average road running shoe. While it felt ultra-plush, it was abundantly springy and provided us with a forgiving and exciting ride.

The thoroughly comfortable upper was insanely impressive during our training runs. The knitted upper felt plush and fleecy—we didn't feel any rubbing or abrasion of any sort while racking up those miles. Aside from the comfort, the upper also delivered a secure foothold that boosted our confidence when navigating sharp turns and corners. 

With the outsole being 44% thinner than average, we were pleasantly surprised with the incredible traction. We ran on dry and wet pavement, even on snow or slush—yet the outsole’s grip remained exceptionally adherent to any surface we challenged it to.

Despite the 1080 v12 being a do-it-all running shoe for any type of run, there are lighter and livelier shoes that will provide more propulsion for speedier runs and race days.

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3 soars high as the best shoe for speed training in the New Balance line—and rightfully so. It is an extremely lightweight shoe that boasts an impressively soft midsole and a remarkably breathable upper. We sure felt these during our runs and our lab tests backed these up.

Weighing in at only 7.4 oz (211 g), the Rebel v3 is amazingly 25.6% lighter than the average road running shoes tested in our lab. Indeed, its lightweight nature allowed us to glide breezily through our mile repeats, fartlek sessions, and tempo runs.

The midsole’s softness is like magic. Our durometer measurements confirmed this because at a mere 9.5 HA, the Rebel v3 is the second softest we’ve ever tested in our lab! During our runs, each step felt like a luxury. Although spongy and buttery-soft, it still felt lively and springy during our speed runs. 

The Rebel v3’s upper is insanely plush and breathable, which we enjoyed when running outdoors in warm temperatures. In the lab, we pumped smoke inside the shoe and watched as the smoke passed through the ultra-thin knit effortlessly. Garnering a score of 5/5, this shoe was a joy to run in, even during hot days. 

However, the Rebel v3’s heel drop is 9 mm according to our caliper measurements and not 6 mm as the brand has stated. We issue a caution to all the runners who want a mid-range drop and not a high heel to toe drop. 

Among all New Balance shoes we tested, Fuelcell Supercomp Trainer v2 is our top choice for long-distance runs. With race-legal soaring stack heights, a luscious foam, and a durable outsole, it provided all the support and energy we needed for long and hard miles. It cleverly integrates the carbon plate into the flexible midsole, ensuring we can sustain fast paces comfortably.

This shoe has one of the highest heel stack heights within the 40-mm limit. Standing at 39.3 mm, it’s 17.3% higher than average! Our feet are spoiled with pillowy goodness. Our durometer confirms it’s one of the softest we lab-tested at 9.6 HA (23.7 HA average). This superior combination provides extra comfort and protection.

To enhance speed, it has a flexible carbon plate featuring New Balance’s Energy Arc design, which includes a void from the heel to the forefoot for better movement. Its rocker structure facilitates smooth strides to maintain our forward momentum.

The outsole features a balanced 70.3 HC rubber — tougher than most race shoes for durability and softer than the average daily trainer for better grip. Among its racer counterparts, its 2.8 mm outsole gives more than enough rubber to last long.

With soaring stack heights and ultra-soft foam, this pair is not ideal for those seeking a more supportive ride.

The Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 is the best New Balance trail running shoe based on all our tests because it blends a grippy outsole, a stable ride, and a very comfortable and flexible midsole. This makes it the go-to shoe for running those less-beaten paths or even blazing new ones.

When we ran on different terrains, the grippy nature of the Hierro v7’s outsole definitely stood out. The combination of this reliable outsole rubber and an updated lug pattern resulted in this very grippy shoe—perfect for conquering light to moderate trails while remaining unscathed.

The Hierro v7 also offers a stable ride, thanks to its wider-than-average platform (113 mm vs 111 mm at the forefoot and 90.6 mm vs 88.6 mm on the heel). During our trail runs, we definitely appreciated this wider base, especially on varied and unpredictable routes.

The midsole is also flexible as it bends easily like an acrobat. In the lab, it needed 50% less force to bend compared to the average. Durometer readings in the lab also showed that it is 67.7% softer than the average trail running shoe. This plushness offered both comfort and great protection underfoot.

However, the Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 has a below-average forefoot stack height (22.5 mm vs 24.1 mm) that forefoot strikers might find lacking. 

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 New Balance running shoes.

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.

The New Balance 860v12 is a shoe specifically made for overpronators with its excellent support and stability, plus, as we found out on our test runs, a consistent ride in any condition. Its outstanding traction is the cherry on top—making it the best stability shoe in the New Balance running shoe lineup. 

This shoe provides unmatched stability for the feet. The dual-density midsole foam guides our feet straight, and a stiff medial post helps correct the feet when they roll inward. During runs, the stabilizing effects were pretty noticeable and our feet were kept steady and secure.

The 860v12's midsole is firm but comfortable. It has a durometer reading of 32.3 HA, 31.8% firmer than the average of road running shoes and it only hardened by 12% after 20 minutes in the freezer (26.7% change in other road running shoes, on average). Meaning an ultra-consistent ride and ground feel—even in cold conditions.

Outsole durability is also a boon for the 860v12. We measured the outsole to be 9.27% firmer, and at 4.6 mm, it is 1.2 mm thicker than the average of road running shoes. We found no evidence of premature wearing after a multitude of daily runs. 

Unfortunately, the 860 v12 is heavy. At 311g (10.97 oz), it is quite hefty compared to the average of road running shoes (268g, 9.45 oz). Runners looking for lightweight shoes should check other options.