7 Best New Balance Running Shoes in 2024

After miles of sweaty runs and hours of lab tests, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 is our top running shoe 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 11.9 HA—43.3% softer than its counterparts. The stacked 37.0/32.8 mm platform delivers impact absorption and a pain-free experience in our daily runs.

The shoe’s flexible build boosts comfort, allowing us to move naturally without much resistance. Our bend test confirms it’s 6.4% more adaptive than average, a pleasant surprise considering its thick foam.

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 remarkable 4/5 score.

Because the foam is still EVA-based, it lacks the spring and energy return to conquer speedier runs. Those who crave excitement should find more responsive trainers.

The Fresh Foam X More 5 truly embodies “More” with its plump midsole delivering maximum comfort. Its staggering height tops the cushioning category among New Balance running shoes with its plush yet stable ride. Its grippy and durable outsole further enhances its performance in our lab tests.

More 5 delivers an ethereal sensation that makes our runs enjoyable and therapeutic, shining best in relaxed paces. Our precise measurements cement its domination in cushioning, placing it among the tallest and softest we’ve seen in the lab. Its heel is a massive 42.1 mm, 8.2 mm above average, while its foam is 59.1% softer than usual. These numbers show there’s no room for doubt in terms of comfort.

While a super stacked and soft shoe means less stability, More 5 surprises us with well-planted strides. The substantial midsole sidewalls and extensive sole flares contribute greatly to our surefootedness, yet the broad landing platform is the key ingredient. At 124.6/105.0 mm, it’s one of the widest we’ve seen in the lab!

The supportive outsole features rubber coverage in high-impact areas and exposed foam for extra grip. With only 0.7 mm damage in our Dremel test, it proves to be reliably protective.

However, the toecap feels overly tapered and may be restrictive for wide or swollen feet. Those who prefer more toebox volume should check alternatives.

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 maximize 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 runs and our 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 860 v14 offers plush cushioning, gentle stability, and a flexible ride, solidifying its status as our top New Balance stability shoe in the lab. We took each stride confidently in our runs without the rigidity typically associated with stability shoes. 

The shoe ensures unmatched steadiness through its dual-density midsole foam and unique EVA plate. Our durometer shows the main layer is a plush 10.9 HA for comfort while the heel has a small and firmer 23.8 HA for stability. 

Sandwiched in between is an EVA film plate that improves our balance without adding too much stiffness to the shoe. Our bend test confirms that 860 v14 is 28.9% more adaptive than average. Even as we tested its torsional rigidity, it emerged more flexible than average with a 3/5 rating.

Besides its fluid ride, the shoe feels luxurious thanks to its generous stack—another unusual feature of stability shoes. Our caliper shows it’s 36.8/27.5 mm vs. the 34.0/25.4 mm average road running shoe, erasing any harshness underneath regardless of foot strike and distance.

However, the shoe’s performance in our Dremel tests is underwhelming, which means it’s not the most durable shoe. Those who want a long-lasting pair should check alternatives.

The Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 stands out as the top New Balance trail running shoe, excelling in both trail runs and lab tests. Offering a blend of support and cushioning, it caters to trail runners seeking comfort and protection. It’s even supported by the stellar Vibram Megagrip outsole that shows promising traction and durability.

Our caliper records a massive stack height of 37.3/33.1 mm, providing excellent protection for extended trail outings. The foam has a 14.6 HA durometer rating, which feels comfortable without the sinking feeling.

Boosting our stability is the stiff and wide base. It feels impossible to twist our ankles in this pair, evidenced by its 5/5 torsional rigidity rating in our manual assessment. Our caliper confirms it has a broad landing platform with measurements of 116.9/94.1 mm in the forefoot and heel, respectively.

We validated Vibram Megagrip's top-tier reputation for durability and grip in the lab. The rubber showed excellent resilience to our Dremel test, with just a minor 0.9 mm dent, promising both longevity and underfoot protection. Additionally, the 3.3 mm lugs provide excellent traction from gravel to light mud with their toothy edges.

However, the added foam made the shoe stiffer longitudinally too. Those who prefer a more natural and grounded ride should search for other options. 

With the surprising appearance of Fresh Foam in a $80 shoe, the Fresh Foam 680 v8 is packed with comfort and impact protection. Coupled with a light and loose build and a well-rounded upper, it’s an excellent choice for daily wear. Given that it’s $52 cheaper than the average New Balance running shoe we tested on foot and in the lab, it’s easily our best budget pick.

Easy on the wallet and light on the feet, 680 v8 weighs 9.2 oz (261g), an impressive figure given its cushioned nature. Our measurements recorded a solid height of 35.4/27.6 mm with foam 23.1% softer than the average, a feature often reserved for pricier models.

We completed each stride with minimal resistance from the shoe, boosting versatility and comfort. In our bend test, it needed 44.5% less force than average to reach 90 degrees, proving its adaptive nature.

Wrapping up the package is a soft, durable, and breathable upper. We rarely use these three adjectives to describe one shoe, as the last two tend to perform inversely. It earned a perfect 5/5 for breathability in our lab test, allowing smoke to escape effortlessly. It also scored 4/5 for durability, demonstrating strong resistance to wear.

However, we can only recommend this shoe for neutral runners. Those who need more support won’t find stability in the 680 v8.