Our verdict

In our view, the New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 remains a solid budget-friendly trail contender, albeit with mixed updates. Its minimal cushioning and low offset pose challenges for heavier runners and heel strikers, yet we were impressed by the enhanced stability and the upper's improved ventilation. Nonetheless, for midfoot or forefoot strikers looking for a pocket-friendly, door-to-trail shoe, we think this model really shines through its limitations.

Pros

  • Comfortable for all-day wear
  • Superbly stable
  • Good as one-travel shoe
  • Exceptional value
  • Enhanced durability
  • Great for hiking and walking
  • Breathability
  • Natural, low-to-the-ground experience

Cons

  • Non-gusseted tongue
  • Lacks cushioning
  • Not for heel strikers
  • Weight increase

Audience verdict

86
Good!

Who should buy

We've found in the lab that the budget-minded Dynasoft Nitrel v6 from New Balance it's:

  • Ideal for road runners who occasionally venture onto trails and seek a robust yet affordable shoe that handles moderate off-road conditions effortlessly.
  • Perfect for travelers who prioritize packing light and require a multi-purpose shoe sturdy enough for various activities—from hiking to long city tours.
  • A top choice for anyone searching for a nimble, door-to-trail shoe without breaking the bank.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6

Who should NOT buy

The DynaSoft Nitrel v6 barely exceeds minimalist standards with just over 20 millimeters of cushioning in the forefoot and heel, which might not be enough for those seeking robust underfoot protection. For runners looking for a more cushioned trail experience and a higher heel-to-toe drop, we suggest exploring other trail shoes like the New Balance Tektrel or the Nike Pegasus Trail 5.

Additionally, while the Nitrel v6's outsole is adequate for light trails, we found it subpar for more challenging or technical stuff. For those who venture into tougher environments, we recommend upgrading to a trail shoe equipped with a grippy, versatile Vibram outsole—such as the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 or the Hoka Speedgoat 6.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 parts

Breathability

The triple-black colorway we bought—the only option available some weeks ago—doesn't exactly shout breathability and frankly looks about as exciting as a plate of broccoli. Still, for our lab testing, it will perform just as well as any other.

And we also found that appearances can be misleading, as the toebox proved to be surprisingly well-ventilated, earning a solid 4 out of 5 in our initial test.

We then used a light to identify where the hot air was escaping from the shoe. It turns out there's a thin, dual-layered engineered mesh upper that allows both air and light to pass through effortlessly, enhancing airflow to the forefoot.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 microscope

Instead of large ventilation holes, this mesh features small, evenly spaced openings that we observed under a microscope—a smart approach for a trail shoe to enhance durability.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 microscope

Upon manually examining the upper, we noted that while the quality isn't top-notch, the materials are robust and offer great value, especially considering the shoe's lower price point. And we were pleasantly surprised by the exceptional padding in the heel area!

Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 4
Average 3.4
Compared to 88 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

We previously suggested that the design of the upper enhances durability because it lacks large holes, which often become the starting points for tears in technical or rugged trail terrain.

To confirm this, we tested it using our Dremel and awarded a good 3 out of 5 rating. While this isn't exceptional, it's certainly positive—especially given the extra protection in the toe cap with the Toe Protect reinforcements—yep, not the most original name—added by New Balance.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Toebox durability
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 3
Average 3.1
Compared to 68 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Pleased with the toebox, we proceeded to evaluate the heel padding.

Here, we again awarded a solid 3 out of 5, which is quite favorable when considering the shoe's lower price point.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Heel padding durability
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 3
Average 2.9
Compared to 66 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

New Balance used the same AT Tread rubber of the Nitrel v5, showing this time an average hardness that registered at 84.9 HC.

The AT Tread rubber offers reliable performance across various conditions. It provides decent grip, though not as strong as the top rubbers out there, and reasonable durability, although of course not quite on par with Continental. Yet, for the price, its value is terrific.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Outsole hardness
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 84.9 HC
Average 85.4 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
72.5 HC
Outsole hardness
95.0 HC

Outsole durability

Based on our prior experiences with AT Tread, we anticipated solid durability, yet awaited the definitive test results.

Impressively, we discovered that the rubber held up exceptionally well, sustaining only 0.9 mm of wear. This result is a solid one, ensuring the shoe's longevity even with occasional road use.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Outsole durability
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 0.9 mm
Average 0.9 mm
Compared to 61 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

But if, after all, you're still worried about durability, rest easy. We discovered that New Balance has incorporated an extra-thick 3.5-mm layer of rubber beneath the midsole, enhancing its robustness.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Outsole thickness
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 3.5 mm
Average 2.4 mm
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
0.9 mm
Outsole thickness
6.5 mm

Weight

Regrettably, the additional millimeter of rubber and the redesign have led to an undesirable outcome—it's as if the Nitrel put on holiday weight, tipping the scales past the 10-oz mark to reach 10.3 oz or 291g. For comparison, the v5 weighed 9.8 oz or 279g.

This increase in weight is disappointing, especially given the shoe’s minimal cushioning. Despite the low price point, we think that New Balance surely has room for improvement in this area.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Weight
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 10.26 oz (291g)
Average 10.34 oz (293g)
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
7.51 oz (213g)
Weight
13.37 oz (379g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

If you're tired of the new trends in running shoe design featuring maximalist cushioning, the DynaSoft Nitrel v6 might be a perfect choice for you.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 side
The Nitrel v6 incorporates the current polygonal-shaped design from New Balance, similar to what’s seen in the SC Trainer v3.

It offers just 22.7 mm of cushioning in the heel—far less than the average—providing a very grounded ride. This makes it an excellent option for runners seeking a more natural foot movement.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Heel stack
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 22.7 mm
Average 32.2 mm
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
16.1 mm
Heel stack
42.4 mm

Forefoot stack

We used our digital calipers again and recorded a 20.2-mm stack height in the forefoot. This firmly situates it in the realm of minimalist designs, perfect for those who prefer to feel the ground beneath their feet as much as possible.

However, if you're seeking muscle protection and more cushioning, this shoe won't meet your needs. Consider opting for a budget-friendly trail shoe with a thicker midsole, such as the Nike Juniper Trail 2.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Forefoot stack
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 20.2 mm
Average 24.6 mm
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
15.2 mm
Forefoot stack
33.9 mm

Drop

We discovered that the Nitrel v6 features a surprisingly low 2.5-mm offset. While unexpected, this is reasonable, considering the flat midsole design and minimal heel cushioning. Consequently, we also believe this shoe is ideally suited for midfoot and forefoot strikers.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Drop
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 2.5 mm
Average 7.7 mm
Compared to 110 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.1 mm
Drop
17.3 mm

Insole thickness

Made from standard EVA, the insole of the Nitrel v6 is typical in every aspect, featuring a thickness of 4.2 mm.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Insole thickness
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 4.2 mm
Average 4.7 mm
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
2.7 mm
Insole thickness
9.8 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Now let's start diving into the EVA-based DynaSoft midsole. Contrary to what some might expect, we were actually hoping for a firm midsole, as we think that a plush compound in such a thin slab of foam could mean real trouble, especially as this shoe lacks a rock plate.

The midsole proved even firmer than we anticipated, registering at 26.1 HA. This creates a ride that's definitively far from being soft—a feeling amplified by the combination of the outsole and lugs.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Midsole softness
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 26.1 HA
Average 22.6 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 87 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
9.1 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

Difference in midsole softness in cold

Crafted from run-of-the-mill EVA, we were really surprised by the Nitrel v6's performance in our first cold-weather test. We discovered that it only became 18.6 % firmer!

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Difference in midsole softness in cold
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 18.6%
Average 26.3%
Compared to 87 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Difference in midsole softness in cold
100%

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Nitrel v6 combines some of the best ingredients for a stable ride—low stack height, a firm midsole, and sturdy midsole sidewalls.

We found that these elements come together to offer a grounded, stable experience. However, it's not an ultra-stable trail shoe due to its streamlined dimensions and high flexibility.

Torsional rigidity

New Balance clearly aims for a natural, flexible ride with the Nitrel v6, which is evident from its low torsional rigidity. We found this during our bending and twisting tests. In our lab assessment, the shoe scored a 2/5 in flexibility, showing how easily it bends!

Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 2
Average 3.5
Compared to 105 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

In another manual assessment, the heel counter scored a 3 out of 5, placing it as an average design. From our perspective, the generous padding in the back ensures your heel is securely locked in place, providing a cozy, well-cushioned fit for such an affordable shoe.

Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 3
Average 3.1
Compared to 103 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

The Nitrel v6 feels much like a road daily trainer when it comes to midsole width, especially in the forefoot. Our measurement of 111.6 mm, taken with digital calipers, confirms our initial impression of the shoe's design.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 111.6 mm
Average 112.1 mm
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
102.1 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
126.0 mm

Midsole width in the heel

The heel is narrower than anticipated, measuring only 86.4 mm compared to the v5's wider 95.6 mm. This reduction in width is disappointing, particularly because the shoe is heavier than its predecessor, and drives us to reaffirm that this design is less suitable for heel strikers.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 86.4 mm
Average 89.9 mm
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
77.2 mm
Midsole width in the heel
109.3 mm

Rocker

With its low heel-to-toe drop and minimal cushioning, a highly-rockered silhouette was unlikely. Fortunately, we discovered an almost-flat sole featuring a tiny rocker that begins really late.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Rocker

Flexibility

Stiffness

We secured the Nitrel v6 to our workbench and flexed it pushing our force gauge, just as we do with every shoe. The result? A 19.2N reading, revealing impressive flexibility longitudinal wise. This makes the shoe great for long hikes, providing comfort for those who plan to be on their feet for hours.

Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 19.2N
Average 28.0N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
10.5N
Stiffness
54.5N

Grip / Traction

Lug depth

The lugs are fairly shallow at just 2.7 mm, making the Nitrel v6 a good option for light trails and easy hikes on flat or well-maintained surfaces like gravel roads. However, we found that this shoe isn’t the best for technical trails, as it doesn’t offer the rock-solid grip needed for more challenging terrain.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 outsole lugs

The rectangular lugs are straightforward and may struggle in truly muddy or technical conditions. Additionally, we also found that they don't work very well for sharp turns or steep inclines.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Lug depth
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 2.7 mm
Average 3.5 mm
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1.7 mm
Lug depth
5.8 mm

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

We took measurements of the toebox width using digital calipers and found it to be 98.6 mm at its broadest point—a size that should provide a comfortable fit for most runners.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 pov

Additionally, it's important to mention that New Balance makes this model available in Wide and Extra-Wide options in some markets.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 98.6 mm
Average 98.9 mm
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
92.0 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
104.9 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

Good news for those with more square-shaped or larger feet—our additional measurement of the toebox showed a width of 80.7 mm, suggesting it doesn’t narrow significantly.

However, we noticed the toebox is a bit lower than preferred, offering limited vertical space for toe movement. This could be a dealbreaker for some runners, presenting a bit of a mixed bag in terms of fit.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 80.7 mm
Average 79.1 mm
Compared to 73 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
70.5 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
92.1 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The Nitrel v6 is attractively priced but still lacks a gusseted tongue—a significant shortcoming for a trail and hiking shoe, as this feature helps prevent debris from entering into the toebox.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 None

Comfort

Tongue padding

Those concerned about instep comfort can rest easy—we discovered that the Nitrel v6 retains the thick, padded 7.9 mm tongue from its predecessor, which has proven highly effective.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 tongue

As for the lacing system, it combines lace loops and eyelets with trail-ready rounded laces that enhance its rugged appeal. We also noted the inclusion of a tongue loop, which is absolutely essential since the tongue isn't attached to the sides.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Tongue padding
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 7.9 mm
Average 6.5 mm
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Tongue padding
12.2 mm

Heel tab

One of the nice updates in the Nitrel v6 is the addition of a horizontal finger-loop heel tab. This feature is a pleasant surprise, as it's rare in cheap models and was absent in the previous edition of the Nitrel.

While we found that the heel tab may not be the most rock-solid ever created, its presence definitely enhances the trail-ready appearance of the Nitrel v6!

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Heel tab
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Finger loop

Removable insole

We discovered that swapping the insole is quite easy, as removing it from the Nitrel v6 posed no difficulties. And yes, we definitely agree with New Balance's claim—the outdoors are wonderful!

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Removable insole
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Yes

Price

We believe the price of this New Balance taril shoe is fair, considering it lacks high-end features yet is still cost-effective compared to most market options. In fact, it ranks as one of the top value choices available, especially since it retails well below the average price.

Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 $75
Average $148
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
$60
Price
$360

Misc

Reflective elements

Reflective elements are typically absent in budget-friendly trail models, a trend that continues with the DynaSoft Nitrel v6.

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6 Reflective elements
Test results
DynaSoft Nitrel v6 No