Who should buy the New Balance Fresh Foam BB
This basketball shoe is fairly suitable for the following:
- basketball players who play on clean indoor courts
- athletes who appreciate a good blend of court feel and impact protection
- wearers who have narrow to normal-sized feet
- hoopers who do not mind wearing shoes that are not made of premium materials
Who should NOT buy this basketball shoe from New Balance
Wide-footers are not going to be happy with the New Balance Fresh Foam BB, which several users describe as narrow. Good thing the New Balance TWO WXY 3 is available in wide-foot-friendly versions.
Just like other New Balance basketball shoes, the Fresh Foam BB is also in need of some breaking in. The KD 15 is a good pick for those who want a shoe that hits the ground running, and this one is from Nike.
Also, while the traction still works outdoors, it's not going to be the best option there because of dust. For those who want to play outside, the NB Kawhi 2 is a much more effective choice.
They just can't get enough of it
A basketball player expects the New Balance Fresh Foam BB to be good, but he surely is caught by surprise it's THIS good. "[They are the] best shoes I've played in," says another. Do we really need to expound more here?
Don't lose grip, wear the Fresh Foam BB
A clearly satisfied reviewer is surprised that this shoe delivers "solid squeaky traction" on the hardwood. An expert reviewer has the same observations, saying that the squeaks are actually loud and he loves them. He also adds that the sole of this New Balance shoe just allows the wearer to do a "top-tier stop" whenever they need to.
The cushioning is everything!
Two reviewers describe the cushioning in the heel as "phenomenal" and "solid." One of them adds that this part of the shoe is actually a lot lighter than it looks. An expert reviewer agrees with this assessment, and he adds that the cushioning is actually his favorite part of the New Balance Fresh Foam BB.
Feel the court as you would in the Kyries
The foam of this basketball shoe is made thinner in the forefoot area, bringing the foot much closer to the ground for more control over footwork. An expert says that the court feel or responsiveness that this shoe delivers is comparable to what the Nike Kyrie shoes can give.
Fresh Foam BB: So light it feels bare
At only 11.2 ounces or 318 grams, this shoe is a lot lighter than average, which we peg at around 13.5 ounces or 383 grams. Experience aligns with the figures because an expert describes this shoe as "very very light like super light."
Wide-footers, the Fresh Foam BB ain't for you
A reviewer who reports having narrow feet went true to size, and the shoes are able to "fit like a glove." With this, it's clear that wide-footers have to make the necessary adjustments or just go for another shoe altogether. "It is very narrow," an expert says.
Comfort can't be discounted
This shoe is comfortable according to a good number of wearers. One describes it as "super comfortable." Another player says that he does not feel any pain at all even if he wears this shoe for long hours on the court and even off of it.
Give it time to break in
A player notes that the shoe still has to be "warmed up" well before it's able to give the fit and comfort that he appreciates. The foam in the midsole also needs a little getting used to.
Support and Lockdown? Check!
"I felt very locked in," says an athlete about the foot containment that this shoe delivers. The materials are able to work as they should in this regard, though they are not of the best quality. An avid reviewer even singled out the laces, saying that the quality is "not to write home about."
Enjoy smooth steps with the Fresh Foam BB
"It's not clunky at all," says an expert. He says that his strides are smooth when he wears this shoe because of the roundedness of both the heel and the tip of the forefoot. The shoe also has nice forefoot flex that allows for a more natural bending of his feet when he walks or runs up and down the court.