Our verdict
The New Balance Fresh Foam Lav delivers superb stability with its enhanced exterior makeup. The state-of-the-art stitching technique across this sock-like shoe is praised for its secure fit. Underfoot, the pillow-like Fresh Foam guards the heel against impact.
Pros
- Plush cushioning
- Soft upper
- Sufficiently stable
- Secure fit
- Grippy
Cons
- Uncomfortable removable sock liner
- Heavy
- Above average price
Who should buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Lav
The New Balance Fresh Foam Lav was designed with creative and engineering inputs from Canadian player Milos Raonic. It is a solid option if you:
- Need a shoe that has a support and locked-in feel.
- Look for a shoe that keeps the feet snugged and stable under a cleatie-like structure.
- Prefer a shoe that is constructed with Fresh Foam to cushion the foot from impact.
Abrasion-ready rubber
Prepped for hard court games, the New Balance Fresh Foam Lav is equipped with an abrasion-resistant Ndurance rubber outsole.
This rubber formulation has an outrigger on the lateral side. It provides a wide base under the ball of the foot. The minimal protrusion helps keep the wearer stable as he makes lateral cuts.
Durable and grippy
This durable component is hollowed out with a modified herringbone tread pattern. The zigzag grooves provide the right balance of giving and grip on any hard court setup.
New Balance Fresh Foam cushioning
Fresh Foam is a cushioning property initially used in running shoes. It facilitates a smooth heel-to-toe transition throughout the gait cycle.
This foam compound is carved with hexagon shapes that compress and expand during motion. The bigger hexes on the rear side provide a springy feel under the heel. The smaller and tighter ones are found on the forefoot which ensures stability under the ball of the foot.
Raised heel of the NB Lav
The difference between the height of the heel to that of the toe is roughly 12mm. This heel drop gives the shoe a pronounced raised heel. The added height on the back end offers bounce when doing split steps, readying for a shot, and pushing forward and sideways on concrete or asphalt surfaces.
Complementing the midsole is a PU (polyurethane) insert or an extra shock-absorption pad that’s found inside the shoe. This full-length unit helps reduce soreness underfoot. Since it’s removable, it can be replaced with custom foot orthosis.
New Balance Fresh Foam Lav offer outstanding support
There’s no need to worry about the tongue sliding from side to side with its cleatie-constructed built. Instead of using TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) overlays for added stability, New Balance integrated the Kinetic stitching. It helps reduce tons of weight on top of the shoe and facilitates comfortable movements on the court.
This adequately cushioned tennis shoe comes with an external TPU heel counter for added support at the back of the foot.
