Name: New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v5
Brand: New Balance
Price: 149 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 87 (161 reviews)

Verdict from 5 experts and 100+ user reviews

7 reasons to buy

Ride: Unlike other stability shoes, the Vongo v5 is not "slappy." Thanks to its rockered design, it transitions "smoothly." It's also got a "nice balance" of spring, comfort, and stability.
Fit: According to testers, it's secure from the rear to the midfoot, and opens up in the forefoot.
Lockdown: The upper is stretchy, conforming to the foot. Although the tongue is not gusseted, it does a "great job" of keeping the foot in place and it doesn't move around.
Comfort: Runners claim that the upper is breathable, soft, and luxurious. Everything about it just screams premium.
Cushion: Upon step-in, the foot is welcomed with a plushness that's as good as a "memory foam mattress."
Heel security: It's padded and there are NO reports of slips or irritation.
Durability: 50 miles in, multiple reviewers still see very "little" wear on the outsole. They say its sturdiness is "identical" to the NB 1080 v11.

3 reasons not to buy

Not for runners with bunions: The forefoot is not roomy enough. It ends up squeezing the side of the big toe joint.
Heavy: According to some experts, it's especially noticeable when picking up the pace. They claim they could barely lift their feet and legs up mid-run.
Too stretchy: For narrow-footed runners, this can render the fit "sloppy."

Bottom line

The New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v5 is designed as the stability version of the 1080 series. And contrary to its precursor, it's a shoe that goes from zero to hero. It does its job so well, the ride it produces is a fantastic mix of comfort and stability, shining in easy runs. The only catch is that it's a big no-no in tempo paces. It's just too hefty.

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Table of contents Best Prices CoreScore Verdict Comparison New Balance Vongo v5: Generous cushion with maximum support What is it for?Novel approach to stability in the Vongo v5 Plush goodness of the FreshFoamX Facts / Specs Popularity Video reviews

Overview

New Balance Vongo v5: Generous cushion with maximum support

The Fresh Foam Vongo v5 is an update to the acclaimed line of stability shoes from New Balance. Touted as a supportive counterpart of the NB 1080, it offers a max-cushioned ride with a high level of arch support.

What is it for?

Activity: daily running at slower paces
Distance: any up to a marathon
Pronation type: moderate to severe*

*see our guide on overpronation to find out more about what it is and the kind of footwear it requires

Novel approach to stability in the Vongo v5

Calling it Gradient Stability, the brand introduces denser foam pellets on the inner side of the sole. They seamlessly blend in with the FreshFoam cells, making arch support less intrusive than the previously common medial post.

Contributing to a steady ride is the broader midfoot. It is 5 mm wider compared to the previous edition.

Plush goodness of the FreshFoamX

New Balance puts a lavish layer of soft FreshFoamX midsole to keep the foot pampered for many miles at a time. It is a premium technology from the brand that impresses with its weight-to-cushion ratio.

Facts / Specs

Terrain:	Road
Weight:	Men 9.9oz / Women 7.8oz
Drop:	8mm
Arch support:	Stability
Forefoot height:	26mm
Heel height:	34mm
Collection:	New Balance Fresh Foam

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