7 Best New Balance Trail Running Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
It’s no surprise - New Balance creates some of the best road running shoes. And when it comes to trail running shoes, the brand doesn’t hold back.
New Balance trail shoes are plenty durable, and scream trail-ready, to say the least. They’re protective and grippy, you don’t have to worry about the rugged terrain.
There are more than 30 New Balance trail models, and choosing can be a drag. And in this list, you’ll find the elites from across categories.
How we test trail running shoes
Here in RunRepeat, we don’t believe that there’s such a thing as “too trivial” in running shoes. We love to get into all the details - the minute ones included - to make sure you only get the best.
And to do so, we do the following without fail:
- Buy each shoe with our own money to test them in our independent shoe testing lab to avoid bias
- Run for at least 30-50 miles in each of them
- Chop the shoe into pieces to see what’s inside of it, and measure everything up through 30 different parameters
To see how each New Balance trail running shoe matches against other running shoes, our system collates hundreds and thousands of user and expert reviews to produce a Corescore, ranging from 0-100.
Best New Balance trail running shoes overall
New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
The New Balance Fresh Foam Trail More v2 is a high-stack, max-cushioned trail shoe that is proven to perform extremely well. Boosting one of the softest midsoles out there, this shoe is surely comfortable. It’s also responsive and grippy. It’s ideal for long runs and ultras on buffed trails, but can tackle almost any terrain and faster paces.
Pros
- Dreamy softness underfoot
- Wide stable platform
- Great protection
- Solid lockdown
- Fantastic grip
- Responsive and bouncy
- Versatile for trails and roads
- Perfect for long runs
Cons
- Heavy
- Not particularly breathable
- Not for highly technical trails
- Fits medium-to-narrow feet only
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Joes New Balance Outlet
$80
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$104
REI
Free shipping
$165
Running Warehouse
Best New Balance trail running shoes with wide toebox
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7
86
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Hierro v7 from New Balance is dubbed as the trail version of the NB 1080. Although New Balance has touted it as a road-to-trail option, with its multi-terrain grip, runners agree it's now more trail-specific. And if you want your New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro stripped-down, the version 7 is a fantastic do-it-all trail running shoe that makes you want to rack up more miles.
Pros
- Grippier than ever before
- Ready for a rough beating
- Lighter than ever
- Seamless heel-to-toe
- Stable during sharp turns
- Buttery soft
- Welcomes wide feet
- Tongue stays in place
- Also for hiking!
Cons
- Not enough airflow
- Forefoot lacks cushion
- Heavy runners can bottom out
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$83
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$83
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
REI
Free shipping
$140
New Balance
Free shipping & returns
$140
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$140
New Balance trail running shoes with best cushioning
New Balance 510 v5
78
Decent!
What makes it the best?
The 510 v5 from New Balance is a trail running shoe that won't cost you an arm and a leg. At $75, it's modestly priced. But when it comes to comfort and traction, it's anything but modest. If you want to explore the trails without the worry of missteps and strained legs, the NB 510 v5 will be your next go-to.
Pros
- Grippy on rough surfaces
- Comfortable for all-day use
- Lightweight
- Wide width is truly wide
- Supportive fit
- Toe box lets your toe relax
- Breathable
- A down-to-earth price
Cons
- Lacks arch support
- Durability is short-lived
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$45
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best New Balance trail running shoes for long distance
New Balance Nitrel V4
86
Great!
What makes it the best?
The New Balance Nitrel v4 is hands down a great budget-oriented off-road shoe that packs a whole lot of performance despite its traditional and straightforward design. Given the price of elite model shoes easily entering the triple figures, it is nice to see something as versatile as the Nitrel line at less than $100. If you are looking for a shoe that can handle the road, dirt, mud, and gravel that you can run in then I would highly recommend checking out the Nitrel v4 for your go-to budget running shoe.
Pros
- True to size
- Supportive
- Secure fit
- Cushioned
- Quick break-in period
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Not responsive
- For short distances only
- Slightly warm
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$49
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$56
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$68
Zappos
Best New Balance trail running shoes with plush cushioning
New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail v1
89
Great!
What makes it the best?
Often compared to some Hoka trail shoes, the New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail v1 is loved for its highly-cushioned platform that feels at home on easy, long-distance runs. It's wildly loved because it does not cross that line where a high stack means absolutely no ground feel. It grips almost anything and comes in rad colorways and wild designs, finally.
Pros
- Soft Hoka-like cushioning
- Awesome protection
- True to size, really good fit
- Topography lines are trail runners' dream
- Generous toe box
- Heel tab that actually works
- Good grip
- Comfortable on easy, long runs
- Durable
- Feels light on foot
Cons
- Expensive
- Not stable enough
- Not breathable
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$128
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best New Balance trail supination running shoes
New Balance Summit Unknown
86
Great!
What makes it the best?
People were mostly happy with the performance of the New Balance Summit Unknown. They welcomed its breathable and quick-draining upper unit, the sure traction of the semi-aggressive outsole, and the lightweight construction. Conversely, some runners were taken aback by the deviating tongue unit while others didn’t appreciate width profiles. Overall, this trail shoe is divisive, but it’s still got its fair share of appreciation.
Pros
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Reliable traction
- Drains water well
Cons
- Tongue deviates
- Narrow width
- Insole slides forward
Today's best price
Men
Women
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$88
Running Warehouse
REI
Sun and Ski
Best value New Balance trail running shoes
New Balance FuelCore Nitrel Trail
85
Good!
What makes it the best?
The New Balance FuelCore Nitrel Trail has made a lot of runners satisfied because of its fit and structure. Aside from its design, the shoe also provides the right amount of grip, support, and comfort. While others have issues with durability and narrow toe box, others still recommended the shoe because of its versatility.
Pros
- Supportive
- Affordable
- Stretchable upper
- Comfortable fit
- Lightweight
- Protective toebox
- Versatile
- Excellent grip
Cons
- Narrow forefoot
- Not very durable
- Not enough cushioning
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$60
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Comparison of the 7 best New Balance trail running shoes
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