Verdict from 7 experts and +100 user reviews

6 reasons to buy

  • Weight: The New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon v3 is a fast and lightweight trainer, according to many users. 
  • Comfort: It gives a bouncy and well-cushioned ride, based on many reviews. 
  • Value: Many buyers believe that this versatile running shoe is worth the money. 
  • Breathability: Several wearers say that the airy mesh top can keep the foot dry for an extended period. 
  • Midsole: Numerous purchasers love the shoe’s responsive cushioning.
  • Upper: A couple of testers mention that the shoe offers a glove-like fit.

3 reasons not to buy

  • Structure: A few runners dislike that they couldn’t get a good lockdown fit. 
  • Components: One consumer claims that the upper materials look cheap. 
  • Platform: The Fresh Foam Beacon v3 looks bulky, according to a reviewer.

Bottom line

Crafted with innovative technologies, the New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon v3 is a lightweight shoe that offers a well-cushioned ride. This neutral running footwear works well for users with normal gaits or those who supinate (when the bodyweight rolls onto the foot’s outer edge). It is recommended for consumers seeking a comfortable and budget-friendly running companion.

Tip: see the best running shoes.

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Video reviews

New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon v3: Your versatile road companion

Designed to help you run faster and further, the New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon series continues to improve to give you a comfortable and secure ride. In its third iteration, the Fresh Foam Beacon incorporates significant improvements to meet the high standards of runners and shoe enthusiasts. 

With a lightweight design, the New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon v3 is a well-cushioned shoe that works great at any speed. Whether you are a beginner or advanced runner, this reliable road shoe will make your run effortless.

Best for

Equipped with a durable and sticky outsole, this New Balance footwear works well on asphalted roads, tracks, and fields. It is also suitable for the following activities:

  • long runs
  • easy recovery runs
  • tempo runs
  • daily training
  • casual walks

New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon v3 vs v2

For a lighter and better in-shoe feel, the Fresh Foam Beacon v3 brings refining upgrades without interrupting the essence of the Fresh Foam Beacon v2. Here are some of the new and improved features of the Fresh Foam Beacon v3:

  • a more breathable upper material for better ventilation
  • an updated outsole pattern for enhanced grip and durability
  • the new Fresh Foam X midsole technology for a bouncier and more comfortable ride

How Fresh Foam Beacon v3 compares

This shoe: 91
All shoes average: 81
54 93
This shoe: £120
All shoes average: £120
£40 £330
This shoe: 232g
All shoes average: 270g
100g 460g
Ready to buy? Available from £84
Not sure yet? Overview of all 2517 running shoes
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.

jens@runrepeat.com