New Balance Lerato review
87
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn moreVerdict from 2 experts & 100+ users
Pros
- Cushy upon step-in
- Bouncy ride
- Stable during sharp turns
- A retro stunner
- Subtle feel of the carbon plate
- Snug fit
- Protective for long runs
- Can double as your sneaker
Cons
- Heavier than most road shoes
- Warm for summer
Any color
Men
Women
65% say it's true to size.
Amazon
£240£150
New Balance
£240£230
SportsShoes
Running Warehouse
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Rankings
- Top 25% in road running shoes
- Top 24% in New Balance running shoes
- Top 21% most popular running shoes
Comparison to similar running shoes
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Table of contents Best PricesCoreScoreVerdictProsConsComparisonWho should buy the New Balance FuelCell LeratoWho should NOT buy itExperience luxury with the NB LeratoIt's aliveSteady strides comin' throughA certified stunner!Plated but not stiffNo more wobblingIt eats up all the impactThe Lerato can weigh you downNot for the warm weatherA few more notes about the NB LeratoFacts / SpecsPopularityVideo reviews
Overview
Who should buy the New Balance FuelCell Lerato
Because of the presence of the carbon plate, you might think that the Lerato from New Balance is a speedster. It's not. Get it if you want a:
- "pleasant, easy-riding" shoe for long, easy days on the pavement
- a versatile shoe that's forgiving enough for recovery days and walking
The heavier runners and heel strikers will benefit most from the NB Lerato. It's best for heel strikers simply because its bounce is more pronounced in the rearfoot.
Who should NOT buy it
The NB Lerato is not a tempo shoe. So, if you want to run fast, consider buying a dedicated speed trainer instead like the NB Rebel v2. Not only is it fast, but it's also light and breathable.
If you want to stay on the lane of daily trainers, among the most breathable shoes from NB is the NB Fresh Foam 1080 v11.
Experience luxury with the NB Lerato
Like the RC Elite, the Lerato's FuelCell midsole has a "luxurious" sensation upon step-in. It feels plush underfoot, and the upper is very soft "from all sides" and "easy on the foot."
It's alive
It's springy and bouncy. This is because the shoe combines the soft FuelCell foam and flexible carbon-fiber plate.
Steady strides comin' through
No matter at what angle you land, the shoe keeps you steady. And when cornering, surefooted strides are ensured. This is thanks to the plastic heel cup and upper reinforcements.
A certified stunner!
It's like NB's modern take on their 990 series — the OG dad shoe. It keeps a classic silhouette with "deluxe" embellishments.
Plated but not stiff
For reference, it's as flexible as the PUMA Deviate Nitro and more pliable than the FuelCell TC. It's so unobtrusive that experts say it makes the legs less sore than any other non-plated shoe.
No more wobbling
It's very secure from the heel to the forefoot. There have been zero issues with slippage.
It eats up all the impact
The combination of the plate and the foam "insulates" the foot from impact. Meanwhile, the outsole rubber is very thick, generating a "tank-like ride."
The Lerato can weigh you down
It's heftier than the Saucony Triumph 18, which is among the heaviest road shoes.
Not for the warm weather
The upper has so much padding that it's not breathable. It may be of help during winter runs, but it's definitely a drawback for summer runs.
A few more notes about the NB Lerato
- The carbon-fiber plate does not reward fast paces. It has some pop, but only enough so that you won't have to exert more effort. In short, make your runs easy and enjoyable.
- Given its looks, the shoe is very much suitable as your sneaker.
Facts / Specs
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New Balance Lerato video reviews
