The best New Balance running shoes, tested and rated
I've tested every shoe in the NB lineup. Here are the 8 worth buying, from cushioned daily trainers to carbon racers and trail shoes.
New Balance has been on a serious tear lately. Between the new Infinion foam in the 1080v15, a reworked SC Elite v5, and the brand-new Ellipse, there's more depth in this lineup than I've seen from Boston in years.
Whether you're a New Balance loyalist or considering your first pair, this is a great time to be shopping to fill your rotation.
I test every model in this list myself before it earns a spot, and I have also shared links to my Youtube and blog reviews if you'd like a more in-depth look at either one.
No brand write-ups, no spec-sheet summaries. Just honest impressions from real miles, broken down by category so you can find the right shoe for how you actually run.
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Quick picks
| Category | Shoe | Price | Weight (US 9) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | FuelCell Rebel v5 | $145 | 7.9 oz | Versatile daily training |
| Best cushioned daily trainer | 1080v15 | $170 | 9.1oz | Cushioned comfort with energy |
| Best for easy runs and lifestyle | Ellipse v1 | $145 | 9.4 oz | Relaxed miles, all-day wear |
| Best for racing | SC Elite v5 | $250 | 7.2 oz | 5K to marathon race day |
| Best plated trainer | SC Trainer v3 | $190 | 9.3 oz | Marathon training, tempo runs |
| Best value daily trainer | Fresh Foam X 880v15 | $140 | 9.9oz | Reliable daily miles on a budget |
| Best for stability | Fresh Foam X 860v15 | $150 | 11.5oz | Overpronation support |
| Best for trail | Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 | $160 | 11.2 oz | Mixed trail, road-to-trail |
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New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
The best all-round running shoe in the NB lineup
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 review
A comfort-first, speedy daily trainer with a soft heel, roomy fit, and lightweight feel.
Alastair Dixon
Price: $145 | Weight: 7.9 oz / 224g (US 9) | Drop: 6mm | Stack: 38mm / 32mm
The Rebel v5 is the shoe I'd hand to almost any runner who asked me for one New Balance recommendation. The FuelCell midsole (PEBA/EVA blend) feels noticeably softer than the v4, delivers great energy return, and the 7.9 oz weight helps keep things light and nimble.
It's most at home on steady runs, recovery days, or relaxed tempo efforts where smooth transitions matter more than pure speed. The ride reminds me of how the Asics Novablast 5 feels: comfortable underfoot, especially for heel strikers.
The roomy toe box is great for wider feet but the forefoot lockdown feels a touch loose at tempo paces. Heel lockdown, on the other hand, is excellent. There's not enough snap for faster threshold work or intervals, and durability is a concern, with exposed foam showing significant wear after just a few runs.
If you're a rearfoot striker who wants a lightweight, effortless daily trainer that doesn't break the bank, you'll most likely fall in love with the Rebel v5.
New Balance 1080v15
The best cushioned daily trainer from New Balance
New Balance 1080v15 review: lighter, more planted, and the best yet
New Balance swaps Fresh Foam X for the new Infinion compound, and the result is a max-cushion daily trainer that feels familiar, faster, and more confident underfoot than any 1080 before it.
Alastair Dixon
Price: $170 | Weight: 9.1oz / 258g | Drop: 6mm | Stack: 40mm / 34mm
The 1080v15 is the biggest update the 1080 line has ever received. The headline is Infinion, a new supercritical foam replacing Fresh Foam X in the midsole. It's lighter, bouncier, and more responsive than anything previous 1080s have offered, and it makes the v15 one of the lighter cushioned daily trainers on the market despite the increased stack height (40mm at the heel).
The two-layer mesh upper is engineered for breathability and structure, and the shoe fits true to size with NB's typically secure midfoot lockdown.
The 1080v15 sits in a sweet spot for runners who want a cushioned daily trainer with genuine energy return, rather than just softness. It's not as plush and sink-in as the More v6, and not as light or fast as the Rebel v5, but it splits the difference well.
If you're a newer runner looking for one quality shoe, or you want dedicated cushioning for easy and long run days, this is where I'd steer you first. The extra $30 over the 880v15 gets you a noticeably livelier, more modern midsole, and for most keen runners, that upgrade is money well spent.
New Balance Ellipse v1
The best New Balance shoe for easy runs and lifestyle
New Balance Ellipse review: plush, stylish, and built for easy miles
The latest Fresh Foam daily trainer has me quietly impressed with lightweight cushioning and lifestyle appeal, but is it right for your rotation?
Alastair Dixon
Price: $145 | Weight: 9.4 oz (US 9) | Drop: 8mm | Stack: 38mm / 30mm
The Ellipse is a plush, lightweight daily trainer built for easy miles, recovery runs, and the kind of relaxed social running where comfort matters more than split times. The Fresh Foam X midsole is on the softer, more compliant end of NB's range, with a squishy, sink-in heel and a mild rocker geometry that rolls through each stride without fighting it. Part of the liveliness comes from the ellipse-shaped rubber pod outsole, which creates negative space that lets the foam compress and rebound more freely.
This shoe has no business in a speedwork rotation, and breathability is the other knock, especially in warmer climates. But at $145, the Ellipse over-delivers if you want something comfortable, good-looking, and dependable for the miles that don't need to be fast.
The aesthetics are some of the best NB has put out in this category in years, bridging the gap between performance and lifestyle in a way that feels genuinely new. Outsole durability looks promising early on. For runs up to around 10 miles, it holds up well; beyond that, the foam loses a bit of its snap.
New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v5
The fastest racing shoe in the NB range
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 review
Lighter, snappier, and just as comfortable as v4, this plated marathon racer nails balance, breathability, and all-distance comfort.
Alastair Dixon
Price: $250 | Weight: 7.2 oz / 204g (US 9) | Drop: 8mm | Stack: 40mm / 32mm
The SC Elite v5 shares a lot of the same DNA with the v4, but feels noticeably different to me. The forefoot stack sits at 32mm with an 8mm drop (up from 4mm), and paired with slightly firmer midsole tuning, the shoe feels more connected to the road without sacrificing marathon-distance cushioning.
The FuelCell PEBA midsole delivers a smooth, balanced ride, but the stiffer carbon plate gives a snappier toe-off. This setup locks into marathon pace almost without thinking. Stability is where the v5 earns a gold star among super shoes, particularly in the forefoot.
The heel lock isn't as dialed as I'd like, with a touch of movement unless you crank the laces, risking collar bite from the short tongue. The forefoot is very rigid, which some may find too stiff for shorter races. It's not as explosively propulsive as the Endorphin Elite 2, Rocket X 3, or Vaporfly 4, and many runners will love it because of that.
Breathability is excellent, the new rubber outsole grips well in wet and dry conditions, and it runs true to size with a medium width. Also available in wide, which remains rare for a carbon racer.
New Balance FuelCell SC Trainer v3
The best plated super trainer for marathon prep
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 Review
A responsive and protective super trainer that shines at marathon pace but feels a bit firm for recovery runs.
Alastair Dixon
Price: $190 | Weight: 9.3 oz / 264g (US 9) | Drop: 6mm | Stack: 36mm / 30mm
The SC Trainer v3 has a really natural-feeling ride that propels you forward with a responsive take-off. The PEBA/EVA FuelCell midsole isn't quite as soft as earlier FuelCell setups, but the welcome firmness gives a snappy, responsive feel that's better suited to uptempo running than recovery jogs.
The Energy Arc carbon plate provides support without being overly stiff, and the easy forefoot flex makes the shoe feel less mechanical on longer efforts where your form may start to fade.
This shoe feels best at uptempo or marathon paces, when the geometry, rocker, and firm foam work together efficiently. Slow it down for easy runs and it starts to feel clunky, so it's not the best do-it-all super trainer. The upper is breathable and secure, with solid midfoot and heel lockdown even at 4:20/km pace.
There is some pressure over my big toes past double-digit mileage, not a dealbreaker but worth noting. Traction is solid, though exposed midfoot foam will cost durability over time.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15
The best value daily trainer in the NB range
New Balance 880 v15 review
A well-priced, versatile daily trainer with plush cushioning, stable support, and a soft secure fit - perfect for long, easy miles or walking with.
Alastair Dixon
Price: $140 | Weight: 9.9oz / 281g (US 9) | Drop: 6mm | Stack: 40mm / 34mm
The 880v15 is a big update, gaining a significantly higher stack that nudges it into max cushioned trainer territory while keeping the price at $140. The 40.5mm heel and 34.5mm forefoot give it a noticeably soft cushioned feel, and the 6mm drop creates smooth transitions.
The gusseted tongue and padded heel collar contribute to a secure, snug fit, and the squared-off toe box offers room for toe wiggle on longer runs. For a shoe with this much cushioning, it rides surprisingly stable.
This is not a speed shoe. The energy return doesn't match the 1080v15's Infinion foam, and traction isn't confident on wet or slick surfaces due to exposed foam in the midfoot and heel outsole areas.
But for daily runs, recovery, walking, and even standing around all day, the 880v15 is an excellent choice at a fair price. The key question is whether the extra $30 for the 1080v15 is worth it, and for most keen runners I suspect it will be, but for pure comfort at easy paces, the 880v15 punches above its weight.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15
The best New Balance running shoe for stability
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15 review: the plush stability daily trainer reinvented
More cushion, a refined Stability Plane, and a seriously comfortable ride but is the extra weight worth it for your training?
Alastair Dixon
Price: $150 | Weight: 11.5oz / 326g | Drop: 8mm | Stack: 43mm heel / 35mm forefoot
The 860v15 continues the modern stability approach that made the v14 such a strong update. It pairs Fresh Foam X cushioning with New Balance's Stability Plane technology, providing guidance and support without a traditional medial post. A rocker profile promotes smoother heel-to-toe transitions than the previous version offered.
The result is a stability shoe that feels smooth and natural rather than corrective. The Stability Plane effectively reduces lateral roll, making it a strong pick for overpronators who want supportive daily training without an intrusive, heavy-handed correction.
The Fresh Foam X midsole keeps things cushioned and comfortable, and the shoe is available in multiple width options. At $150, it remains one of the better-value stability shoes on the market, even if it is a little weighty.
Best for overpronators who want supportive daily training. Skip it if you're a neutral runner or want something faster.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
The best New Balance trail running shoe
New Balance Hierro v9 Review: It’s Not What You Think
A cushioned trail cruiser built for long miles on mellow terrain, with great grip and comfort, at the cost of a snug fit and some heat buildup.
Alastair Dixon
Price: $160 | Weight: 11.2oz / 318g (US 9) | Drop: 4mm | Stack: 42mm / 38mm
The Hierro v9 is built for trail runners seeking comfort and durability on less technical terrains, and because it performs admirably on road surfaces too, I'm filing it in the all mountain / road-to-trail category.
The dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole balances soft comfort on top with a firmer layer underneath for stability and responsiveness. The subtle rocker geometry aids forward momentum, especially on climbs.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole with aggressive 6mm lugs offers dependable traction across wet rocks and dry trails, but at 11.2 oz for a US 9, these aren't nimble enough for technical mountain running.
Where the Hierro lacks in speed it makes up for in comfort, cushioning, protection, and durability. Toe protection is robust, and the well-padded upper gives it a road-shoe comfort level. A solid choice for mixed terrain, road-to-trail runs, and hiking. Skip it if you need a lightweight trail racer.
How to choose the right New Balance running shoe
For daily training, the Rebel is the most versatile option. If you want more cushioning, step up to the 1080. If you want to save money, the 880 is a solid workhorse.
For speed work and racing, the SC Elite is the clear race-day choice, while the SC Trainer is better for plated training sessions and marathon prep.
For stability, the 860 is the go-to for runners who overpronate, with modern support that doesn't fight your stride.
For trail running, the Hierro covers most off-road needs and doubles nicely for road-to-trail runs.
For easy runs and lifestyle, the Ellipse is a plush, good-looking shoe for relaxed running and all-day wear.
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Frequently asked questions
Are New Balance good for running?
Yes, and they're arguably one of the most well-rounded running shoe brand right now. Their lineup covers every category, from lightweight daily trainers like the Rebel to plated carbon racers like the SC Elite, cushioned long-run shoes, stability options, and trail models.
The midsole technology has improved significantly in recent years, with the FuelCell PEBA blend and the new Infinion foam in the 1080v15 competing directly with the best foams from Asics, Nike, and Saucony.
New Balance also offers more width options than most brands, which matters if you've struggled to find shoes that fit comfortably. The main thing to be aware of is that NB shoes tend to fit slightly snug through the midfoot compared to brands like Brooks or Asics, so trying them on or ordering your usual size and checking the fit before committing to long runs is worth doing.
What are the best New Balance running shoes for plantar fasciitis?
If you're dealing with plantar fasciitis, you want a shoe with good cushioning, a supportive heel counter, and a smooth transition that doesn't put excessive strain on the plantar fascia.
The 1080v15 is my top pick for neutral runners, its Infinion foam provides soft, responsive cushioning that absorbs impact well, and the 6mm drop keeps the heel slightly elevated to reduce tension on the fascia.
If you overpronate, the 860v15 is a better choice, its Stability Plane technology gently guides your stride while the Fresh Foam X midsole cushions each landing. The 880v15 is also worth considering as a more affordable alternative with a high stack and surprisingly stable ride.
Whichever shoe you choose, make sure it fits snugly through the heel without any slippage, as a secure heel is important for managing plantar fasciitis symptoms during runs.
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