An Introduction to New Balance Running Shoes

New Balance has long held a reputation for quality and comfort in their expansive running shoe offerings. Founded in 1906, New Balance celebrates over 100 years crafting athletic footwear that empowers athletes of all levels.

Origins & Manufacturing

New Balance manufacturers athletic sneakers in their owned factories located across the United States and United Kingdom. This rarity allows tighter quality control and ethical business practices. Runners appreciate that many New Balance running shoes still maintain some domestic production, unlike most brands that fully outsource manufacturing abroad. New Balance also counts world-class athletes like Jenny Simpson among sponsored runners. Their input informs shoe designs and real-world product testing.

Fit & Sizing

Understanding New Balance running shoe fit is key for finding your ideal model. New Balance running sneakers accommodate narrow, wide and extra wide feet thanks to their expansive sizing options. This versatility suits many foot types. Determining your general size, arch height, foot width and pronation needs helps narrow choices. New Balance women's running shoe sizes range from 5-13 in medium or wide widths. Men can select running shoe sizes from 7-16 with multiple width fittings as well. Trying shoes on in-store ensures ideal fit.

Cushioning & Stability Technologies

Runners will notice advanced midsole cushioning systems across New Balance trainers and racers. Key innovations include proprietary foams like FuelCell and Fresh Foam engineered specifically for soft yet responsive strides. Dual density posts, T-Beams and stability plates also provide pronation control on motion control or stability focused New Balance running shoes. Breathable engineered mesh uppers work in harmony with these midsole technologies for distraction-free mileage.

New Balance designs and manufactures a breadth of high performance running shoes New Balance suited for all run types. Understanding your training style and goals simplifies selecting ideal models from New Balance's road and trail collections.

Daily Trainers

For runners logging higher weekly miles, daily trainer New Balance running shoes deliver versatility for everything from tempo runs to long slow distance days. These well-cushioned models suit most neutral runners looking for cushioning and support in a lightweight package.

Top daily trainers for women include the Fresh Foam 880v11 and new Fresh Foam X 1080v12. Men seeking a durable high mileage trainer should check out the FuelCell Propel v2 or Fresh Foam More v3. Expect ample forefoot cushioning and a smooth heel to toe transition from these daily staples.

Lightweights & Racers

On speed days or race days, lightweight New Balance racers shed weight for increased responsiveness without excess bulk. Models like the FuelCell RC Elite v2 racing shoe and FuelCell Prism trainer provide a snappy ride for faster paced days up to half marathon distances and beyond. Expect race-ready traction from premium blown rubber outsoles and propulsion from resilient FoelCell or REVlite midsole foams.

The 1400v7, 1500v6 and other New Balance lightweight trainers also hit that sweet spot blending cushioning, flexibility and low weight. Breathable air mesh uppers keep the feet cool when pace picks up. For triathlon and cross training, category-crossing shoe styles like the Hierro offer versatility across athletic disciplines.

New Balance manufactures an array of high performance running shoes engineered specifically for road or trail. Understanding key differences between New Balance road and trail running shoes simplifies selecting the right footwear for your training terrain.

Road Running Shoes

Ideal for pavement, concrete and treadmills, New Balance road running shoes prioritize responsiveness, flexibility and optimal transition. Expect features like breathable air mesh uppers, segmented rubber outsoles and EVA or FuelCell midsoles. The flexible build allows natural foot movement while protecting feet from impact stress.

Top rated road shoes span neutral cushioned trainers like the Fresh Foam 880v12 and stability-focused options like the 1340v3. Racers and up tempo runners appreciate lightweight builds of models like the FuelCell RC Elite with its featherlight upper and propulsive Carbon Fiber plate. For trail races with road sections, hybrid shoes like the Hierro provide versatility.

Trail Running Shoes

Heading off-road demands more protective and grippy trail shoes designed for unpredictable terrain. New Balance trail running shoes have solid traction, aggressive lugs, rock plates, toe bumpers and durable materials resisting abrasions or moisture. Expect a more rugged build that stabilizes feet while allowing enough flex for natural movement across rugged topography.

Top rated trail shoes include the fast-drying Hierro v6 and ultra protective Leadvill v2 for the most technical trails. Light trail models like the versatile 510v6 work well for less technical terrain but still grip well on loose dirt or steep inclines. Maximal cushioning in the Fresh Foam Hierro v6 provides all-day comfort over long distances.

Innovative midsole and support technologies set New Balance running shoes apart. Custom foams, dual density designs and stability elements enhance comfort while correcting overpronation linked to injury in some runners.

Proprietary Cushioning Foams

New Balance develops fresh innovations in responsive cushioning aimed at both comfort and energy return. The Fresh Foam midsole foam first launched in 2013 and continues adapting in 2023 daily trainers like the Fresh Foam X 1080v12. Expect an exceptionally plush ride. FuelCell foam offers a springier, well-cushioned stride with its mix of compression and durability.

Stability Technologies

To support overpronation, New Balance integrates control elements like medial/lateral posts, T-Beams and multi-density midsole structures. Motion control focuses on gradual pronation guidance while stability models offer moderate correction without excess rigidity. Leading stability options like the Prism v2 suit most overpronators looking for injury prevention during higher mileage. Expect great durability from premium stability materials.

With men’s and women's shoe sizes ranging from slender to extra wide, New Balance runners accommodate more foot types compared to other athletic brands. Choosing the ideal size and width prevents discomfort while enabling natural foot motion.

Women's Sizing

Women's New Balance running shoes range from size 5 up to 13 in medium or wide width options labelled D or 2E. Narrow sizes are available in select models as well. Consider sizing up a half or full size if you fall between standard sizes and need a roomier toe box. Some shoes fit true to size like the Fresh Foam 880v12 while racers often run small.

Men's Sizing

On the men's side, New Balance running shoes span sizes 7 to 16 with multiple width fittings labeled D for medium, B for narrow feet or 2E for wide feet requiring more toe box room. Trying shoes on while wearing your typical running socks ensures ideal fit. Expect true to size dimensions from cushioned trainers like the FuelCell Propel v2 daily trainer.

Fit Tips

When buying online, using a Brannock device to measure your feet at home simplifies finding accurate sizing. Even if you know your typical size, foot dimensions evolve over time. Evaluate the shoe interior dimensions relative to your foot’s exact length and width for best matching.  Those with especially wide feet may size up a half or full size to allow natural toe splay.

Alongside consistent style and performance updates, New Balance frequently rolls out innovations aligned with larger athletic shoe trends. Areas making an impact range from eco-conscious production to maximalist cushioning.

Sustainable Materials

Eco-minded production represents one key trend noticeable across athletic brands including New Balance. The FuelCell 5280 running shoe encompasses multiple sustainability initiatives from its traceable wool upper and midsole blended from biochemicals and synthetic polymers. At least 50% recycled content by weight reduces virgin plastic waste. New Balance aims to develop further environmentally preferred materials as consumers demand greener production.

Maximal Cushioning

Extra thick, plush midsoles satisfy runner desire for more comfortable marathon and ultra distances. New Balance models like the Fresh Foam X 1080v12 women's shoe provide over 30mm of supremely soft Fresh Foam cushioning tuned for luxurious heel to toe transitions. Expect enhanced shock absorption and energy return from these highly cushioned platforms.

Lightweight Builds

At the other end of the spectrum, racing flats and faster trainers like the slick FuelCell RC Elite v2 shed weight down to just 6.7oz. Breathable air mesh uppers, Pebax plates and slim yet responsive midsoles target PR times across 5Ks to the marathon distance. Expect elite carbon fibre plates and grippy rubber delivering a smooth, propulsive ride on race day from New Balance speedsters.

Runners debate the merits of barely-there racing flats versus ultra cushioned platforms. New Balance caterers to both ends of the spectrum with featherweight PR machines and comfort-focused high mileage maximalist trainers.

Maximal Cushioning

For recovery days or long slow distance training, maximal cushioning soothes feet across high weekly mileage. The extra thick midsole foam layers found in shoes like the Fresh Foam X 1080v12 absorb shock comfortably over 20+ miles. Appreciate the plush ride and energetic return from amplified Fresh Foam cushioning stacked above 30mm in height. Despite heavy cushioning, expect a smooth and stable heel to toe transition.

Lightweights

When aiming to trim seconds off your PR, lightweight racers and trainers make each stride more responsive so you can turn over quicker. Models like the FuelCell RC Elite v2 have featherlight Pebax plates, airy mesh uppers and slim midsoles dialling in an ideal balance of propulsion, flexibility and cushioning. Expect elite dynamics from the FuelCell RC Elite v2 and its Carbon Fiber plate delivering smooth transitions as speed escalates.

With over a century crafting athletic and running footwear, New Balance's leadership stems from their commitment to quality, domestic manufacturing and understanding runners' needs. 2021 sales figures confirm New Balance as the 3rd highest selling running shoe brand in the United States.

Commitment to Quality Craftsmanship

Many New Balance running shoes maintain at least some US or UK production, ensuring tighter quality control from their owned factories. This domestic manufacturing foundation supports ethical business practices increasingly valued by modern consumers. Appreciate precise engineering visible across stylistic classics like the 990v5 as well as 2023 newcomers like the FuelCell SuperComp Pacer.

Responding to Evolving Runner Needs

Alongside producing reliable neutral and stability trainers accommodating versatile training, New Balance actively responds to shifting runner interests. Areas of focus include maximizing energetic propulsion from custom midsole foams, integrating smooth carbon fiber plates for race day PRs and experimenting with sustainable materials. Expect leading innovations as New Balance running shoes continue empowering runners across another century.

Understanding the Biomechanics of Running

New Balance also invests heavily in biomechanical research and collaborating with world-class athletes. Applying lessons learned about injury prevention, pronation control, transition smoothness and propulsion directly translates into shoe improvements. Runners thus benefit from evolutions guided by science, wear testing and insights from elite runners worldwide racing in New Balance footwear.