The sole of the shoe is intriguing. It has small lugs that have some bite, but you don’t feel them as individual components when running. I have had no issue with slipping on wet pavement or asphalt. White typically does not stay clean, but I have had no issues with these staining or showing their age prematurely. Recent runs have put them through some water and even a tad of mud, so the sparkle is starting to dwindle. Build

The design of the 1500’s is pretty cool. I really like the color options and the embedding NB into the design. It looks fast and is fast. So when the first generation of the New Balance 1500 hit the shelves, it entered a niche that was occupied by only a few. The Saucony Fastwitch was one, and the Asics DS Trainer was another.Whoever designs the 1500s at New Balance needs a promotion. The pattern borrowed from their racing flats makes the shoe look fast.

If you were dreading a drastic change in the 1500V6’s ride quality, you’ll be relieved to hear that there is no cause to worry.

New Balance 1500 v5 Intro

From the outside, it’s virtually unrecognizable from the past versions. At its core, you get the same speed-friendly ride experience and a non-intrusive medial post. THE NEW BALANCE 1500V6 vs. V5 MR”: The first two letters identify the gender and the sport activity. “M” is for MEN, “W” for WOMEN. “R” is for Running. “WW” will be Women’s Walking, “MX” will be Men’s Cross-Training and so on. Conversely, a half size larger is appreciated during longer runs; (half-marathon types) the extra space will result in a more comfortable fit experience when running for an hour or longer. You’ll find greater ride comfort in the medially-posted Asics DS Trainer 24. It’s got more midsole foam for a higher level of cushioning, and a soft, spacious upper with an ultra-smooth fit.

NB calls this a racer, and it performs no doubt. The build, though light, is strong enough to find that happy place for you if “racing flats” are just too minimal for you. I have to say it is just right! This is one of the few shoes that I have burned through that felt right on the first lace and took no break-in to get accustomed to its features. This is one of the few shoes that I don’t “feel” when running. My local running store says my feet are narrow-based on their measuring. Yet, I feel best in a 2E. Wides are hard to come by, but great news—the 1500’s have a 2E option! Apparently, my feet splay greatly when running and require some space in the toe-box. I got these as a wide option, and they give just that right amount of snug around the midfoot, but my toes are wild and free! Most runners will want something cushier for long-distance runs, and the 1500 isn’t the shoe to give you that. Even for daily training, a more durable and cushioned shoe is easier on your feet.Since putting these heavily in my rotation, no blisters and no lost toe-nails! Thank you! Performance I don’t use orthotics preferring to leave the insole be. The insole is pretty basic with minimal features and cushioning. The Brooks Asteria is another mild-support racer with a higher offset of 8 mm. On this Brooks racer, the medial post is two-sided; it wraps around the heel instead of being just on the inside. My first big test of these shoes was racing the ever-important work 5K. I was able to get into a groove right away and open up for office bragging rights.

I was heel-running for a while and have moved to mid-foot. I do have the occasion where the heel will scrape. And, when fatigued, I can find myself on my heels a bit more often than I should.

The 1500V6 has no forefoot grooves and instead uses a perforated outsole layout. Tiny windows are spaced between the lugs, so the bending process takes place evenly. However, it takes a week or so to fully break-in the V6’s outsole and midsole.