New Balance Fresh Foam Evoz V2 Running Shoes (2E Width) - AW22

Product Information

Perhaps for your marathon long runs, or you’re just wanting more protection from the road, I’d suggest these. In this case, the price is worth the pay out. When compared to the Hoka maximals I’ve tried, these are less soft, but more responsive, and have a much better upper. The width of the toebox and softness and flexbility of the upper are a step above. Of all the budget New Balance running shoes, the 680 is the only model that has consistently shown up every year. The V7 suffix means that this is the 7th edition of the 680 – a toned-down version of the well-known 880.

Despite the tall and soft midsole, we were pleased with how stable and planted our landings felt. In the lab, we found out that it has a wider-than-average base—12.5 mm wider at the heel and 7 mm wider at the forefoot. At the same time, the upper also gave us a snug and secure fit. To give credit where it’s due, New Balance offers multiple widths on their entry-level products – a benefit that most brands do not offer. Designed without compromise, New Balance running shoes are guaranteed to provide a responsive ride that fuels your run - in other words, get ready to feel faster-than-fast. Speed-seeking, breathable, conforming fit, optimal cushioning - New Balance has something for every run and every man.But think of a budget New Balance running shoe that’s been consistently updated over the years, and there’s none. Sure, one could argue that the 680 is such a shoe, but is it the highlight of New Balance’s budget catalog? Not really. Our speed running shoes are just as innovative, and are powered by REVlite cushioning and lightweight solid rubber outsoles. New Balance Running Shoes: The History At an insanely low price of 85 USD, the Fresh Foam Roav v2 is leagues below the average price of road running shoes (130 USD). Yet, it punches above its class with some of its premium features. While the Nitrel V3 was more of a ‘regular’ trail runner with a please-all character, the V4 is quirky in comparison. Instead of the Nitrel v3’s full-length Revlite midsole (of the 1500 fame), the V4 uses a Dynasoft midsole and a high toe-spring that promotes a forward-rolling motion.

New Balance men’s running shoes are renowned for their sleek designs, lightweight materials and supreme cushioning. For something better suited to long-distance running, opt for the 880, which features a breathable mesh FantomFit upper with a no-sew overlay engineered for ultra-light support. Don’t get us wrong. The Nitrel V4 is a nice enough trail shoe that gets its basics down pat. The foam midsole provides decent levels of ride comfort, and the full-coverage outsole does its job. The upper, while narrow, delivers a trail-worthy fit.The redesigned upper is soft and breathable. Using a double jacquard mesh, the upper gives structure to the foot while moving with your foot. For example, adidas’s most popular budget shoe is the Duramo. Nike has its Winflo, and Saucony sells the Cohesion. The Asics Gel-Contend is a well-known running shoe model that has been around for a while. The New Balance 860v12 is a shoe specifically made for overpronators with its excellent support and stability, plus, as we found out on our test runs, a consistent ride in any condition. Its outstanding traction is the cherry on top—making it the best stability shoe in the New Balance running shoe lineup. This article has been updated with current models for May 2022. The Shando and the Pro Knit have been removed.

The upper fits snug and short, so that’s something to bear in mind while purchasing the Nitrel V4. The fused toe bumper, while protective, makes the ceiling narrower and the sizing at least a half size small. The update to the More v2 is a game changer for this type of shoe in my mind, and it will continue to be a shoe I’ll keep in rotation until they wear out.of New Balance shoes are made for neutral pronation, meaning they have no added arch support. Example: the popular 1080 series . New Balance numbering system This shoe provides unmatched stability for the feet. The dual-density midsole foam guides our feet straight, and a stiff medial post helps correct the feet when they roll inward. During runs, the stabilizing effects were pretty noticeable and our feet were kept steady and secure. The midsole is also flexible as it bends easily like an acrobat. In the lab, it needed 50% less force to bend compared to the average. Durometer readings in the lab also showed that it is 67.7% softer than the average trail running shoe. This plushness offered both comfort and great protection underfoot. Some New Balance road and trail running shoes have waterproof features. These shoe models are equipped with a GTX membrane that keeps the feet dry in wet and rainy running conditions. The 860v12's midsole is firm but comfortable. It has a durometer reading of 32.3 HA, 31.8% firmer than the average of road running shoes and it only hardened by 12% after 20 minutes in the freezer (26.7% change in other road running shoes, on average). Meaning an ultra-consistent ride and ground feel—even in cold conditions.

The Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 is the best New Balance trail running shoe based on all our tests because it blends a grippy outsole, a stable ride, and a very comfortable and flexible midsole. This makes it the go-to shoe for running those less-beaten paths or even blazing new ones. The outsole features a balanced 70.3 HC rubber — tougher than most race shoes for durability and softer than the average daily trainer for better grip. Among its racer counterparts, its 2.8 mm outsole gives more than enough rubber to last long. The midsole’s softness is like magic. Our durometer measurements confirmed this because at a mere 9.5 HA, the Rebel v3 is the second softest we’ve ever tested in our lab! During our runs, each step felt like a luxury. Although spongy and buttery-soft, it still felt lively and springy during our speed runs. When we ran on different terrains, the grippy nature of the Hierro v7’s outsole definitely stood out. The combination of this reliable outsole rubber and an updated lug pattern resulted in this very grippy shoe—perfect for conquering light to moderate trails while remaining unscathed.Instead, what we have is a hodge podge of different shoe models that are vaguely inspired by the more expensive models. The Fresh Foam Evoz bears a passing resemblance to the 1080, and there’s a glimpse of the Fuelcell Rebel in the New Balance Breaza. After vigorous lab tests and spirited runs, we crown the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 as the best overall running shoe in the New Balance line. With the plump midsole foam, an incredibly stable platform, and a grippy but robust outsole—this shoe lives up to its “More” moniker. The last two digits of the number used to indicate the level of cushioning: a “60” being a stability shoe while a “80” a neutral shoe. This is the actual list: