11 New Balance Running Shoes for Comfy Road & Trail Miles

Ready for some sweet miles on roads and trails? You'll want to check out these 11 comfy New Balance running shoes for roads and trails.
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In this article, WeeViews shoe expert Hollie S. gives you the rundown on New Balance running shoes in three different categories:

  • Neutral running shoes
  • Workout & racing shoes
  • Stability shoes
  • Trail shoes

After fitting more than 1,000 runners with a wide range of goals, different foot types, and experience, Hollie has tested, handled and recommended these New Balance running shoes and many other brands and shoes.
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Lace up, and let's go...

The evolution of New Balance running shoes

As far as running brands, New Balance is unique in many ways, from their naming system to their history in the running space. 
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  • In recent years, they've become a powerhouse professional running brand, thanks to sponsoring elite athletes who have brought track and field up.
  • By the midcentury, New Balance's running line began developing, and they created their first sneaker, the Trackster. Unique for its time, the Trackster offered a range of widths to accommodate different foot sizes. It became their first model to cross a marathon finish line.
  • The 1970s saw the introduction of New Balance's signature "N" logo and the development of their numbered series of shoes. 
  • The 990 model became a cornerstone of their running line, and in recent years, the 880 has taken that title as it's lighter and more modern. Don't worry, 990 fans; the 990 is still going strong.
  • In the late 2010s, New Balance revamped their running footwear by introducing the FuelCell midsole and a new line of running shoes that didn't use numbers. 

Between the classic Fresh Foam line and the new FuelCell line, New Balance now caters to a wide range of runners, including:

  • New runners
  • Walkers
  • Road racers
  • Marathoners, and...
  • Professional athletes

They truly have something for everyone, but that also means it can be challenging to find the perfect New Balance running shoes for you.

👟What do the New Balance running shoe numbers mean?

I'm glad New Balance has started naming their shoes actual names versus a bunch of numbers. It can get so confusing. 
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New Balance uses a complex naming system, but it generally breaks down into four sections:

  • The First Two Letters: M=Men and W=Women
  • The First Numbers: Higher numbers indicate more cushion.
  • The Second Two Numbers: Indicate stability or neutral options.
  • “V” means version: For instance, v14 means it’s the 14th version.

So now that we know about New Balance, what are the top New Balance running shoes?.
Here are my top 11 picks...

👟Top Neutral New Balance Running Shoes

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v13
  • Weight: 9.2 oz
  • MSRP: $140.00
  • Heel Drop: 8 mm
  • Usage: Daily training

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13 is a versatile neutral daily trainer designed to handle your daily, easy runs. It offers a blend of responsiveness, durability, and stability. 
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If you're looking for a simple, basic, daily trainer for walking or running, the New Balance 880 v13 is a great option.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13
  • Price: $164.95
  • Weight: 9.2 oz (Men's size 9), 7.3 oz (Women's size 8)
  • Drop: 6 mm
  • Usage: Premium cushioned daily training shoe

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 is a premium, highly cushioned neutral shoe known for its lightweight build and exceptional softness.
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🏃‍♀️It's my favorite New Balance shoe. 
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The Fresh Foam X technology delivers a plush ride, making it suitable for easy runs, walking, and standing. The shoe is best suited for runners seeking a soft, comfortable ride for daily training. 
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If you prefer a shoe with more cushion, the New Balance 1080 v13 is your shoe.

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4
  • Weight: 10.9 oz
  • MSRP: $150.00
  • Heel Drop: 4 mm
  • Usage: Cushioned daily training shoe

As the name More suggests, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is a highly cushioned neutral shoe. 
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(It should actually be called the New Balance Most.)
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While it offers tons of cushioning, a well-constructed build, and a rocker midsole, if you are looking for the New Balance shoe with the most cushion, it's definitely the New Balance More.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2
  • Weight: 9.7 oz
  • MSRP: $180.00
  • Heel Drop: 6 mm
  • Usage: Cushioned trainer

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 is a versatile maximalist trainer that offers a plush, energetic ride. 
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While it is capable of handling recovery, easy, long runs, and uptempo workouts, it feels more comfortable at slower paces. 

  • Version 2 features a new upper and midsole that enhance comfort, reduce weight, and provide better versatility. 
  • The SuperComp Trainer does have a carbon plate but is made for daily and easy runs.

👟Top Workout & Racing New Balance Shoes

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
  • Weight: 7.5 oz
  • MSRP: $140.00
  • Heel Drop: 6 mm
  • Usage: Tempo workouts, daily runs

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is an excellent lightweight speed trainer made for runs faster than an easy pace. 

  • Its new midsole blend of PEBA and EVA delivers an energetic, engaging ride, making it ideal for up-tempo running. 
  • A drawback of the Rebel is the significant changes from year to year. You never know what kind of update you're going to get.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer
  • Weight: 6.7 oz
  • MSRP: $150.00
  • Heel Drop: 8 mm
  • Usage: Racing, shorter distances

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer is a lightweight, short-distance racing shoe offering a snappy, firm ride with a flexible full-length carbon plate. 
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It's a great option for shorter races. 
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If you are someone who misses lightweight, racing flats, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer is a great option.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4
  • Weight: 8.1 oz
  • MSRP: $250.00
  • Heel Drop: 4 mm
  • Usage: Racing

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a stable long-distance racer with a soft, cushioned ride. 

  • While it offers a fun and comfortable experience, it lacks the high propulsion seen in other super shoes due to its gentle forefoot rocker and softer cushioning. 
  • It's not as aggressive as some other carbon-plated shoes, making it a great choice for someone who wants a more natural ride or someone who is more injury-prone.

👟Top Stability New Balance Running Shoes

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14
  • Weight: 10.8 oz
  • Heel Drop: 8 mm
  • MSRP: $130.00
  • Usage: Daily runs

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14 is a stability running shoe designed for overpronators seeking light support and medium cushioning.
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It's one of the few true stability shoes left! 

  • This updated model features a synthetic mesh upper with no-sew overlays, providing enhanced durability and breathability.
  • The 8 mm heel drop promotes ankle flexibility and a natural midfoot strike.
  • The Fresh Foam X midsole with Bio Eva technology ensures sustainable comfort over long distances. 

If you are looking for a supportive walking, running, or even standing shoe, the New Balance 860 v14 is a great option.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo v6
  • Weight: 10.6 oz M, 8.5 oz W
  • MSRP: $164.95
  • Heel Drop: 6 mm
  • Usage: Mild stability daily training shoe

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 is a mild stability shoe that offers a soft, comfortable ride with a snug, well-fitted upper. 

  • Featuring a new EVA film in the midsole, it provides lateral motion guidance with strategically placed hexagon shapes to promote forward motion. 
  • While it moves away from traditional stability concepts, it remains a unique option for those needing mild stability and support.

👟Top Trail Shoes from New Balance Running

New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3
  • Weight: 10.9 oz M, 9.5 oz W
  • MSRP: $159.95
  • Heel Drop: 4 mm
  • Usage: Trail running

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3 is a highly-cushioned, maximal trail shoe designed for tackling a variety of terrains. 

  • With a substantial amount of Fresh Foam X cushioning and a thick Vibram rubber outsole with deep lugs, it provides a soft, bouncy ride that excels in durability and traction. 
  • This shoe is ideal for those looking for maximal cushioning and a stable neutral ride on any terrain.
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v8
  • Weight: 11.2 oz M, 8.9 oz W
  • MSRP: $149
  • Heel Drop: 6 mm
  • Usage: Hybrid trail running shoe

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 is a versatile hybrid trail running shoe that excels on both roads and trails. 

  • Primarily designed for trails, it's a great option if you have a couple of road miles in there (like getting to/from trails). 
  • It combines the plush comfort of Fresh Foam X cushioning with a durable Vibram Eco Step outsole for excellent traction.

New Balance has come a long way from their all-white leather "dad shoes" to creating some of the best running shoes on the market.
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Whether you're looking for a high-cushioned trainer, a speedster for races, or a stable shoe for daily runs, New Balance has a model that fits your needs.
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👟What's your favorite New Balance running shoe?
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Tell us about it in the comments or create a WeeView about your favorite New Balance running shoe.

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Hollie S
Moderator
Mojave Desert, CA
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Hollie has worked in run specialty for 8+ years and fit over 1000 people for shoes. Her favorite distance is the half maratho...

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