Best New Balance Running Shoes in 2025: A Complete Guide for Road, Trail & Race Day

If you’re looking for the best New Balance running shoes in 2025, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you're clocking daily miles, gearing up for your next race, or venturing off-road, New Balance has something to fit your pace, foot shape, and terrain of choice.

New Balance continues to evolve in the running world—balancing innovation (think FuelCell foam and Energy Arc tech--learn more about New Balance tech here) with the heritage runners have trusted for decades. From carbon-plated race day rockets to ultra-cushioned daily trainers and grippy trail shoes, the current lineup is more versatile than ever. 

In this guide, we break down the best New Balance running shoes by category to help you find your perfect fit.

New Balance has earned a reputation for:

• Two strong midsole lines: Fresh Foam (cushioned, stable) and FuelCell (energetic, fast)
• Wide sizing options
• Balanced ride geometry—great for new and experienced runners alike
• Tech upgrades like Energy Arc carbon plates and rocker midsoles
• Classic meets modern design appeal

Best for most runners: Fresh Foam X 1080v14

• Weight: ~9.3 oz (men) / 7.8 oz (women)
• Drop: 6 mm
• Stack: 36 mm / 30 mm
• Use: Long runs, daily miles, walking
• Price: $165

Why we like it: Plush, responsive, and incredibly versatile. If you only buy one New Balance shoe this year, this is the one. It’s also APMA-approved and has gained a loyal fanbase.

Related Reviews:

• New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13

Budget-friendly workhorse: Fresh Foam X 880v15

• Weight: ~9.9 oz
• Drop: 10 mm
• Use: Everyday miles, walk/run combos
• Price: $140

Why we like it: Durable and consistent. It’s less plush than the 1080 but holds its own as a no-fuss daily trainer.

Best for recovery runs and comfort seekers: Fresh Foam X More v5

• Weight: ~10.8 oz
• Drop: 4 mm
• Stack: 42 mm / 34 mm
• Use: Recovery days, long shifts on your feet
• Price: $150

Why we like it: The "More" really means more—more cushion, more softness, more miles without fatigue.

Related Review:

• New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

Support without the stiffness: Fresh Foam X 860v14

• Weight: ~10.8 oz
• Drop: 8 mm
• Use: Overpronation, daily miles, standing jobs
• Price: $130

Why we like it: One of the few true stability shoes left. It delivers light guidance and durable comfort for those who need extra structure.

Related Review:

• New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 V12

For tempo days and speed workouts: FuelCell Rebel v4

• Weight: ~7.5 oz
• Drop: 6 mm
• Use: Intervals, fartleks, tempo runs
• Price: $140

Why we like it: Lightweight with a bouncy PEBA/EVA midsole blend. It’s snappy, fun, and more forgiving than many speed shoes.

Top-tier racing performance: FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4

• Weight: ~8.1 oz
• Stack: 40 mm / 32 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Use: Half marathon to marathon
• Price: $250

Why we like it: It’s soft and stable for a plated racer, making it a great pick for runners seeking comfort over ultra-aggression.

Related Review:

• Women's New Balance SuperComp Elite v3

For short races and fast finishers: FuelCell SuperComp Pacer

• Weight: ~6.7 oz
• Drop: 8 mm
• Use: 5K–10K races, uptempo workouts
• Price: $150

Why we like it: A throwback to racing flats with a carbon twist. Low profile and fast.

Related Review:

• New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer v2

Comfort and grip for trail adventures: Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

• Weight: ~10.9 oz
• Drop: 4 mm
• Use: Moderate trails, road-to-trail versatility
• Tech: Vibram outsole, dual-density midsole
• Price: $145

Why we like it: Perfect for trail-curious road runners and long trail adventures alike.

Related Review:

• New Balance Fresh Foam x Hierro v7

If you’re wondering what all those numbers mean, here’s the basic breakdown:

• First letters: M = Men, W = Women
• First digits: Higher = more cushioning
• Last two digits: 60 = stability, 80 = neutral
• “v” = version number (e.g., v14 = 14th version)

Thankfully, newer models like “Rebel” and “More” are a bit easier to decode.

Are New Balance running shoes good for wide feet? Yes. New Balance is one of the few brands that consistently offers wide and extra-wide sizing in many models.

Related: Best Wide Running Shoes: 9 Expert Picks for Ultimate Comfort

Which New Balance shoe is best for beginners? The Fresh Foam X 880v15 is a great place to start—it’s balanced, budget-friendly, and not overly cushioned.

What’s the best New Balance shoe for marathons? For racing: SuperComp Elite v4
For training: 1080v14 or More v5, depending on your cushion preference

Related: Best Carbon-Plated Running Shoes of 2025: 18 Expert Picks

New Balance continues to prove it’s not just a legacy brand—it’s a modern running powerhouse. With options for every pace, surface, and foot shape, there’s a New Balance shoe for just about everyone. Whether you're just starting your running journey or chasing a PR, this guide is here to help you lace up with confidence.

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