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

Product Information

This trail running shoe carries forward the Nitrel name from the V3 but has been completely redesigned from the ground up. 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. It’s not very soft though; the Dynasoft foam has a tinge of firmness – this is no Fresh Foam. And that’s not a bad thing for a trail shoe; a firmer ride equates to better stability over uneven terrain. 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.

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 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. 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.These numbers were not exactly customer friendly – but I have to admit that once you know the logic, it actually makes a lot of sense. Running Shoes Buying Guides 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. Ready to elevate your run? New Balance is proud to present a line of carefully cultivated and mindfully crafted running shoes that are designed to protect, conform, endure, and outperform. No matter the run, no matter the terrain, no matter the goal, New Balance makes a running shoe that's guaranteed to provide lasting comfort and stability. 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.

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. 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.The lab numbers had the proof, but our feet lived to tell the tale. The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12’s cushion felt like we were running on clouds. Our durometer measurement confirmed this with the midsole cushion scoring 12.5 HA—49.7% softer than the average road running shoe. While it felt ultra-plush, it was abundantly springy and provided us with a forgiving and exciting ride.

Thus it makes sense for the 680V7 to be a comfortable neutral shoe with a smooth ride – because that’s exactly what it is.To learn more about your pronation type and whether you need extra support in running shoes, see our in-depth guide on arch support. The Rebel v3’s upper is insanely plush and breathable, which we enjoyed when running outdoors in warm temperatures. In the lab, we pumped smoke inside the shoe and watched as the smoke passed through the ultra-thin knit effortlessly. Garnering a score of 5/5, this shoe was a joy to run in, even during hot days. The V7 has been updated with a dual-density Fresh Foam midsole, so the ride is smoother than the V6. The articulated outsole complements the EVA midsole to produce a cushioned yet supportive ride for daily runs. Its 9.5-ounce (270 gram) weight is respectable for a shoe with an EVA midsole. 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.

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. A running shoe that fits well will be comfortable and snug without being too tight. Ideally, there should be about ½ to a full thumb width of space from the front of the shoe to your big toe, offering enough space to wiggle your toes freely without feeling too restricted or too loose. The right running shoe should feel like a natural extension of your body. How do you best wash running shoes? Weighing in at only 7.4 oz (211 g), the Rebel v3 is amazingly 25.6% lighter than the average road running shoes tested in our lab. Indeed, its lightweight nature allowed us to glide breezily through our mile repeats, fartlek sessions, and tempo runs. 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.

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. Road running shoes prevail in New Balance’s selection. Some of the best-rated ones are those with Fresh Foam cushioning . Arch support in New Balance running shoes The ‘Fresh Foam’ midsole unit on the Roav v2 is the highlight of this shoe as it is both comfortable and responsive. We measured the midsole to be 8.1% firmer at 26.5HA using our durometer test, but it never felt overly firm. In fact, it felt soft enough to provide ample protection and responsiveness for our feet during our runs.