Best New Balance Running Shoes Right Now (2025)

A Well-Balanced Running Life

New Balance might just be the only brand that can drop both a chunky dad shoe and a marathon-ready trainer and somehow make both cool. The Boston-based company’s been lacing up runners since 1906, and while the vibe used to be more orthopedic than elite, it’s safe to say that ship has sailed. These days, New Balance is as much about performance as it is about heritage, with a made-in-USA ethos that still finds its way into a few of their top-tier models.

At Believe in the Run, we’ve run through enough NB shoes to know the deal— there’s rarely just one formula. Some models lean plush, others bring the bounce, and a few just get out of the way and let your stride do the work. The brand’s road offerings cover everything from high-mileage cruisers to versatile everyday trainers, and they rarely sit still for long when it comes to materials or midsole tech. That said, no matter how modern they go, there’s always a thread of New Balance DNA holding it all together.

Like always, every pick in this roundup is based on real-world testing by our team. We’ve already put in the miles on every shoe you’ll see here, so if it made the list, it earned its spot.

We’ve always been a fan of the BCE (Big Cushion Energy) that the New Balance 1080 line brings. Their longstanding commitment to high-cushion, even at the risk of ostracizing some runners, has made this a shoe that somehow manages to hold up pretty darn well, from recovery to long, steady efforts.

Worth noting though that with this version, we do see over an ounce of weight gain in the New Balance 1080v14. Not a dealbreaker, but in this day and age of shoe tech we’re not entirely thrilled. This version carries over a Fresh Foam X midsole with redesigned midfoot geometry, now giving a much more stable and secure fit compared to the v13. Coupled with an updated engineered mesh upper, some of the benefits from this extra weight aren’t completely lost on us.

Priced at $165, the New Balance 1080v14 is still a reliable, dependable daily trainer with a good blend of comfort and performance. This is definitely one we’ll be picking up for max cushion when the legs are tired!

For years now, the 880 has been the little brother to the 1080. Good, nice, but never ascending to the level of innate coolness that naturally radiates when you’re the eldest sibling. But with this update, the New Balance 880v15 has officially stepped out of the 1080’s shadow to make its own mark on the New Balance lineup. So what makes it worthy of attention now? It’s beefed-up Fresh Foam X midsole— 40.5 mm in the heel and 34.5 mm in the forefoot— gives it a firmer, more responsive ride than its predecessors that’s a perfect blend of cushioning and performance. 

The colorways here are definitely a bit underwhelming despite New Balance’s best efforts to name them something exciting (Reflection with Electric Jade and Grey Matter— is really just code for white, gray, and green). But looking past appearances, we were pleasantly surprised by the ride of the 880. While the foam looks similar to the New Balance 1080, it feels very different underfoot, a bit firmer and denser. Overall, this is a nimble, versatile daily trainer ideal for novice runners, as well as experienced runners looking to mix up their weekly rotation.

Price tag too is pretty reasonable for a daily trainer, coming in at $140. With the durability you’ll get from this one, we think that’s pretty fair.

Tamed, like a lion in a cage. A shoe that once stuck true to its name, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 has been pared down into a more refined version of what was on the market a few years ago. However, it still manages strike a nice balance between edgy performance, weight, and reliability.

There’s definitely enough cushion underfoot here to see you through daily use, while still bringing back some of the light and fun characteristic of the v2. The midsole is also a new formulation of Peba and EVA foams with an outsole that is about 55% covered by rubber. Beyond the feel, we’ve found the looks to be pretty polarizing. Got to say though, the angular foam does give a nice modern feel, in line with how this shoe has been refined iteration after iteration.

Yet, we still feel like there could be more here. While the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is good enough to see you through some up-tempo double digit miles, it maybe hasn’t yet reached its true potential. Still not a bad call if you want something that can withstand regular use at a faster pace, and don’t want to drop the big bucks for something with a plate. Coming in at $140, it’s definitely one of the best options for those on a budget.

New Balance finally figured it out. After two versions of the SC Trainer – the original super trainer, by the way – that felt like trying to race in a moon boot, v3 shows up looking leaner, meaner, and actually ready to move. The massive stack is still here (because FuelCell is life), but New Balance chopped it down just enough to make the ride feel smoother, lighter, and way less clunky.

You still get a carbon plate with Energy Arc, but the geometry’s been cleaned up to roll through transitions instead of fighting you. The new FuelCell foam is lighter and bouncier, and paired with a more breathable mesh upper that ditches the puff and bulk of v2. It’s still a lot of shoe, but now it runs like it wants to be on your feet more than once a week.

It’s not a race day killer, but for long runs, steady efforts, and even some daily mileage, the New Balance SC Trainer v3 finally earns its name. Super shoe vibes, trainer comfort—for $180, that’s a not a bad spot to sit in the plated trainer space.

The King of Chonk is back, and he’s somehow even chonkier. The New Balance Fresh Foam More v5 lives up to its name with more of everything: more stack (44 mm in the heel), more width underfoot, and more soft, dreamy Fresh Foam X. If your ideal recovery shoe is basically a mattress with laces, you’re in the right place.

The midsole gets a softer, lighter upgrade ft. the same Fresh Foam X as the 1080v14, just dialed up to an 11/10. There’s even a little bounce now, which helps cut through the weight (10.7 oz for a US M9) without losing that slow-roll comfort. New Balance also fixed a few upper quirks from v4, adding padding to the heel collar and a gusseted tongue for better lockdown. The fit is plush, roomy, and ready to cruise.

This isn’t a shoe for pace work or anything remotely uptempo. But for recovery days, long walks, or folks who are on their feet all day, the More v5 is a soft landing every time.

It’ll run you $155, which feels like a fair trade for one of the cushiest rides out there.

The New Balance Fresh Foam Balos isn’t here to win any carbon-fueled arms races — it’s here to do the work. Slotted as a true daily trainer, this is a solid one for easy miles, moderate efforts, and the grind in between. It’s light, smooth, and keeps your legs feeling fresh without trying to reinvent the wheel. Underfoot, the slab of Fresh Foam X gives a soft and stable ride reminiscent to the feel of the 1080v13. Although plateless, you’ll still get a comfortable ride tha keeps you feeling good when you’re stacking days back-to-back.

Up top, the engineered mesh upper keeps things breathable and dialed-in, with a secure midfoot and zero drama in the heel. The outsole grips well without adding weight, overall feeling clean and efficient. This is a great option for runners who want a very soft, bouncy underfoot feeling without a ton of stack. We’re confident it can go the distance, but given its niche and the fact that there isn’t a carbon plate, $200 might feel a like a stretch. For the curious though, definitely give it a go.

New Balance’s super shoe finally found its groove. The SC Elite v4 drops the curtain on FuelCell’s latest formula — a Peba-based blend that adds pop without sacrificing the signature softness the line’s known for. The result? A silky-smooth ride that finally brings some good top-end energy.

This one’s all about balance. You still get the rolling, rockered geometry of past versions, but now with a firmer platform and more responsive toe-off. That Peba FuelCell midsole pairs with a full-length carbon plate for a ride that feels buttery at marathon pace but still snappy enough to let it rip at shorter distances. Up top, the upper gets a full revamp. The FantomFit knit brings better lockdown, a refined race-day fit, and just enough stretch to keep things comfy late in the game. It’s more structured than the v3’s bootie-style upper, which means better stability when you really get rolling.

The New Balance SC Elite v4 might not be the most aggressive super shoe in the pile, but it hits a sweet spot for runners who want comfort, efficiency, and a touch of bounce without feeling like they’re on pogo sticks. It’s built for the long haul, and finally feels ready for the big stage.

The Hierro v9 is what happens when New Balance decides to armor up a road shoe and drop it into the wild. With big updates to both the foam and the upper, this version leans hard into the “built for the long haul” category. Think daily trail miles, light technical stuff, and recovery days on dirt.

The big story here is the midsole. Fresh Foam X makes the jump from plush to purposeful with a firmer, more responsive feel than past versions. It’s still smooth and protective, but now with better ground feel and a bit more pop — a welcome shift for anyone who thought v8 got too soft in the middle. Up top, the engineered mesh gets a nice upgrade with a reinforced toe cap and improved durability throughout. Fit is secure without being restrictive, and breathability is solid even in warmer weather. Underneath it all, the Vibram Megagrip outsole keeps things planted, whether you’re bombing descents or scrambling on loose terrain.

This version of the Hierro finally feels like a legit trail trainer. It’s durable, comfortable, and capable of handling almost anything short of mountain ultramarathons. If your trail miles are steady but not sketchy, the Hierro v9 is ready to clock in, for only $155.

After a rocky debut, the SuperComp Pacer is back with a full-on glow-up. This version is actually fast and fun, finally living up to its name. The midsole swaps out the awkward stiffness of the original for a full-length Peba-based FuelCell setup that brings bounce without going overboard.

It’s still a low-stack, speed-day shoe, but now it’s way more runnable. There’s enough cushion to handle tempo work without rattling your teeth, and the carbon plate — paired with Energy Arc tech — delivers a clean, snappy toe-off. The ride is smooth and responsive with just the right amount of ground feel. Up top, New Balance ditched the harsh mesh and upgraded to a FantomFit upper that hugs the foot without feeling restrictive. Lockdown is secure, and the fit feels more natural at faster paces, especially compared to the stripped-down feel of the original.

This can be a good go-to for intervals, tempo runs, or even short-distance races. If you want a racing flat vibe with modern tech underfoot, the New Balance SC Pacer v2 finally gets the formula right.

The 860 has always been the dependable dad of the New Balance lineup: solid, responsible, maybe a little stiff. But v14 finally loosens the tie a bit. It still brings the structured support we’re used to, just with a smoother ride and a lot less bulk up top. It’s never been anything too out-of-the-box, but that’s exactly why it works.

The midsole sticks with a dual-density Fresh Foam X setup, which gives some guidance without going full brick mode. It’s firm where it needs to be, softer where it counts, and delivers the kind of feel that eats up weekday miles without barking back. It’s the upper’s where things really improve. A lighter engineered mesh sheds some weight and dials in the fit, especially around the midfoot. It’s breathable and no longer feels like you’re hauling around orthopedic luggage. Heel lockdown is solid, and the whole package just feels more modern.

The 860v14 gets the job done. It’s a good go-to, built for the everyday grind. Also pretty reasonably priced at $140.

The latest evolution of New Balance’s most iconic silhouette ditches the dad jokes and leans slyly into performance with a FuelCell midsole upgrade that finally gives this beast some bounce. Let’s be honest though, this is 100% still a lifestyle shoe.

But don’t let the heritage looks fool you. This version trades the old-school ENCAP midsole setup for something way livelier underfoot, while still keeping the stability and support that made the 990 a cult favorite across miles, generations, and TikTok trends. It’s event got a comfortable enough spring to keep your feet feeling fresh during your next grocery run. Up top, the suede and mesh combo still gives a good premium feel.

Ultimately, the fit is dialed, step-in feel is plush, and yeah — it still goes just as hard with jeans as it does with joggers. If you want an upgraded lifestyle icon that has been tweaked to cater to the comfort you miss as soon as you step out of your favorite pair of trainers, the 990v6 is ready to rise to the occasion.

How We Make Our Picks

All of our recommendations come directly from our feet to your screen. We test countless running shoes here at Believe in the Run, and we let our reviews guide our decisions. However, we also consider other reviews and our BITR community, as not every runner has the same experiences. We also aim to stick with shoes that are currently available so you can give our recommendations a try.

Want to learn more about how our review process works? Check out this guide.