The Best New Balance Running Shoes for 2026

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. Its long-standing commitment to comfort, even at the risk of ostracizing some runners, has made this a shoe that somehow holds up pretty darn well from recovery to long, steady efforts.

Worth noting, though, is that with this version we finally see a shift in what’s happening underfoot. Out is Fresh Foam X, in is Infinion — which feels wrong simply saying it. The 1080 and Fresh Foam X have always gone hand in hand, so adding a new nitrogen-infused supercritical foam is almost unthinkable. The good news, though, is that Infinion picks up pretty much exactly where Fresh Foam left off, providing comfort for mile after mile.

The price has climbed to $170 this year, but the New Balance 1080v15 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 and experienced runners looking to mix up their weekly rotation.

The price tag 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.

The Rebel v5 is back, baby. Sure, it’s changed ever since the wily, wild days of the Rebel v2, but it’s no longer the democratized trainer of the last two years. Even better, New Balance didn’t have to do all that much to give it some character back. It has additional PEBA-based FuelCell underfoot and a narrower platform that makes the shoe look leaner, meaner, and faster.

There’s more than enough cushion underfoot here to see you through daily use, though you might find it a little softer than you remember from early days. We also dig the fact that there’s a midsole cavity, which shaves some weight and takes on a more aggressive profile. Beyond the feel, we’re big fans of the updated look, as the angular design gives a nice modern feel, in line with how this shoe has been refined iteration after iteration.

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 v6 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. That’s right, no Infinion here just yet.

The good news, though, is that the version of Fresh Foam X is the same as the blend used in the 1080v14, just dialed up to an 11/10. There’s even a little bounce now, which has almost no impact on weight (10.8 oz for a US M9) while maintaining that slow-roll comfort. New Balance also fixed a few upper quirks from the previous version, adding padding to the heel collar and a gusseted tongue for better lockdown. The fit is plush, roomy, and ready to cruise.

As with previous years, 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 v6 is a soft landing every time.

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

The New Balance Ellipse might be in the middle of our list here, but don’t be fooled. This might be the best New Balance shoe on the market right now, both in terms of looks and performance. The crew over at New Balance set out to capture the classic look of its numerical series with the comfort and reliability of the Fresh Foam running lineup, and we’d say it worked perfectly. It’s clean, it’s simple, and it’s actually priced for beginners and experienced runners alike.

Of course, there’s one thing that makes the Ellipse v1 so easy to pick up: It’s only $145. That puts it at the bottom of New Balance’s lineup, and pretty stinkin’ close to the most affordable running shoes on the market. And, for your money, you’re getting a plush bed of Fresh Foam X that feels like the soft, squishy formula we remember from previous 1080s and it just rolls for mile after mile.

Honestly, the biggest question you’ll face when looking at the Ellipse is just what color to pick up. New Balance has rolled out more than a dozen colorways so far, and it doesn’t seem like there are any plans to slow down any time soon.

New Balance’s super shoe finally found its groove. The SC Elite v5 refines what we began to see from its predecessor, slimming down the PEBA-based FuelCell platform that adds pop without totally sacrificing the signature softness the line’s known for. Yes, it’s a little firmer than version four, but it’s still soft enough to keep your legs happy across 26.2 miles.

Put another way, 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 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. But, again, you may want to try the slimmed-down platform before you buy it.

The New Balance SC Elite v5 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.

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.

Just note that New Balance has also released the 860v15, which is a little more expensive at $150 but introduces a new Stability Plane to the midsole.

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.