Meaghan Holy light shoe! The New Balance RC 1400v2 weighs close to nothing – 5.2oz (women’s) to be exact. When I first tried these on, I couldn’t help but run around my house in excitement. They felt ridiculously light on my feet. And super fast. New Balance created the perfect sense of cushion and firmness here. The Revlite foam in the midsole creates a soft, cushiony feel and the rubber outsole adds firmness to the ride. The shoe is snug just about everywhere. I usually prefer a wider toe-box, but the tighter fit didn’t bother me. There isn’t much to the mesh upper; the open design is light and breathable – really breathable! You can feel a breeze come straight through the open mesh during colder days.
Some of my initial feelings towards these shoes were similar to the Newton MV3 – crazy light, super fast. The main difference was in the heel-forefoot drop (0mm vs. 10mm) which factored into the distances I was willing to run. The New Balance 1400v2 is not limiting. It’s the first shoe under 6 oz that I’ve felt comfortable and confident taking out for long distance runs. In fact, my first run in these shoes was over 18 miles. I never experienced any irritation or pressure points.
Thomas Could it be love at first sight? I received the colorway featured above in the main image, it looks fantastic. The shoes look fast, and if they look fast, I run faster. I know it is all in my mind, but I don’t care. I run faster in shoes that look fast. It’s not all about looks right?! This shoe has the personality and substance to back up the it’s handsome profile. The New Balance RC 1400 v2 is so light, weighing in at 6.3 oz. (Men’s) The upper is SUPER breathable. You can pretty much see through the mesh. While the shoe’s drop is higher than I usually prefer at 10mm, I found that it did not interfere with my midfoot stride at all. The cushioning on the shoe is ideal, soft and firm at the same time. In your hand the shoe does not feel that flexible, however, on your feet this shoe has one of the better fit and feel of any I have reviewed this year. I have mentioned before I have narrow feet and high arches, so take that into account. I do know Pete from Runblogger has wider feet and he liked the fit of the shoe too. Here is the Runblogger’s review of the New Balance RC 1400 v2. Looks: 9, Fit 9, Cushion 8.5, Traction 9, Weight 9.5
Meaghan Despite my initial excitement over the lightweight feel of these shoes, it was not love at first sight. The coloring is… interesting. The pale blue (holey) upper, partnered with bright red and yellow accents and a giant gold “N” overlay isn’t exactly easy on the eyes. But, I grew to love them. And don’t worry – New Balance offers several color variations.
Thomas I wanted this to be my marathon shoe. I ran a couple longer training runs in the the New Balance RC 1400 v2. One 21 mile run that felt pretty good, followed by speed work, and another long run the next weekend. The second long run the shoes just didn’t feel like enough shoe. My ankle on my right foot and my left knee experienced some unpleasant aches and soreness. Switching from the 1400 v2 to another shoe seemed to help alleviate some of the aching. After having a fracture in my 3rd metatarsal I am a little gun shy when shoes get too thin underfoot. The 1400 v2 could be a perfect marathon shoe for another runner, for me it just isn’t enough.
Meaghan The New Balance 1400v2 has become one of my favorite running shoes. It’s fast, light, comfortable, and most importantly, simple. There are no unnecessary overlays or added material. There are no expansion pods, infinity waves, or energy capsules. It’s just a simple, fast race flat. I ended up running in these shoes for the OBX marathon last weekend and they performed exactly as I had hoped. (I finished in 3:25 – a PR and BQ). I could recommend this shoe to just about any runner – but maybe opt for a different color!
Thomas I would be tempted to call this one of the top three shoes I have reviewed this year. It looks good, it feels good, and it is crazy light. Where the shoe left me wanting was in the long miles. I do believe there will be some runners that this will be the perfect trainer for the marathon, but it wasn’t meant to be for me. If we could have gone the distance, me and 1400 v2 would have had an amazing love affair. I have to say I still love the New Balance RC 1400 v2 even without the longer miles. The 1400 v2 retails for $99.
Lightweight
This last shape is designed to provide a glove-like fit for the entire foot.
Both men’s and women’s New Balance RC 1400 v2 were provided by New Balance.
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If they only had a wider last perhaps similar to the Minimus … they be awesome, but I am afraid of being completely dissapointed as with the Saucony Kinvara´s toe box.
The minimus isn’t a race flat. This is built for speed. No sloppy toe.
Cesar, I went 0.5 size larger and the toe box didn’t bother me. I prefer a wider toe box as well. It’s most definitely working better than the Kinvara 4, that’s for sure.
If only they could make this at 4mm, because I am loving the sole. I can feel my quads working as when I am wearing anything taller than 4mm.
Is the 1600 (6mm) a good racer to complement this?
Hi Meaghan, running warehouse recommends sizing up a half size, did you size up or stick with your usual size? Thanks!
Hi Naomi, I stuck with my usual size. They are snug, but that is how I prefer my race flats.
I bought these for speed work and races 5k to half marathon and they are as advertised above – light fast, just enough cushion and did I mention light. They just disappear on my feet. That said I would recommend upsizing a half size, I didn’t head the warnings in many other reviews and went true to size in my first attempt – sent back to Runners Warehouse for a half size up – perfection. These shoes feel so nice I have considered using them as my daily trainers, and I really like the Ride 7 and 890v4 in my rotation if that tells you anything. They do run a little narrow and I have all around average/neutral feets, so again a half size up worked for me. I haven’t put very many miles on these yet but I can’t foresee any issues other than wearing them out because they feel so good. I am weary of too little shoe due to a history of shin splints in the distant past which the only thing keeping me from using these more exclusively. Although compression sleeves seem to have abated the shin splints maybe I could give them more play…
This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!!
Finally I have found something that helped me.
Cheers!
How do these compare to the 890 V2? I was in love and then they changed the sole to that pod design. Now the 890’s just feel sloppy. The 1400 sole resembles the 890. Obviously they are lighter and not strictly in the trainer category but are they similar?
It has a really different feel. Low, sleek, fast.