Tired of soggy socks and sweaty feet? Whether you're returning to the pavement after a long hiatus or simply seeking a fresh pair of kicks, now is the ideal time to invest in new running shoes.
Our expert team of runners, including seasoned veterans from ACTIVE, has meticulously tested a wide range of shoes to bring you this comprehensive guide. Each pair was subjected to at least 20 miles of rigorous testing, with our testers evaluating factors such as comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility, and overall ride.
From beloved classics that have stood the test of time to innovative newcomers designed to inspire your miles well into summer, you're sure to discover the perfect shoe to match your unique needs and preferences. While we understand that budgets can be tight, we encourage you to consider investing in yourself. Your feet will thank you.
Spring Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Mammut | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | On | Pearl iZUMi | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Saucony | Skechers | Under Armour
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts, including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure that the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature highly rated products.
New Balance Supercomp Trainer 3
New Balance Supercomp Pacer 2
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5
New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14
New Balance Supercomp Trainer 3
About: The New Balance Supercomp Trainer is a lightweight and responsive running shoe designed for speed and efficiency. With its FuelCell SuperCharged midsole and Energy Tube technology, the Supercomp Trainer 3 offers a propulsive and cushioned ride. The shoe's engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability, while the rubber outsole ensures durability. Ideal for runners seeking a fast and efficient shoe for racing or tempo runs, the Supercomp Trainer 3 delivers exceptional performance and a dynamic running experience.
These shoes cradle your feet like a lover, making every run feel like a passionate dance with the pavement!
Things We Liked:
"Love how it feels like you are walking on a spring"
"These super cushiony running shoes feel like floating on clouds, making every post-run step a delight!"
Areas for Improvement:
"However, while the thickness of the sole provides fantastic comfort, it can feel a bit bulky for those who prefer a more minimalist approach. A slightly slimmer profile might enhance responsiveness and allow for a more natural foot movement, especially for faster-paced runs. Additionally, the color options could use some sprucing up."
"Stack height could be slightly less, but really grasping at straws here."
Final Thoughts
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 is a standout choice for runners seeking exceptional comfort and cushioning. With its plush sole, it transforms long runs into a blissful experience, reducing impact and fatigue. While the thickness of the sole may feel a bit bulky for some, it provides ample support for those who prioritize cushioning. However, a sleeker design could enhance responsiveness. Additionally, more vibrant color options would add a fun twist to the overall aesthetic. Overall, the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 delivers on comfort and performance, making it a worthy addition to any runner's gear, with just a few tweaks to reach its full potential.
Specs:
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 7.5 oz (w) ; 9.6 oz (m)
- Price: $180
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: True to Sizr
- Ideal For: Speed, Recovery, Long Distance, Race
Buy:
Women's | Men's
New Balance Supercomp Pacer 2
About: The New Balance Supercomp Pacer 2 is a versatile and comfortable running shoe designed for speed and efficiency. With its FuelCell SuperCharged midsole and Energy Tube technology, the Supercomp Pacer 2 offers a propulsive and cushioned ride. The shoe's engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability, while the rubber outsole ensures durability. Ideal for runners seeking a fast and efficient shoe for various distances and paces, the Supercomp Pacer 2 delivers exceptional performance and a dynamic running experience.
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer V2 delivers a thrilling jolt of speed with every step, making it the ultimate shoe for unleashing your full race-day potential.
Things We Liked:
"Its exceptional responsiveness makes each stride feel explosive and energetic, perfect for speed workouts and race day PRs."
"This is the perfect shoe for shorter road races under 10K via the fuel cell that gives a propulsive feel to the lightweight design."
Areas for Improvement:
"Although it is difficult for me to find fault with this shoe, I would be interested in a slightly lower heel-to-toe offset. 8mm is higher than I usually prefer."
"The stiffness of the Achilles/heel cup was really off-putting at first. I don't like having to break in my shoes quite this much when getting a new pair."
Final Thoughts
New Balance knocked it out of the park with the FuelCell SuperComp Pacer v2. From the snug, sock-like fit to the breathable upper to the springy foam and carbon-plated midsole, this is a shoe that makes running fast fun at a variety of distances. The stack height strikes a great balance between soft cushioning and a stable "ground feel," while the rubber on the outsole provides sufficient traction (and durability) without added weight.
According to New Balance's website, the FuelCell SuperComp Pacer v2 is "built for road racing" and features "lightweight performance". Both of these statements are happily true, but they might add that it is simply an all-round blast to run in. For anyone who hasn't yet jumped on the "super-shoe" train, the FuelCell SuperComp Pacer v2 might be the perfect entry. Not only is it great for training and racing at distances from 5k up to the marathon (at least for lighter runners), but it is also more durable and has a relatively lower price point than others in this category. All in all, it is a well-designed, lightweight, fast, and very fun shoe.
Specs:
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 5.9 oz (women); 6.9 oz (men)
- Price: $200
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Speed, Long Distance, Race
Buy:
Women's | Men's
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5
About: The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 is a plush and cushioned running shoe designed for maximum comfort and energy return. With its Fresh Foam X midsole and Hypoknit upper, the More v5 offers a soft and responsive ride. The shoe's engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability, while the rubber outsole ensures durability. Ideal for runners seeking a luxurious and supportive shoe for long runs or recovery days, the More v5 delivers an exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable running experience.
King of Cush!
Things We Liked:
"The cushioning!"
"The cushion on the sole and around the heel of the shoe is amazing."
Areas for Improvement:
"Increasing the cushioning around the tongue would help it to fit my foot a bit better and be more comfortable."
"I have a really hard time finding anything negative."
Final Thoughts
The New Balance Fresh Foam was a great fit. It offers superior comfort in terms of cushion on the sole and within the shoe. It has moderate breathability and makes a great cross-training, walking, or short-run distance shoe. It also has good stability and responsiveness when moving and jumping.
This is a great shoe for a variety of activities and will be comfortable throughout the workout.
Specs:
- Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 8.6 oz Women & 11 oz. Men
- Price: $155
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Light Running/Walking/Cross Training
- Fit:
- Ideal For: recovery, Long Distance, Speed
Buy:
Women's | Men's
New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1
About: The New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos is a lightweight and responsive running shoe designed for speed and efficiency. Its Fresh Foam X midsole and Hypoknit upper offer a cushioned and propulsive ride. The shoe's engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability, while the rubber outsole ensures durability. Ideal for runners seeking a fast and efficient shoe for various distances and paces, the Balos delivers exceptional performance and a dynamic running experience.
Most comfortable shoes I've worn.
Things We Liked:
"It helps ease my foot pain and is very springy in the cushion."
"I was truly amazed at the way the shoe just wrapped around my foot and provided so much cushion without losing any responsiveness."
Areas for Improvement:
"The tread on the sole seems to wear out quicker than other shoes."
"Being extremely picky (I love these shoes), the laces can get a bit short when trying to lace lock."
Final Thoughts
As a runner, I've found the New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos to be an exceptional choice for my training and racing needs. Its lightweight design and responsive cushioning provide a propulsive feel that helps me push my pace and improve my performance. The breathable upper keeps my feet cool and comfortable, even during the most intense workouts. Whether I'm training for a marathon or simply looking for a fast and efficient shoe for daily runs, the Balos consistently delivers a satisfying and enjoyable running experience.
Specs:
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 7.3 oz (womens) 9.2 oz (mens)
- Price: $200
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Long Distance, Recovery
Buy:
Women's | Men's
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14
About: The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 is a plush, cushioned running shoe designed for maximum comfort and energy return. With its Fresh Foam X midsole and Hypoknit upper, the 1080 v14 offers a soft and responsive ride. The shoe's engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability, while the rubber outsole ensures durability. Ideal for runners seeking a luxurious and supportive shoe for long runs or recovery days, the 1080 v14 delivers an exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable running experience.
Things We Liked:
"New Balance continues to know what runners want in a shoe. Each time I put the 1080 v14s on, they are easy to forget about. That is exactly what I am looking for. No fussing, no adjusting, no issues."
"New Balance has provided consistent conservative shoes for decades. This shoe is no different."
Areas for Improvement:
"As of right now, the soles may wear quicker than expected, but that also could be due to the fact I can run for longer and further than normal."
"There is an extra cushion around the ankle and on the tongue. This could be reduced to give a more streamlined finish."
Final Thoughts
As a runner, I've found the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 to be an absolute game-changer. Its plush cushioning and responsive feel provide an unmatched level of comfort and support, allowing me to push my limits without sacrificing enjoyment. The breathable upper keeps my feet cool and dry, even during long runs in hot weather. Whether I'm training for a marathon or simply looking for a reliable daily running shoe, the 1080 v14 consistently delivers a luxurious and enjoyable experience that makes every run feel like a dream.
Specs:
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 8.3 oz (Womens) & 10.5 oz (Mens)
- Price: $165
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Short runs, Long runs, Recovery, Race Day
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Check out the other shoes in the Fall Shoe Guide.
Fall Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Mammut | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | On | Pearl iZUMi | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Saucony | Skechers | Under Armour
About the Author
Stephen is the Editor in Chief for ACTIVE.com. He has been running been involved in the fitness industry for more than 10 years but has been running or playing sports for most of his life.
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