An upgrade from my usual running footwear
A creature of habit, I haven’t veered from my Fresh Foam Beacons since I put my first pair on. But when I opened the box to the perfect shade of blue, I was excited to try them out so I laced up and headed out for a run. I haven’t wanted to run in anything else since. I was worried I wouldn’t like all that cushioning, I do. I thought the mesh holding the tongue would make it uncomfortable, it doesn’t. I usually wear a wide and these were the standard width so I did wish for it to be wider, so I ordered another pair in wide 😳.My first run was 5 miles on suburban sidewalks. My second, a 10 miler on the same sidewalks. You’d think I’d have blistering or hot spots from a new pair, but I didn’t experience any.My habit (Beacons) has been broken, but only to replace ... MoreA creature of habit, I haven’t veered from my Fresh Foam Beacons since I put my first pair on. But when I opened the box to the perfect shade of blue, I was excited to try them out so I laced up and headed out for a run. I haven’t wanted to run in anything else since. I was worried I wouldn’t like all that cushioning, I do. I thought the mesh holding the tongue would make it uncomfortable, it doesn’t. I usually wear a wide and these were the standard width so I did wish for it to be wider, so I ordered another pair in wide 😳.My first run was 5 miles on suburban sidewalks. My second, a 10 miler on the same sidewalks. You’d think I’d have blistering or hot spots from a new pair, but I didn’t experience any.My habit (Beacons) has been broken, but only to replace it with another.... Show more
JSDY
originally posted on REI
BEST AND MOST CUSHIONY SHOES EVER
Omg! Finally a shoe that has super softness not only in the heel, but the forefront ball of the feet!!! Hokas, Skechers all day their shoes are like walking on a cloud...oh no!!! This is the only show that feels like walking on a cloud! Thank you, New Balance!!!! Woot woot!... Show more
Dvin205
originally posted on Academy Sports + Outdoors
Bouncing on a cloud
I've used these shoes on a couple shorter runs and then some longer walks so far, all on sidewalks & asphalt in my neighborhood. These shoes are amazingly light and cushy - like running on a cloud. The mesh upper is super comfortable, and while almost like a second skin, it still offers structure and support. I have wider feet and the footbeds accommodate that well - there's no pinching or cramping, and I'm impressed with how comfortable these are on my feet throughout the whole activity. They're light with a substantial foam sole, but somehow not at all clunky. I am going to keep using these for my runs. Only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the color way - I have the light blue with the yellowing sole - an interesting design choice but they are so comfortable I am ... MoreI've used these shoes on a couple shorter runs and then some longer walks so far, all on sidewalks & asphalt in my neighborhood. These shoes are amazingly light and cushy - like running on a cloud. The mesh upper is super comfortable, and while almost like a second skin, it still offers structure and support. I have wider feet and the footbeds accommodate that well - there's no pinching or cramping, and I'm impressed with how comfortable these are on my feet throughout the whole activity. They're light with a substantial foam sole, but somehow not at all clunky. I am going to keep using these for my runs. Only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the color way - I have the light blue with the yellowing sole - an interesting design choice but they are so comfortable I am willing to overlook that.... Show more
Renee R
originally posted on REI
Design flaw around the ankle, hard stiff painful
The design of the ankle collar is problematic. It digs into the front of my ankle while walking and is actually painful. While running it isn’t too bad, but I can still feel it. Everything else about the shoe is great, but I’m going to return them.... Show more
JimmyJam
originally posted on fleetfeet.com
Great option if you need a lot of cushion support
These are very comfortable sneakers. I used them for a power walk, a slow walk with my dog, and a jog. I'm not a pounder when I run, so they're a little more cushiony than I prefer, but they are excellent for days when you have to be on your feet/do a lot of walking or if you need more cushion support when you run. They are extremely light-they'd be great to pack for a trip that would require a lot of walking. This is picky, but the length of the laces is great-I feel like running sneakers never have laces long enough if you need to use the top back holes-these were perfect and I was still able to get a secure double knot.... Show more
Bridget M
originally posted on REI
Love for Your Feet!
I love these shoes! My feet felt like they were enrobed in fluffy pillows, and I felt like I was bouncing on a cloud as I was running. This is my first pair of fresh foam shoes. I was previously skeptical, but I’m all in now. I also think the two tone marine blue colors make for a very attractive shoe.... Show more
Audra L
originally posted on REI
Not the shoe for me
For reference, my typical running shoe is one with a wide toebox, 5mm drop, and mild stability, to which I add high-arch running insoles (I tested the New Balance shoe with these same insoles). I was interested in the New Balance Fresh Foam for something different. Unfortunately, this is not the shoe for me! While the mesh upper was comfortable, the foam base was distracting and I felt like it was forcing supination - almost as if I was wearing a wedge shoe that forced my ankles out. After one easy run, my hips and back were starting to hurt and I disliked the feeling of instability - like I had to land in only one spot to take advantage of the rocker transition. While I try not to worry about colors/design of functional shoes, I also really disliked the light blue, ... MoreFor reference, my typical running shoe is one with a wide toebox, 5mm drop, and mild stability, to which I add high-arch running insoles (I tested the New Balance shoe with these same insoles). I was interested in the New Balance Fresh Foam for something different. Unfortunately, this is not the shoe for me! While the mesh upper was comfortable, the foam base was distracting and I felt like it was forcing supination - almost as if I was wearing a wedge shoe that forced my ankles out. After one easy run, my hips and back were starting to hurt and I disliked the feeling of instability - like I had to land in only one spot to take advantage of the rocker transition. While I try not to worry about colors/design of functional shoes, I also really disliked the light blue, ortho shoe appearance.... Show more
Kristin
originally posted on REI
OK Shoes, but there may be better out there
Pros: These shoes have a lot of cushion and spring and were comfortable right out of the box. No blisters even after wearing with and without socks. They fit true to size. They effectively cushion the impact of harder-surface runs and are comfortable for walking in all day (especially nice for knees and back).Cons: For stability shoes, they don’t feel very stable- they wobble under foot a bit and don’t make me feel confident in my running strides. Their grip is not good, even on non-wet surfaces, and I slipped a bit just on a clean sidewalk run. The blue color way fabric got dirty immediately during a short run on a sidewalk and they’re not easy to get stains out of (I tried)! They make my feet sweat more than other similarly cushioned, non-New Balance running ... MorePros: These shoes have a lot of cushion and spring and were comfortable right out of the box. No blisters even after wearing with and without socks. They fit true to size. They effectively cushion the impact of harder-surface runs and are comfortable for walking in all day (especially nice for knees and back).Cons: For stability shoes, they don’t feel very stable- they wobble under foot a bit and don’t make me feel confident in my running strides. Their grip is not good, even on non-wet surfaces, and I slipped a bit just on a clean sidewalk run. The blue color way fabric got dirty immediately during a short run on a sidewalk and they’re not easy to get stains out of (I tried)! They make my feet sweat more than other similarly cushioned, non-New Balance running shoes I have.Bottom line: If you’re looking for a well-cushioned shoe, these could fit the bill, but they’re not very stable under-foot.... Show more
AEBB
originally posted on REI
Super Comfortable!
I received these products for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review.I was hesitant at first to give these shoes a try as recently my go to running shoes have been trail runners which have a leaner sole, however these surprised me with just how comfortable they are! The cushioning is amazing on these and the design encourages a rocking motion. I do tend to overpronate so these don't offer enough side support to keep my feet from overpronating on longer runs. Becasue of this I will likely regulate these as my daily walking shoes instead of being my running shoes. Also, I am not a huge fan of the color as the sole is not true white but has more of a yellowish tint to it making it look to be old or discolored. I'm not sure why ... MoreI received these products for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review.I was hesitant at first to give these shoes a try as recently my go to running shoes have been trail runners which have a leaner sole, however these surprised me with just how comfortable they are! The cushioning is amazing on these and the design encourages a rocking motion. I do tend to overpronate so these don't offer enough side support to keep my feet from overpronating on longer runs. Becasue of this I will likely regulate these as my daily walking shoes instead of being my running shoes. Also, I am not a huge fan of the color as the sole is not true white but has more of a yellowish tint to it making it look to be old or discolored. I'm not sure why they used this color versus a true white but personally I don't like it.... Show more
RalMel
originally posted on REI
Super comfy!!
These sneakers are great, I feel like i'm walking on clouds! I'm an average runner and I've been wearing these on pavement runs/dog walks around the neighborhood. The foam makes them super comfortable without adding additional weight and the rocker feels natural and adds a little boost forward. I ordered my usual size and think they run true to size.... Show more
Jade
originally posted on REI