IT WASN’T THAT long ago that it seemed New Balance shoes were almost synonymous with dads. The brand’s chunky, retro styles were famously beloved by those of us with a few kids who like their shoes to be sturdy and comfortable. Today, however, New Balance is mentioned in the same breath as Nike and Adidas as one of the top developers of performance running shoes. How did we get here?
Over the last decade, New Balance has become a force in the running world. With the advent of carbon-plated supershoes, New Balance was quick to jump on the bandwagon with its own model, which is now among the best in its class. The brand is also an industry leader in trail running and is willing to be experimental, as was demonstrated with the Minimus Trail. But where New Balance shines the most is in its everyday shoes, the daily trainers made for every runner from a beginner to an ultramarathoner. In this area, New Balance can’t be beaten.
But of course, every brand has hits and misses. And not every shoe, no matter how good the reviews say it is, will be right for you. It pays to be discerning when choosing your next running shoe, which is why we’re here to help you navigate what is deserving of your hard-earned coin and what is best left on the shelves at Foot Locker by ranking the best New Balance shoes you can get in 2025.
What are the best New Balance running shoes?
10. New Balance X More Trail V3
The trail runner with bonus cushioning
The New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail V3 is a luxury you can afford. Whether you’re a veteran of the trails or just there for the scenery, these kicks will ensure you’re performing at the peak of your powers with feet that are as comfortable as they are cool. With a form-fitting upper, synthetic mesh outsole and Fresh Foam midsole, the More Trail V3 provides superior traction and cushioning on uneven terrains. Safety is another strength of the More Trail V3, with innovative toe protect technology and one of the highest stack heights in the New Balance range.
9. New Balance 880 V15
A dependable daily trainer
The New Balance 880 V14 is a versatile daily trainer designed for neutral runners. Featuring a dual-layer midsole with Fresh Foam cushioning for softness and responsiveness, a breathable engineered mesh upper and a durable rubber outsole for excellent traction, the shoe is built for steady runs and recovery sessions. It’s true-to-size fit, plush padding and wider toe box make it comfortable for a range of foot shapes and running needs. Ideal for everything from 5Ks to half marathons, the 880 V14 is perfect for runners who want dependable performance over flashiness.
8. New Balance 860 V14
Like the 880, but with more stability
What’s the difference between the 880 and the 860, you ask? Well, not much, except that the 880 offers neutral support, while the 860 offers more stability. The 860 V14 is a top-tier shoe designed for overpronators, offering structured support with a firmer medial post and plush cushioning from its dual-density Fresh Foam midsole. Where the 880 is plush and supportive for maximum comfort, the 860 is designed for specialised stability support. Which model is right for you will depend on your running style.
7. New Balance Fresh Foam X More V5
New Balance’s most cushioned shoe
The Fresh Foam X More V5 is New Balance’s max-cushioned shoe. It’s designed for runners who want plush comfort on long runs and recovery days. Featuring an ultra-thick Fresh Foam X midsole, it provides a soft yet responsive ride with excellent shock absorption for high-mileage efforts. The shoe’s engineered mesh upper offers breathability and a secure fit, while a wider base enhances stability without sacrificing comfort.
6. New Balance FuelCell Propel V5
A versatile, responsive daily trainer
The New Balance FuelCell Propel V5 is a versatile (and budget-friendly, at a sub-$200 price point) shoe that combines speed and comfort. It’s another shoe with a FuelCell midsole, delivering a responsive, springy underfoot feel ideal for tempo runs, intervals, or daily training. It’s a shoe that’s best described as energetic, and it can handle a range of paces without breaking the bank.
5. New Balance Hierro V9
The go-to trail runner
The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 isn’t just one of best New Balance shoes, it’s one of the best trail running shoes period. Designed to tackle unpredictable terrain, these shoes offer a combination of durability, traction and weather protection. With a Vibram Megagrip outsole acting as a protective shell, they promise solid grip on a variety of surfaces. The breathable upper with no-sew overlays also enhances comfort. Blending New Balance’s vaunted Fresh Foam tech with that innovative outsole, the Hierro V9 is a contender for the title of the most stable trail running shoe of all time.
4. New Balance FuelCell Rebel V4
A pacey shoe for tempo runs and interval training
The FC Rebel V4 is an up-tempo shoe that represents the culmination of years of innovation at New Balance. The fourth iteration of the Rebel has a taller and wider sole than previous versions. As any knowledgeable sneakerhead will know, it is typically the narrower soles that offer the most energy return and propulsion, but the Rebel V4 is even bouncier than its predecessors thanks to an enhanced FuelCell foam midsole. The FC Rebel V4 is also shockingly lightweight – weighing in at a measly 218 grams.
Read our full review of the Rebel V4 here.
3. New Balance SuperComp Trainer V3
The super trainer
The SuperComp Trainer v3 is your go-to all-rounder, bringing race day performance to everyday training. It’s capable of handling anything from short-burst interval training to long runs, plus everything in between. It has all the heavy cushioning of a regular daily trainer but it’s doubly responsive, with a curved carbon plate in the midsole – something usually reserved for a race day shoe. Take it on a long run or a quick sprint, the SC Trainer will give you everything you need and then some.
2. New Balance SuperComp Elite V4
The elite race day shoe
A winner from the 2024 Men’s Health Sneaker Awards, the New Balance SuperComp Elite V4 is the very best race day shoe you can get. With a lightweight construction, powerful energy-returning technology and an ergonomic design, it’s a force to be reckoned with. The FuelCell midsole is crafted with 100% PEBA foam, not only ensuring ridiculously precise responsiveness but also a firm platform for every stride – a tricky balance to strike. Energy return is where the SC Elite really shines though. By optimising the distribution of force and maximising the storage and release of energy, the shoes boast a level of responsiveness that borders on the supernatural.
Read our full review of the SuperComp Elite V4 here.
1. New Balance 1080 V14
The ultimate daily trainer
The very best shoe in the New Balance lineup is the recently released 1080 V14. Coming from a line known for premium cushioning and comfort, the 1080 V14 uses renowned Fresh Foam technology in the midsole to provide a super-smooth ride and seamless heel-to-toe transition. It excels in support, cushioning and comfort, has surprising speed for a shoe of its class and has very few points of weakness. If you’re a runner who operates with a varied training routine that blends short and long efforts, as well as slow-paced and up-tempo runs, you won’t find a better daily trainer than the 1080V14.
Read our full review of the 1080 V14 here.
What are the best New Balance shoes for daily training?
- New Balance 1080 V14
- New Balance SuperComp Trainer V3
- New Balance FuelCell Propel V5
What are the best New Balance shoes for race day?
- New Balance SuperComp Elite V4
- New Balance FuelCell Rebel V4
- New Balance Fresh Foam X More V5
What are the best New Balance shoes for trail running?
- New Balance Hierro V8
- New Balance X More Trail V3
- New Balance Minimus Trail
What are the best New Balance shoes for beginners?
- New Balance 1080 V14
- New Balance 860 V14
- New Balance 880 V14
