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Talk to experts about the best New Balance shoes and one word tends to come up: reliable.
Courtesy of the brands / Gabrielle Castrillon
But that doesnt mean their lineup is stodgy or boring.
The research and development that goes into making the shoes is at an extremely high level.
I wear New Balance for everythingfrom a really slow easy recovery jog right through to track sessions.
thats right for you?
New Balances premium daily trainer has a generous stack of cushioning that shines on all types of runs.
(Just ask Fitt, who estimates that shes owned fifteen different pairs of 1080s over the years.)
(It also helps that its one of the most comfortable shoes in my rotation.)
For the price, it comes in at a big value, he says.
As a middle-of-the-pack racer who has run my two fastest marathons in these shoes, I have to agree.
Heads-up: Like all super shoes, these arent meant for everyday wear.
Id also suggest wearing tall socks with them, as the heel collar can rub on your Achilles tendon.
The shoes midsole will subtly correct your gait and help the shoe wear out more evenly.
Withers says it works well for larger runners, who can benefit from the additional protection.
If youre a bigger person, youre going to apply more force to the shoe.
Its bouncy and its built to help withrunning efficiency.
Though the Rebels foam is soft and bouncy underfoot, there isnt much of it.
(Krouse compares it to riding in a sports car.)
Note: Withers warns that because the shoe is so light, it could feel unstable to some.
Certain runners may also need more protective cushioning, especially those who have foot injuries.
These pairs are grippier, more durable, and more protective than road shoes.
Its synonymous with durable qualityyoull get a ton of traction underfoot, he says.
However, it does have a nice, wide base, he adds.
Because thats far different from a shoe for a long run, or if youre running a race.
The shoe features are important, and knowing those things will give you the most amount of context.
One pro tip for deciphering what New Balance shoes are made for, says certified running coachAmy Haas?
If a shoe is labeled Fresh Foam, its part of the brands everyday training lineup.
If its labeled FuelCell, its more of a performance shoe.
Put it on, not thinking about the name and number on the box, Fitt says.
Dont think about what the shoe is; think about how the shoefeels.I wish people could do this blindfolded.
She also recommends walking or running around in the shoe for several minutes before you make your final decision.
Fit
It may seem obvious, but verify your shoe fits correctly.
The good news: New Balance is known for carrying a variety of widths.
So if you find out you have narrow orwide feetyou can probably still wear your favorite sneakers.
These pairs have features that encourage a more neutral gait and help the shoe wear out evenly.
Cushioning
Some shoes have more cushioning (a.k.a.
a higher stack height) than others.
Do you prefer to feel the ground under your feet or do you enjoy a more cloud-like shoe?
Look for extra padding in these areas to help absorb shock.
Frequently asked questions
Do podiatrists recommend New Balance?
Fitt is also a fan of their Fresh Foam technology.
Their shoes are made with really great foams, she says.
Theyre really high-quality and well-manufactured."
Should I buy a do-it-all shoe or a more specialized running shoe?
It just loads different tissues, he says.
Rotating your shoes can also extend their lifespan, Withers says.
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