7 Best NB Running Shoes of 2026

The Fresh Foam 520 V9 punches well above its weight, making it a standout for runners seeking serious value without sacrificing core performance. With its precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole, this shoe delivers a plush, lightweight ride that absorbs impact smoothly—perfect for beginners or casual joggers dodging joint stress. Paired with a breathable engineered mesh upper, it keeps feet cool during morning commutes or short runs, all while maintaining a sleek, sporty look that transitions easily off the pavement.

In real-world testing, the 520 V9 shines on paved surfaces and light treadmills, offering consistent cushioning over 3–5 mile runs. The approximate 10 mm drop encourages a natural heel-to-toe transition, ideal for neutral runners who don’t need aggressive stability tech. However, it lacks the dynamic responsiveness for tempo runs or long training sessions, and the synthetic overlays, while durable, don’t provide the same locked-in feel as higher-end models. It’s a solid daily beater, but not built for speed or rugged terrain.

Compared to the pricier Fresh Foam X 880 V15, the 520 V9 trades advanced foam tech and breathability for affordability and simplicity—making it a smarter pick for entry-level users. While it doesn’t feature bio-based materials or premium uppers, it covers the fundamentals exceptionally well for its class. This is the go-to New Balance shoe for budget-conscious newcomers who want trusted cushioning without complexity. It delivers more comfort than similarly priced competitors, even if it lacks the refinement of top-tier models.

Step into the Fresh Foam X 880 V15, and you’re greeted with a plush, cloud-like underfoot feel that sets a new benchmark for balanced daily running performance. The Fresh Foam X midsole, now with 3% bio-based content, delivers our most cushioned experience yet—soft enough for recovery runs, yet responsive enough for daily training. Its 6 mm drop promotes a smooth, efficient stride, while the structured yet breathable upper hugs the foot with just the right amount of stretch and support, eliminating hot spots even on humid 8-milers.

During extensive road testing, the 880 V15 proved itself as a true do-it-all workhorse, excelling on asphalt, concrete, and packed gravel paths. It handled everything from 5K tempo efforts to two-hour long runs with consistent comfort and no breakdown in cushioning. The synthetic upper resists stretching while maintaining airflow, and the secure lace closure ensures a customized, slip-free fit. That said, it’s not built for racing—the weight is moderate, and the sole lacks propulsion tech for speedwork.

Pitted against the FuelCell Propel V5, the 880 V15 trades explosive energy return for all-day comfort and durability, making it ideal for high-mileage runners who prioritize protection over pace. It’s also more cushioned than the Fresh Foam 520 V9, with a premium upper and eco-conscious foam that justifies its place as the best overall New Balance trainer. For runners wanting one shoe to handle 90% of their weekly runs, this is the goldilocks choice—better cushioning and sustainability than entry-level models, without the stiffness of speed-focused designs.

The Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 is engineered for marathoners and high-mileage grinders who demand uncompromising comfort over long hauls. At its core is the same plush Fresh Foam X midsole with 3% bio-based content, tuned for maximum shock absorption and a luxuriously soft ride—perfect for logging 15+ miles a week. The gusseted tongue and no-sew overlays keep debris out and the fit secure, while the engineered mesh upper offers targeted ventilation without sacrificing structure.

On long runs, this shoe truly earns its title: it maintains comfort mile after mile, with no hotspots or mid-run fatigue, even on unforgiving pavement. The adaptive lace closure allows micro-adjustments for swelling feet, a godsend during endurance efforts. Testers noted how well it pairs with thicker socks and still delivers a snug, stable feel. That said, the generous cushioning comes at the cost of agility—it’s not ideal for interval training or tight trail turns, and the weight makes it feel sluggish when picking up pace.

Next to the Fresh Foam X 880 V15, the 1080 V14 offers a softer, more protective ride, trading a bit of responsiveness for superior underfoot plushness. While the 880 is the better all-rounder, the 1080 is unbeatable for recovery runs and distance days. It’s the top pick for neutral runners logging big weekly mileage, especially those prone to joint fatigue. With better cushioning and fit refinement than the 880, it justifies its niche as the long-distance comfort king—even if it’s not built for sprint finishes.

The Fresh Foam Arishi V4 is a nimble, featherlight trainer designed for runners who want speed, agility, and everyday versatility in one sleek package. Its ultra-lightweight Fresh Foam midsole delivers just enough cushioning for short to mid-distance runs while keeping the shoe featherlight and responsive—perfect for fast commutes or HIIT sessions with jump rope intervals. The mesh upper with no-sew overlays creates a smooth, irritation-free fit, and the durable rubber outsole holds up surprisingly well on both pavement and gym floors.

In real-world use, the Arishi V4 excels as a daily gym-to-pavement hybrid, handling treadmill sprints, park loops, and post-run errands without missing a beat. At just under 8 oz, it feels barely there, making it a top contender for lightweight daily training. However, the minimal cushioning means it’s not ideal for long runs—after 6 miles, the lack of underfoot support becomes noticeable. It also lacks the structured lockdown of higher-end models, so wide-footed runners may feel slight slippage.

When compared to the Fresh Foam 520 V9, the Arishi V4 is lighter and more agile, but offers less cushioning and durability. It’s not built for marathon prep or heavy impact, but for quick runs and cross-training, it’s hard to beat. This is the ideal shoe for runners who value low weight and quick transitions, especially those doing speedwork or short daily jogs. It delivers race-day lightness with trainer-level durability, making it the best lightweight daily runner in the New Balance lineup.

The FuelCell Propel V5 is built to ignite your pace with a propulsive, energy-returning ride that feels more race-ready than most trainers dare to be. At its heart is the FuelCell foam with 3% bio-based content, engineered to store and release energy with every stride—giving you a springy, forward-driving sensation that stands out on tempo runs and fartlek intervals. Paired with a TPU plate, it adds subtle stiffness that enhances responsiveness, making your turnover feel snappier without sacrificing comfort.

Testers found it shines brightest during speed training, where its lightweight build and 6 mm drop encourage a midfoot strike and efficient cadence. It handles 5K to 10K efforts with confidence, and the structured, breathable upper keeps feet cool and secure even during high-intensity efforts. However, the cushioning is on the firmer side, so it’s less forgiving on recovery days or long runs over 8 miles. The outsole also shows wear faster on rough surfaces, hinting at durability trade-offs for performance.

Compared to the Fresh Foam X 880 V15, the Propel V5 is faster and more dynamic, but less plush—making it a specialist rather than a daily trainer. It’s not as cushioned as the 1080 V14, nor as versatile as the 880, but for runners focused on improving pace and stride efficiency, it’s a game-changer. This is the go-to shoe for interval sessions and PR-chasing, blending race-inspired tech with trainer-like durability. It offers more pop and propulsion than any other New Balance trainer, even if it sacrifices some comfort for speed.

The Fresh Foam X Hierro V8 is a trail beast built for rugged terrain and unpredictable conditions, combining cloud-like cushioning with aggressive grip to conquer mud, rocks, and steep inclines. Its Fresh Foam X midsole delivers the same plush comfort as its road cousins, but now paired with Vibram’s Micro-Traction Lugs—a gold-standard outsole that bites into loose soil and wet rock with confidence. The protected, breathable upper shields against debris while letting heat escape, making it ideal for long trail outings in warm or mixed weather.

On technical trails, the Hierro V8 proves its mettle: the deep, multidirectional lugs provide unwavering grip on descents, while the stable platform keeps your foot secure on uneven ground. The moderate heel drop encourages natural movement, and the cushioning absorbs root strikes and rocky patches without feeling bulky. That said, it’s not the lightest trail shoe—it feels overbuilt for smooth fire roads—and the aggressive tread wears faster on pavement, limiting its versatility as a hybrid runner.

Stacked against the Fresh Foam X 1080 V14, the Hierro V8 trades road-smooth comfort for off-road dominance, making it the undisputed king of New Balance trail shoes. While the 1080 excels on asphalt, the Hierro owns the dirt. It’s the best choice for trail runners who refuse to sacrifice cushioning for grip, offering a rare balance of protection and plushness. With superior traction and durability over rough terrain, it outperforms road-focused models when the path turns wild—even if it’s not built for speed or city streets.

The Fresh Foam Arishi V4 is a budget-savvy gem that delivers unexpected comfort and style for runners who want a do-it-all shoe without the premium tag. Despite its low price, it features the same precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole as costlier models, offering a soft, lightweight ride that smooths out sidewalks and short jogs with ease. Its no-sew overlays and streamlined upper give it a modern, athletic look, while the adjustable lace closure ensures a secure fit for all-day wear—on runs or just casual strolls.

In practice, the Arishi V4 performs admirably for daily 3–5 mile runs and light gym use, with enough cushioning to protect joints and a durable rubber outsole that resists early wear. It’s surprisingly breathable for its price point, though the mesh isn’t as advanced as in the women’s version. Where it falters is in long-term support—after repeated use, the midsole shows slight compaction, and the lack of heel structure may bother overpronators. Still, for a budget-friendly daily trainer, it punches far above its class.

Compared to the Fresh Foam 520 V9, the Arishi V4 is lighter and more stylish, but offers less breathability and advanced cushioning tuning. It’s not as feature-rich as the 880 V15, but for runners who want a no-frills, reliable shoe under $60, it’s a top contender. This is the best bang-for-buck New Balance runner, ideal for casual joggers or backup trainers. It provides more comfort and versatility than most budget shoes, even if it lacks the refinement of higher-end models.