New Balance – overview of the best tests of New Balance running shoes

Article overview

New Balance is, in the opinion of many, the best manufacturers of running shoes & running clothing.

Here you will find an overview of all New Balance running shoes on the market.

I have tested many of their shoes, and made both video and text reviews.

They have a wide selection of shoes, and they are often on trend. The brand is best known for their sneakers. However, many of us are also crazy about their sports shoes.

NB is particularly known for producing the different models in several widths. You can read more about this further down in this article. Also watch the video to get an insight into branding.

As you will discover, this page is very complete. It is a long article about everything you should know about New Balance.

I recommend you spend some time looking at the table of contents so as not to drown in all the content. Watch the video if you just need a brief overview of brands. Alternatively, you can click on the different models and read / see more about the different shoes there. Enjoy reading.

Personal favorites from New Balance

I’m very divided about New Balance running shoes. I don’t think they’re all in on running shoes, and I’m annoyed that they make running clothes, even though it’s obviously easy to sell to stores when the shoes are already there.

Where I think New Balance does particularly well is in their lightweight running shoes. Here I am particularly impressed with the New Balance 5000 and New Balance 1600. These are two relatively new running shoes, and you really have to be careful not to run too many kilometers in them, as they are very lightweight and have almost no cushioning.

In addition, I am a fan ofNew Balance Minimus series, which focuses extremely much on the minimalist running style. Within the Minimus series you will find shoes for both trail and asphalt running.

I’m not a big fan myself. New Balance 1260, but I know it is a very popular running shoe, especially among heavier runners. If you have overpronation and weigh +90 as a man, it is in many cases a shoe that can help you more than any other running shoe. However, it must be said that the latest versions of the 1260 have become somewhat better. They are more flexible, and are aimed at a wider audience.

My review of NB shoes

Selection

The selection of New Balance shoes is huge. There are an extremely large number of running shoes, so you will always be able to find shoes from them that suit your running style and your purpose for your running training.

Durability

The durability of the more expensive running shoes is phenomenal. You can expect the shoes to last +1,000 kilometers, which in my opinion is very special for running shoes. I estimate that my shoes usually last 800-1,000 kilometers, so with +1,000 kilometers, New Balance makes a very good example of durability in running shoes. So already there you are saving money when you buy New Balance running shoes. Because imagine having them last maybe 25% longer than other brands on the market.

In addition, the shoes maintain a nice structure even on long runs. The shoes do not collapse, as you see with other brands, where the quality and selection of materials have been compromised.

Fit

The fit of New Balance running shoes is a bit ambivalent for me. I find the shoes to be very tight around the midfoot and forefoot, while they feel quite loose in the heel area. If you have very narrow feet, you might consider buying your men’s shoes in the women’s versions. This often gives a better fit (I’ve heard).

New Balance is known for attracting runners of all widths. Do you have a narrow foot or an extra wide foot? Either way, you can expect to find a width from NB that will give you the best comfort.

I personally think the comfort is quite excellent. However, it varies from model to model, so I would recommend that you click on the specific models to learn more about the fit.

Price rent

The prices of New Balance running shoes can sometimes seem quite high (at least in recommended prices). You have to remember that some of the production takes place in England, which is very expensive compared to Nike, Asics and the others, who have all their production in China and Bangladesh. But that is perhaps also one of the reasons why their shoes usually last longer than others. A lot of effort goes into producing quality running shoes – and shoes they can stand behind all the way.

However, you can usually find cheap New Balance running shoes online. First you need to find your model, and then you can see the best prices.

Sizes in New Balance

New Balance sizes are in the vast majority of cases “true to size”. This is an English expression that means that they are average in size, and that you can use the same size in their shoes as in shoes from other brands.

Personally, I use the same size in New Balance running shoes as I do in Saucony, Mizuno, Salomon, Asics, Adidas, Nike and more.

Where you need to be especially careful about choosing the right size is with the lighter shoes. Typically, competition running shoes are bought half a size larger. They always run small in size.

You can take a look at my New Balance size chart, or try to convert your size from your previous brand to NB and see what size you need.

Advantages and disadvantages of New Balance running shoes

Which brands are compared to NB?

When I review running shoes, I always think about what other running shoes they are similar to. When I test and review NB running shoes, I often compare them to shoes from Asics. The two brands are similar in many ways in my opinion.

Both brands focus on Mr. and Mrs. Denmark, however, they also have their niche running shoes, which are a little harder to find on the running market. If it is a very unique shoe you are looking for, you can try contacting the retailer to see if they can get it home.

Besides Asics, the trail running shoes from New Balance are very similar to shoes from Salomon. NB shoes are rarely waterproof, but in terms of functionality they can be compared to Salomon in many ways.

Last but not least, their lightest running shoes compared to Adidas. I think the structure of the two brands is similar in many cases.

Item numbers

New Balance men’s or New Balance women’s

Men’s running shoes from New Balance

I personally run in New Balance men’s running shoes. They are quite comfortable and come in a variety of widths. Especially men with wide feet run in NB because they have shoes that come in so many different widths.

If you have a narrow foot, you can also find New Balance shoes with width B for men (extra narrow). Whether you are a man or a boy, I am convinced that you will find a good pair of men’s running shoes.

Women’s running shoes from New Balance

New Balance women’s running shoes are characterized by having an ok fit around the heel, unlike the men’s models, which I personally find a bit too loose. Unfortunately, the women’s models still come with a low cut in the heel, which can cause some challenges.

New Balance women’s shoes are usually one size narrower than men’s shoes. You should buy in width B to get the normal width. Buy women’s shoes from NB online, and you can quickly find great deals, and maybe even hit a sale. However, you should be aware that the selection of women’s shoes is smaller than it is for men’s shoes when it comes to shoes from New Balance.

Differences between women’s and men’s models

When you need new running shoes from New Balance, you need to pay attention to the width you buy the shoes in. Some stores have NB in ​​different widths and sizes, which makes it a little more complicated to buy shoes from them. For men’s NB shoes, the normal width is D, while the normal width of women’s shoes is B. The size range goes like this: 2A-B-D-2E-4E. This is the notation for the different widths they operate with. 4E is the widest while 2A is the narrowest model. Take a look before you buy. However, most New Balance stores in Denmark only sell in the normal widths.

What are New Balance running shoes known for?

First of all, it is a stable brand. You get what you pay for. NB is probably the brand of running shoes that lasts the longest. I personally have good experiences with the durability of their shoes in particular – it is unmatched.

New Balance on sale / sale

Here you will find NB on offer

The Internet is here to stay. So are offers. The Internet has also led to fiercer competition. So have offers. This means that you can typically buy your products cheaper than before. The disadvantage of buying running shoes online is the lack of service. There can be excellent service online – but never quite the same as in a special running store. That said, you can typically buy New Balance running shoes 20-30% cheaper on offers that run all year round. It quickly becomes a lot of money when you wear out a pair of running shoes after only 800-1,000 km. Buy New Balance on offer.

Sale items by New Balance

I have occasionally caught some great New Balance running shoes on sale. Typically you will find NB sales in August and January. The reason the sales are here is because new models and colors are coming out. Sometimes the color combination before the “new model” has been better, and when it also comes on sale, it’s a hit. Sometimes I buy 4-5 pairs of New Balance running shoes just because they are on sale.

How to make a New Balance running shoe

The quality is sublime! You can read much more about the production of their productson their American website (Here you also get the opportunity to see a few more pictures of Heidi Klum, who is their model in up to several collections). I am personally impressed by the quality of the New Balance running shoes I have had. They last a long time, they are always fresh in the colors (more neutrals are also available), and they have a large and wide selection. The selection is very important to me. This means that I can switch between several different shoes from them. I know the size fits, and therefore don’t have to think too much about it. It is especially nice when you buy your running shoes online.

The different series of NB

In this section I will briefly review the different series of running shoes from New Balance. The different ones love to make their own names for running shoes, and NB has of course done the same. By combining this with your running style, you can quickly find out which shoes suit you best. If you need a pair of trail shoes, you know that the names should end in 10, as for example many of The Minimus models do it.

Series 00 – ultralight competition running shoes

Few people buy shoes in the 00 series. These are running shoes for competition and trail competitions. If you see shoes from NB that end in 00, they are often shoes with spikes. Running with spikes is hard on the feet (mostly because the shoes are usually extremely minimalist and have no cushioning).

Series 10 – trail running shoes

New Balance trail running shoes are expressed in the 10 series. The shoes are all made ultra light, which gives you a very natural trail run. I personally am very happy with this series of shoes, and I also know that it is a series that is gaining a lot of traction at the moment.

Series 40 (optimal control)

If you are looking for the best possible control, then you should look for the New Balance 40 models at the end of the shoe names. For example, New Balance 940. This is a shoe for runners who need the strongest control while running.

Series 50 (smart shoes)

This series is for those of you who are interested in having a pair of smart running shoes. The shoes are very athletic and I must admit that they are among the coolest shoes from NB.

Series 60 (for overpronation)

If you have overpronation during your run, you will find the New Balance 60 series quite comfortable. Here you will find running shoes with everything from mild to strong pronation wedges. This helps with your pronation. The stability in these shoes is really high.

Series 70 (lightweight shoes with mild stability)

New Balance shoes ending in 70 are running shoes for those who need a little stability and who also like to run fast. You get shoes where the focus is on reducing weight, but still with excellent shock absorption, which can be used even on the hardest surfaces.

Series 80 (neutral running style)

If you have a neutral running style, the New Balance 80 series is the one you should get your hands on. In this category, you will find a range of shoes that give you the most comfortable run for runners with a neutral running style. There is no pronation wedge (you don’t need one), but on the other hand the shock absorption is phenomenal.

Series 90 (lightweight running shoes)

The 90’s series are shoes that use Revlite foam technology. It gives you the feeling of a faster take-off during your running training. In my opinion, there is a big difference from Revlite and the older materials used. The feel is incredibly comfortable in New Balance 90 running shoes.

Numbering of previous New Balance running shoes – what replaces my model?

If I have to criticize New Balance for one thing that is not practical, it is their choice of model names. If you have previously run in the NB 760, you have no idea which model you should use next time. Here I will give you an overview of all New Balance models, successors and previous models – so you can see which shoe you should have next time. On the other hand, they should be praised for having updated their number system, so that it now makes more sense. They have now switched to calling the shoes by version number, so that they are called NB 890 Version 3, for example. I have made a comprehensive list here with previous models and new models. If necessary, use “CTRL+F” to search for your shoe.

New Balance 1080v3 > 1080v2 > 1080v1 > 1064 > 1063 > 1062 > 1061

New Balance 1260v3 > 1260v2 > 1260v1 > 1226 > 1225 > 1224 > 1223 > 1222 > 1221 > 1210 > 1200

New Balance 860v3 > 860v2 > 860 > 760 > 769 > 768 > 767 > 766 > 765 > 764 > 763 > 762 > 761

New Balance 890v3 > 890v2 > 890v1

New Balance Minimus Running v2 > 10v1

New Balance 940v2 > 940v1 > 850 > 859 > 858 > 857 > 856 > 855 > 854 > 853 > 852 > 851

New Balance 870v2 > 870 > 740 New Balance 840v2 > 840v1 > 883 > 882 > 881 > 880 > 879 > 878 > 877

New Balance 880v3 > 880v2 > 880v1 > 759 > 758 > 757 > 755 > 754 > 753

New Balance 990 > 993 > 992 > 991 > 990 > 999

New Balance 587 > 586

New Balance 1012 > 1011 > 1010

New Balance 1540 > 1123 > 1122 > 1121 > 1120

I hope you found your shoe. As you can see, some of them have developed their names over many years. There is some consensus in the numbering, but the new system does not match the old one very well. Also, please note that the list only includes shoes for running training. I have not included outdoor, sports in general or hiking shoes.