I love when a new running shoe model comes along and grabs me from the very first step. The New Balance Balos lives up to the hype with it’s defined rocker shape and beloved NB Fresh Foam X cushioning.
As someone who tests a lot of running shoes, I LOVE that part of my job, but also find it means sometimes I’m a bit more critical of shoes…and it definitely means I always wonder “why” when there’s a completely new model.
But this shoe, I was excited to put on the moment I heard about it and it did not disappoint.
We’re entering that new fuzzy territory of super trainers. A running shoe that’s designed to be fast for training, to help reduce some leg fatigue, but isn’t quite as top notch as the race day shoes with a carbon plate. The NB Balos absolutely lives up to the speed design and will be a shoe that many mid-packers could race in happily.
Let’s dive in with the specs and then more about the feel and fit.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos Review
What is this new shoe and who is it for? A great question to start us off, so here we go.
Runners that are seeking that maximum cushioned feeling, but with some spring and a little speed are going to love the New Balance Balos V1.
One of the most notable attributes of this runner is the rocker, you can see from the top photo that it’s actually really visible. Many shoes mention a metarocker or other feature, but once I start running I never really notice it. 
In the Balos, you’ll feel almost a bit of arch support from this curve. With each step, the foot is helped to roll forward for that quicker toe off and when you pick up the speed there’s a great spring and bounce with each step. For me this falls in between the lightweight pick up of a NB Rebel and the spring of an Alphafly.
Admittedly, I’m a super fan of the Fresh Foam X, this PEBA-blended foam has just always given me such a great cushion that wearing it for longer mileage feels like a gift and equally lovely on a recovery.
Now with the addition of the rocker, I think a lot of mid pack runners could indeed opt for this as a long run to marathon shoe. It’s going to hold up well and without the need for a carbon plated shoe, you’ll still feel like you’ve got some speed. Particularly nice as you fatigue for it to give you that bit of a forward roll.
Which is to say that it makes for a great daily trainer, which can also double down to do things like a tempo run and goal pace mileage for the majority of runners, but might not have the top end speed for 5K and 10K workouts.
NB Balos Specs
- Weight: 9.2oz Men’s 9, 7.3oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 38mm
- Heel Drop: 6mm
- Currently available in 1 color
- Available in Wide
- Available on NewBalance.com for $199
And for those who care, we really like the over look of this shoe when it comes to style. The overlay of the brown is still nice and breathable, but feels softer than some of the brighter shoes.
The outsole is nothing crazy for a road shoe. They’re using what they call “Ground contact EVA outsole”, which seems to be durable and we haven’t run in to any issues with traction thus far, nor any groves big enough to pick up rocks.
Fit
Ok this one is a little weird because I got a wide shoe and I normally would be considered someone with a bit more narrow foot, but I was so dang excited to run in this shoe I didn’t care.
Those who deal with black toenails, are probably not going to be the best candidates for this shoe. One it’s rolling you right in to the front, but two it doesn’t have a high toe box or general fit.
As noted there is a light feeling of arch support, which for some can create the feeling of not enough room in the midsection of the shoe. I didn’t particularly notice this until I put it on side by side with the 1080 for a comparison run.
The toe box felt pretty standard (again a wide shoe doesn’t mean a wider toebox) and just a small shift to lacing had my foot feel securely locked in. I liked that the heel collar was lightly padded, but not big and thick which mean less chance to rub or take up space in the shoe.
The thin tongue was still soft and attached inside for a more bootie like fit. This is a winning feature for me because I hate when a tongue starts slipping to the side, especially if you’re trying to put on the speed and don’t want to be thinking why does my shoe feel weird.
Laces were plenty long to be able to do a heel lock lacing.
What is a rocker?
This is definitely not new technology, in fact I’ll be many of you remember it from when Skecher’s first released their shoes. It was designed to massively roll you forward and basically overworked a lot of ankles.
This is a scaled back model of that. As noted you’ll feel a bit higher in the arch and notice that when you land your foot very naturally wants to roll forward on to the toes.
I actually think this is really great for heel strikers because it’s going to move you through the full range of motion faster. And faster foot roll can lead to faster running. Remember heel striking itself isn’t bad, just overstriding.
Forefoot strikers are probably not going to see any benefit because you naturally land farther forward, so Coach Stacey who talks about running like a dancer can save the extra $35 and just enjoy the 1080.
What are the NB Balos Best For?
Have you fallen in love with max cushion?? The data says that’s just fine, so if you’re enjoying it and looking for a daily trainer or uptempo shoe that has more than many of the lightweight running shoes, this is a winner.
100% this shoe is now a staple in my rotation, but I won’t be wearing it without a good rotation because of that rocker.
I’d say there are a few people who may not find this a good fit:
- If you deal with runner’s toe as noted above
- Those with Plantar Fasciitis may not find enough support
- Runners with Achilles issues usually do better in a higher drop, plus the roll might add to that pull
New Balance 1080 vs New Balance Balos
The feel of these two is extremely similar, so it made the most sense to me for dropping a quick comparison. It’s also well known that I’ve loved the NB 1080 for awhile and even include it in my best marathon running shoes.
Key differences:
- Same stack height (maybe .5 more to Balos by some accounts, but not NB)
- Balos is .5 oz lighter
- Balos has a noticeable rocker
- Similar outsole
- Lightly padded tongue on 1080 might be more comfortable for some
- Both great for longer runs
- Balos $35 more
For some runners the Balos might feel a bit less stable or they might dislike that slight forward pitch. I think this is really going to come down to a personal preference and what you want from the shoe.
For me both are winners, but the Balos I’ll reach for on some goal pace days or perhaps a longer run where I’m looking to work a bit on pace.
Similar Shoes to New Balance Balos
Whether you know that New Balance isn’t your jam or just want to see if you have something that compares, here are a few similar style shoes:
- New Balance 1080v13 – seriously it’s the most similar
- On Cloudeclispse – big stack and cushion, but doesn’t feel as speedy
- Hoka Skyward X – big cushion with a carbon plate for a little speed
What is Fresh Foam X?
New Balance Fresh Foam X is an innovative cushioning technology developed by New Balance. It is designed to provide a responsive, comfortable, and lightweight running experience. Fresh Foam X is an evolution of the original Fresh Foam, offering enhanced performance and improved energy return.
And let me just tell you I am a BIG fan of Fresh Foam X. For me, it really does have that nice blend of cushion without sinking in to the shoe.
Sneaker Freaker does a great job breaking down what it means that every brand has their own midsole:
“In its most basic form, EVA is made by combining two different plastics. It’s then expanded – that is, made into a foam – to produce the squishy stuff that makes soles. Each step of the process can be tweaked to give the final product slightly different properties.
For example, one manufacturer might use different ratios of the two primary ingredients while another might mix in some additives. Then there are all kinds of ways to mould the plastic and expand it into foam, each of which produces a slightly different product.”
I can absolutely verify that they’ve continued to drop weight over the years. I loved the 980 when I first tried it, but this is lighter though maybe less springy.
All right, there you have it! Hopefully once again our New Balance Balos V1 review gave you some things to consider and know if it’s a winner for you.
If you’ve tried it, we always love to hear your take!
Looking for some more New Balance talk?
- New Balance 1080 vs 880
- New Balance vs Saucony Running Shoes
- Best New Balance Walking Shoes
- How to Lace Running Shoes to Relieve Discomfort
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