| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| + Fun ride + Won’t break the bank + Comfy, well-fitting upper + Not a one-trick pony + Sexy as hell | – Nada |
Let’s be honest: the first edition of a running shoe usually blows. That’s just shoe science. I mean, think about it: there haven’t yet been a dozen updates of minuscule changes that totally improve how the shoe performs. Just look at how far the original Brooks Ghost has come! Totally. Find out why the Ellipse is the rare exception to the rule, in this New Balance Ellipse review.
New Balance Ellipse
| STACK | WEIGHT | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| 40/32 mm (8 mm drop) | M9: 9.6 oz/273 g W8: 7.7 oz/218 g | $145 |
New shoe, who dis?
Where the hell has this version of Fresh Foam X been all our lives? Or, at least, for the past 13 years when Fresh Foam was introduced. So, basically all of our lives. Do you even remember what the world was like in 2013? It’s a whole other lifetime ago on an entirely different planet within a vastly different solar system inside of a completely different universe. One could certainly argue 2013 was the peak of human civilization, if only because it didn’t occur in the dumpster fire known as the 2020’s.
But 2013 was also a much different time for running. The only plates we used were the ones we ate off of. Minimal cushioning was still considered “cool,” while max cushioning was something we could only dream of. Of course, that dream has now become a full-blown nightmare. Our feet don’t even touch the ground anymore. But I digress.
Turns out it’s not even a new version of Fresh Foam X in the Ellipse. Quite hard to believe after running in the shoe. Yep, it’s the same mundane, totally fine, missionary position of an EVA foam that New Balance has been stuffing in its 880 and 1080 flagship pairs and stuffing down our throats for all of our lives. Lather, rinse, repeat, Fresh Foam.
Wait, did New Balance accidentally place their new, supposedly superior, probably Christopher Nolan-inspired Infinion foam in the Ellipse and keep Fresh Foam in the 1080v15 while removing “Fresh Foam” from the name? Because the Ellipse feels much more responsive and is a shoe-ton (it’ll catch on) more fun than the 1080v15 and its Inception Infinion midsole. It’s not close.
Ellipse > 1080
The Ellipse ($145) is a far better shoe than the $25 more expensive 1080v15 ($170). If you take one thing away from this mindless drivel that comprises a review, don’t buy the 1080; buy the Ellipse. It can do every type of run better than the 1080.
$145 is actually a great price for this pair. When I first learned about the Ellipse and saw the low price point I figured it’d be a budget shoe. Aka an underwhelming shoe for beginner runners and walkers. Not that there’s anything wrong with beginner runners and walkers! Some of my best friends are beginner runners and walkers! Hell, even Nike tolerates walkers now! They have yet to acknowledge cyclists, however.
Trainer of the year?
I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a daily trainer more than the Ellipse this year (so far). That’s high praise for the high stacked (40/32 mm) neutral pair that provides me with a much high-er energy return than most other highly-touted daily trainers. High is one of those words that looks weird when you stare at it too long; or type it five times in two sentences.
I’m pleasantly surprised by the lively ride of this shoe. Nay, shocked. Why couldn’t New Balance have introduced this shoe like, 13 years ago? Thankfully, it’s also got quite the soft feel underfoot while still offering a stable ride.
So what’s the secret sauce? Well, considering it’s still got Fresh Foam X and not a new foam, the only logical component to point to is the shoe’s rocker geometry that really does give the “trampoline-like bounce” New Balance claims. This is the rare occasion when it’s actually not slop spewed out the ass of a company’s marketing team. Congrats, New Balance! Now, if I could just get you guys to admit a “bold and progressive upper” is a ridiculous way to market the 1080…or any shoe.
The soft, bouncy ride of the Ellipse reminds me of another decently priced up-tempo trainer that I’ve long enjoyed: New Balance’s FuelCell Rebel ($145). The Rebel is better suited for speedier paces, but both provide fun and nimble rides.
Uses
The Ellipse is a very versatile pair that excels at a variety of paces and runs. I used it for long runs, strides, daily miles and recovery runs and it felt great from beginning to end for every single one of the more than dozen runs I used to test it. I quickly accumulated 100 miles because it was one of the only shoes I wanted to run in consistently during spring marathon training. All the other pairs I tested at the time paled in comparison. There was literally never a dull moment running in the Ellipse. Regardless of how tired my legs felt from a prior run or how little I felt like running that day, the Ellipse made every run feel easier.
Upper/Design
The layered engineered mesh upper fits like a dream, offering a high level of comfort while still being breathable. There’s a sizable gusseted tongue that’d make Gene Simmons blush. New Balance has been lacking in the aesthetics department lately, rolling out some truly questionable-looking pairs that would look right at home in the 90’s: objectively a much better time than the 2020’s.
What’s the word for someone attracted to running shoes? Because that’s me with the Ellipse. I’d like to do more than just run in it, if you know what I mean. I’d also like to wear it casually and walk around in it for errands and date night with my wife who despises how I dress for dates. “But babe, I’m a runner!”
Conclusion
One of the best debuts from New Balance in some time, and one of my favorites of the year, the Ellipse has me coming back mile after mile. Give me the Ellipse over any New Balance trainer any day. A dependable, versatile, and affordable shoe that won’t be out of place in any runner’s rotation — even ringless Bills QB Josh Allen!
Just listen to how Allen describes the Ellipse: “They’re comfortable. Comfortable, easy to jog in. Did a lot of jogging today. Feel fantastic.”
Talk about a rave review!
The Ellipse is available now on New Balance’s website.
New Balance graciously provided this shoe to me for wear testing. I was not compensated for this New Balance Ellipse review and they didn’t get an opportunity to see this New Balance Ellipse review before I published.
This post includes affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase using the links (at no extra cost to you.)
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