| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| + Light | – Vastly overpriced – Unstable – Too soft |
I’ve been putting this New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos review off for quite some time; mainly because I was so disappointed in the shoe. Oops, I should’ve offered a spoiler for this review. Let’s try this again. Spoiler alert: The Balos is a disappointing shoe. There we go.
At an egregious $200, it’s clear this is supposed to be a New Balance “super trainer.” Alas, there’s nothing “super” about this shoe. Read on to find out why I didn’t have a “ball” running in the Balos.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos Review
| STACK HEIGHT | WEIGHT | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| 38.5/32.5 mm (6 mm drop) | M9.5: 9.2 oz/260 g W7: 7.3 oz/206 g | $200! |
Midsole
There’s a Fresh Foam X blend of EVA and PEBA foam in the midsole with a max cushioned stack height of 38/32 mm and 6 mm drop. As usual, it’s hard to know how this midsole is different from other New Balance midsoles. For example, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5—a better shoe I’ll reference quite a bit here—also has a blend of EVA and PEBA foam but uses FuelCell technology.
Fresh Foam is a heavier, less responsive foam than the more energetic FuelCell. New Balance already has its FuelCell SC Trainer and SC Elite, so it’d be redundant to use FuelCell in the Balos. But it’s confusing to understand where the Balos fits in the lineup. New Balance positions the Balos as having a “lightweight, propulsive, and fast underfoot feel to take you seamlessly from training to race day.” But I can’t imagine using this shoe for speed workouts and, god forbid, race day. There’s no plate and everyone knows serious runners need a plate to race in.
Ride
Balos has accomplished quite the feat: it’s the first running shoe you can simultaneously pronate and supinate in! I didn’t think that was conceivable, but as New Balance says: “Impossible is nothing.” Wait, I think that’s Nike’s tagline. I’m exaggerating, of course, but if you’re not a neutral runner, do not try this shoe. Hell, even if you are a neutral runner, this shoe may not work for you. It’s one of the least stable shoes I’ve run in…ever.
It’s also one of the softest shoes. As a self-proclaimed softie, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s too soft. It feels mushy. While I do feel some bounce with the PEBA foam, my feet sink into the road too much with every landing. It feels like I’m bottoming out, aka, the cushioning of the midsole compresses too much under the impact. In essence, the slight bounce is canceled out by the “sinking in” sensation. Perhaps I’ve just got to cut down on those Twinkies and Ho-Hos; they make my butt so chunky!
The shoe has a rocker profile, but it doesn’t feel rockered and heel-to-toe transitions feel like a chore.
I suppose the Balos does perform a teeny, tiny bit better at faster paces, but there are about two baker’s dozen and a half other pairs I’d rather lace up for speed work—or any work—like the identically priced Brooks Hyperion Max 3, which has a nylon plate. I much prefer the $140 FuelCell Rebel v5, which actually feels more propulsive and stable than the Balos. Therefore I can’t recommend the Balos as a daily trainer nor a tempo shoe. And I would never even attempt a long run in this shoe.
Upper
The creel mesh upper is the best part of this shoe—never a good sign. It’s light and breathable, although not the roomiest upper. Despite its minimal nature, it’s also very comfortable, with ample padding around the ankle and a structured heel collar. There’s a stretchy knit gusseted tongue that further helps secure the foot. I have no issues with the upper; it’s every other part of the Balos that bothers me.
Outsole
The outsole is comprised of ground contact EVA foam. While this supposedly helps provide a lightweight, smoother ride, I do wonder about the durability of the shoe without much rubber underfoot, especially considering this shoe is meant to go fast (more stress). Regardless, I won’t be using this shoe for long enough to find out how durable it is.
Weight
It’s a good weight, at 9.2 ounces for a men’s size 9.5 and 7.3 oz for a women’s size 7, but it’s more than an ounce heavier than the FuelCell Rebel v5. I just don’t understand why anyone would choose the Balos over the Rebel.
Aesthetics
I’m sorry, but I expect a $200 shoe to look better than this. If I’m spending two big Benjamin Franklin bills on you, the least you can do is throw on some makeup and do your hair and nails. And maybe wax down there? Jesus, at least apply some foundation! Are we still talking about shoes?
The “Grey matter with mineral and white” colorway is one of the most uninspiring, milquetoast I’ve had the displeasure of donning. I can’t get out of these shoes fast enough.
Price
Where does New Balance get off charging $200 for this shoe? Is it a kink thing? Do they sexually get off? This is, perhaps, the most overpriced running shoe in some time—and that’s saying something. And not just “something,” but a lot. Quite a lot. There’s no plate, no magical foam, and the shoe isn’t even hot. The FuelCell Rebel v5 is a whopping $60 cheaper and is a better shoe in every sense of the word. $200 is laughable but I’m too pissed to chuckle.
Conclusion
Blame it on my poor excuse for a running form or high expectations, but I’m not a fan of this one, at all. New Balance’s significantly cheaper and monumentally better FuelCell Rebel v5 provides the type of propulsive experience you would expect from the Balos. It’s impossible to recommend the Balos when there are much better, much less expensive options available.
The Balos is available on New Balance’s website…or wherever you get shoes.
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New Balance graciously provided this shoe to me for wear testing. I was not compensated for this New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos Review and they didn’t get an opportunity to see this review before I published.
