Which women’s New Balance running shoes are best?
No matter the terrain, a high-quality and supportive running shoe will give you maximum traction and promote a healthy running experience. Women’s New Balance running shoes are one of the most popular and reliable options available, offering premium comfort and stability.
Whether it’s a short morning jog around the neighborhood or a tough long-distance run, you’ll want to consider a few important design features, along with the natural step and shape of your foot. The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V14 are a top choice, known for their comfort and soft cushioning.
What to know before you buy women’s New Balance running shoes
Gait
Before choosing a running shoe, you should be familiar with your natural gait. Most people will have either a supine, neutral or pronated step.
Having a supine step means that the outer side portion of your foot takes the brunt of the impact while running or walking.
For those with a neutral gait, the middle of the foot is normally what lands first when taking a step.
A pronated step is the opposite of a supine step, meaning the inner portion of the foot receives most of the impact pressure. While not as common, some people may even have a super-pronated step, which is a more exaggerated form.
Arch type
Once you know what type of gait is most similar to yours, you should also take time to discover your arch type.
The terms low arch and fallen arch are used to describe those whose feet are less concave, which often leads to a pronated step. Specific orthotics or running shoe models are available for low arches.
A neutral arch means that the instep of the foot has a medium-arch height and allows you to choose from the widest variety of running shoes.
Having high arches means less of your foot makes contact with the ground, which can occasionally lead to injuries if you don’t wear cushioned footwear.
Running location
Running on hard surfaces such as pavement or blacktop is the hardest on your knees and ankles, as it causes the harshest impact. For road running, it is important that you choose a highly-cushioned running shoe with a stable and durable sole, in order to prevent injury.
If you plan on running on softer surfaces like grass or dirt, you may not need as much cushioning, but you’ll want to choose a running shoe with enhanced traction and grip.
What to look for in quality women’s New Balance running shoes
Size
The best New Balance running shoes will have a relatively snug fit around the heel and middle of the foot without feeling restrictive, while your toes should have enough room to move freely. This usually translates to about a thumbs-width of space in the toe box.
In general, runners sometimes prefer to choose a half-size to a full-size larger than their typical shoe size, because people’s feet tend to swell slightly while running.
Cushioning
The shoe’s cushioning will be your main defense against harsh impact and potential injury while also providing necessary support. Many women’s New Balance running shoes will feature Fresh Foam, EVA or similarly constructed midsoles to enhance stability and comfort even when running on unforgiving surfaces.
Breathability
Having a breathable running shoe is important, especially in warmer weather. Mesh and moisture-wicking materials will help keep your feet dry and free from excessive sweat build-up, which can ultimately lead to several unwanted issues.
However, cold-weather runners and those running in wet climates may want to choose a New Balance running shoe with more protection from outside moisture and inclement weather conditions.
Design
As with all apparel and footwear, the design of your running shoe is based on individual preference and personal stylistic choices. New Balance offers several solid and mixed color options. While most do feature the classic “N” logo, more discreet models are also available.
How much you can expect to spend on women’s New Balance running shoes
While women’s New Balance Running shoes can cost anywhere from $50-$250, most pairs will fall into the $75-$125 range.
Women’s New Balance running shoes FAQ
How many miles will my New Balance running shoes last?
A. You can expect to get approximately 300-500 miles of use out of your New Balance running shoes. For those who run daily, these running shoes will likely last up to 6 months. Those who run less frequently can expect a long lifespan.
Are running shoes the same as trail running shoes?
A. While there are many similarities between running shoes and trail running shoes, the main difference is the outsole. Though running shoes often offer a decent grip, trail running shoes are designed to be worn on rocky, uneven and slippery terrain, making a high-traction outsole more important.
What’s the best New Balance running shoe to buy?
Top women’s New Balance running shoe
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V14
What you need to know: This neutral running shoe is ideal for road running and comfortable all-day wear.
What you’ll love: The highly-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole provides stability and shock absorption for a more comfortable run, mile after mile. This newer version is more breathable and more flexible than the v13. Its biggest selling point is its improved stability and support.
What you should consider: Some people said the shoe was a little heavier than they would have liked for a running shoe.
Top women’s New Balance running shoe for the money
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe
What you need to know: This versatile shoe is ultra-cushioned and lightweight without being expensive.
What you’ll love: You still get the premium Fresh Foam for comfort on this shoe without the premium price of other Fresh Foam shoes. They’re also very durable and breathable.
What you should consider: It lacks stability features, so it’s best for runners with a neutral arch.
Worth checking out
New Balance Women’s FuelCell Rebel V4
What you need to know: This lightweight, stable shoe provides a great energy return.
What you’ll love: Crafted using FuelCell foam to propel you forward, this shoe is designed for lasting comfort. The upper is made of FantomFit material, making them super lightweight.
What you should consider: Some users thought the shoes were too wide or that the stack height was too low to the ground.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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