New Balance

Fresh Foam X Balos

$200.00Daily Trainer

The New Balance Balos is a max-cushioned daily trainer lauded for its exceptionally bouncy, soft, and comfortable ride, featuring a lightweight design and a breathable upper with a Fresh Foam X PEBA-blended midsole and smooth rocker geometry. It is highly versatile, excelling in easy, recovery, and long runs, though some find its extreme softness less ideal for faster tempos or experience foot discomfort on very long efforts. Key drawbacks include its premium $200 price, potential outsole durability concerns with exposed EVA, and a fit that may require sizing up due to a shallow toe box. Overall, it's a joyful and protective option for runners prioritizing comfort and bounce in their daily training.

Highlights

Bouncy, energetic, and responsive ride
Exceptional cushioning and comfort for easy, recovery, and long runs
Lightweight construction relative to its max-cushion profile
Smooth, rockered geometry that promotes natural forward transitions
Breathable upper with secure midfoot lockdown

Considerations

Shallow toe box and low-volume upper may require sizing up or won't accommodate wide feet
Exposed EVA outsole shows early wear and may lack long-term durability
Overly soft and non-propulsive feel at faster paces, lacking firm responsiveness
Potential for foot fatigue or discomfort on longer runs due to foam compression and rebound
Reduced traction on wet surfaces