A Shoe Review! Women's New Balance W980 Fresh Foam

Disclaimer:  I was given a pair of New Balance Fresh Foam shoes in exchange for a blog post review for Online Shoes.  All opinions are my own.

Several months ago, I received an email from Heather at Online Shoes, asking if I would like to review a not-yet-on-the-market pair of New Balance Fresh Foam running shoes. And you all know what happened next, right?

There was no way I could turn down some new kicks, so I happily said YES PLEASE.

I could not have been more excited to receive these bad boys in the mail!

Online Shoes' description of the Fresh Foams:

Wearing the New Balance W980 Fresh Foam athletic shoe, you can feel the science of softness with Fresh Foam technology, a performance midsole compound that delivers soft, plush cushioning to runners seeking a lower, more natural underfoot feel. This women's trainer features a minimal, no-sew mesh and synthetic upper with a lightly padded collar for extra cushioning around the ankle. A blown rubber outsole provides durability and supportive cushioning to the New Balance 980 running shoe, ensuring an incredibly soft, incredibly stable ride for mile after mile.

• 4mm heel-to-toe drop
• Air mesh upper
• Blown rubber outsole
• Competitor Magazine "Best Ride" award
• Fresh Foam
• Lace entry

• Lightly padded collar and tongue
• No-sew material application
• REVlite®
• Running Network "Best Neutral Shoe" award
• Weight: 7.8 oz. / 206g

I took them for a 4 mile spin on the treadmill.

Halfway through, my left foot went numb.

So I reconfigured the laces in the hopes that things would run more smoothly.

I tried out a pattern that was supposed to help give my toes more space.

The verdict is still out as to whether or not this is helping.  I feel a bit ambivalent about these shoes, so I made a list to try and sort out my feelings.

• They have fun colours
• They are very lightweight
• They are shaped to provide a good toe-off
• The uppers are cushiony

• They are not as flexible as they claim to be, and after a few miles my feet feel like they are just slapping the ground
• The uppers push against my big toes, which gives me blisters

• The Fresh Foams are a bit more minimal than I need, and a bit too narrow and shallow for my feet.  I will spend more time in them when I am not training for a race, to see if I can make them work, perhaps for shorter distances. 
• Running shoes are such a personal thing.  As a klutzy, injury-prone runner, I think I do better with a little more support.
• I think if you like a minimal shoe, but prefer stiffer soles, you should give the New Balance Fresh Foams a shot.

Thank you so much to Online Shoes for giving me the opportunity to review these shoes!!

They are pretty snazzy, after all.

Questions: 

1. What drives your shoe decision?

2. Do you like minimal shoes or supportive shoes?