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!
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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
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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?
