New Balance is a top choice among neutral runners for shoes with plush cushioning and bouncy energy return. The 1080 series is a popular option.
The Hierro v9 is well-suited for trail running on light to moderate terrain. Its dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole has a soft top layer to absorb shock and provide a comfortable feel underfoot, while the firmer bottom layer stabilizes and protects feet from sharp rocks and brush.
ABZORB
ABZORB cushioning is a key technology in New Balance running shoes, offering a high-performance, premium feel. Designed for optimal shock absorption, it is perfect for runners of all levels. It also provides comfort and support during everyday activities, such as walking or gym workouts.
ABZorb is a unique blend of Dupont Engage Isoprene rubber and proprietary foam materials that are specifically engineered to disperse impact force evenly, reducing the strain on the foot and legs. Unlike other foam technologies that degrade over time, ABZORB is made to withstand repeated compression, so it continues to perform at peak levels even after long runs and strenuous workouts.
When it comes to choosing a pair of running shoes, there are a lot of factors to consider. While some runners prefer a tighter fit that locks down the foot for speedy intervals and tempo runs, others appreciate roomier designs that allow their toes to splay naturally during longer distances. But one feature that many runners agree on is the feeling of slipping into a pair of ABZORB shoes and being enveloped by the supportive hug they provide. Many runners have noted a noticeable decrease in fatigue after switching to shoes with ABZORB cushioning.
ACTEVA
New Balance’s ACTEVA cushioning is designed to be firm enough for everyday training but soft enough for easy-paced runs. Its multi-density midsole provides excellent shock absorption without compression set and a smooth transition from heel strike to toe off. The brand’s top-of-the-line foam is a blend of Dupont Engage, Isoprene rubber and proprietary materials.
New Balance has a lot of shoes with this tech, including the 880 neutral trainer, which features a stack height of more than 40mm (though RW testers note it feels more planted than pillowy soft). In addition to providing cushioning, the ACTEVA midsole also helps the shoe last longer. The 1080 v15, for example, is a favorite of our 2025 Shoe Award winners because it offers both a soft and stable ride that’s perfect for easy-paced training runs.
Another shoe with ACTEVA is the SC Elite, which is a plated super-trainer. It’s a good alternative to carbon-plate offerings like the Adidas Ultra Boost or the Nike Vomero. The v5 of the SC is an all-PEBA FuelCell shoe with a rocker profile that helps ease your footstrike, while a stiff carbon-fiber plate stabilizes the shoe and wrings maximum energy return from the foam.
The newest version, the SC Elite Womens BOA, is even lighter and more durable than its predecessor. This tough safety runner is perfect for females who work in a broad range of work place environments and offers the ideal mix of support, cushioning and flexibility.
FRESH FOAM
Fresh Foam is a midsole material that uses small beads under your foot to create a soft and energetic feel when you run. In addition, the new material helps you maintain a healthy gait by minimizing the energy lost during impact landings. New Balance’s new foam, also known as PEBA or polyethylene based abrasion absorbent, is much more resilient than the traditional EVA or TPU midsole materials. This means you can run further without having to worry about losing as much energy.
Fresh foam has also been shown to reduce the stress of overpronation, which is a great benefit for runners who struggle with this issue. The new material can also help you avoid injuries by absorbing the impact of your foot hitting the ground. In addition, the foam is breathable and absorbs heat to keep your feet comfortable on long training runs.
Using a compression molding process, New Balance is able to combine different foams and control the density and softness of the material. They preheat the material, place it in a mold and apply high pressure to create the shape of the shoe.
The 1080 series is one of New Balance’s best cushioned daily trainers. The v15 version is a big improvement on the previous model and is one of the lighter shoes in this category. While it’s not as light or versatile as the New Balance More v6, or as fast as the Rebel v5, it is an excellent choice for new runners looking for a comfortable and durable daily trainer.
FUELCELL
The FUELCELL running shoe from New Balance is a great choice for both your daily runs and intense workouts. The shoes use a technical upper mesh that is breathable for increased comfort and bold colorways that emphasize style. The shoes also have a molded foam collar that offers incredible support for your feet. They also have a Ndurance outsole that will keep your shoes in the best shape possible over time.
The Rebel v5 is New Balance’s latest evolution of its FUELCELL technology, offering a lightweight and explosive feel on every run. It combines a soft PEBA FuelCell midsole with a stiffer carbon plate to stabilize your foot and help you wring out all that energy for extra propulsion.
RW testers appreciated the light and comfortable ride of the Rebel v5. They were impressed with how well it performed during long marathon training runs, and felt like the shoes held up to gnarly trail running on technical terrain. The heel, however, was extremely padded (unlike version 4) so that the shoe didn’t maintain its feathery weight on longer runs.
The FUELCELL SuperComp Elite v5 is the big kahuna of NB’s FUELCELL lineup, built to power you to a PR on race day. Its PEBA FuelCell midsole stack is sky high at 47mm, exceeding World Athletics’ 40-mm stack height limit for race-day shoes. Despite the lofty stack, it’s still a responsive shoe at a variety of paces thanks to the wide base and sidewalls of the foam, as well as its pronounced rocker profile.