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New Balance designs footwear for all types of runs and runners, with options built to support different needs, preferences and running styles.
Founded in 1906 in Boston, New Balance is a brand with heritage, and while they’ve carved out a strong lifestyle presence, performance running has always remained at their core.
With more than 100 years of experience, New Balance continues to be a trusted name in performance running, offering solutions designed to support runners and walkers of all types.
To find out more (like which shoes are best for each type of run) we caught up with the New Balance team to chat all things footwear. Let’s go.
How do New Balance running shoe styles differ, and what is each one best for?
New Balance designs footwear for all types of runs and runners, with options built to support different needs, preferences and running styles.
1080v15
Their most premium daily trainer. Featuring a next-generation super-critical foam compound blended with Infinion, the 1080v15 delivers a plush yet responsive ride for everyday running. Ideal as a daily trainer, with enough energy return to handle longer runs and faster efforts comfortably.
Best for: Runners wanting maximum cushioning for daily runs, long distances and a bit of versatility.
880v15
Their dependable neutral workhorse. Designed with all-day wearability in mind, the 880v15 offers a stable, balanced platform that excels for daily runs and extended time on your feet. It remains their number one option for runners who wear orthotics.
Best for: Runners seeking a reliable, stable daily shoe – especially those using orthotics or on their feet all day.
860v15
Their premium stability model. Built on a broad, stable base, the 860v15 incorporates Stability Plane technology to support and subtly raise the medial arch. Ideal for runners or walkers who require added structure and medial support for daily runs or all-day comfort.
Best for: Overpronators or anyone needing extra support and structure in their daily runs or walks.
FuelCell Rebel v5
Their “unicorn” shoe – it truly does it all. Combining traditional EVA with a PEBA-infused blend, the Rebel v5 delivers a lightweight, sleek and energetic ride. Perfect for daily training, speed sessions or even all-day wear.
Best for: Runners who want one lightweight, do-it-all shoe that can handle both easy runs and faster sessions.
Ellipse
Sitting at the intersection of performance running and heritage lifestyle, the Ellipse pairs a plush Fresh Foam X midsole with a sleek, modern upper design. Ideal as a stylish daily trainer which transitions seamlessly into all-day wear.
Best for: Style-conscious wearers wanting comfort for everyday runs and use.
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
A high-performance trainer that blends FuelCell midsole technology with a carbon fibre plate, without compromising on comfort. Ideal for long runs and faster training sessions leading into race day, and an excellent entry point for runners trying plated footwear for the first time.
Best for: Runners wanting a cushioned, plated trainer for long runs and race prep.
FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
Their fastest racing shoe. Featuring an ultra-responsive FuelCell midsole and carbon fibre plate, the Elite v5 strips away excess weight to deliver uncompromised speed and performance. Built for race day, from 5K to full marathon.
Best for: Race-day runners chasing speed and performance across any distance.
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How do Fresh Foam, FuelCell and Infinion differ, and who is each best for?
New Balance has operated a dual-platform cushioning strategy for the past decade, with Fresh Foam and FuelCell leading the way. In 2026, they introduced a third platform – Infinion – which made its debut in the 1080v15 and represents their latest innovation in performance running.
Fresh Foam, and now Fresh Foam X, remains their most trusted and established platform. Renowned for its reliability and comfort, Fresh Foam X is engineered with model-specific chemistry, allowing the foam formulation to be tailored to each shoe’s intended purpose. Built on an EVA blend, it effectively disperses pressure and delivers exceptional cushioning and comfort, making it ideal for daily training and all-day wear.
FuelCell, on the other hand, is focused on speed and performance. Here, they prioritise energy return, responsiveness and propulsion – often by reducing weight and refining geometry. There is no single FuelCell formula; instead, they have customised the foam blend using materials such as EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), PEBA (polyether block amide) or ATPU (advanced thermoplastic polyurethane) to best suit each model’s performance goals. As a result, FuelCell is predominantly used in New Balance’s speed and racing footwear.
Infinion is the newest platform and most innovative pillar, designed to push the boundaries of performance running through market-leading technologies. As we move further into 2026 and beyond, you can expect to see more Infinion models introduced across the range.
Are New Balance running shoes true to size?
Yes, New Balance running shoes generally fit true to size; however, slight variations can occur between different models and when compared with other brands. For this reason, we always recommend visiting a store to be professionally fitted.
Are New Balance running shoes good for wide feet?
New Balance was the first footwear brand to introduce dedicated width options; a commitment they have never wavered from. While standard widths account for most purchases today, they continue to offer a range of width options across many of their models to ensure the best possible fit.
Are New Balance running shoes suitable for plantar fasciitis or needing extra support?
While New Balance does not prescribe a specific model for plantar fasciitis, several of their styles incorporate features that may be beneficial. For example, the 860v15 offers medial arch support, a firm heel counter and reliable rearfoot stability, along with an accommodating and secure fit.
As plantar fasciitis presents differently for each individual, we recommend using any advice or guidance provided by a podiatrist or qualified health practitioner as the primary point of reference when selecting footwear.
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