Whether your weather is finally in a place where you are not drenched in sweat just from stepping foot outside, or just ready to get back into running, it's the perfect time to invest in a new pair of shoes.
That's where this guide comes in handy.
We gathered testers from all over the country, including veteran runners at ACTIVE, to extensively test the shoes in this guide. All of our testers put their shoes through a minimum of 20 running miles while paying attention to comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility and ride.
From updates of old favorites that had our feet singing to new releases that will ensure you'll find something to motivate your miles well into summer, you're guaranteed to find a shoe you'll love. We know money might be tight, but if you can, treat yourself! You deserve it.
Fall Shoe Guides
Asics | Brooks | HOKA | New Balance | Reebok | Skechers | Under Armour | Vimazi
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
About:
The New Balance 1080 is a long-standing, tried and true everyday running shoe. It's versatile for anything between shorter recovery runs to endurance road races. The 1080 has stood the test of time in terms of cushion, stability, and style. The outer is cushier and provides more comfort and stability than previous models, while still staying lightweight and nimble.
The Fresh Foam soles provide a confident stride and plenty of cushion for your feet on a long haul, as well as sturdiness, width, and stability so your lower legs can get a good workout without growing weary over extended mileage on a long run. As an everyday run shoe, the versatility is great for when you find yourself on a route that requires steps, stairs, curbs, and even shorter sections of moderately technical trails.
Whether you're training for your very first 5K or your umpteenth marathon, the 1080's are comfortable to put to the test in your training and racing.
Things We Liked:
“Great cushioned shoe for easy miles, whether they're short or long miles.”
“I can't say enough about the shocking level of plushiness and comfort - not just in the midsole, but 360 degrees of lux cloud-like comfort!”
Areas for Improvement:
“The fresh foam in the midsole can feel a tad mushy on faster efforts. The v12 (previous version) didn't have enough cushioning in my opinion and this had a bit too much, so maybe v14 will have the goldilocks amount :)”
“The tongue needs to be re-engineered or configured. While it wasn't uncomfortable, the corner of the tongue could be felt on the inside top of my foot during runs.”
Final Thoughts from our Testers:
If you're on the hunt for the perfect everyday running shoe, one that's soft, comfortable, and built for those easy miles and long training runs, then the New Balance 1080v13 might just be the answer to your running prayers. With over a decade of development behind it, the 1080 series has garnered a dedicated following of runners, and the latest iteration, the v13, is shaping up to fulfill the mission Team New Balance had for this shoe: to craft a shoe that would redefine the pinnacle of a runner's experience. Their brainchild, the New Balance 1080v13, is the embodiment of that vision, marrying the brand's rich heritage with the latest advancements in footwear technology.
The Fresh Foam X midsole is where the true transformation begins. More cloud-like foam, a higher stack height, and yet a lighter shoe. It's the perfect balance between cushioning and responsiveness that makes this shoe a standout choice for both beginners and seasoned runners. Though it certainly excels in longer, easy miles, it has enough snap to keep things exciting when you decide to crank up the speed.The lux amount of plush comfort doesn't stop there! What truly sets the 1080v13 apart is the unparalleled on-foot feel it offers. The combination of advanced midsole geometries and meticulously chosen materials ensures that every step is a step towards your best run yet. Take, for instance, the engineered mesh upper, crafted from their proprietary "Hypoknit" material. This technological marvel ensures a snug, comfortable fit that flexes and moves with your foot.No more feeling like you're in a shoe; with the 1080v13, it's more like an extension of your stride.
Specs
Type: Road
Support: Cushioin
Cushion: Max
Fit: True to Fit
Weight: 7.3 oz
Drop: 6mm
Price: $165.00
Buy:
New Balance SuperComp Trainer v2
About:
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 is a responsive yet cushioned shoe that truly can do it all. The sole introduces EnergyArc technology, which creates an arched carbon fiber plate geometry that flattens with foot strike, helping to propel the runner along with each step. Additionally, the flat knit upper is incredibly breathable, making this the perfect shoe to wear as you leave hot and humid summer runs behind and enter your fall training block. Finally, FuelCell foam not only provides protection to your joints but adds to the propulsive feel. It's not often you get a highly cushioned shoe that's also great for speedwork, but the SuperComp Trainer v2 fits the bill. Catch us wearing this shoe for all our fall runs, whether that means hitting the streets for a 10-mile recovery run or heading to the track for a bunch of intervals.
Things We Liked:
“I loved the unlikely pairing of the arched carbon fiber plate design that created an incredibly springy feel with the significant amount of cushioning that protected my joints on long runs.”
“The first thing you notice is the amount of cushioning the shoe has plus having a carbon fiber plate in the sole to some extra bounce.”
Areas for Improvement:
“I'm honestly having a hard time coming up with something negative to say. Maybe more colorway options?”
Final Thoughts from our Testers:
If you are looking for a shoe that not only provides amazing cushioning for those long runs, but also provide amazing engirt transfer from the carbon fiber plate within the sole. This shoe is built for distance and will provide the cushioning that your joints need when pounding the pavement. I can’t say enough about this shoe.
Specs
Type: Road
Support: Stability
Cushion: Max
Fit: True to Fit
Weight: 10 oz
Drop: 6mm
Price: $180.00
Buy:
New Balance:Womens | Mens
Amazon:Womens | Mens
New Balance SuperComp Trail
About:
If you're a trail runner in search of speed, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail with its carbon-plated design stands out as an exceptional choice for tackling various terrains. This trail shoe combines lightweight agility and propulsion with remarkable comfort, thanks to its dual compound FuelCell midsole and a stretchy yet conforming upper. The Vibram Litebase outsole offers superb grip without the bulk of high stacked lugs, performing impressively on technical trails in any weather.
Beneath your feet, the underbase provides a remarkably soft and comfortable sensation, especially during the transition to the forefoot for enhanced propulsion. It's almost like experiencing the performance of a top-tier road shoe that has been specially tailored for the trails. Plus, it maintains an impressively low weight, eliminating the typical heft associated with rugged outsoles in most trail shoes.
Things We Liked:
“It has the benefits of a road shoe with the technical details and necessities of a trail-- so nimble on the technical terrain”
Areas for Improvement:
“Since it runs smaller, either widen the toe cap or make true to size”
Final Thoughts from our Testers:
What truly sets this trail shoe apart is the synergy between the carbon plate and the arch support, known as the Energy Arc. New Balance has masterfully combined state-of-the-art carbon fiber plate design with strategically positioned midsole gaps. This unique pairing results in a substantial energy return, providing an extra boost over every challenging terrain, from rocky paths to gnarled roots. The TOE PROTECT reinforcement in the toe cap adds an extra layer of protection, especially useful after hours of miles.
When it comes to long training miles trails and preparing for ultra's, the small details matter. Features like tongue and heel loops make lacing up a breeze, and the lightweight and flexible fabric upper offers support without sacrificing comfort. In essence, the FuelCell SuperComp Trail is your ticket to speed, comfort, and terrain dominance.
Specs
Type: Trail
Support: Neutral
Cushion: Mid
Fit: Runs 1/2 Size Small
Weight: 7.5 oz
Price: $199.00
Buy:
New Balance:Womens | Mens
Amazon:Womens | Mens
Fall Shoe Guides
Asics | Brooks | HOKA | New Balance | Reebok | Skechers | Under Armour | Vimazi
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Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.