Details
Brand
New Balance
Heel To Toe Drop
10 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Motion Control
Key Features
• Acteva Lite cushioning• Ndurance material on outsole• T-beam for stability• Stabilicore• N2 cushioning technology• Abzorb foam cushioning• Made for overpronators• Ortholite sockliner
Upper
The New Balance 1340v2 upper is comprised of a breathable, synthetic mesh material. It features overlays that are designed to protect the foot while running, and these have been improved from the previous version with a new placement. More overlays are positioned toward the heel for additional support and less are near the front so there is better breathability. Reviewers noted that this changed allows the shoe more flexibility and comfort, while still providing support. However, reviewers did note that the removal of the 7th lace hole was a negative change, as the lacing system now does not offer as much support as previously. The upper also has an Ortholite Sockline that provides optimal comfort inside the show, as it feels like the shoe is wrapping the foot in a pillow. Overall, reviewers were impressed with the redesign and improvements on the upper.
Midsole
The New Balance 1340v2 uses New Balance technology to create a midsole that provides both stability and comfort. The midsole starts with the featured Abzorb foam that is located on the forefront the cushioning and made from Dupont Isoprene rubber, is meant to prevent shock during impact. It also uses Acteve Lite cushioning, which is the brand’s compression molded foam, that spans most of the midsole. The N2 promotes better responsiveness by keeping the cushioning low to the ground. The cushioning used is overall meat to be lightweight yet durable. The shoe also has a TPU shank or a T-beam that runs along the lateral and medial side of the shoe in an effort to prevent overpronation. The shoe also has an additional TPU piece, the Stabilicore, that is positioned along the heel to midfoot, and is meant to prevent the rearfoot from moving. This helps ensure a smoother transition. Reviewers were very impressed with the shoe’s midsole as the features contribute to the shoe’s overall stability and motion control.
Outsole
The New Balance 1340v2 outsole is updated from the previous version. New Balance has taken its time to address the issues that v1 had with traction and durability. The outsole is made with blown rubber on the forefront, providing traction where needed, as well as some cushioning. It is also comprised of a rubber compound, Ndurance, that is used in areas of higher wear. The outsole features tread with a diamond design, including the heel. Reviewers were impressed with the new level of traction that is appropriate for road running, as well as some light trail running. While most reviewers had no issue with the durability, a few had an issue with the outsole ripping from the shoe.
Breathability
The New Balance 1340v2 uses a synthetic mesh on the upper, which is meant to keep the foot cool and dry. New Balance has taken its time to redesign this version and this can be seen on the upper, as the overlays have been moved around so that there are less of them on the front of the shoe. This movement allows the more breathability, and reviewers were pleased to see this change.
Comfort
The New Balance 1340v2 is designed to provide comfort with all of the additional stability features. New Balance uses its technology to create cushioning that supports the foot during impact. Using a combination of the Abzorb foam cushioning, the Acteva Lite cushioning and N2, New Balance ensures that the foot is supported during impact, while still allowing for a good amount of responsiveness. The Ortholite sockliner wraps the foot inside the shoe, making it feel like it’s on a pillow. The updated upper with less overlays in the front, allows the foot to breathe more and effectively providing more comfort to the runner. The shoe is also a wider platform that runners with overpronation can appreciate. Reviewers did note that the shoe runs a little large and recommended sizing a ½ size down.
Style
New Balance has been trying update the look of its shoes while still remaining true to its brand. In the past, New Balance has not been known for its flashy or stylish designs. They are known for high quality shoes with a simple design. The same is true here. This is the typical New Balance shoe with nothing flashy. From a Motion Control category standpoint, the shoe is an upgrade from most on the market and offers a bit of color where it is typically lacking. Reviewers for the most part liked the style of the New Balance 1340v2.
Durability
The New Balance 1340v2 is show that is meant to last. Designed for runners who put on low or high miles, New Balance has built a shoe with many features that will withstand the elements. The outsole uses a combination of blown rubber and Ndurance to create a highly durable foundation for the shoe. The cushioning, while lightweight, is durable as well and meant to withstand impact and wear and tear. Improved from the previous version that had durability issues, this shoe has far less issues. One reviewer did note that there was an issue with the sole starting to peel off, but most reviewers have had little to no issues with wear and tear.
Protection
There are some features built in to help protect the foot from the elements encountered on a road run. The shoe’s outsole uses a combination of blown rubber and Ndurace to create a strong foundation. The outsole has strategically placed the rubber in places that are typically under high wear. The layers of cushioning also stand as a means of protection for the foot. New Balance also took the time to redesign the upper so that the mesh material combines with the overlays to protect the foot and still offer support.
Support
The New Balance 1340v2 has a strong support system built into the shoe. The shoe has a T-beam that helps provide stability and arch support throughout the shoe. The shoe’s Stabilicore, another TPU piece, which helps provide support to the middle of the foot, along with stability and motion control. The 1340v2 also comes with an insert that is made of multi-density polyurethane and provides additional support to the shoe. Reviewers were impressed with the amount of features that are in this shoe to help with support for overpronators.
Terrain
The New Balance 1340v2 is primarily meant to be used on the road. The shoe could potentially be used on light trails as well, due the upgraded traction. The shoe has a strong outsole that can withstand a good amount of wear and tear. The outsole also uses a diamond shaped tread that helps to improve traction and grip. The shoe’s cushioning and upper are also built to protect the foot from elements often encountered when road running. The shoe also performs well in wet conditions.
Price
The New Balance 1340v2 has an MSRP of $139.99. While some reviewers felt that this price was a little high, this is an average price for Motion Control shoes. The features that are built in to support overpronators, as well as the upgrades from the previous version, make this a good price point. The shoe is also durable and will be able to last for heavy miles.
Drop
The New Balance 1340v2 has a 10 mm drop, which is typical of shoes that are in the Motion Control category. There is an adequate amount of cushioning that is throughout the shoe with more positioned toward the heel.
Stability
The New Balance 1340v2 is built to provide wearers with stability. Designed for overpronators, the shoe has a built in support features. The shoe’s T-beam provides stability and arch support throughout the shoe. The shoe’s Stabilicore, another TPU piece, helps provide support to the middle of the foot, along with stability and motion control. The 1340v2 also comes with an insert that is made of multi-density polyurethane and provides additional stability. The shoe uses a wider platform with N2 cushioning to offer runners stability and help with overpronation. Reviewers felt the stability on the shoe was above average and that the technology throughout the shoe helped with overpronation.
Flexibility
Motion Control shoes typically do not offer a lot of flexibility for runners. However, New Balance has added some flexibility where it is often lacking. The insert that is made from multi-density polyurethane not only offers support, but also flexibility. The upper uses a mesh material that is both breathable and flexible. Along the upper, the overlays have been placed strategically to allow for more flexibility along the front of the foot and support at the heel. New Balance has also managed to make a system of cushioning that is light enough to be flexible for runners. Reviewers felt that there was an average amount of flexibility.
Traction
The previous version of the shoe had a traction problem that many wearers will recall. This is a key improvement to 1340v2. New Balance has addressed the issue by reworking the outsole. The outsole uses a combination of blown rubber and Ndurance and also has a redesigned tread pattern in the shape of diamonds that contributes to the shoe’s traction and grip. Reviewers were impressed with the shoe’s reaction and thought it was an improvement from the previous version.
Bottom Line
The New Balance 1340v2 is a shoe meant for runners with overpronation. New Balance has taken the positive features from the previous version and made upgrades to the places that needed it. The shoe takes into consideration the features that are most important to stability and comfort, and created a shoe that can withstand the elements. It is a good fit for high mileage runners, as well as walkers. By upgrading the upper’s design and the outsole’s tread, the 1340v2 is a much more comfortable shoe with better traction. With a price tag of approximately $139.99, runners can feel comfortable that they are getting a highly durable shoe that keeps the foot in control.
