Details
Brand
New Balance
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Reflective accents around the upper• Full-length EVA midsole foam• Synthetic overlays• Stability webbing in upper• Ndurance rubber in outsole• Medial Post built in for added stability
Upper
The upper of this shoe is made from a unique webbing material. It provides a lightweight, breathable fit, and feel. This material is called stability webbing and is designed to move with the shape of the foot while simultaneously proving a snug, stable fit. Runners can also expect to find synthetic overlays to help keep the foot in place and reduce the risk of friction that leads to blisters and irritations. The tongue provides added cushioning, and runners can also find added padding along the collar for a very comfortable fit.
Midsole
The midsole of the 770 V2 uses a traditional, full-length EVA midsole foam. This foam is more lightweight than some other midsole options. This helps the shoe keep a lighter feeling. The EVA midsole foam is designed to cradle the foot, and it absorbs the harmful shock of each footfall. Over time, this helps to reduce the risk of injury for runners and reduces pain in the joints, especially. Runners can also expect to find New Balance’s patented Acteve Midsole technology that provides a very responsive fit for the runner and returns the energy absorbed by the EVA midsole to the runner.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe is designed to last. It uses a traditional, high-quality rubber that provides a few key services to runners. This rubber is New Balance’s patented NDurance rubber outsole. This rubber is extremely durable. Runners were very pleased with how long lasting this outsole proved to be. Runners who stand for long period each day even reported that the shoes did not wear down. Another key feature of the outsole is that it adds added traction to the shoe. Runners reported that they felt safe and secure in this shoe even on uneven terrain or slippery pavement.
Breathability
The majority of the upper of this shoe is covered in synthetic overlays to keep the runner’s foot secure and free from irritation. These details along the upper are designed for security, but New Balance also made sure that the overlays are breathable and don’t keep the runner from experiencing air flow to the foot. In addition to this, the other sections of the upper are constructed using a stability mesh that provides maximum ventilation. Runners reported that while their feel felt secure, they never felt stifled, or constricted.
Comfort
Runners love the comfort provided by this shoe. Many runners commented that because of the style and the added cushioning this is a great shoe for the athlete who is on their feet for long periods of time during the day. Runners also found that the added padding along the tongue and the collar of the shoe help to keep the shoe from rubbing against the foot and causing painful blisters or hot spots. The full-length EVA midsole foam doesn’t just provide a cushioned landing pad for the runner, but it is also designed specifically to absorb the shock of each footfall. This shock absorption makes this shoe a very comfortable choice for runners who may be suffering from joint pain.
Style
New Balance is known for having a classic look of a throwback athletic shoe, and the 770 V2 is a great example of that classic New Balance style. This shoe is not for the runner who likes the flash and bright colors of some of the newer vivid designs. Instead, this shoe provides a classic, almost preppy look that comes in subdued, classic colors like royal blue and black, grey with black, and admiral red with black. Some runners said this shoe has a vintage, throwback look to it.
Durability
Runners were very pleased with the overall durability that this shoe provided to them. To begin, the upper of the shoe uses a stability webbing mesh. This mesh stretches with the movement of the foot and is basically puncture proof. Additionally, the thicker overlays keep the shoe safe from rips and tears. The outsole is made using a traditional, durable rubber material. Runners reported that this material protected the entire shoe from wear and tear, and even after excessive miles, the outsole still looked and felt new with limited wear and tear.
Protection
This shoe protects the runners primarily through the stability and supports it provides. The overlays of the upper keep the foot secure, and this protects the runner from pain caused by blisters. Additionally, the shoe is designed as a stability shoe. That combined with the shock absorbing EVA midsole foam protect the runner from injury, specifically joint injury. The Ndurance and blown rubber used on the outsole provides a ride that is both comfortable and durable for the runner. Additionally, the upper of the shoe is designed with reflective details that keep the runner safe in low light areas or during evening runs.
Responsiveness
This shoe has a midsole technology that is specifically designed to increase the responsiveness to the runner. The Active Midsole technology is designed to provide amazing feedback to the runner and increase the overall responsiveness. Runners reported feeling very connected to the ground below them while out on their runs.
Support
This shoe features a few different support details. The majority of them can be found in the design of the upper. The entire upper is covered with synthetic overlays that are designed to hold the foot in place and provide added support for the runner. These overlays keep the foot in place and reduce the risk of unwanted side to side movement. Overall, this works to reduce the possibility of painful irritation and potential blisters.
Terrain
This shoe is designed for the urban adventurer. This is a shoe that is great for pavement and runners commented that the added traction added along the outsole makes this a good choice for slippery conditions and even light workouts or strolls on groomed trails. Likewise, the high level of responsiveness makes this a good choice for track workouts too.
Price
Runners were put off by the higher price tag on this shoe. There are two things to consider, however, when looking at this price tag. The first is that runners did comment that due to the high level of durability, this shoe can be seen as an investment because it won’t need to be replaced as often as other similar shoes on the market. Additionally, since this is an older version of the shoe, runners reported that they were able to find the shoe on sale at a lower prices.
Drop
This shoe is designed for the runner who likes a traditional heel drop of ten inches. The higher heel drop is good for the runner who wants more cushioning and wants that forward propulsion to help them move forward during their gait cycle. This shoe is not designed for the runner who is looking for a minimalist is zero drop shoe.
Stability
This is a good choice for the runner with mild to moderate over or under pronation issues. The shoe comes with technology to help correct the runners gait which will lead to less pain and less of a chance of injury in the long run. The midsole of the shoe is designed with a medial post along the side to keep the foot from rolling inward during activity.
Flexibility
This shoe is more of a supportive, stability shoe and offers less of a flexible fit and feel. For runners looking for a shoe that moves easily with the natural gait of the foot, this might not be the best choice. It does, however, offer flexibility in the upper of the shoe. It is constructed using a stability web that offers like the name suggests, stability to the runner, but also allows the foot to move. This makes this a good choice for the runner with wider feet because this upper can more easily accommodate the variations in foot size.
Traction
The outsole of this shoe is made using a traditional rubber. Although the design is nothing technologically advanced, New Balance does make sure to included added traction to the outsole to keep the runner safe on uneven terrains or slippery pavements. Runners commented that this added traction works to includes the overall responsiveness of the shoe as well. Many runners even commented that the shoe is great for jogging or walking in the rain.
Bottom Line
The New Balance 770 V2 is a no-frills, high quality, shoe for daily wear. Aesthetically, this shoe has a classic, throwback styling. It comes is a variety of muted tones and has reflective details along the upper to keep the runner safe during their evening runs. This shoe is great for the runner who suffers from mild to moderate over or under pronation due to the medial post that runs along the midsole. Runners found this shoe to provide a right amount of cushioning that made it a good choice for the athlete who is on their feet for long periods of time. Although the price of this shoe is on the high side, runners commented that this shoe is seen as an investment because of its extremely long lifespan.
