Details
Brand
New Balance
Heel To Toe Drop
6mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Racing
Key Features
• BOA tension cable lacing system• FantomFit overlays allow great airflow• Medial post T-Beam TBU shank in the midsole• Sticky arrow-shape rubber design on blown rubber outsole• REVLite foam midsole provides a responsive and supported ride
Upper
One of the major factors that make these the fast shoes that New Balance set out to design lies in its upper. The BOA lacing system is a tension cable system attached to a round knob that sits on the lateral side of each sneaker. With the simple push of a button, you can loosen the cable system and slide your foot out of the shoe or turn the knob and lock it down to make them tighter – all a one-handed operation. This may not be a big deal to the average runner on a day to day basis but if you are in the middle of a triathlon, these seconds you are saving really count. Not to mention, to any runner, a snug and secure fit is always a plus. Aside from the cutting edge BOA lacing system, the shoe’s upper is made up of engineered mesh which is a cloth-like soft and flexible material. The FantomFit overlays allow for a great amount of airflow in conjunction with being very lightweight and snug. The sneaker is also a fast shoe because of its bootie construction and heel pull tab, making it easy to slip on and take off. This bootie construction gives the sneaker a one-piece sock-like feel. The 1500 T2 does not have a traditional tongue, rather, it has a cushioned collar that protrudes in the front and extends down into the instep.
Midsole
New Balance’s RevLite foam makes up the midsole of this shoe. This material is an innovative foam compound that provides responsive cushioning and is extremely lightweight. In the 1500 T2, the RevLite midsole has been updated from its predecessors on the lateral side for improved responsiveness. This medial post delivers a hint of support which is especially helpful for the mild to moderate overpronator. The T-Beam shank, which is visible when you look at the outsole, consists of a light, flexible material that is placed on the midfoot for torsional stability and arch support. This sneaker’s insole is a bit more firm in comparison to other running shoes because it is designed for speed and is meant to be a triathlon or race sneaker. However, it can be used for almost any distance run.
Outsole
This sneaker is engineered for speed and because of that, its outsole is designed to grip the ground and help you speed around twists and turns with ease. Its non-prominent sticky arrow shaped lugs heighten surface control and help propel you forward since most of the traction points face the rear. The blown rubber that forms the outsole shields the rest of the shoe from wear and tear and aid in surface traction. There are grooves at the heel and forefoot of the outsole that is designed to bend and flex with your foot’s natural movements to help you have an efficient and responsive run while your feet move naturally within the sneaker. When you take a look at the outsole, you’ll notice the bright reddish-orange T-Beam shank at the arch of the foot on the shoe’s outsole that is there to help give you arch support in addition to excellent traction.
Breathability
The lightweight engineered mesh provides a great amount of breathability. These shoes are designed for racing so it is important that your feet are able to breathe. The bootie design incorporated into the shoes upper gives it the ability to be worn with or without socks. Either way, your feet should get plenty of airflow.
Comfort
When you are running your fastest during a competition, you want your feet to be comfortable. Many users sing the praises of the New Balance 1500 T2 and have commented on how remarkably comfortable they are. They offer a low-profile design and have a stretchy bootie-like upper that will fit your foot like a glove – or like a sock. The upper wraps around the top of your foot snugly and the BOA lacing system will keep the shoe in place and will prohibit rubbing and blistering. Because it is a racing shoe, some people suggest possibly going up a 1/2 size only because racing shoes tend to fit a little more snugly to prevent rubbing when running at top speeds. However, that remains to be a personal preference. In the end, these are lightweight and comfortable racing shoes.
Style
Although these are not meant to be lifestyle casual sneakers, they are pretty attractive to look at. The forefoot boasts the New Balance NB logo and the colorways are eye-catching. As previously mentioned, these are racing or triathlon sneakers and aren’t really meant to look awesome when you are out and about doing your everyday things. However, despite that fact, they are attractive low profile sneakers that will look good on any foot.
Protection
One thing you don’t want while participating in a race, whether it be a triathlon or a 5K, is issues with ground debris. These shoes offer an excellent sticky arrow outsole design made to help you through twists and turns and protect your hard-working feet from anything on the ground that may come across your path. These are not minimalist sneakers so you won’t feel the ground beneath your feet but you will feel yourself being propelled forward thanks to the outsole.
Responsiveness
This sneaker’s REVLite foam gives it ultimate responsiveness and durability of foams 30% heavier. The innovative foam that makes up the shoe’s midsole delivers a lightweight and responsive ride without minimizing construction or sacrificing cushioning or stability. The blown rubber outsole with its arrow-like lugs also helps to propel you forward from touch down to take off.
Support
The support offered through the 1500 T2 is mainly thanks to its upper. The engineered mesh and FantomFit overlays provide an extremely snug and personalized fit, helping to keep your feet in place throughout your run. The BOA lacing system helps to lock down the shoe to your foot, helping it to stay in place which means that your shoe is snug and supported. The T-Beam arch support and medial post that is prevalent in the midsole will also aid in arch support and help mild overpronation, allowing your foot to stay in place with each step.
Terrain
The New Balance 1500 T2 is engineered to give you the best race time possible, it is designed to be a race shoe. Its lightweight and easy on and off design will give any triathlon competitor the leg up. However, just because it is made to be a racing shoe doesn’t mean it can’t be worn on the regular day-to-day runs. It isn’t meant to be a high stability shoe but will keep your feet safe and supported whether you are running one mile or twenty. With that said, it is best worn on the road or treadmill, not the trail.
Price
New Balance is a well known and trusted brand in athletic shoes. The price for these well-engineered competition racers is a little high but they come with the trusted New Balance name.
Drop
Being that these are racing sneakers, they don’t have a large drop. Rather, they have a moderate drop of 6mm and are designed to propel you forward with each step.
Stability
These shoes offer a good amount of stability for being racing shoes. They are designed to deliver a great racing experience and are engineered to stay put on your feet while gripping the ground securely. The T-Beam arch support system will keep your feet supported especially if you have flat feet while the medial post T-Beam shank will aid in keeping your foot in line as you step, especially if you tend to overpronate.
Flexibility
You definitely don’t want a stiff and heavy sneaker strapped to your foot when you are trying to run your best race. For that reason, the New Balance 1500 T2 is an excellent option. They are lightweight and have an excellent amount of flexibility. The heel and forefoot of this shoe boast flex grooves that are designed to encourage the sole of the shoe to bend in conjunction with your natural foot flex while you run, making your stride uninhibited by lack of flexibility.
Traction
The outsole of the 1500 T2 is designed to help you grip the ground with speed. Its sticky arrow-like lugs will propel you forward and deliver the propulsion you desire when you are competing. Users have said that these shoes are pretty reliable when it comes to grip, whether on wet or dry land.
Bottom Line
Whether you are looking to ensure a snug fit on your everyday runs or if you are wanting a triathlon sneaker that will help you change in and out of your shoes quickly, the New Balance 1500 T2 is an excellent option. They are lightweight, deliver optimal race performance, look great, and are comfortable with their bootie-like construction. The BOA lacing system will give you an edge during competition or just allow you to keep your shoes tight on your feet if you tend to experience heel slippage. The sleek design of these sneakers not only looks great but also performs well. Many users have commented on how comfortable and reliable they are, even if they may be a little pricey. If you are looking for a reliable, comfortable, low-profile sneaker then this is the right shoe for you.
