Details
Brand
New Balance
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
8.2/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• 4-way stretch mesh of upper adds breathability and flexibility• PU insert and heel counter reduce friction and help overpronators stay comfortable and improve their gait• Removable insole adds extra cushioning and support• ACTEVA Lite provides great cushioning without adding weight
Upper
The upper of this shoe is designed using a new material called 4-way stretch mesh. This mesh affords the runner the benefits of the classic mesh (breathability and comfort) but ups the ante by improving the flexibility of the shoe. Runners loved how the four-way stretch mesh improved the responsiveness of the shoe and helped the foot move freely yet still feel secure. The no-sew construction of this shoe helps prevent blisters caused by added friction which greatly reduced discomfort on runs. The upper is made with one continuous piece of material, eliminating not just seams but hot spots too. To add to this extra comfort afforded to the running in the upper of this shoe, you can expect to find a padded tongue and plush interior. Altogether, the thoughtful construction gives the shoe a bootie-like feel – secure, flexible, and comfortable. The synthetic mesh does not break down easily and runners reported that it still looked new even after putting lots of miles on them.
Midsole
The midsole of this New Balance model adds extra cushioning. It is a thicker midsole foam but is actually much lighter than a traditional midsole foam. The 3040 utilizes ACTEVA Lite foam technology instead of a more traditional EVA foam. If you are a runner who is looking for an extra plush and comfortable ride, this is a great shoe option for you. Plus, the shoe is specifically designed to add extra arch support and help the overpronator correct their stride. The material of the midsole is also very durable. The ACTEVA lite foam is a great way to add cushioning without adding on extra weight. If you are a runner looking for a lighter ride, ACTEVA lite foam over EVA foam might be an option to consider.
Outsole
The outsole of the shoe is the segment that comes into direct contact with the ground below the runner. The durability of this shoe can be attributed in part to the outsole. While many outsoles are made of a carbon or blown rubber material, the outsole of the 3040’s uses New Balance’s patented Ndurance rubber for improved durability and more reliable traction.
Breathability
The upper of the 3040 is made of a four-way mesh. All across the upper of the shoe, the four-way mesh allows for maximum airflow to keep the foot cool, dry and comfortable. Even on hot long runs, athletes reported that their feet stayed cool and were able to avoid hot spots. However, runners pointed out one downside this extra breathable mesh: these are not shoes that should be taken for runs in the rain because the water seeps through too quickly.
Comfort
Runners appreciated the no-sew construction of this shoe which aided in the reduction of added friction irritation. The midsole of this shoe adds comfort as well. With the inclusion of a multi-density polyurethane insert, runners received better cushioning and feedback with this shoe. The padded tongue and wrap around upper provide a bootie-like feel. Plus the shoe comes with a removable insole that is perfect for personalizing the level of plushness each individual needs. Not every runner is looking for a plush ride, and some commented that the cushioning was too much for them, but if you like a cushy ride, this is a great option for you.
Style
This is a stylish shoe. You can expect to see the signature ‘N’ insignia along the side of the shoe, and the aesthetic is a classic one. For many runners today, looking good is as important as running well. If you are a member of this team who is looking for a shoe that looks as good crossing the finish line as it does running errands around town, this is a good choice for you. The sleek design of the shoe gives it a modern aesthetic.
Durability
Runners appreciated the durability and overall quality of this shoe. Because the shoe can hold up against intense mileage, runners reported that they did not have to replace these shoes as often as they had to replace shoes they owned in the past. This makes them not only a great quality shoe but also a great investment as well. The patented Ndurance rubber found in the outsole adds durability and extra traction.
Protection
The thicker outsole of the shoe provides extra cushioning and protection on the road. The Ndurance outsole helps the shoe keep going mile after mile. The overlays on the upper keep the foot secure and reduce friction and irritation. In addition to these protection features, the New Balance 3040 is designed with an external heel counter to cradle the foot and prevent heel slippage. Runners know that there is potentially nothing worse than blisters on the back of the heel, and New Balance addresses this with thoughtful technology.
Responsiveness
This is not a great shoe to perform your speed work or tempo runs. The thicker sole, while extremely comfortable, does not offer itself to a high level of responsiveness. It is not great for workouts that require you to speed up, slow down, and/or move side to side, however, runners reported that this is a great shoe to use as your daily jogging shoe or to log those long miles in.
Support
The 3040s includes a multi-density polyurethane insert that added extra underfoot support. This shoe offers a great arch support for the overpronator and those looking to improve their stride. For the runner who is looking for a tool to help them prevent the inward rolling fo their foot, this shoe places a PU insert along the inside of the shoe to prevent a collapsing arch of the runner.
Terrain
This is a shoe that is made for the roads. The durable Ndurance outsole does add extra traction, but this shoe is not suggested for off-road adventures. While there are great shoes for trail running, this isn’t one of them. Whether you are in the city or suburbs, this is a great road warrior for you!
Price
There are many great options out there for the runner who needs an affordable shoe, but this one comes in at the higher end of the runner shoe spectrum. The average price today for a pair of running shoes is one hundred and fourteen dollars, and these shoes exceed that price. However, something to consider is that this shoe received high marks for durability. Among other things, this means that runners had to replace their shoes less frequently with this model, and that did save them money in the long run. It is a good investment, but it will cause that initial hit to your wallet.
Drop
The New Balance 3040s have a heel drop of 10 mm. This places it right in the middle of the pack in terms of a neutral shoe. Don’t expect to experience a minimalistic feel in these shoes. These are great shoes for the runner looking for added stability, but not for a zero drop.
Stability
The added technology and thoughtful design of this shoe improve runners’ strides and provide added stability. This is a good shoe for the mild to extreme overpronator as it offers technologies that improve the stride of the runner. An overpronator tends to roll their foot inward, so the 3040 has a PU insert along the inside of the foot to stop the collapsing arch of a runner. In addition to the PU insert, New Balance also included an external heel counter to prevent movement and irritation.
Flexibility
The four-way mesh upper of the 3040’s gives the shoe great flexibility. In heavier shoes with added support and stability, it is not uncommon to sacrifice flexibility, but this model is able to include both features.
Traction
The patented Ndurance rubber in the outsole of this shoe adds higher than average traction. Although this isn’t a great choice to take on extreme off-road adventures, it can protect the runner against slippery roads, tracks, and groomed trails.
Bottom Line
Overall the New Balance 3040 is a great shoe for the runner who is looking for added stability and support. It is designed with the newest technologies to not only improve the comfort of the overpronator but also the overall gait of the overpronator. This is a stylish shoe that has a sleek design and looks good whether you are crossing the finish line or strolling through the grocery store on the weekends, however, some of the younger shoe reviewers did suggest that this model had a more “classic” look to it. New Balance is a brand you can trust and feel good about supporting because it is American made.
