Details
Brand
New Balance
Heel To Toe Drop
8 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioning
Key Features
• Flex Grooves along the outsole• Cush + midsole for added cushioning• Full-length EVA midsole foam for lightweight support• Synthetic overlays on the upper• New Balance Memory Sola Comfort Insert• Padded tongue and collar• Heel Counter for lock-in support
Upper
The key changes to the third version of the 775 from the second iteration can be found in the upper. The upper of the 775 v3 features an overlay system that is lighter and less comprehensive. While it still has synthetic overlays that cover a larger section of the upper, these overlays are lighter in weight and provide added breathability to this shoe. This overlays also do a great job of providing support to the runner by working to keep the foot in place. The upper also features a padded tongue and collar for added comfort and to reduce the risk of irritation. The shoe features a classic lace-up system so runners can customize the fit to be as loose or as tight as they’d like.
Midsole
Runners can expect to see and feel the technological updates to this shoe through the use of dual midsole foams. The upper layer of the midsole foam is New Balance’s patented Cush + midsole foam. This foam is designed to move with the natural gait cycle of the foot. It conforms to fit the unique shape of the foot and provides added arch support as well. The bottom layer of the midsole is a traditional EVA midsole foam. This material runs the entire length of the shoe. It is durable and provides the runner with a great landing pad that works to absorb the shock of each footfall. New Balance selected this combination of midsole foams because it provides maximum cushioning without being too heavy. It allows the shoe to keep its lighter weight fit and feel. For added comfort and cushioning, they also added a New Balance Memory Sole Comfort Insert. This provides plush cushioning that conforms to the natural shape of the foot.
Outsole
New Balance engineered this outsole to provide added durability and traction to the highest wear areas of the shoe. The forefoot and the heel of the shoe are lined with added durable rubber. This material is also great for adding extra traction to the shoe as well. The outsole of the shoe is very flexible and runners reported that they didn’t feel like their foot was constrained at all, and instead, they felt like the outsole moved with their natural gait cycle. One reason for this could be the deep flex grooves that can be found along the outsole of the shoe. These grooves help the shoe move freely.
Breathability
New Balance is known for listening to their runners when they design their shoes. They took the feedback they got from the 775 V2 and made changes to the V3. Runners commented that the overlays of the V2 were too heavy and reduced the shoe’s ability to breath. The newest version of the shoe features a more breathable upper due to lighter overlays and a ventilated mesh material. Runners appreciated this update and commented that it provides a breathable ride that helped regulate the temperature inside of their shoe and eliminate the risk of hot spots and blisters.
Comfort
Runners found this shoe to be very comfortable for a variety of reasons. For one the upper has a padded tongue and collar that help the runner by eliminating the risk of irritation. The midsole of the shoe features two different midsole foams that provide added comfort. Additionally, runners can find a plush cushioning through the use of the midsole insert, the New Balance Memory Sole Comfort. This midsole foam is adaptive and conforms to fit the shape of the runner, providing a unique, customizable fit.
Style
Overall, runners found the styling colors and options to be slightly lacking. The shoe only offers runners a few options of different colors and all of the colors are more classic and muted. This is not the shoe for runners who like a wide, fashionable selection in bright, vibrant color options.
Durability
Another area of improvement to the third from the second iteration of the shoe is in the durability category. Most notably, the outsole rubber of this shoe is strategically layered in the highest wear areas to keep the shoe protected from wear and tear. Runners reported that this shoe lasted quite a long time, even after daily use.
Protection
Regarding protection, runners found the only real protective elements to be found in the support systems of the upper. These elements, namely the synthetic overlays and the heel counter keep the foot locked in place. This protected the runner from the potential injury that can take place when the foot moves too freely inside of the shoe. Additionally, these lockdown features help reduce the risk of unwanted movement which can lead to blisters and painful hot spots inside of the shoe.
Responsiveness
Runners were pleased with the overall responsiveness that this shoe offers. The EVA midsole foam actually extends down into the outsole of this shoe that offers added responsiveness and a closeness to the ground. The shoe also has a lower heel drop of 8 millimeters that helped runners feel more connected the ground below them. Overall, runners reported that the high level of responsiveness helped them quickly and efficiently respond to changes in terrain and pace.
Support
The key support of this shoe comes through in the upper. Although the synthetic overlays of this shoe are lightened up in the third version of the shoe, they still help to keep the foot locked in place. They reduce the risk of unwanted side to side movement that can lead to injury. Likewise, the heel of the shoe features a secure heel counter that works to keep the heel locked in place. This element keeps the foot from moving around inside of the shoe and causing blisters and irritations.
Terrain
This shoe is suggested for pavement and use in the gym. The outsole rubber provides added traction, but the overall outsole system lacks the lugs and ruggedness to make this a good choice for trail running. The lightweight nature of this shoe makes it a good choice for cross training and runners liked this shoe for treadmill running or for the use of other cardio equipment at the gym like the elliptical trainer or the stationary bike.
Price
This shoe is perfect for the runner on a budget who doesn’t have a ton of money to spend, but also who doesn’t want to skimp on quality. The 775 V3 comes in far below the average for running shoes on the market today, and yet it offers a high level of durability that gives it a long lifespan.
Drop
This shoe features an 8-millimeter drop. This is slightly lower than a traditional heel drop. For the average runner, who is used to running and training in a traditional drop shoe, this shoe may require a little bit of getting used to. Runners who are looking to transition to a more minimalistic or natural running shoe can start with this heel drop height and move down gradually as to not injure themselves.
Stability
This shoe is a neutral running shoe which means it is not designed for the runner who is struggling with issues of over or under pronation. This shoe is designed to move naturally with your foot and doesn’t include any stability features that attempt to change the gait cycle. The midsole foams offered in this shoe rise up to support the arch of the foot, but they are not designed to add stability support.
Flexibility
This shoe offers a very flexible fit and feel. The midsole of the shoe is designed to follow the natural movement of the shoe in both of its midsole foams and even in the insert that it offers to runners. The outsole is also very flexible and is lined with flex grooves. Runners reported that this shoe supports the natural movement of their gait cycle and doesn’t attempt to change their gait in any way with cumbersome supports.
Traction
This shoe is unique in that the EVA midsole material actually extends out to the outsole of the shoe. Not only does this add extra comfort to the shoe, but it also adds a higher level of traction than your traditional outsole. This shoe uses a durable rubber in high tread areas like the heel to add durability but also to help the shoe protect the runner from slipping. Runners commented that this was a good choice for running in rainy or slippery conditions.
Bottom Line
New Balance has created a reliable, high quality, low cost, everyday wear and running shoe in the newest version of the 775. The 775 V3 has made a few key updates from the previous versions, specifically that the upper is not lightweight and more breathable, and the outsole now features added durability. The midsole of this shoe is where runners can expect to find the most technologically advanced details including the lightweight Cush + midsole foam and the patented New Balance Memory Sole Comfort insert. The price of this shoe cannot be beaten and is perfect for the runner on a budget. The only complaint athletes had about this shoe was that the styling options and color combinations are limited and muted. This shoe is great for pavement and gym running and working out.
