Details
Brand
New Balance
Heel To Toe Drop
8 mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Breathable upper• Rock plate for underfoot protection• Comfortable Revlite midsole• Gusseted tongue keeps outside debris out• Sticky rubber compound helps create traction• Durable
Upper
The upper is another part of the 910 v2 that was significantly enhanced from the previous version. The 910 v2 has an upper made with a synthetic mesh that promotes airflow throughout the interior of the shoe. This upper is softer in comparison to the previous 910, which creates a better fit around the runner’s foot. There is also the Toe Protect which is essentially used to protect the forefoot. The upper also has a gusseted tongue which does an excellent job at keeping dirt and debris out of the shoe’s interior. There is also a sockliner that holds onto the foot for comfort and security.
Midsole
New Balance applied the Revlite foam to the midsole, which promotes the same amount of cushioning and responsiveness as all the other New Balance foams, except it is about 30% lighter! “Revlite” is clearly branded on the midsole, followed by a diamond-like pattern towards the heel. This will be the primary location for the shoe’s comfort and responsiveness. There are also flex grooves starting at the outsole that cut about 4 millimeters into the midsole.
Outsole
The outsole is considered by many to be the best feature of the 910 v2. There are two elements of the outsole that set it apart from past versions. The first element is the sticky rubber compound that is applied to most trail shoes from New Balance. The other is the new multi-directional lugs that are very aggressive and meant to carve any type of surface that it comes in contact with. It seems as though New Balance focused on the grip when it comes to the outsole, which makes sense because the New Balance 910 v2 is a trail shoe. The lugs were specifically spaced apart from each other to prevent mud from sticking onto the outsole, a useful feature for the trail surface. In addition to the outsole features, there is a rock plate located in between the outsole and midsole, adding a sense of protection with every step.
Breathability
Keeping your feet cool and dry is important for any running shoe, especially on unstable trails. The synthetic mesh upper will be able to provide runners with a decent sense of breathability. You can clearly see the openings in which air can travel inside the shoe, keeping your feet cool and dry even when it is extremely humid. These bigger holes are an upgrade compared to the 910 v1, so runners can now sweat profusely without their feet feeling overwhelmed with heat and dampness.
Comfort
Cushioning is arguably the biggest advancement going from the v1, which makes comfort one of the highlights of this shoe. Being a daily trail shoe, it is important to have a fair amount of cushioning present so that wearers will be comfortable no matter how far they decide to run. The lightweight Revlite midsole was designed to provide a light, comfortable ride no matter the surface you are running on. There is also an interior sockliner that provide runners with exceptional comfort as soon as they insert their foot. The soft cushioning in the 910 v2 proves that this shoe was made to go long distances and has a desire to keep their customers comfortable in the process. The heel counter on the back of the shoe also contributes to the runner’s comfort, although some testers felt as though this feature adds unnecessary weight to the shoe.
Style
The New Balance 910v2 looks sleek for a trail shoe. The New Balance logo proudly sits in the midfoot, while the Revlite material is labeled on the midsole, as well as “910 v2” near the heel. The Toe Protect toe guard is also labeled horizontally on the forefoot. In regards to color, there are more combinations available for women in comparison to the men’s version. The Women’s version comes in black/neon yellow/pink, black/purple/blue/white, magenta/orange/white, and grey/neon yellow/blue/orange. As for the men’s version, most consumers will see grey/silver and neon yellow/black/grey. These color schemes will allow runners to go out in style and show off their 910 v2’s throughout the entire neighborhood.
Durability
Durability is considered to be a highlight of the New Balance 910 v2. The outsole is by far one of the most durable parts of this shoe. The deep lugs on the outsole are meant to come in contact with some rigorous terrain, therefore it needs to be tough so that it doesn’t wear down easily. The synthetic mesh upper is also stitched thoroughly so that it won’t break easily even if coming in contact with rocks or other sharp objects.
Protection
Having protection present in a trail shoe is crucial, especially when running on tough terrains. One of the most evident forms of protection in the New Balance 910 v2 is the rock plate in between the outsole and the midsole. This is meant to protect the underfoot from any discomfort that could potentially arise when running on unstable surfaces and sharp grounds. There is also the Toe Protect in the upper, which is a rubber material located in the toe box. The Toe Protect is applied to the New Balance 910 v2 in order to prevent the toes from getting stubbed or severely injured. Another part of the 910 v2 that protects the inside of the shoe is the gusseted tongue.
Support
The New Balance 910 v2 is for neutral runners. In other words, it will work best for those who don’t need any additional arch support. The heel is supported by sturdy overlays, and while they do add more weight to the shoe, wearers are beyond pleased with the generous support. The sockliner on the inside of the shoe also supports the midfoot.
Terrain
This shoe is clearly a trail shoe. It thrives in environments that contain woods, mountainous rocks, offroad, and other unstable grounds. With the way the outsole was made, it is clear that the 910 v2 is meant to take out the worst of weather conditions. This shoe was built to handle the toughest terrains, whether it is technical trails or intense trails that contain a surplus of hard rocks. The New Balance 910 v2 wasn’t made for the smoother surfaces. The lugs on the outsole are way too strong to come in contact with calmer surfaces such as light gravel or groomed trails. The lugs might be slightly short for loose surfaces, but the New Balance 910 v2 still provides a good sense of grip regardless.
Price
The original price for the 910 v2 was well over $120, although it has decreased substantially since the v3 was released. Now that the 910 v2 isn’t the newest shoe available, it could be found for roughly over $60. The durable technology used in this shoe make it hard to argue that the shoe isn’t worth more than $100, but now that there is a new model out in the market, buyers can get a high-quality trail shoe for a cheap price. Based off of the exceptional comfort and protection it has for a trail shoe, this is a good deal, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t really care for the latest gear.
Drop
The drop of the New Balance 910 v2 has a lower drop compared to the previous version. The drop is measured at 8 millimeters, which is two inches lower than the v1’s measurement of 10 millimeters. The heel height is 29 millimeters, while the forefoot height is about 21 millimeters. Those who are looking for a lower heel-to-toe drop will be delighted with this new version, as it will likely provide better transitions and more of a ground feel to it compared to the v1.
Stability
The back of this shoe contains a rubber compound that creates a solidified heel counter. This feature helps stabilize the back of the foot so that it doesn’t move around while on the run. There is also the interior sockliner which hugs the foot comfortably, keeping it in place at all times. There is slightly more space in the forefoot, which somewhat causes a lack of stability in that area for most runners. The Revlite midsole also provides stability, as it offers a firm platform for the underfoot and allows it to stay still when taking each step.
Flexibility
Flexibility in the 910 v2 has made a big improvement compared to the 910 v1. The forefoot is considered the most flexible part of the shoe. The New Balance 910 v2 allows runners to naturally move and bend their feet without feeling restricted. There are also plenty of flex grooves present in the 910 v2 so that the shoe can move with the foot, rather than the foot adapts to the shoe’s movements. While there is an enjoyable amount of flexible in the forefoot, runners will begin to notice that there can be some improvement towards the back. The back half of the midsole contributes to the lack of flexibility and has the potential to make some runners fell uncomfortable at times.
Traction
The traction of the New Balance 910 v2 is superior. The multi-directional lugs on the outsole are strategically placed so that the shoe creates excellent traction. The lugs are in the shape of a triangle, giving off a pointy end that is bound to produce serious traction no matter where you are running. Also, the lugs are placed in certain areas so that mud doesn’t stick onto them and decrease the amount of traction provided by the 910 v2. The Sticky Rubber compound on the outsole also contributes to the shoe’s overall traction. It helps the bottom of the shoe scrape through the surface, even in wet conditions. This will be a valuable feature to have especially when running in the rain or in puddles.
Bottom Line
The New Balance 910 v2 will be a solid option for the runner who likes to go out in unpredictable terrains. What makes this shoe stand out compared to other trail shoes in the market is that it excels in protection, traction, and comfort. In addition, the 910 v2 contains large air holes in the upper which encourage consistent airflow throughout the inside of the shoe. While this shoe might be bulky in comparison to other shoes, it has the tools to be great out in the trail terrain. If you enjoy daily trail runs, hikes, or just having a shoe with superior grip, the New Balance 910v2 would be a reliable addition to your shoe collection.
