REVIEW FACTS
Outsole
New Balance selected a blown rubber for the outsole material of the Boracay V3. Blown rubber tends to be lighter weight and more springy then carbon rubber which is the other popular outsole rubber material that is used on many running shoes. Runners found the circular design of the underfoot to provide a good amount of traction due to the grooves built into the design that keeps water from pooling on the surface. Due to the flexible nature of the blown rubber, runners found this outsole to provide a more natural feel and support the natural movement of the foot.
Midsole
The midsole foam features New Balance’s signature Fresh Foam. This fresh foam material provides the runner with a luxuriously cushioned ride. Runners commented that this midsole foam provides the perfect amount of cushioning for long runs without weighing down the runner. This midsole provides a springy feel that helped propel the runner forward. Athletes can also expect to find a traditional sock liner in this shoe that provides a snug, secure fit and added cushioning. This sock liner works to support the foot and molds to fit the unique shape of each foot.
Upper
The upper for the third iteration of the Fresh Foam Boracay has gone through some key changes based on runner’s comments and review on the first two additions to this model. New Balance added a lighter, more breathable aspect to the upper. The upper is made using an open mesh design that is also completely seamless. This provides a sock-like fit for the runner. The hexagon overlays don’t just provide a unique look for the runner, they also act as an added layer of supportive structure to keep the foot in place. Additionally, the shoe comes in a wide selection of vibrant colors.
Breathability
One of the key updates to the 3rd iteration of the Fresh Foam Boracay is more breathability in the upper. The upper now features a seamless, open mesh design that allows for air to flow into the shoe. Since this is a great shoe for the long distance runner, the added breathability was very much appreciated on long training runs or races. Runners commented that the open mesh helped regulate the temperature inside the shoe, reducing the risk of blisters and irritating hot spots.
Comfort
Runners raved about the overall comfort of this shoe. From the upper to the outsole, New Balance included design elements to make the Fresh Foam Boracay V3 as comfortable as possible, and runners noticed these additions. The upper features a seamless design. This eliminates any bulky seams and in doing so, eliminates the risk of irritation that can lead to blisters. The shoe now rests flush against the skin and don’t rub at all. This is especially important for the long distance runner. Additionally, the shoe features a traditional sock liner that adds a heightened level of comfort. The blown rubber of the outsole provides a softer landing pad.
Style
This shoe has a unique, stylish look to it. The entire upper is covered in a stylish hexagon design. Runners who like shoes with a different look really appreciated that the style of this shoe stands out. It is a shoe that gets the runner notices and looks great with jeans while running errands around town. It comes in a wide variety of color options. Some of the options include dark denim with sunset glo, a classic black with white, and metallic silver with thunder white.
Durability
Runners know that a key to providing a quality long distance running shoe is to create a shoe that can hold up against tough training. Runners found the Fresh Foam Boracay V3 to maintain a new look and feel even after extensive use. The hexagon shape of the upper keeps the upper looking new and prevents tears and fraying to happen. The Fresh Foam midsole maintains its shape and won’t break down even after long runs. Finally, the blown rubber of the outsole is lighter and more cushioned than a carbon rubber, but athletes reported that it was able to bounce back from long workouts and keep its shape and function.
Protection
The key protective element of this shoe can be found in the hexagon design. This material and design elements help to deflect debris on the road. This design also provides protection against wear and tear. Many upper materials, especially open mesh, can easily fray, but the hexagon shape provides protection from wear and tear.
Responsiveness
The drop on this shoe is low, and the outsole material is thinner than some others which provides the runner with a responsive ride. The Fresh Foam midsole is extremely springy and does a great job of not only absorbing the shock of each footfall but returning that energy to the runner to reduce fatigue. Runners reported that this shoe provides a high level of overall responsiveness.
Support
The key support element of this shoe can be found on the upper. The hexagon shape wraps the foot in a snug sock-like fit that is also designed to keep the foot in place. This supportive design element is created to reduce unwanted side to side movement that can lead to twisted ankles and improper foam.
Terrain
This shoe is designed for all of your urban running needs. It has the perfect amount of traction along the underfoot to act as a great shoe for basketball and racquetball courts as well as group fitness classes. Runners found this shoe to be the best on the pavement during long runs, and due to the circular design of the underfoot, runners even felt safe on slippery roads. This shoe is not suggested for off road adventures.
Price
New Balance shoes are known for their affordability, and the Fresh Foam Boracay V3 is no exception to this rule. This shoe comes in slightly under budget compared to the average distance road running shoe on the market today. Combine that with the shoes superior durability, and runners found the Boracay V3 to be a great overall value for the price.
Drop
A unique element to this shoe is that it provides ample cushioning and is suggested as a long distance running shoe but it also has a heel drop height that qualifies it as a natural running shoe. The New Balance Fresh Foam Boracay V3 has a heel drop of 4 millimeters. This means that the shoe lies almost flat and doesn’t provide added cushioning in the heel to propel the foot forward. Runners who like a natural running shoe but were looking for more cushioning to take care of them through long runs and races.
Stability
This is not a stability shoe. This means that the runner who needs added support with issues of over or under pronation will have a better running experience in a different shoe that is uniquely designed for their needs. This shoe is designed as a neutral running shoe and supports the natural movement of the foot.
Flexibility
The entire shoe is constructed using flexible design elements that promote the natural movement of the foot. The open mesh design of the upper is designed to move with the foot and give the runner a sock-like feeling. The Fresh Foam midsole provides flexible cushioning and the blown rubber outsole is less dense which allows for a smoother heel to toe transition.
Traction
The underfoot of this shoe offers a unique design. When the shoe is turned upside down, runners will notice that the entire underfoot is lined with different sized circular shapes. Additionally, the shapes are separated by flex grooves that allow water to flow between them but not build upon their surfaces which reduces the risk of slipping while running on wet terrain. Runners found that overall, this shoe offers more traction than the average road running shoe.
Bottom Line
The New Balance Fresh Foam Boracay V3 is a shoe that is designed for the runner who is looking for more cushioning without the heft or bulkiness or a stability shoe. This shoe features a 4 mm drop that provides the runner with a natural fit and feel. It is uniquely designed to provide the runner with enough support and cushioning for their long runs while also promoting the natural movement of the foot by keeping the shoe almost completely flat in its design. Runners love the unique look and style of the upper. Not only is the hexagon shape designed to provide support to the runner, it also looks stylish. It comes in a wide variety of color options too. This shoe comes in under budget for many runners due to its lowered price tag and increased durability. New Balance did a great job with the redesign of the Fresh Foam Boracay V2 by reducing the weight and added more breathability to the upper.
Key Features
• Fresh Foam midsole• Breathable open mesh upper• Hexagon shaped upper provides more support• 4 millimeter drop• Blown Rubber outsole• No sew upper reduces risk of blisters and irritation
