Details
Brand
New Balance
Heel To Toe Drop
6 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• AT Tread adds extra grip and traction to the outsole of the shoe• Fresh Foam in the midsole• Midsole constructed using 3D printing to provide exceptional fit and responsiveness to runners• Stable and neutral running experience• Fantom Fit material in the upper doesn’t feel like you have any material on your feet at all• Toe Protector protects the runner against elements found on the trail
Upper
The upper of the shoe features a combination of tried and true elements and new technology to provide the runner with superior fit and comfort. The material of the upper is called Fantom Fit, which is designed for comfort. It utilizes a seamless technique that eliminated friction and creates a unique wrap like feel. The shoe includes a traditional sock liner that allows the runner to wear it without socks. It also utilized an inner Bootie Construction to increase the comfort and snug fit. Runners raved that the thoughtful construction makes these a great pair of shoes for longer runs. To increase the trail elements of this shoe, New Balance added in a Toe Protector. This is a layer of thin rubber that covers the toe to protect against the elements that can found on the trail like roots, rocks, and other debris.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe utilizes New Balance’s patented Fresh Foam midsole. It is unique in that it was constructed using cutting-edge 3-D printing to break the midsole into three unique layers to provide a stable and neutral ride. This midsole promotes natural movement in the foot and allows the runner to move unrestricted while still providing support and stability.
Outsole
This shoe’s outsole is made using AT Tread, which is a rugged material that is also highly durable. The AT Tread features increased grip to keep runners feeling safe and secure on and off the trails. The lugs on the underfoot of the shoe are designed to grip the road, however, they are purposefully not as aggressive as some other models because New Balance wanted a shoe that could easily transition between the trail and the road.
Breathability
While the upper of the shoe is designed using a friction eliminating, no-sew system, it isn’t particularly breathable. The design team for New Balance focused more on protecting the foot from debris and trail elements and put less of their focus on breathability.
Comfort
Runners love the comfort afforded by these shoes. To start, the upper uses a thoughtful construction process that eliminates seams from the inner and outside of the upper. This eliminates friction and hot spots, allowing the runner to go longer and faster. It also comes with a sock liner that gives the shoe a snug feeling without being restrictive in any way. The midsole of the shoe offers added support and cushioning through the use of the Fresh Foam material and cutting-edge 3D printing.
Style
Runners didn’t have too much to say about the style of the New Balance Fresh Foam Gobi Trail. The pro is that this model offers lots of color combinations and options. The con is that some runners don’t love the classic insignia of the New Balance brand.
Durability
The outsole of the shoe is made using New Balance’s patented AT Tread. This is a highly durable rubber material that is made to protect the runner and the rest of the shoe from elements of the trail. The midsole is made of three layers, which keeps it from breaking down easily.
Protection
The Fresh Foam Gobi Trail works hard to protect the runner from uneven and slippery terrain. The outsole of the shoe utilizes New Balance’s patented AT Tread to add grip and increase traction. This shoe also offers a toe protector to keep runners safe from dangerous debris and elements on the trail. In the long run, this will reduce injury to the runner.
Responsiveness
The midsole of this shoe is actually comprised of three different layers. This makes the shoe very responsive. It responds to the changes in terrain and speed without causing discomfort to the runner.
Support
The midsole of this shoe uses New Balance’s Fresh Foam. This material cradles the foot and supports natural movement. It provides individualized support for the needs of each runner. In addition, the upper is constructed with a snug, seamless construction. This creates a glove-like feel that hugs the foot but never feels restrictive.
Terrain
One of the best features of this shoe is that is can easily tackle both the road and the trail. New Balance has developed a very versatile shoe in the Fresh Foam Gobi Trail in that it can effortlessly transition from the road to the trail. This shoe is not recommended for your most aggressive trail adventures, but for the runner looking to tackle tamer trails, this is a great option.
Price
The price point on these shoes is great. Runners loved that they could get both a road running shoe and a trail running shoe at an MSRP of less than $100. The versatility of this shoe ups the value, too, because runners don’t need to buy two separate shoes.
Drop
This shoe will give you a 6 mm drop. This is a good heel drop for the runner who wants something right between a traditional and minimal running shoe. The Fresh Foam Gobi Trail can offer a lower heel drop without sacrificing cushioning and support.
Stability
This shoe is marketed as a neutral running shoe, but the Fresh Foam midsole does offer some stability elements for runners who need them. The midsole promotes free movement for the runner, but it offers enough arch support to give the added stability that some runners are looking for. This isn’t a shoe for overpronators, but it can offer limited stability.
Flexibility
The multi-layered midsole is very flexible. It promotes natural movement and runners commented that they did not feel restricted in any way. This midsole and outsole are thicker, but they still manage to have a natural feel and high level of responsiveness.
Traction
The AT Tread used on the outsole of the Fresh Foam Gobi Trail provides a unique level of traction. The grip and traction are certainly increased on this shoe, but the lugs that line the underfoot are less aggressive than those found on some other trail running shoes.. These shoes are designed for the trail and the road, so New Balance was careful to create an underfoot that could protect the runner on the trail as well as provide them with a comfortable ride while they are on the road.
Bottom Line
This is a good shoe for a runner who likes to transitions between the trails and the roads without the need to purchase two different shoes. The outsole of the shoe offers added grips, but lugs that are passive enough to enable the runner to make easy transitions between trails and road. The upper features a seamless construction, a sock liner, and a bootie-like fit for maximum construction. Comfort is king in this shoe. 3-D construction was used for the construction of the midsole to create a comfortable fit that promotes free movement. The price is also a perk on these shoes, as they are affordable.
