Details
Brand
New Balance
Heel To Toe Drop
6 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• 6 mm drop• Fresh Foam midsole• Breathable mesh upper• Dual rubber material in the outsole
Upper
One of the key changes made to this version of the Fresh Foam Zante is that the upper has been redesigned. The older upper material has been replaced with an engineered mesh. This wraps the foot in support without limiting the breathability and air flow. Runners loved the combination of the snug yet breathable fit. One of the complaints that runners had about the previous model was that their feet got too hot and this led to blisters and hot spots. In the newer model, they were sure to include bigger openings in the upper to provide superior airflow to keep the foot cool and dry. Not only did New Balance redesign the outside of the upper, they also worked to improve the inside as well. They included an inner sleeve. This acts almost like a glove to improve the overall comfort level of the shoe. Finally, the upper added light cushioning to the tongue and collar of the shoe for support. Overall, the changes made to the upper of this shoe equate to a more breathable, comfortable ride for the runner.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe uses its namesake, the Fresh Foam midsole material. This material has been a part of the New Balance line for some time now, but in this model, the Fresh Foam midsole experiences some upgrades. The fresh foam midsole runs the length of the shoe using a single piece of foam. This is designed specifically to provide a better heel to toe transition. This midsole is slightly firmer and more responsive than a traditional midsole like an EVA midsole foam.
Outsole
If runners flip this shoe upside down, they will see that there is something unique happening in the outsole of this shoe. The outsole is lined with a unique hexagon pattern. This hexagon design allows the runner to experience better stability. It also helps give the shoe its responsive feel. The actual material of the outsole is a combination of different rubbers. While some of the outsole is made using carbon rubber, other parts are made of a softer rubber, blown rubber, which is good for traction. Overall, runners felt very protected because of this outsole. Not only does the outsole protect the runner against slippery conditions and steep uphill and downhill runs, it also protects the rest of the shoe from prematurely breaking down and needing to be replaced.
Breathability
The redesigned and updated upper of the shoe has come a long way in the breathability department. Just by looking at the shoe, runners can see that the open air holes allow for maximum airflow to enter the shoe and keep the foot cool and dry. This helps reduce odor that can be caused from wetness as well as blisters caused by chafing and irritations. Even in hot or long runs, runners reported that their feet stayed cool and dry due to the redesigned upper.
Comfort
The midsole of this shoe is slightly more firm than the last Fresh Foam Zante model, however, runners did not find that to be an issue and still claimed that this shoe was a very comfortable running shoe. The shoe upper is breathable and kept the foot cool and dry even during long hot runs, and the midsole provides the right amount cushioning that helps propel the foot forward, but still, keeps the foot very closely connected to the road below it.
Style
For a long time, New Balance earned its a bad reputation for style. It became an unstylish shoe for a moment in time, but that has since changed and New Balance is working hard to fight against that image. The Fresh Foam Zante comes in a variety of unique color combinations and the styling of the shoe is hip and young. Runners who like a fashionable runners shoe love the overall look of this shoe.
Durability
The outsole of this shoe features a dual rubber. Part of the shoe is covered in a durable carbon rubber. This rubber can be found in the high tread areas and is specifically designed to keep the shoe looking and feeling new even after a lot of miles. The other rubber is a blown rubber which tends to be softer and more pliable than the carbon rubber. Runners loved that they did not need to replace these shoes as soon as they had to replace others at a similar price point.
Protection
This shoe is designed for the road, track, or gym. Therefore, it doesn’t have too many added protective features. It does offer added cushioning around the collar and the tongue of the shoe to protect against irritation. Likewise, the outsole of the shoe is made from dual durable rubber materials to protect the shoe from prematurely showing signs of aging or wear and tear.
Responsiveness
Runners reported that the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v3 is a highly responsive shoe. This could be due to the combination of the 6-millimeter heel drop and the thinner outsole. The 6-millimeter drop allows the foot to interact more closely with the road below it. Runners said this allowed for quick changes in pace and direction. This is why the Zante v3 is a great shoe for both distance and speed work.
Support
The primary place you can expect to find support in this shoe is through the added cushioning provided by the midsole and through the cushioned collar around the ankle. Both of these elements help keep the foot in place. The midsole material of the Zante v3 is more firm, yet still cushioned which provides a solid landing pad for each footfall. This keeps the foot secure and protects it from unwanted side to side movement. Another way that this shoe supports the runner is through the overlay that runs across the midfoot. This design element helps to hold the foot in place, but because the upper is so breathable, it doesn’t feel suffocating or stifling to the runner.
Terrain
This is a shoe that is suggested for the road, the treadmill, or the track. Because the outsole of the shoe provides extra and traction, runners love this for the dreaded treadmill workouts. It also makes a great shoe for completing speedwork workouts on the track. In addition to this speedwork, runners liked this shoe for longer, slower runs on the road. While there are many great shoes for the off-road adventure, this is not one of them. Due to the added traction provided by the outsole, these shoes could feasibly handle a groomed trail, but they are not recommended for anything beyond that.
Price
The price of this shoe cannot be beaten! Runners loved not just the price but the overall value. This costs far less than the average running shoe on the market today, but it still somehow provides the runner with superior durability, traction, and advanced technologies. Runners reported that these shoes did not need to be replaced as quickly as other similar brands that they’ve had in the past.
Drop
The New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v3 features a 6 mm heel drop. This is a relatively low drop and gives the runner the feeling of being flat against the ground as they run. Runners report enjoying that feeling of closeness to the road. Additionally, the runner who ascribe to the natural running revolution claim that this is a good shoe to help you transition down to a zero drop.
Stability
Although this shoe labels itself as a neutral running shoe, those with slight over pronation issues can find some stability in this shoe. The midsole foam of this shoe is firmer which helps support the arch of the foot. Runners liked the firm yet cushioned ride and claimed it help keep their foot stable through the entire gait cycle.
Flexibility
The midsole and outsole of this shoe give this shoe a firmer as opposed to more flexible feel. The Fresh Foam midsole material provides firm cushioning but does not support a free movement. This is the same with the outsole and its dual rubber materials. The upper, on the other hand, is made from a breathable mesh and provides superior flexibility to the runner. Runners reported that this combination helped them feel confident running any distance or speed in these shoes.
Traction
The dual rubber outsole of this shoe provides the runner with superior traction. Runners reported that because of the combination of blown rubber and more durable carbon rubber, they found the shoe to have great grip. Runners even reported that they felt totally secure and protected while running in the rain or up steep hills or down steep declines.
Bottom Line
New Balance listed to its customers and kept what worked well from the Fresh Foam Zante v3 and adjusted what was not working for their runners. There is a lot to love about this shoe. Runner found the price to be wonderful especially considering how durable the shoe is and how versatile it also it. This is a shoe that can be used on your long slow run or your fast paced tempo runs. The traction on the outsole makes this a great choice for track workouts and even the treadmill. Runners liked the color combinations and noted that the shoe looks good crossing the finish line or even with a pair of jeans.
