Details
Brand
New Balance
Heel To Toe Drop
6 mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Blown rubber outsole• Rapid Respond Foam Midsole Technology• RevLite Midsole Cushioning with Heatfoil technology• Low 6-mm heel-to-toe drop• Synthetic mesh upper with large holes for maximum breathability• Securing perforated synthetic rib cage in the upper• Padded tongue and heel collar for comfort• Flexible Deconstructed Heel Counter• Neutral arch support
Upper
The upper construction offers runners maximum breathability, as the name suggests. The large holes of the synthetic mesh keep heat away from the runner’s foot. The New Balance Vazee Breathe offers runners a locked in feel in the heel and through the midfoot. A perforated synthetic rib cage secures and holds down the midfoot. This is stitched on top of the breathable mesh fabric. The fit through the forefoot is slightly wider, giving the toes plenty of room to move. The comfort is enhanced with a padded heel collar and tongue. The New Balance Vazee Breathe also comes with flat shoelaces, which helps achieve a snug-fitting shoe. The upper features a flexible Deconstructed Heel Counter. This feature does not restrain the foot, but rather allows it to move freely throughout each stride.
Midsole
The midsole of the New Balance Vazee Breathe uses a Rapid Rebound foam technology. This increases the responsiveness of the shoe and runs the entire length of the shoe. Runners experience excellent energy return while wearing this shoe. New Balance utilized a RevLite midsole with Heatfoil technology when designing the Vazee Breathe. The RevLite midsole gives runners lightweight cushioning while the Heatfoil technology redirects the heat from hot surfaces like asphalt and light trail, keeping the runner’s feet cool and comfortable. Wearers described the RevLite midsole cushioning to be firm and fast. This foam compound provides runners with the same responsiveness and durability of heavier New Balance foams. The midsole is not overly cushioned, which allows runners to feel the ground under their feet.
Outsole
The New Balance Vazee Breathe features a full rubber outsole. Blown rubber covers the forefoot of this running shoe to improve traction. The large forefoot grooves embedded in the outsole give the shoe increased flexibility as well as encourage natural movement through the gait cycle. The blown rubber used in the outsole gives the runner more cushioning and increases the responsiveness of the shoe. The additional rubber in the forefoot provides some cushioning to this part of the foot. Blown rubber tends to be cushier than carbon rubber, which is why New Balance used it in the forefoot of this shoe. It is also lightweight, soft and flexible, making it an ideal material for the front of the runner’s foot.
Breathability
The New Balance Vazee Breathe was designed with hot summer runs in mind. The big round holes through the mesh upper keep the runner’s foot cool during hot conditions. The mesh upper allows air to freely flow across the runner’s foot.
Comfort
Reviewers commented positively on the comfort of the New Balance Vazee Breathe. The roomy toe box is welcomed by runners who like more room for their forefoot to expand. The upper is designed to give runners a tight fit without causing unnecessary pressure through the midfoot. The padded tongue and flat shoelaces prevent pressure on the top of the foot. The padded heel collar keeps the foot in place and minimizes irritation. The mesh upper and Heatfoil technology work together to keep heat away from the runner’s foot, maintaining a comfortable foot temperature throughout a run. The New Balance Vazee Breathe has a very luxurious interior with a foot-hugging fit for excellent comfort. This shoe is especially comfortable for those who have jobs that require being on your feet for long periods of time.
Style
The New Balance Vazee Breathe is classified to be a standard running shoe. The men’s version of the New Balance Vazee Breathe running shoe comes in 4 different color patterns. It is available in Metallic Silver/Gun Metal/Toxic, Pacific/White/Silver, Red and White, and Metallic Silver/Grey/Barracuda. The women’s version comes in 3 different color patterns. It is available in Toxic, Reef and Silver Mink/Steel/Toxic. Both the men’s and women’s versions of this running shoe are available in normal width. The New Balance Vazee Breathe is a semi-curved running shoe. 100% of those who purchased the men’s version of the New Balance Vazee Breathe on Amazon said it fit as expected while only 54% of those who purchased the women’s version said it fit as expected.
Durability
The New Balance Vazee Breathe offers is a durable running shoe. Several runners found the durability of the New Balance Vazee Breathe to be more than the average running shoe. The blown rubber added to the outsole may not be as durable as traditional carbon rubber, but it gives runners the flexibility they need during each toe off.
Protection
The Heatfoil technology and huge open holes in the upper protect the runner’s foot from overheating during a run. The synthetic rib cage works with the padded tongue, padded heel collar, and Deconstructed Heel Counter to keep the runner’s foot in place. These features included through the upper of the New Balance Vazee Breathe prevent the foot from moving around or sliding out of the shoe during a run. The New Balance “N” on both sides of the Vazee Breathe has reflective properties, which helps with visibility in low light conditions. There are also reflective dots on the rear of the shoe, just above the heel counter.
Responsiveness
The Rapid Rebound midsole is very responsive and makes the New Balance Vazee Breathe an active shoe. Runners experience a bounce in every stride while wearing these running shoes. This foam midsole technology gives runners an energetic ride. Runners liked how fast these shoes felt when they were running.
Support
The synthetic overlay featured in the upper supports the foot with a snug fit. The Deconstructed Heel Counter supports the runner’s heel. This feature, along with the padded heel collar and padded tongue work together to hold the runner’s foot in place.
Terrain
The New Balance Vazee Breathe is built for road running. It is also great for treadmill running. While the large holes in the mesh upper cause water to enter the shoe, reviewers did find the upper material to dry fast. Most runners who purchased the New Balance Vazee Breathe used this shoe for distances ranging in 10Ks to ultramarathons.
Price
The New Balance Vazee Breathe is a reasonably priced running shoe. The women’s version ranges in price from $39 to $95 on Amazon, depending on the color pattern and size purchased. The men’s New Balance Vazee Breathe ranges in price from $54 to $95. The affordability of the New Balance Vazee Breathe makes it a great candidate for occasional runners or those looking for a comfortable shoe to wear during the day.
Drop
The New Balance Vazee Breathe offers runners a 6-mm drop, which is on the lower end for running shoes. This low heel-to-toe drop discourages severe heel striking and is said to more evenly distribute the force of impact.
Stability
This running shoe offers runners neutral arch support and is best suited for those runners who experience supinated foot motion. The New Balance Vazee Breathe is not recommended for runners who overpronate, but rather a runner with a neutral gait.
Flexibility
The mesh material used throughout the upper is flexible and moves with the runner’s foot. The synthetic overlay, or ribcage, allows the runner to adjust the tension of the laces and customize the fit of the shoe. The forefoot is flexible with the addition of the blown rubber outsole. The Deconstructed Heel Counter offers runners flexibility in the rearfoot. The foot does not feel confined but rather can move, adjust and adapt to the ride.
Traction
The blown rubber outsole gives the runner good traction. One reviewer liked how much the shoe gripped the road and how the wave pattern along the edge of the midsole enhanced the traction of this shoe.
Bottom Line
The New Balance Vazee Breathe offers runners a lightweight running shoe with ultimate breathability. The large holes in the mesh upper create a well-ventilated shoe. The technologies and materials used throughout the outsole, upper and midsole of the New Balance Vazee Breathe work together to give runners a very responsive daily running shoe. The RevLite midsole cushioning gives runners the comfort and support they are looking for. The New Balance Vazee Breathe is a comfortable, lightweight, breathable and active shoe. This neutral running shoe is great for long distances and the comfort and responsiveness it provides will make you want to lace up more often.
