Details
Brand
New Balance
Heel To Toe Drop
6 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioned
Key Features
• Revlite midsole provides an adaptive fit with responsive cushioning• Diagonal striation design that runs through the midsole helps to add flexibility• New Balance Heat Foil technology deflects heat away from the foot and maintains a cool temperature• Diamond shaped underfoot provides added traction• No-sew upper reduces risk of blisters and irritation• N overlay along upper acts as an overlay to lock down look• Engineered mesh conforms to the shape of the foot to provide an adaptive fit
Upper
Runners can expect to find the most extensive changes in the upper. The upper has been redesigned to increase ventilation and update the overall look. Instead of large ventilation holes lining the entire upper, this new model features multiple sizes of perforation holes. These perforation holes line the upper of the shoe and provide air flow to enter freely and circulate out fo the shoe in order to keep the foot cool and dry regardless of the temperature outside. The shoe features an N overlay along the midfoot to support the runner and reduce unwanted side to side movement. The material used is an engineered mesh. This material stretches with the foot and expands to create a customizable fit that molds to the shape of each runner’s foot. Finally, New Balance left no detail out. They covered the entire upper with reflective overlays to ensure the safety of their runners.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe utilizes some of the smartest technologies to improve the running experience for athletes. This midsole uses New Balance’s Rapid Rebound technology called Revlite. This midsole foam is plush yet highly responsive. Runners found this midsole to be the perfect companion for speed work. While this midsole is 30% thicker than a tradition midsole foam, it still maintains a lighter weight and a plush cushioning that provides amazing energy return. The New Balance Heat Foil works to reflect heat to keep the foot cool and dry.
Outsole
The outsole of the Breathe V2 has been updated to increase the traction, durability, and flexibility of the shoe. New Balance carefully poured over suggestions from their runners and found that the outsole needed to be redesigned. The new outsole features a blown rubber that is lighter weight and more flexible than some of the other outsole rubbers. The underfoot design is a diamond pattern separated by deep flex grooves to improve flexibility. This redesigned outsole provides more safety and adds more traction to the shoe.
Breathability
Runners will have a hard time finding a more breathable shoe. This shoe is designed for the runner who works out in the heat. New Balance includes their patented New Balance Heat Foil which deflects heat and supports a cool and comfortable ride for runners. The upper of the shoe uses a seamless, engineered mesh that is covered with a perforated material that allows for maximum airflow to reach the foot. Additionally, the unique shape of the ventilation holes helps to circulate the air around the foot to manage the temperature inside of the shoe. This eliminates the risk of hot spots and blisters.
Comfort
This shoe features a plethora of elements that provide a comfortable fit for the runner. The upper is breathable and the material molds to the shape of the foot. The engineered mesh is pliable and didn’t impede the natural movement of the runner. Runners described the fit as sock-like. Additionally, the midsole foam, The Revlite midsole provides a responsive cushioning that helps runners stay injury free, and it also returns energy to the runner. Runners reported that the tended to feel less tired running in these shoes and after a long run, they were able to recover more quickly.
Style
The overall look overall look of this shoe is sleek and stylish. Runners appreciated that the color options range from bright and eye-catching like the vivid cactus with white and black or a more classic look comprised of white with subtle black details. Runners found this shoe to be a good shoe to accompany their everyday wear because of its stylish design.
Durability
One of the key changes made in the second iteration of this shoe is that New Balance added more durability features. The outsole has been redesigned with additional blown rubber to protect the rest of the shoe from wear and tear. There is an even greater amount of this material at the heel of the shoe because this is where the shoe tends to wear down the fastest. The engineered mesh for the upper is stronger and more durable too. It stretches and moves with the foot. Because of the added pliable material, it is less likely to rip. Even after extensive miles, runners commented that this shoe maintained a new look.
Protection
The upper of this shoe is made using a no-sew design. This design eliminates the risk of friction and irritation and protects the runner from irritation and hot spots. The New Balance Heat Foil is another protective element. It works to keep the foot and the runner from overheating. It maintains a cool temperature inside of the shoe and deflects heat away from the shoe. Finally, New Balance added extra rubber to the outsole to protect the runner against the harmful elements of the road. One final addition to this shoe is the upper is covered in reflective overlays. This reflective material protects the runners during their evening runs or their workouts in low visibility areas.
Responsiveness
The Revlite midsole foam is known to provide highly responsive cushioning. Runners commented that this midsole provided better energy return to the foot than other midsole foams that they had experienced in the past. The lower millimeter drop helped runners feel connected to the road below them and this helped them make efficient changes to direction and speed when they needed to do so.
Support
The upper provides a good amount of support to keep the runner’s foot locked in place. The patented N insignia covered the upper with a synthetic material. This doesn’t only provide an interesting look for the shoe, it also serves as support element that holds the shoe in place and reduces unwanted and dangerous side to side movement.
Terrain
This shoe is the perfect companion for speedy road and treadmill workouts. Runners loved the additions traction added to the underfoot which makes this a great choice for up or downhill road running. The lower drop helps runners feel stable on the ground, and runners who are into weight lifting like Cross Fit found this shoe to be a good fit for such workouts.
Price
One of the key selling points for this shoe is the price tag. This shoe comes in way under budget for most runners. This is a high-quality shoe that runners used daily, but still, the durable upper and outsole provided a lasting workout companion for runners. This shoe is a great value at this price point.
Drop
This shoe has a lower drop. At 6 millimeters, this shoe will take some getting used to for the runner who is used to a traditional drop of ten millimeters or higher. The lower drop of this shoe helped the runner feel more connected to the ground below them. This helped them feel confident picking up the pace, and it is also a great shoe for weight-lifters because the runner felt more stable on the ground.
Stability
This shoe is a neutral running shoe. It is not suggested for the runner with issues of over or under pronation. The Revlite midsole provides a plush cushioning that conforms to the shape of the foot. This does provide additional arch suppor t, and runners with mild pronation issues found some relief in these shoes, but the New Balance Vazee Breathe V2 is not a shoe that is designed to improve the gait of the runner struggling with severe over or under pronation.
Flexibility
The diamond shape of the underfoot is also designed to add flexibility to this shoe. This design provides space for deep flex grooves to run along the underfoot that promote the natural movement of the gait. The engineered mesh of the upper is also highly flexible. It stretches and moves with the runner, expanding and tightening, as the runner needs to fit the exact shape of each foot.
Traction
If you flip the shoe upside down, you can see the unique diamond pattern of the underfoot. This pattern is provided to add additional traction to the running experience. The separate diamond shapes grip the pavement below. The added traction of this shoe makes this a great shoe for speed workouts on the track as well as the pavement.
Bottom Line
This is an affordable, lightweight, fast shoe for the runner who is looking for a companion for their daily workouts and speedy companion. This shoe is inspired by the heat and contains additions that work to keep the foot cool and ventilated even during their most intense runs in the hottest conditions. The technologies provided by this shoe keep the weight low and the cushioning high. Runners found the shoe to provide a breathable fit, and the engineered mesh of the upper allows air to flow into the shoe but also protects the runner against debris that can be found on the roads. The styling options of this shoe range from bright and bold to classic and understated. Overall, runners responded positively to the subtle updates to the New Balance Vazee Breathe V2 from their original model.
