Details
Brand
New Balance
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• REVlite midsole is 30 percent lighter than other midsole foams• 8 millimeter drop is a great transition heel drop height to natural running• Dual outsole foam of blown and carbon rubber give this shoe the right amount of protection• Removable insole provides the option for an orthopedic insole
Upper
Some of the key updates to this shoe can be found in the upper. One of the key complaints that runners had with the original Vazee Prism was that the upper felt too stiff and didn’t provide enough breathability to keep the runner cool and dry during long runs. To eradicate these issues, New Balance added ventilation holes around the exterior of the shoe. Runners reported that with the new engineered mesh material, blisters and hot spots were no longer an issue. Additionally, the redesigned upper of the V2 has a sleeker, more streamlined look. Some runners commented that the original felt too clunky and bulky but the newest model addresses these issues. The rear heel counter of the shoe offers added support because it keeps the foot locked in place and with a 27-millimeter heel height, it offers added cushioning for the runner too.
Midsole
The midsole features New Balance’s signature REVlite midsole foam. This foam is 30% lighter than the midsole foam used in other New Balance shoes. This is one of the reasons why the Vazee Prism 2.0 is able to offer a lighter weight while still featuring stability elements. The midsole foam used in this shoe is highly responsive and features high-quality feedback to the runner. Additionally, runners can expect to find a co-molded post that runs along the medial side of the shoe. This can be found below the arch and is designed to provide support for the runner with mild to moderate overpronation issues. The insole that comes with this shoe can be removed and replaced with an orthopedic insole for the runner who needs even more arch support.
Outsole
The outsole features two distinct rubbers. Runners will find a blown rubber along the midfoot and forefoot of the shoe which is lighter and provides a softer landing. The rear foot features a carbon rubber. Carbon rubber is a firmer, compressed rubber that is very durable and is known to hold up well against long distances. The underfoot of the forefoot section of the shoe feature flex groves that add to the overall flexibility of this shoe. Finally, the outsole is designed to provide traction even on wet surfaces.
Breathability
Asics really takes the input of their athletes into consideration when they design their shoes. One of the key updates to the second iteration of the Vazee Prism is the addition of a more breathable upper. These updated materials contain visible ventilation holes along the upper to ensure that air is able to enter the shoe, circulate, and move out hot air from inside. This keeps the foot cool and dry regardless of the weather conditions. The bootie construction wraps the foot in support, but the material is lightweight enough that it doesn’t impede the flow of air to the foot.
Comfort
Runners who needed added support with overpronation issues found this shoe to be the most comfortable. It offers arch support and includes stability features along the medial side of the foot. For the runner who struggles with overpronation, having those additional supports help reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, the heel of this shoe offers added cushion and height which absorbs the shock of each footfall. In the long run, this helps to eliminate the risk of injury. Runners also commented that the redesigned upper allows for more airflow to reach the shoe, which helps to regulate the temperature inside the shoe and offers greater overall comfort.
Style
This is a great shoe for the runner who likes to get noticed during races. The shoe comes in four different color options, all of which look to be inspired by highlighters. They are all eye-catching and runners commented that due to the redesigned upper, the shoe now looks sleek and slim. Runners can choose from electric blue with black, black with HiLite, energy lime with black and white, or orange with black.
Durability
The outsole of this shoe is uniquely designed with different outsole materials in different places to provide the right amount of durability without weighing the shoe down. The forefoot and midfoot is lined with a blown rubber which is softer and more flexible. The heel of the outsole is lined with a blown rubber that is designed to provide more durability. Overall, these dual outsole materials provide the perfect amount of durability to protect the runner and the rest of the shoe from wear and tear. The redesigned upper helps keep the shoe looking and feeling newer for longer. Runners commented that this mesh material doesn’t fray or rip like other mesh uppers currently on the market.
Protection
The carbon rubber that is featured in the heel of the outsole provides the runner with added protection. This section of the outsole is thicker and is more durable than the rest of the outsole. This keeps the runner safe from debris in the street and from slipping and falling.
Responsiveness
Runners reported that the REVlite midsole provides a bouncy, responsive feel. Runners found the level of cushioning to be the right amount to provide a soft landing pad, but lightweight enough for the runner to still be able to feel the ground below them and make quick and efficient changes in direction and speed.
Support
There are two key areas of support that are featured in this shoe. The first is the wrap-around design of the upper. The seamless construction gives the shoe a bootie-like feel and the shoe provides the runner addition support in the midfoot due to the snug, wrap design. The heel counter also provides support for the runner by keeping the foot firmly locked into place.
Terrain
This shoe is designed for road, track or treadmill running. The lightweight traction provides in this shoe makes this an excellent shoe for group fitness classes. Some runners even commented that this was a great companion in spin classes too. It doesn’t have the proper lug design on the outsole to provide the runner with enough protection to keep them safe on trails.
Price
Runners loved the price tag on this shoe. It comes in just below the average cost of a quality pair of running shoes on today’s market. Even with the high level of durability and stability that this shoe offers, the price is still low enough for the runner on a budget.
Drop
This shoe features an 8-millimeter drop. The heel height is 27 millimeters and the forefoot height is 19 millimeters. This shoe provides ample cushioning but is flatter than a traditional running shoe. This is a good drop for the runner looking to transient from a tradition drop to a natural running shoe. It is suggested that runners move down slowly, and this is a good medium ground for runners.
Stability
This is a stability shoe designed for the runner with mild to moderate pronation issues. This is the only shoe in New Balance’s Vazee line that is designed for stability. Overpronation refers to the inward rolling of the heel at an overextended angle that can cause pain and injury to the runner. Runners can expect to find a molded post along the medial side of the shoe. This helps the foot stop its natural inclination to roll inward. By improving the gait of the runner, this shoe helps to reduce the risk of injuries and pain. Additionally, the insole of this shoe is removable which provides an excellent opportunity for an orthopedic that provides more stability or arch support if it is needed.
Flexibility
Runners can expect a flexible ride particularly in the upper and the midsole of the New Balance Vazee Prism V2. Runners reported that the engineered mesh adapted to the shape of the foot and supported its natural movement. The midsole of the shoe is also lightweight and flexible. Although this shoe is designed as a stability shoe, runners reported that New balance added in flexible details wherever possible to keep this shoe from feeling too stiff and rigid.
Traction
The outsole of this shoe features a unique pod-shape for added traction. This helps this shoe grip tightly to the road, treadmill or track below the foot. While this shoe does offer a good amount of traction for the runner on various urban surfaces, this is not a shoe that is designed to handle the slippery conditions of the trail.
Bottom Line
The New Balance Vazee Prism V2 is a unique shoe that balances lightweight cushioning with stability control. This is the only shoe in the Vazee line that is uniquely designed to help the runner with mild to moderate overpronation. Runners loved the original Vazee Prisim, and in their redesign, New Balance was sure to keep the qualities that runners loved, like the midsole and outsole, but make changes to the features that runners had problems with. The upper of the shoe has been redesigned from the original version to feature more breathable, molded mesh. This mesh conforms to the shape of the foot and provides added support through the midfoot. Runners appreciated the responsive cushioning provided by the REVlite midsole material. The price of the shoe is more than affordable, and the color options are vibrant and plentiful.
