New Balance Balos Review: Lightweight Cushioned Comfort, At A Cost…

The New Balance Balos running shoes promise a luxurious, cushioned experience that almost feels like you’re running on clouds – they slip in easily and are comfortable right out of the box, complete with New Balance’s Fresh Foam X midsole and a fun rocker profile that makes running comfortable and smooth.

However, at a price of $200, these New Balance Balos trainers may not be worth the investment for some runners, for reasons I explain in this review.

In this review, I also explain what makes these super trainers so unique, how they perform on the road, and provide additional insights to help you decide whether they’re the right choice for your next pair of running shoes… and if not, I also suggest some alternative trainers for you to consider.

Key specifications

• Price: $200 at New Balance (US) / £200 at Sportsshoes (UK)
• Shoe Type: Neutral road running shoe
• Weight: 7.3 oz (US Women’s 7.5)
• Midsole: Plush fresh Foam X cushioning, PEBA blended foam
• Drop: 6mm
• Outsole: Foam with limited rubber coverage
• Upper: Breathable Creel mesh
• Price: $200 at New Balance (US) / £200 at Sportsshoes (UK)

Fit and feel

The New Balance Balos delivers an impressive initial fit experience.

Thanks to a stretchy tongue, flexible laces, and plenty of padding around the collar and heel, these shoes feel incredibly soft and comfortable right out of the box, plus, they fit true to size so there’s no need to size up or size down from your usual running shoe or trainer size.

The Creel mesh upper offers decent breathability, making them suitable for running in various weather conditions – from the hot summer days in California to the cooler temperatures of fall.

The midsole, packed with Fresh Foam X cushioning, provides a plush feel underfoot. At 7.3 oz for a women’s size 7.5, the shoe remains fairly lightweight despite its ample cushioning, which is a rare combination, and has been achieved in part by the minimalist amount of rubber used in the outsole design – more on that, in a bit.

The 6 mm drop from heel to toe is another thoughtful touch, offering a balanced stance that isn’t too forward-leaning. A reasonable amount of stability is also achieved despite the high stack height by the width of the midsole.

New Balance Balos performance review

When it comes to performance, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos is all about comfort and an enjoyable ride.

Before I get stuck into my write-up of the Balos’ performance, here’s a quick reminder that you can also watch my video review to get more insights, by tapping the image below – Don’t forget to give the video a like if you enjoy it (that really helps our channel), and subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more reviews of the latest running shoes :).

Let’s start with overall feel on the run. The generous Fresh Foam X cushioning feels soft and bouncy, ideal for runners who appreciate a plush underfoot experience. Yet, the Balos are not just about softness; they also feature a rocker shape designed to enhance forward propulsion.

This is a clever mix because a highly cushioned shoe rarely comes with a pronounced rocker profile – a feature often seen in more performance-oriented shoes – hence why this shoe is classed in a category we call ‘Super Trainers’ – it offers more than the average ‘Daily Trainer‘ running shoe does.

Running in the Balos feels like a blend of easy-going comfort and surprising speed. The soft cushioning makes them ideal for short to medium-distance runs – from a quick two-mile jog to a longer 10K or even a half marathon.

And, while these shoes are far from being race-day superstars (for that you may want to opt for a dedicated Race Day Shoe), they still offer a smooth, enjoyable ride for those looking to maintain a comfortable pace without sacrificing too much in terms of speed.

The rocker design gives a sense of momentum that helps you maintain a good rhythm. It’s a pleasant surprise that these shoes, with such a cushy feel, don’t make you feel like you’re plodding along on a pair of cushions. Instead, they encourage a natural forward roll that feels efficient, particularly on steady runs.

Now, for the elephant in the room: the outsole durability. After just 20 miles of running, there is noticeable wear, especially in the middle of the foot where most runners tend to strike.

The reason for this is that the outsole is primarily made of foam, rather than being a rubber outsole. This is one way that New Balance has been able to produce this shoe with such a light weight (rubber weighs more than foam outsoles). There is a small amount of rubber coverage at the toe and heel, but these aren’t the main areas of wear in a trainer’s sole, for most runners. So while this design keeps the weight down, it also raises serious questions about longevity.

For a shoe priced at $200, you’d expect it to handle a few hundred miles at least. However, given the early signs of wear, the Balos might not make it past 100 miles for some runners. The decision to use foam for most of the outsole rather than a more durable rubber material seems puzzling and somewhat disappointing, considering the price – I’d prefer a touch more weight (and redesign of the outsole rubber profile) to achieve a shoe I can be more confident will last me a reasonable amount of time before wearing out.

Are they worth buying?

If you prioritize comfort and enjoy the feel of a plush, cushioned shoe with a rocker design, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos could be a fantastic addition to your rotation – particularly for easy runs or recovery days. They are comfortable, fun to run in, and provide a unique combination of softness and speed that’s rare in daily trainers.

However, they may not be the best choice if durability is a concern for you at this price point, and there are plenty of other road running shoes in the $140-$160 range that offer similar comfort with better durability – take a look at our daily trainers roundup for our current top recommendations.

In short, the New Balance Balos are a good pick if money isn’t a constraint and you’re looking for something super cushy and comfortable for lower mileage or short-distance runs – and, important for many, a good looking shoe! But if you’re after a high-performance shoe that will stand the test of time, or a more durable daily trainer, you may want to explore other options.

Best alternatives right now

If you’re looking for alternatives that offer similar cushioning and comfort but with greater durability or a lower price point, check out these options:

1. Best Daily Trainers – For shoes that offer comfort and versatility for daily runs.
2. Best Max Cushion Running Shoes – For runners who prioritize plush cushioning above all.
3. Best Stability Running Shoes – If you need added support and stability without compromising on comfort.
4. Best Tempo Shoes – For those who want a lightweight, responsive shoe for faster-paced runs.
5. Best Race Day Super Shoes – To explore performance shoes with carbon fiber plates for maximum speed.