New Balance Ellipse v1 review: the fresh foam trainer you'll want to wear all day
New Balance's latest Fresh Foam trainer blends plush cushioning with all-day lifestyle appeal, and mostly nails it at $145.
If you caught my in-depth review (for the real running shoe fanatics) of the New Balance Ellipse v1 over on Alastair Running, you'll know I came away genuinely impressed with what New Balance has put together here.
This is my TAK take: a little less technical, a little more focused on whether it earns a place in your everyday rotation.
The short version is that the Ellipse is a plush, lightweight daily trainer that looks good enough to wear long after the run is over.
At $145, it sits below the 880v15 and 1080v15 in the NB lineup with a softer, more lifestyle-forward build and a retro aesthetic that feels very much at home alongside the brand's iconic silhouettes. Here's what you need to know.
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Key specifications
- Price: $145 at New Balance
- Weight: 9.4 oz / 266 g (men's size 9)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Stack height: 38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot
- Upper: Breathable engineered mesh, gusseted tongue, padded collar
- Midsole: Fresh Foam X (soft, bouncy EVA/TPEE blend)
- Outsole: Ellipse-shaped rubber pods and heel blocks
- Extra attributes: Multiple widths including 2E; excellent lifestyle crossover appeal
Sizing and fit
The Ellipse fits true to size, with a slightly wider toebox than average and a generously padded collar and tongue that make step-in comfort immediate.
The midfoot locks down well once the lacing is sorted, and there's genuinely no break-in period needed.
It's the kind of shoe that feels right from the first wear, whether that's on a run or just out the door for the day.
Performance and everyday wearability
A soft, bouncy ride built for feel-good miles
The Fresh Foam X midsole is plush and compliant, with a squishy, sink-in heel that prioritises comfort over propulsion.
There's a mild rocker geometry with a generous heel bevel that helps the shoe roll smoothly through each stride without any effort.
It's the kind of ride that makes an easy morning run feel like a treat rather than a training obligation.
The ellipse-shaped rubber pod outsole adds a subtle springiness to that soft base, letting the foam compress and rebound more freely underfoot.
It's not a highly energetic shoe, but it has more life to it than the plushness might suggest.
This is a shoe for easy, relaxed efforts, including morning jogs, weekend park runs, recovery days. Push the pace and it starts to feel a little compressive, so it's best enjoyed without a running watch.
The lifestyle crossover is genuinely excellent
Where the Ellipse really stands out beyond running is in how effortlessly it transitions to everyday life.
The retro aesthetic (clean lines, slightly chunky profile, very much in the 990 family spirit but lighter and softer) means you can finish a run and head straight to brunch without a second thought.
For anyone who wants one shoe that works for both the run and the rest of the morning, the Ellipse makes a strong case.
One thing to know: it runs warm.
The upper is soft and well-fitted, but breathability is the Ellipse's one real limitation.
On warmer days, your feet will notice it. Not a dealbreaker for most conditions, but worth keeping in mind if you're running in summer heat.
My verdict
The New Balance Ellipse v1 is a well-priced, comfortable, and genuinely stylish trainer that earns its place for easy miles and all-day wear.
At $145, with multiple width options and one of the better-looking designs in the Fresh Foam range, it's a strong pick for runners and active lifestyle wearers who want comfort and aesthetics in equal measure.
If your running is mostly relaxed and your shoe needs to pull double duty beyond the run, the Ellipse is well worth your attention.
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