We Review Some Of New Balance’s Best Running Shoes

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I’ve been a runner on and off for a few years now. I’m a run club girlie, I’ve got a few half marathons under my belt, and I’m running in the upcoming Gold Coast Marathon. It’s safe to say, with all the kms I’ve tracked on Strava, I’ve tried some running shoes in my time. I’ve got at least 10+ pairs, each for different occasions (and outfits — IYKYK). Lately, I’ve been testing the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5s, while my partner, Blake (also a runner), has been testing out the New Balance 1080s.

This is my second pair of New Balance running shoes (I already own the 1080s) and Blake’s very first pair (aww), so we each wanted something different out of our next running shoe — and something different to what we’ve already got. Personally, I enjoy more of a speed-based shoe, one that makes me feel like I’m moving a little faster and gives me that propulsion forward during my runs. Whereas Blake was looking for more of an everyday runner that was super supportive (man’s got shin splints).

For extra context, I’m a small 5ft pocket rocket, and Blake is a 6.2ft man, so aside from how comical it must be when people see us running together, we have totally different running styles. We have similar paces, but his stride is obviously so much longer and heavier than mine. We’ve both been trialling these for at least three weeks now, and here are our honest thoughts.

First impressions

Bree: New Balance has been crushing the aesthetics game lately, so this is a fun place to start our little ‘Run Club’ series. This was a blind unboxing since New Balance sent these to us. What did you think when we were unboxing them?

Blake: Straight out of the box, the shoe felt premium and well-built. It had a plush, cushioned feel without looking bulky, and it felt surprisingly lightweight for a shoe with so much cushioning.

Bree: Yeah, I thought the Rebels were also pretty lightweight for how cloud-like the rocker is. I also loved the colourway they picked for me, the white with baby blue isn’t a colourway I’d usually go for, but I love it. I knew you’d be happy with the all-black too.

Blake: Yeah, I wasn’t mad about the all-black choice, thank you, NB. *laughs*

Cushioning and feel

Bree: I was surprised by how good my feet felt in these. I definitely felt muscles in my legs I haven’t felt in a while, I think, because maybe they’re so much more responsive/supportive than my worn-out pair. I was nervous about the size of the rocker. I don’t usually like a lot of ‘cloud’, but these were responsive enough that I didn’t notice it.

Blake: Yeah, I honestly felt great and supported on both the 5km and 15km runs I did this week. The cushioning is excellent. It feels soft and comfortable underfoot while still being responsive and energetic. Rather than feeling mushy, it provides a nice balance of comfort and bounce, making it easy to cruise along while still feeling quick when you pick up the pace.

The fit

Blake: The fit was comfortable from the first wear. Even with larger feet, there was plenty of room without feeling sloppy or loose. The upper felt secure and supportive, while still allowing enough space in the toe box for longer runs.

Bree: Our feet are at opposite ends of the scale *laughs* (Blake’s a men’s 12W, and I’m a 5.5/6).

Blake: Yeah, your feet are tiny *laughs*

Bree: I need a smaller, more compact shoe to support my little feet so I’m not sliding around in there. I like the upper of the Rebels — it’s a very thin, breathable, almost see-through mesh. It doesn’t have the thick, pillowy padding of the 1080, but it holds your foot securely so you don’t slide around when you pick up the pace.

The ride

Blake: As someone who is usually affected by shin pain, the ride was the biggest surprise. On the very first run — a weekly 5km parkrun — there was no shin pain at all. The cushioning felt protective, the shoe rolled nicely through each stride, and it felt quick and responsive. In fact, the legs felt so good that the planned 5km turned into a 15km run. The shoe remained comfortable and supportive the entire time, with no pain during or after the run.

Bree: Yeah, that shocked me because you only intended on running 5km that morning. *laughs*

Blake: The second run was a half marathon distance, and the experience was much the same. The shoes stayed comfortable throughout, felt light on foot, and seemed to encourage a faster pace than intended. They handled the longer distance with ease and continued to feel supported from start to finish.

Bree: Yeah, I had a similar experience. I set out for a small sled run (aka pushing the pram) and felt so good I pushed through to a 6km. I definitely liked how these pushed me forward in my run while being light under my feet. I also felt great afterwards, no niggles or twinges. I’m keen to try them out on a longer one when my body is ready.

The verdict and value

Bree: I feel like the minute you got home, you were raving about the 1080s. And as someone who ran in them my whole pregnancy, I can understand why.

Blake: Yeah, pretty much. For me, these have been a standout shoe. The biggest win is the complete lack of shin pain on both runs, something that is often an issue for me. They combine excellent cushioning with a surprisingly responsive and lively ride, making them suitable for everything from a 5km parkrun to longer runs and half marathons.

If you’re looking for a comfortable daily trainer that doesn’t feel slow or overly soft, they’re absolutely worth considering. Based on my experience so far, they’re worth the money and have quickly become one of my favourite shoes that I look forward to running in.

Bree: I was chasing a fast shoe to wear on those bigger, PB-style runs, and I certainly got it. I think at the moment, I’m looking to build my running confidence back up after having a baby, so anything that kinda helps me get there on those harder days is a real win for me. Overall, I really enjoyed the ride in the Rebels, and I’m excited to take them out for a cheeky 15km this weekend.

You can shop both the FuelCell Rebel v5s ($230) and the 1080s ($280) here.