Personal: A (Really lightweight, protective, bouncy, and responsive. This is a shoe I really like doing strides in, road workouts, long runs, etc.) Stability: B- (Really soft platform with only mild stability elements, the shoe is relatively soft and flexible throughout and may give some trouble, but good for a lightweight performance shoe this soft) Even though it has lost some of its original DNA, I’m still happy about the direction that New Balance has taken with it because I make more use of it as a daily trainer than a speedwork trainer- it doesn’t have the snappy punch that I like in a speed trainer.

This is due to the lateral “wing” which flares out at the midfoot and forefoot and pushes your foot inward. This “wing” is not as prominent as on the Rebel V1 but it still results in medial side lean bias. New Balance men’s running shoes are renowned for their sleek designs, lightweight materials and supreme cushioning. For something better suited to long-distance running, opt for the 880, which features a breathable mesh FantomFit upper with a no-sew overlay engineered for ultra-light support. With 30 mm of soft FuelCell foam underfoot, the Rebel v2 offers runners ample protection from the impact of the roads. As a lightweight trainer, this shoe is not necessarily the best long-distance companion, but our testers are confident that runners will comfortably enjoy distances around the half-marathon mark. The new NDURANCE outsole also gives the Rebel v2 improved traction that should instill a lot of confidence while out on the roads.After 50 miles, the outsole seems to be doing okay. Even though it is soft, the flexible design spreads the wear and tear evenly.

There is a small amount of padding around the collar and the heel but overall it’s a really minimal, light upper. The Rebel v3 now has a long rubber strip which extends from the heel all the way to the midfoot on the medial side. This is the best update of the Rebel v3 and it improves outsole durability drastically. It’s lightweight, soft, responsive, grips well, and priced reasonably for its level of tech. Hey, there’s even an optional width and a size US 16 available. As a shoe reviewer, one of the most common questions I get is from runners asking me for suggestions to replace their beloved Nike Pegasus Turbo which has now been discontinued. However, if you explore alternatives outside New Balance, a road racer like the Saucony Type A9 is excellent for short-distance races.Dr. Matthew Klein is a 150 lb male with notable PRs of 14:45 for 5k and 2:32:44 for the full marathon. He typically runs 70-100 miles per week and trains at a variety of paces from 8min per mile recovery runs to 4:40 per mile 1k repeats. He prefers firmer and responsive shoes with snug heels and medium to wide toe boxes. The stability guy of the group, he also prefers a little stability in his footwear. However, as a researcher, clinician and running shoe aficionado, he will run in anything. IG handle @kleinrunsdpt It has a 6 mm drop which makes it more of a midfoot/forefoot striker trainer than a heel striker trainer because it encourages you to strike further forward- this makes it a great shoe for short tempo or workout runs if you prefer a plateless trainer for speedwork. I find the flexible forefoot of the Rebel v3 a little too relaxed; I crave something stiffer with a plate for speedwork. This is a shoe meant for tempo runs, so the forefoot has a snug fit that prevents the foot from sliding.