What are the best New Balance trail running shoes?
One of the best forms of exercise you can do is running. It builds your endurance and strength while lowering your resting heart rate and improving your mood. The best place to run is not on the treadmill or on the road, but in nature. New Balance offers good quality trail running shoes such as the comfortably cushioned and highly durable and breathable New Balance 481 V3 Trail Running Shoes. — so you can comfortably improve your life and health without breaking the bank.
What to know before buying New Balance trail running shoes
Size and width
New Balance trail running shoes are available in both men’s and women’s sizes, where the men’s size is approximately 1.5 sizes larger than a corresponding women’s size. For example, if you typically wear size 7 women’s shoes and want to purchase a pair of men’s shoes, you would need to purchase men’s size 5.5. Men’s sizes are also wider than women’s sizes, although the width of the shoe is not usually listed specifically – it is usually given as standard, wide or extra wide.
It is imperative to wear trail running shoes of the correct size and width. If the shoes are too small, they will not fit at all, and if they are too large, you risk injury. A well-fitting shoe should be snug enough that it won’t slide freely around your foot, but it should also have about an inch of open space in front of your toes. This will allow room for your feet to move on impact.
Your trails
The types of trails you plan to run on should determine the type of New Balance trail running shoes you buy.
- Concrete and unpaved trails: Lightweight trail running shoes designed for roads and trails work best here.
- Average tests: More natural but still maintained trails benefit from specialist footwear only, but you don’t need the thickest protection.
- Uneven trails: Wear thick, padded, sturdy shoes for the debris-strewn wilderness trails.
What to Look for in Quality New Balance Trail Running Shoes
Cushioning
Running is hard on the body no matter where you do it, so the best New Balance trail running shoes include mid-shoe cushioning to reduce the impact you feel.
Antimicrobial liner
Most trail running shoes sacrifice a bit of breathability for more protection so they can sweat more, which increases the chances of bacteria growing. Some New Balance trail running shoes include antimicrobial liners to combat this effect.
How much you can expect to spend on New Balance trail running shoes
New Balance trail running shoes typically cost between $50 and $150, which marks them as mid-range shoes. Most shoes that exceed the $100 mark are sizes large or extra-large.
New Balance Trail Running Shoes FAQ
How long will my New Balance trail shoes last?
A. It depends on how you treat them and how hard the trails you run on. Generally speaking, New Balance trail running shoes should last around 300-500 miles of running or around 18 months. The best ways to tell if it’s time to replace your shoes are if they have worn out soles, if you can wring them out, or if you start to develop pain after running.
Are New Balance trail shoes also suitable for hiking?
A. It depends on the type of shoes you use and the type of hiking you do. Lightweight shoes are more than enough for a short hike without gear, but you need the heaviest and most sturdy shoes for medium to medium range hikes with light gear. Anything else and buying a good pair of hiking boots is recommended.
What are the best New Balance trail running shoes to buy?
Best New Balance Trail Running Shoes
New Balance 481 V3 Trail Running Shoes
What do you want to know: These use strong yet soft materials for a durable and comfortable fit.
What you will love: These use a combination of leather and mesh for the upper half to remain stiff yet breathable. These have a comfort collar around the ankle for extra support and to prevent chafing. The outsole uses rubber with a patterned inlay for maximum traction.
What you should consider: Some consumers reported that the shoes were small and narrow. Others were unhappy with how quickly they wear out.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon and Kohl’s
Best New Balance trail running shoes for the money
New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel V4 Trail Running Shoes
What do you want to know: These are lightweight and padded.
What you will love: These come in sizes 5-12 with many sizes having a wide variation. These also come in 17 designs, most of which look and can be worn like standard shoes. These have cushions in the midsole for comfort and the tread has plenty of traction.
What you should consider: A few customers have reported that they are small and cramped. Others had issues with the back rubbing the heel and causing blisters.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon and Kohl’s
Worth checking out
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi Trail V1 Trail Running Shoes
What do you want to know: These are filled with foam for added comfort on the trail.
What you will love: These use a mix of synthetic fibers and textiles for breathability and durability, along with plenty of foam in the form of midsole cushioning and insert. The toe of the shoes is reinforced for protection against accidental impact. They are available in seven models.
What you should consider: Some buyers felt the ankle rode too high in the back, causing uncomfortable chafing. Others have reported discoloration caused by sweat.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.
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