Reddit · r/RunningShoeGeeks · Feb 7, 2025 · summarized
PositiveA midfoot striker loves the Balos' springy midsole and geometry, a steal on sale though not worth $200.
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Max cushion
Very soft, bouncy and rockered with a sock-like upper; a few find it too soft for harder workouts.
A score out of 100 for how well reviewed a product is next to others of its kind. It rises with positive reviews and with how many there are; negative and mixed reviews take points off. The best in each category scores in the 90s.
So a handful of glowing reviews can’t beat a product lots of people like. No sponsored placements.
Showing 8 reviews mentioning responsive Show all
Reddit · r/RunningShoeGeeks · Feb 7, 2025 · summarized
PositiveA midfoot striker loves the Balos' springy midsole and geometry, a steal on sale though not worth $200.
Reddit · r/RunningShoeGeeks · Jan 30, 2025 · summarized
PositiveWith 270 miles on the Balos, a runner prefers it to the 1080v14 for its snappier ride and the right amount of ground feel.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · summarized
PositiveA bouncy, versatile daily trainer that is terrific fun, from very easy runs to 1K reps. It made a dawn hilly 10-miler easy to face. The exposed foam outsole showed no undue wear after 50 miles, but avoid gravel. The high price and strong rivals are the catch.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · summarized
PositiveCo-testers had foot and knee pain (C and C-). B+ from one tester: a bouncy, highly rockered PEBA/EVA trainer for easy, long and recovery runs. The big heel bevel worked for him, but it isn't the most stable and the foam doesn't respond fast enough for quick efforts. Outsole should last slightly above average.
Reddit · r/RunningShoeGeeks · Oct 13, 2024 · summarized
PositiveAt 100 km, a 75 kg mid/forefoot striker loves the Balos' soft, bouncy midsole for everything from easy days to tempo.
Reddit · r/RunningShoeGeeks · Sep 10, 2024 · summarized
PositiveOn a 7-mile first run, a runner found the Balos the softest shoe they've felt, lively, heavily rockered and with a snug performance upper.
Reddit · r/RunningShoeGeeks · Sep 10, 2024 · summarized
PositiveAfter 30 km in the wide version, a runner finds the Balos soft, smooth and bouncy with good energy return.
Reddit · r/RunningShoeGeeks · Aug 19, 2024 · summarized
PositiveComparing it with the 1080v13 and Rebel v4, a runner finds the Balos the bounciest even at slow pace, with a sock-like upper and true-to-size fit.
Most runners find the New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos very soft, bouncy and fun, with a rockered ride and a snug, sock-like upper. It works for easy and long runs, and many say it holds up well. A few note it is too soft for harder workouts and one thought it pricey.
Of the 18 reviews with a clear verdict, 78% are positive, 17% mixed and 6% negative. The praise mentioned most is responsive. The most common complaint is wears out fast.
The complaints reviewers mention most: wears out fast (1 review).
We collected and summarized 18 experiences shared on Reddit, blogs and YouTube, with links to the original sources. Reviews submitted here are checked for spam before they appear. Every review, submitted here or collected, is read as positive, mixed or negative.
The softest, highest-stack shoes for long and recovery runs, ranked by real runners.