New Balance 1500v5 Review for Speed and Comfort

New Balance has been a popular brand in the running community for quite some time now, and their latest offering, the 1500V5, has generated a lot of buzz. As a runner, I was curious about these shoes and decided to try them.

In this article, I will share my experience with the New Balance 1500v5 and my honest opinion on whether they’re worth the investment.

First Impressions

a person wearing new balance shoes in purple and green

The New Balance 1500V5 has a sleek design and is available in various color combinations. I opted for the black and white design, which looks great on my feet.

The shoe is lightweight, which is always a plus for runners. The upper mesh material is breathable and keeps my feet cool during long runs.

Performance

man and women holding 1500v5 shoe

According to the New Balance website, these shoes are designed for runners who want to go from 5k to a full marathon.

I have done most of my long runs in these shoes, which have held up well. I can attest to the fact that they are excellent for long runs. The shoes have excellent traction on trails, and I’ve been able to go through mud and water without any issues.

The grip on the shoe is solid and has hardly any wear and tear, even after 500 miles of use.

The foam in the shoe is responsive, and I’ve noticed that I can run faster in these shoes than in others. However, when it comes to sprinting, I found that I could sprint faster in other shoes.

Features that New Balance 1500v5 Has to offer

Breathable Upper Mesh

man showing new balance upper

The breathable upper mesh material is a lightweight, synthetic fabric designed to provide maximum breathability to the feet during intense physical activity. It comprises a series of tiny holes or perforations that allow air to circulate freely inside the shoe, which helps keep the feet cool and dry.

The material is made of synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, known for their durability, strength, and resistance to wear and tear. These fibers are also lightweight, which helps reduce the shoe’s overall weight, making it easier for runners to move quickly and efficiently.

Heel Pull

new balance 1500v5 heel pul

The New Balance 1500v5 running shoe has a heel pull, a small tab or loop on the back of the shoe. This feature offers several benefits for runners. It makes it easy for runners to quickly put on or take off the shoe without needing to deal with laces or struggle with pulling the shoe over the heel.

This can save time during transitions or when preparing for a run. The heel pull provides a secure grip when putting on the shoe, resulting in a snug and secure fit around the heel, preventing slippage or rubbing that could lead to discomfort or blisters.

REVlite Midsole

midsole and cushioning

The RevLite midsole of the 1500v5 is made from a high-quality foam material that is both durable and responsive. The foam is designed to provide a lightweight feel that allows faster running speeds without compromising comfort or support. This is particularly useful for runners who need a shoe to help them run faster without putting too much strain on their legs.

The medial side’s denser foam and TPU shank in the mid-foot provide adequate support for the foot without being excessive.

The foam technology of the RevLite midsole is also designed to absorb shock and impact, which helps to reduce the risk of injury during runs. This is important for runners who want to protect their joints and muscles from the repetitive impact of running. The RevLite midsoles can absorb shock and reduce impact, which helps reduce the risk of injuries such as shin splints and knee pain.

Compared with the ISO 1 and ISO 2 shoes, the 1500v5 was more responsive and allowed for faster running times.

Out-Sole

outsole of new balance 1500v5

The outsole’s aggressive lug pattern offers excellent grip, especially on road surfaces, providing optimal distribution of grip to help runners maintain stability and control. With a 6mm heel-to-toe offset, runners can hit the pavement on their forefoot and lift off on the balls of their feet, encouraging a natural and efficient running form. Additionally, the firm ride ensures runners land close to the ground, enabling them to absorb shock and move quickly.

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New Balance 1500v5 vs Other running shoes

Here’s a table comparing the New Balance 1500v5 and other running shoes

Running Shoe ModelNew Balance 1500v5Nike Pegasus 35Adidas Ultra Boost 21Brooks Ghost 14Asics Gel-Nimbus 23
Upper MaterialSynthetic/MeshEngineered MeshPrimeknit+MeshMesh
Heel DesignStandard HeelSloped HeelStandard HeelSegmented Crash PadStandard Heel
CushioningRevLite FoamZoom Air/CushionBoostDNA LoftGel
Outsole MaterialRubberRubberContinental RubberBlown RubberAHAR Rubber
DurabilityGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
BreathabilityGoodVery GoodVery GoodGoodVery Good
Price$110$120$180$130$150

Pros

  • Lightweight design: The shoe is light and does not weigh down your feet, making it easier to run faster and longer.
  • Excellent traction: The grip on the shoe is solid and works well on trails.
  • Breathable mesh material: The upper mesh keeps your feet cool and comfortable during long runs.
  • Durable: The shoes have held up well after 500 miles of use, with minimal signs of wear and tear.
  • Responsive foam: The foam in the shoe is responsive and helps runners to run faster.

Cons

  • Not suitable for sprinting: While the shoes are great for long runs, they may not be the best.
  • Expensive: The shoes are pricey, and not everyone may be willing to invest in them.
  • Limited color options: While several color combinations are available, some runners may want more options.
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