New Balance Balos Full Review | A versatile training shoe with a lot of bounce

The Balos may not have a plate, but the soft and bouncy PEBA-blended foam makes it a shoe that fits neatly into the world of super trainers. Designed for versatility, the midsole provides a high level of cushioning for easy runs but can easily allow you to pick up the pace thanks to an impressive level of energy return and a smooth rocker geometry.

As well as the balance midsole foam, there’s a healthy layer of ground contact EVA on the outsole built to provide protection and add grip, while helping to retain a relatively light weight.

JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
00:00​​​​ - Intro
00:12 - Stats
00:28 - Design
01:04 - How's the fit?
02:02 - The Run Test
09:48 - Should You Buy It?

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[akwk]

My first NB running shoe, done 50km in them and absolutely love them. Soft and bouncy but with a rocker that helps you pick up the pace.

[Bodhished]

The Balos has become my favorite shoe. I can't think of anything I would like to change on it. Maybe if you want more speed a plated trainer may be better, but I find I can still run pretty fast in it.

[ItsTomhs]

Was looking forward for the full review and it didn’t disappoint. I really wish it came at 160-180€.

[wrockker]

I’ve put about 50kms on mine. Soft, smooth, bouncy. Love it so far.

[rfezzie]

As someone who just can't get the Superblast (Asics shoes don't work for my 2e feet), the Balos might have to be my one and done shoe. It may not be the fastest, but neither am I. That being said, would like this to be a bit cheaper. Would love to see a comparison between this and the SC Trainer.

[andro]

the invincible 1 is a spot on comp! I tried them out and they were great but felt the fit was a little too snug for a comfy/long run shoe where my feet are bound to swell after a few hours.. Also: the price :(. But looking forward to future versions of these as I think they have something going on here for a niche/hybrid trainer that's on the bouncier/cushier/comfier side of the super trainers out there

[gatordonttakenoshiat]

Will you be reviewing the More V5 soon?

[Feanaro]

This is my main target for Black Friday sales.

[ThirstyPups]

This is one of very few options for US mens 16s running shoes - do you think this would be a viable option for a marathon around a 3:30-3:40 pace?

[robhaddock]

Went to try on Rebel v4's today and the toe box was just way too roomy for my foot shape, especially once I'd sized up for NB fitting...so tried these on, on a bit of a whim and the shallower forefoot worked perfectly. That underfoot cush was glorious too. Used my SportShoes 15% dissy code so the price was closer to where it should be too. Looking forwards to getting out in them.

[rameses]

Im getting mine this week. I ordered this thinking i might not get a superblast 2 due to the high demand and limited production. Then i found out i might get the sb2 in the next couple of weeks after all so will know how both shoes stack up against each other.

[owendallison]

Newbie question. When you talk about a trainer being good for speed sessions, is it all relative? I am pretty new to running so my ‘speed’ sessions are 4m45 km pace at best.

Would we be looking st the same trainers for speed work on that basis alone? My guess is these would be great for me as a race shoe or speed work show given my pace (and hefty 95kg frame). I tried these on and thought ‘here are my PB shoes’. I have glycerin 22s for easy and ‘long’ runs

[marcdupont]

Thanks for the review guys. Would love to know which you'd pick and why between the Balos and the Skyflow ... torn between trying one fo them. Disappointed with the latest version of the good ol Triumphs and need to wean myself off my plated SCElite V3 (not the V4s) which I reach for all the time and I absolutely love for easy, longer runs.

So Skyflow or Balos guys?

[davidzlotnick]

Hi runtesters
Thanks for the review
Was wondering about waking in the Balis - if it was the one show you would bring on holiday … does it also feel ok for walking around besides for the running versatility?
Thanks

[CoachBNG]

Would you choose this or the puma Magmax for daily miles/easy/recovery?

[i.p]

Great review, regarding the fit. I am TTS in the SC Elite V3 but half a size down in the SC trainer V2.. Does it fit short like the SC Elite V3? 😂

[adamfeerst]

Will it stick around, or go the way of the Beacon?

[i.p]

I have done a few long runs and recovery runs in the Balos. The soft midsole is unstable and can stress my Achilles Tendon during a long run. Low enemy return is a bit of a issue once I get tired.. Shoe does seem to bottom out a bit after about 15K.. Actual good because it stops ducking up energy. All in all a very comfortable shoe but the low energy return is still there. 😂

[hoosierjtf]

How does this compare to the original SC trainer since the 3rd version is horrid?

[chrismogridge]

You said you were running 3.15 per kilometre at the track and it wasn't holding you back. So have we all been brainwashed into believing we must have a plated shoe with 100% peba to run fast? Do we have to be uncomfortable in a Vaporfly to believe we can be our best? Could Kipchoge have run a sub 2 hour marathon in a pair of Dunlop Volleys? We may never know, but I do know that marketing plays a large part in what we are prepared to pay for products.