NEW BALANCE 2021 REVIEW (1/2) NEW ASPHALT AND MOUNTAIN. FUELCELL, FRESH FOAM AND TRAIL RANGES.

Posted by Héctor Rubio on February 1, 2021 in trail running gear, trail running spain | 2 Comments

NEW BALANCE RUNNING 2021 REVIEW: What’s new in the asphalt and mountain range from the brand. Our NEW BALANCE section brings us today the best of the 2021 New Balance running category. We focus on three pillars: The NB Fuelcell and NB Fresh Foam X for asphalt, plus New Balance trail running.

In the video you will see the top eight, for us. But there are many more, below explained in text. From the new Carbon Plate Fuelcell, to the classic Fuelcell or half a dozen mountain racing shoes, to the Fresh Foam X range. We start with video summary by Mayayo, then the entire catalogue review. Video in Spanish.

NEW BALANCE RUNNING 2021 REVIEW
TOP8: FUELCELL ASPHALT, FRESH FOAM X ASPHALT; TRAIL RUNNING

One of the things that characterizes the Boston brand in recent years is its wide catalog of running shoes. Models focused on all types of runners, from initiation models to models for fast runners and short races, to models for rolling and rolling, from the tartan with the carbon plate to the high mountain ridges, to the paved streets or the forest tracks.

Perhaps the most interesting thing is the variety of technologies used, to offer at the end to each runner in each field a different solution: Thus, in the damping we see both carbon plates and modern foams type Fuelcell and Freshfoam X.

On the soles, bets ranging from the classic Vibram Megragip to hydrohesion and AT Tread rubbers to the revolutionary Ground Contact Eva, where it is NOT just rubber used, but the foam itself rests on the floor.

NEW BALANCE RUNNING ASPHALT 2021
FUELCELL (WITH/WITHOUT CARBON PLATE) AND FRESH FOAM X.

In these moments we could divide this running collection into three pillars:

• Asphalt: On the one hand, the two base technologies of your asphalt midsole used are the FuelCell (with/without carbon plates) or Fresh Foam X. The first with more lightness and reactivity, the second with more cushioning and stability.
• Mountain: On the other hand, the shoes for mountain racing.

NEW BALANCE FUELCELL: LIGHTNESS AND REACTIVITY.

The FuelCell is a compound intended to seek greater energy return and propulsive transition, designed to run faster at any distance. It includes THE ACL foam that offers us a very light material with a high energy return, mixture of TPU material and different foams.

Achieved through a process that allows the material granules to be placed in a pressurized chamber, creating a super light S.G (density) with a very high energy return. Density is measured using the specific gravity (S.G) that corresponds to the weight of the material.

The smaller the number, the lighter the material, usually ranges from 0.11 to 0.18. All this allows them to be compatible with other compounds such as carbon plate.

It also allows a higher height of the midsole than in recent studies offers greater displacement increasing cushioning. With this blend New Balance achieves a premium material that is only found in the FuelCell family on rc Elite v1/2, Rebel v2 and Lerato and TC models. Now let’s look at the two most representative models of the Fuelcell.

NEW BALANCE FUELCELL PROPEL V2

Neutral training shoe for all types of runner that can also serve us for competition thanks to its Fuelcell compound of the midsole, with a weight of 270gr, a drop of 6mm and a retail price of 110€, is an ideal shoe for any type tread offering support and reactivity for any race rhythm.

NEW BALANCE FUELCELL REBEL V2

Copying the Propel v2, we have the Rebel v2, a lighter neutral mixed shoe, of just 204gr, 6mm drop and a sale price of 140€, unlike the Propel, the Rebel wears a synthetic mesh on its cover and is intended for runners looking for even greater reactivity, thanks to its lighter weight, could be a perfect complement to this Propel v2.

NEW BALANCE FUELCELL PRISM

This time and to complete the trio, we have the Fuelcell PRISM, a shoe with tread control and stability, intended for runners with slight pronation, but that can serve without problems for neutral runners. It incorporates a slight support on the inside of the midsole that together with the Fuelcell will help us to give stability in the race. Weighing 244gr (between Propel and Rebel averages), keeping the drop 6mm and a retail price of 130€.

But it’s not all going to be Fuelcell, as we’ve already mentioned, New Balance has managed to balance the Fuelcell with carbon plates, and we now move to shoes with three models intended for different types of runner.

NEW BALANCE FUELCELL LERATO

On the one hand, the Fuelcell Lerato, a new shoe from the 2021 collection, with high-end cushioning for those runner who wants to wear a carbon plate training shoe. Premium materials and traditional construction that seeks greater durability than its other two companions. With a weight of 339gr, a price of 25€ and an intermediate drop of 8mm, it will be one of the shoes chosen by many in the running community.

NEW BALANCE FUELCELL TC ENERGYSTREAK

Both for training and competing New Balance has launched the Fuelcell TC, a shoe with an intermediate weight of 263gr that thanks to its fuelcell midsole and full carbon plate throughout its midsole offers us flexibility, a lot of reactivity and good durability. Drop something higher than the Lerato, 10mm and with a more breathable and soft cover. It looks like this shoe will be ideal for runners looking for speed in short trains and competitions.

NEW BALANCE FUELCELL RC ELITE

The fastest of New Balance’s carbon plates, aimed at the elite racer and designed through the information and data collection of New Balance athletes. LA Fuelcell RC Elite is presented as an ideal shoe for short runs or even marathon. Incorporating a completely different sole (Dynaride) very light and that provides maximum traction. At a good time, she will be chosen by The Elite Runners of New Balance. Just 201gr, for a drop of 10mm and a price of 230€.

NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM X: AMORTIGUATION AND STABILITY.

We’ve already talked about Fresh Foam X, a compound born in 2014 to offer premium cushioning to shoes. It offers a smooth transition and plenty of comfort, and is designed for rolling, rolling and rolling.

Evolved to maximum expression, the Fresh Foam X is now softer, more reactive, thanks to laser engraving its hexagonal geometries that offer us greater return of energy and comfort. In short, a compound that will allow us to go light and in turn very comfortable. Let’s look at the most representative models of fresh foam X.

NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM X 1080 V11

The jewel in the Crown of Fresh Foam for our fellow carrerasdemontana.com. An ideal shoe for long rolling and laying. With Fresh Foam X compound it gives you excellent comfort and maintaining an Ultra Hell heel that provides support and comfort. Few changes from version 10 if we exclude the cover that has been improved. Weighing 263gr, a drop of 9mm and a retail price of 170 euros.

NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM X 880 V11

A classic, looking to be classic but not forgetting the latest New Balance technologies. Weighing 298gr, a drop of 10, and a price of 140 euros, the 880v11 radically modifies its cover with a Jacquard dolbe mesh that will adapt much better to the foot than its predecessor. Reducing the heel TPU also for comfort and maintaining the side supports that give it a little more stability than the 1080.

NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM X MORE V3

The most cushioned in the house comes in version 3 with heel improvements and new bending cuts on the sole to give us more stability and flexibility. A 4mm low drop for a shoe so cushioned that it reaches 30cm at its rear and seeks to offer runners as smoothness, comfort and cushioning as possible. If you adapt to that low drop, it can be a perfect shoe to make kilometers and kilometers without rest with a weight of 326gr and a price of 150 euros.

NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM X TEMPO

The Fresh Foam X Tempo is a mixed shoe that we have talked about many times in moxigeno.com, intended for runners who want to run fast but without the use of the Fuelcell and who are more accustomed to Fresh Foam, is the heiress of the Zante. With just 260gr and a drop of 6mm it is a light and reactive shoe that fits perfectly to our foot.

NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM X EVOZ

A new model is EVOZ for nods brokers, at a very measured price of 100o and a weight of 304gr. A shoe with top quality materials and compounds, such as the Fresh Foam X that surprises with its low drop (4mm), something that we find rare when it is intended for runners who start. This versatility will help you make your way for experienced runners who want a low-priced shoe for their usual workouts.

We can not forget in addition to shoes that have been with us for some time such as the 860v11 for pronadores, the Solvi, a classic cut shoe with Trufuse midsole, the Arishi that in its version 3 aa lightness and comfort or the 680v6 and 520v7 qeu at very measured prices can be very interesting for the popular runner.

NEW BALANCE TRAIL RUNNING: COOMING SOON

Given the enormous density and variety of the NB 2021 catalogue, we preferred to stop here today before leaving the asphalt, to bring you very soon a monograph of your mountain shoes. For those who do not want to wait, above on video you already have the general presentation of Hierro V& and More Trail V1, whose reviews are already published on the web.

In addition, the third part of our #radiotrail below explains, with Abel and Mayayo, more details about the other models that accompany these two best-sellers for nb 2021 mountain races. Hit the play down to hear it all about New Balance….or skip the first 35 minutes and focus on the mountain, summarized in the final 15min. It’s up to you!

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Read the article in Spanish HERE.
Post by Héctor Rubio for Trailrunningspain