the big data era of running shoes new balance running shoes review

When it comes to New Balance's running shoe midsole cushioning technology, in recent years, New Balance has upgraded the Fresh Foam midsole technology to become its main technology. Fresh Foam, which is based on smart big data, has become well-known in many New Balance products we have introduced. Its representative features are the comfort of cushioning and high adaptability. With the launch of more and more running shoe products using Fresh Foam technology, New Balance has also introduced a sub-top-level support running shoe with a Fresh Foam midsole. Today, we will introduce New Balance's latest product: Fresh Foam Vongo.

The first thing that catches the eye is a touch of fluorescent green, which, as the main color scheme of the running shoe, is particularly eye-catching in a crowd.

The entire shoe is primarily made of synthetic leather and fabric. The upper is mainly fabric, which is lightweight and breathable. The rear sides of the shoe are made of synthetic leather, with an asymmetrical design. The outer side features a honeycomb-shaped breathable hole design, while the inner side is non-perforated. This design enhances the support effect of the inner heel.




The design of the eyelets for the shoelaces on the upper is ingenious. The three-segment design increases the wrapping of the upper. The tongue is semi-fixed to prevent it from shifting during running, which is a significant improvement compared to my other pair, the NB 1260 V5.

The heel has built-in TPU, narrowing the heel for a better fit and more stability while running. The midsole groove can also be seen from the back.

The unique outsole groove of the Vongo can gather the runner's shifted center of gravity to the middle. The density of the diamond-shaped rubber particles on the inner and outer sides of the outsole is different, with the inner side being denser than the outer side. This unique design is specifically for overpronators, providing more grip on the inner side.

Next is the core part of the Vongo—the midsole. The Fresh Foam midsole was developed by the NB research lab, which found that the force on each centimeter of the foot varies during landing. By accurately calculating the runner's needs based on big data samples, they precisely calculated the average force on each part of the foot. Each centimeter of the midsole is independently designed. Ordinary support running shoes usually have midsoles made of materials like soft foam on the outer side and hard foam on the inner side. As the number of 'parts' in the sole increases, the stability of the shoe can be imagined. Fresh Foam is made from a single piece of material, with different hardness on the inner and outer sides. The Vongo midsole is distinguished by different shapes on the inner and outer sides.




The outer side features hexagonal shapes that differ in the front and back, with the forefoot being flatter than the midfoot and rearfoot. This design allows for more responsive feedback in the forefoot during running and better cushioning in the heel. The inner side uses a triangular cushioning structure different from the honeycomb structure on the outer side, creating a perfect combination of inner support and outer cushioning, providing stronger protection for overpronators. Additionally, the inner arch sidewall is raised for stronger support, helping to correct overpronation.

After all this information, are you eager to try them out? A brief introduction about myself: I have been running for 3 years, with a height of 168cm, a weight of 65kg, and low arches with overpronation (eversion). I tested the New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo in five runs: 5km, 7km, 5km, 12km, and 21km, totaling 50km. Below are my evaluations based on wrapping, support, and cushioning.

The wrapping of the Vongo's upper is relatively good. The 2E wide last is suitable for Asian feet, and the width is just right for me. Although there isn't much padding in the tongue, the previously mentioned eyelet design provides just the right wrapping. The heel has been improved compared to the NB 1260 V5, with a narrowed design that fits well during running.

Support

The Vongo is positioned as a sub-top-level support running shoe, designed for a distance of 10km. In practical use, as a runner with some experience, it can fully handle half-marathon or even full-marathon distances. Speaking of my experience running a half-marathon in the Vongo, although the Vongo's arch does not have TPU, I could always feel the arch support. Unlike other support running shoes, it doesn't have the feeling of the arch being pressed by TPU. I hope New Balance can soon release a top-level support running shoe with a Fresh Foam midsole, which I believe runners will look forward to.

Fresh Foam is known for its cushioning. The Vongo combines the superior cushioning performance of Fresh Foam with the ingenious design of the midsole and outsole, achieving a perfect combination of cushioning and support. You can't fully appreciate the cushioning performance of Fresh Foam just by walking; you can only feel its cushioning feedback when running. The sole is soft but provides quick feedback without a sluggish feeling.

The Fresh Foam Vongo won the Best Debut Award for Summer 2016 from the well-known American running magazine 'RUNNER'S WORLD' and received very high praise. The Vongo breaks the convention of traditional support running shoes, effectively correcting overpronation. The use of Fresh Foam material not only enhances the shoe's strength but also provides a solid landing feel and good feedback. The outsole, made through big data analysis, is more suitable for every runner with overpronation. Don't hesitate; get moving with this pair of running shoes!