New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1  Running Shoe Review

Reviewed Dec 08, 2025 at 01:58pm
Tested using Methodology v0.8.2 
New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1
6.3
Marathon Racing 
6.1
5K/10K Racing 
4.5
Energy Return 
8.0
Cushioning 
7.9
Lateral Stability 
 0

We've tested these running shoes to expand our database and allow users to compare results to help with their buying decisions. We don't expect to write a full review, but if you have any questions about this product, please let us know.

Our Verdict

6.3
Marathon Racing 
6.1
5K/10K Racing 
4.5
Energy Return 
8.0
Cushioning 
7.9
Lateral Stability 
  • 6.3
    Marathon Racing
  • 6.1
    5K/10K Racing

  • Performance Usages

  • 4.5
    Energy Return
  • 8.0
    Cushioning
  • 7.9
    Lateral Stability
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Dec 08, 2025: Review published.
    2.  Updated Nov 28, 2025: Our testers have started testing this product.
    3.  Updated Oct 01, 2025: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
    4.  Updated Sep 26, 2025: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
    How We Test Running Shoes
    How We Test Running Shoes

    We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    6.6
    Weight
    Weight
    244.7 g (8.63 oz)
    Stack Heights
    Heel Stack Height
    35.6 mm
    Forefoot Stack Height
    31.7 mm
    Heel-To-Toe Drop
    3.9 mm
    Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
    5.0 mm
    External Shape
    Outsole Heel Width
    96 mm (3.8")
    Outsole Arch Width
    82 mm (3.2")
    Outsole Forefoot Width
    117 mm (4.6")
    Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
    2.70
    Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
    3.69
    Internal Shape
    Internal Length
    281 mm (11.1")
    Internal Heel Width
    68 mm (2.7")
    Internal Forefoot Width
    90 mm (3.5")
    Wide Sizing Available
    Yes
    Other Features
    Tongue Gusset Type
    Fully-gusseted
    Plate
    None
    Performance
    4.7
    Heel Energy Return
    See details on graph tool
    Heel Energy Return
    71.4%
    4.4
    Forefoot Energy Return
    See details on graph tool
    Forefoot Energy Return
    71.2%
    7.9
    Heel Cushioning
    See details on graph tool
    Energy Absorbed At 550N
    3.80 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1100N
    9.52 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1900N
    15.81 J
    8.1
    Forefoot Cushioning
    See details on graph tool
    Energy Absorbed At 800N
    5.09 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1300N
    8.77 J
    Energy Absorbed At 2050N
    12.72 J
    5.7
    Heel Firmness
    See details on graph tool
    Firmness At 550N
    51.4 N/mm
    Firmness At 1100N
    118.0 N/mm
    Firmness At 1900N
    255.7 N/mm
    7.8
    Forefoot Firmness
    See details on graph tool
    Firmness At 800N
    97.5 N/mm
    Firmness At 1300N
    203.6 N/mm
    Firmness At 2050N
    410.5 N/mm