MC: New Balance trail shoes are great for beginners and runners who already like New Balance road shoes. For beginners, the brand’s limited trail lineup won’t be overwhelming to sort through, and most of the shoes (with the exception of the Summit Unknown) provide a relatively well-cushioned ride that should suit new runners. In addition, if you already like New Balance’s Fresh Foam or FuelCell cushioning in its road shoes, then you’ll probably appreciate a trail shoe that utilizes those materials as well. Explore options engineered for trail runners, featuring technology like engineered mesh uppers with no-sew overlays for lightweight durability, and upgraded tread outsoles or Vibram outsoles to provide versatile traction for on and off-road activities. Not to mention, Toe Protect technology for extra durability and laser perforations for ventilation. This shoe is a great choice for anyone who isn’t overly concerned with appearances but needs a pair that’s going to do more while they train. The materials used are of high quality and help to make this pair an enjoyable ride.

The Expert: I became a runner in middle school and have covered running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. I’ve written more about running shoes than I have any other type of gear, and I have firsthand experience with models from a range of brands, including New Balance. What to Consider When Shopping for New Balance Trail Shoes

Support

The upper is also minimally protected, with a thin film overlay serving as toe bumper, and the rest of the shoe made of lightweight, breathable mesh. Traction Experience the support and durability you need every step of the way with a hiking shoe that provides a responsive ride. New Balance is proud to present the Men's hiking shoes and boots collection. We've put together an engineered selection of hiking and trail footwear designed to guide you toward a worthwhile summit - no matter how rough the journey may be. Our models are designed for a variety of terrains with strong lugs for traction on slippery surfaces, or lightweight midsoles providing comfort on uneven terrain and obstacles.

The midsole in this shoe uses Fresh Foam, but as far as we can tell, not a whole lot of it. The underfoot protection feels minimal, and thus we appreciated the shoe more on smooth trails like this one.Compared to other brands, especially trail-focused shoemakers like Salomon and Inov-8, New Balance’s trail shoe lineup is small. But that doesn’t mean these shoes skimp on performance. One reason to consider New Balance is if you already like the company’s road shoes. The brand uses the same midsole cushioning foams (more on those later) across its road and trail models, so you can create a similar running experience off the pavement. Another reason to shop New Balance? It offers affordable trail shoes, most notably the Fresh Foam Garoé below, that are great if you’re looking for less of an upfront investment. This shoe is a responsive ride that ensures no energy is wasted with every step. Its Response 1.0 Performance insert add an additional full-length layer of cushion that helps to support and protect the delicate underside of the foot.

This collection offers uniquely designed trail and hiking shoes that never ask you to sacrifice comfort for features. Our Nitrel V4s are equipped with AT tread outsoles to provide enhanced traction and top-notch impact support while our 669v2s feature stability, style, and ABZORB Foam for responsive cushioning. Take a leisurely stroll up a mountainside or shave valuable seconds off your PR as you trail run your favorite path with New Balance’s collection of women’s trail running and hiking shoes. New Balance offers the comfortable fit, durable support and technology-focused design needed for your trek up any mountain or down any trail, whether it's a leisurely stroll up your favorite mountain path or a mission to shave the last few seconds off your trail running personal best. With uniquely designed hiking shoes and boots - like our 978s, our best-trail technology created to support you with a focus on performance - New Balance never asks you to sacrifice comfort for cutting-edge features.New Balance offers the comfortable fit, durable support and technology-focused design needed for your trek up any mountain or down any trail, whether it’s a leisurely stroll up your favorite mountain path or a mission to shave the last few seconds off your trail running personal best. With uniquely designed hiking shoes and boots, New Balance never asks you to sacrifice comfort for cutting-edge features. Fuel Cell is used in New Balance’s speed-oriented shoes. For the trail, the only option is the Summit Unknown, which utilizes the foam to create a responsive and nimble running experience. Other Trail Tech New Balance men’s running shoes are renowned for their sleek designs, lightweight materials and supreme cushioning. For something better suited to long-distance running, opt for the 880, which features a breathable mesh FantomFit upper with a no-sew overlay engineered for ultra-light support.