Back to Shoe Finder

New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos

Balos is New Balance's newest max-cushion trainer, slotting near the More with a tall, soft Fresh Foam X stack and a smooth rocker aimed squarely at comfort. It launched in 2025 as a plush option for recovery days and long, easy miles, with a wide base that keeps the soft foam from feeling tippy. A newer name, so it lacks the track record of the 1080 or More lines.

Quick specs
CushionMaximum
SupportMild
Drop6 mm
Heel stack42 mm
Toe boxStandard
Foot strikeHeel, Midfoot, Forefoot
Who it's for

Reach for the New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos for easy recovery days, long runs and everyday training miles. A wide, stable base keeps it steady without stability hardware — a good pick if you're mostly neutral but like a planted feel. The tall, soft stack favors comfort over ground feel — great for high mileage and bigger runners, less so for racing snappiness.

Recovery runsLong runsDaily training
Pros
  • Very soft, protective cushioning
  • Stable base for a max-stack shoe
  • Comfortable for long easy efforts
Cons
  • Heavy and easy-pace only
  • New model with limited long-term track record
Similar shoes to consider
ShoeCushionSupportPrice
Hoka Bondi 9
Hoka
MaximumMild$170Analyze
Hoka Clifton 10
Hoka
MaximumNeutral$150Analyze
ASICS Novablast 5
ASICS
MaximumNeutral$150Analyze
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14
New Balance
MaximumNeutral$165Analyze
Skill profile
Support62
Cushion90
Durability80
Popularity55
Price70
Versatility60
Lightness66

Ratings compare the current lineup. Price favors lower cost.

Key stats
$160Price (MSRP)
42 mmStack height
6 mmDrop
10.5 ozMen's weight
9.5 ozWomen's weight
2025Release year
Shop this shoe

Runner Toolkit may earn a commission when you buy through these links. It never affects the price you pay or which shoes we recommend.