New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X Vongo V5 Running Shoe Review
The New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X Vongo v5 is engineered for the discerning runner who seeks a balanced combination of plush cushioning and dependable stability. With an eye-catching aesthetic in Light Slate, Thunder, and Ocean Grey, this running shoe not only performs well but also looks great on the road or at the gym.
At the heart of its performance lies the Fresh Foam midsole, which provides luxurious underfoot cushioning that promises comfort even on those long-distance runs. This shoe stands out due to its incorporation of stability features within the midsole and upper, ensuring you receive ample support while maintaining your natural stride.
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Features
- Fresh Foam X midsole delivers exceptional cushioning for unmatched comfort
- Hypoknit upper designed with strategic areas for stretch and support
- Medial post aids in controlling pronation
- Lace-up closure guarantees a secure fit
- Approximately 8 mm drop, subject to variances from manufacturing
Pros
- Exceptional cushioning that enhances comfort during extended wear
- Stability features cater well to overpronators
- Breathable mesh upper promotes airflow
- Easy to clean due to machine-washable materials
- Versatile design suitable for both running and casual use
Cons
- Some users may find the fit slightly narrow
- Weightier compared to other lightweight running shoes
- Limited color options might not appeal to all tastes
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo V5 | ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 | Nike Air Zoom Structure 24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | Fresh Foam X Midsole | FlyteFoam Technology | Zoom Air Units |
| Stability | Medial Post | DYNAMIC DUOMAX | Dynamic Support |
| Upper Material | Hypoknit Mesh | Engineered Mesh | Mesh and Synthetic |
| Drop | Approx. 8 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm |
Detailed Review
Comfort: The Fresh Foam X midsole sets new standards in terms of cushioning. This shoe is ideal for long distances as it absorbs impact and provides comfort throughout your run. Many runners have noted how their feet felt less fatigued after longer sessions, a testament to its superior cushioning technology.
Fit and Sizing: When it comes to fit, the Hypoknit upper offers a flexible yet secure hold on the foot. However, some users with wider feet may find the shoe's fit to be somewhat snug. It’s advisable to try these on or order a size up if you prefer a looser fit.
Stability: Equipped with a medial post, this shoe excels in managing pronation, making it suitable for those who overpronate. The stability features ensure that you maintain your gait throughout your run, minimizing the risk of injury.
Design and Aesthetics: Visually appealing, the Light Slate/Thunder/Ocean Grey colorway adds an element of style without compromising its functionality. This versatility allows you to easily transition from workout to casual outings.
Durability: Constructed with quality materials, including a rubber sole and breathable mesh, the Fresh Foam X Vongo V5 is built to last. Regular users have reported minimal wear even after extensive use.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Outstanding cushioning and support for prolonged wear. |
| Stability | 8/10 | Effective in controlling pronation; suitable for overpronators. |
| Fit | 7/10 | Generally good, but may be narrow for some users. |
| Design | 8/10 | Aesthetically pleasing and versatile for various settings. |
| Durability | 9/10 | High-quality build ensures longevity despite frequent use. |
User Reviews
Bought these for my son because he wanted an updated version of some nike's he has..but I wanted to try something different since nike seems to fall apart and break so quickly. These visits, as I'm told, feel better, look better, and hold up longer than nike in every way when it comes to a boy's shoe for school. Totally recommend. Oh, and they work great with his orthotics!
Great cushion! Very comfortable!If on sale big discount will buy again in blue. It was a short spot sale price
Absolutely comfortable
I tried out a bunch of shoes for running moderate distances of 3-5 miles. I ended up settling on the Kayano 30. The Saucony Guide 16 and Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 were both in a very close second. I tried all of the shoes in a 11.5 wide.Gel Kayano 30: Best overall for a person with a wide and flat foot, who wants support and maximum cushion for long runs. This is the perfect shoe in that respect.-350 grams-Softness: 5/5-Support/Guide: 4/5-Smoothness of heel to toe ride: 5/5-Width: WideBrooks Glycerin GTS 20: Best overall for a person with wide and flat foot, who wants a firm and nimble feeling ride and support. This is the perfect shoe in that respect.-350 grams-Softness: 1/5-Support/Guide: 3/5-Smoothness of heel to toe ride: 5/5-Width: WideSaucony Guide 16: Best overall for a person with a wider foot, who wants a medium level of cushioning and support. This is the perfect shoe in that respect.-350 grams-Softness: 3/5-Support/Guide: 5/5-Smoothness of heel to toe ride: 4/5-Width: WideMizuno Wave Inspire 19: Very good for a person with a wide and flat foot, who wants high cushioning for long runs. Very similar fit to the Saucony Guide 16, but with less support, slightly more cushioning, and a slightly less smooth heel to toe ride. Only real downside is that the cushioning is so soft that it "bottoms out" as if the foam isn't thick enough and you hit the harder base of the shoe under the cushioning.-343 grams-Softness: 4/5-Support/Guide: 2/5-Smoothness of heel to toe ride: 3/5-Width: WideNew Balance Vongo V5: Best overall for a person with a more normal/narrow width foot who wants a little stability and soft cushioning. This is a slightly more narrow and slightly more soft version of the Saucony Guide 16. Similar to the Mizuno Wave except that it's more narrow and has a little more support.-320 grams-Softness: 4/5-Support/Guide: 3/5-Smoothness of heel to toe ride: 5/5-Width: Normal/NarrowBrooks Adrenaline GTS 23: Best overall for a person with a more narrow/normal width foot who wants support and a firm and nimble feeling ride for shorter and faster runs. Not a light shoe though. Feels like a more narrow and slightly more firm version of the Glycerin GTS 20.-Softness: 1/5-Support/Guide: 3/5-Smoothness of heel to toe ride: 5/5-Width: Normal/NarrowSaucony Tempus: Very light shoe. Fairly firm and feels a little stiff and clunky in the ride from heel to toe. No real advantage unless you just want a really light shoe. Questionable durability.310 grams-Softness: 2/5-Support/Guide: 3/5-Smoothness of heel to toe ride: 2/5-Width: NormalSaucony Omni 20: Similar to the Brooks Glycerin in that it's good for a person with a wide flat foot, who wants a more firm shoe with support. But the ride isn't as smooth and the shoe isn't nimble feeling and there's slightly less support. It is slightly softer than the Glycerin though. Very heavy for how firm it is. Would be a better walking shoe.-350 grams-Softness: 1.5/5-Support/Guide: 2/5-Smoothness of heel to toe ride: 5/5-Width: Wide
My friend recommended these shoes to me and I just had my first run in them, and keep in mind I haven't run regularly since college about ten years ago, here's my review:Is the human nose supposed to produce this much snot while running? Felt like I had to stop and hock up more phlegm every 100 feet or so?My ears kept popping open so I had to keep sucking them back closed again or suffer whistling.I think running gave me heartburn? GERD runs in my family so I wouldn't be surprised. After the first quarter mile I felt a burning sensation in my throat. Gotta talk to my doctor about that I guess.Otherwise it went about as expected. My legs aren't used to running so I could only go in bursts, managed to do 3 miles in 45 minutes or so.Shoes are great though.Absolutely no problems with them they were perfect. Will take suggestions on the other problems.
Excellent comfortable shoes.
Stable, comfortable, and lightweight; this is an exceptional shoe! Runs a little narrow in size, but the stability and weight are perfectly balanced. Normally, a shoe with this stability and durability would weight more and feel heavier; but, this shoe feels very light, flexible, and plushy comfortable. A great shoe!
I’m a big fan of NB. This is my third pair of Vongos, two of which the same model and I’ve put thousands of miles in Vongos. Just got to running in these, so the return policy is expired or else I would send them back. The feel of these shoes is not the same as a store bought, or online at New Balance bought shoe. They’re more stuff, less compression on the foam. I don’t know if it was the way they were stored at the fulfillment center, but something is definitely off.