New Balance Balos

[@elliotendures]

Zero interest in this shoe, but Ko posted a shoe review... so we're watching.

[@kofuzi]

thanks so much!

[@heykatgarcia]

Same lol

[@bobwundaye]

I had lots of interest in this shoe and was waiting for kofuzi thoughts to drop 😆

[@seetfei]

So true

[@WaskiLP]

So true for so many videos of him

[@alexcorll90]

Great looking shoe. $200 is nuts imo. We need to normalize the $120 running shoe again.

[@ColinBloodworth]

This is a particularly interesting review to watch I feel, for people new to running shoes. You cover a lot of topics and terminology in a short amount of time in ways that are easy to understand. This shoe isn't for me, but it's a perfect review, as always, Mike.

[@kofuzi]

thanks for the feedback, Colin!

[@jollyroger1009]

Never seen a shoe with the brown/orange colourway before: it's pretty cool. Even has some corduroy-ish material on it. 70s throwback!

[@chocolatechow7697]

good point

[@danw7864]

I don’t need any more shoes. Please post more shoe content.

[@michelleharrington9821]

The way you compared the pain you were having with these New Balance with the Speed 3 definitely helped so much! I had similar pain with the Speed 3. I've been wondering why some shoes, even in a brand that usually works, are an absolute no for me. I feel ike your explanation for what was happening underfoot was a total lightbulb moment! It made me wonder if the reason this is happening with some of the shoes with max cushioning is the 'weight' of the runner themselves being on the lighter side, along with their mechanics of their stride. Maybe that is what makes it so that the compresison of the shoe isn't ideal, thus causing that specific pain you were describing. As far as max cushion, I personally had a problem with Asics Novablast 4 and the Saucony Triumph a few versions back. Thank you so much for your insightful review!

[@kofuzi]

I'm not sure if my hypothesis on what is causing the pain is correct, but it's the best I could come up with so far.

[@naterobertson]

I just got the Superblast 2 on the weekend and experiencing the same thing! Also getting it across my arches. Feels more like a hot, burning pain. Hoping the foam breaks in more and maybe molds to my feet a bit.

[@fecardona]

13:34 when you made the pause, and when looking at the picture of Asics’s site on screen, thought you were going to say “…the Superblast 2 is…already sold out” 😂😂😂

[@kofuzi]

I've spoken to asics about it. more are coming relatively soon. more colors. more stock. there's a roadmap of releases over the next 12 months

[@eirabee]

@@kofuziany chance they’ll release the proto colour for the rest of us??

[@jeffyeah4256]

@@kofuzi what's the best for walking? 1080v13 are comfy.

[@laalaa99stl]

I'm not even a "More" kind of person, but I'm still looking forward to your V5 review somehow.

[@kofuzi]

I'm looking forward to getting it in for testing

[@Islandstrength1955]

My experience with the NB More V3s was kinda similar. Lots of reviewers recommended it for heavier runners. Ok, that was me. Not soft, not bouncy, too tight. I suffered through till I tried a Triumph 20, oh my gosh, this is what a good shoe feels like? Taking a long break from NB.

[@kofuzi]

very glad that you've found something that works for you!

[@bwise0922]

Great review as always. I concur, i think all brands now are making the 2 separate "lines" (including foams) for shoes. 1) for the hoppy casual/joggers (comfort the #1 priority) that don't really run/train for races and 2) those that run / train for races and need more performance aspects (lighter / breathable and can pickup the pace easily) of a shoes and will sacrifice stability and comfort for performance. I think its good brands do this now as there are so many options within a brand now for runners. Overlapping IMO is not a bad thing and kind of nice to have so many options.

[@kofuzi]

It’s a good time to be a runner

[@SteevWho]

They should have just reimagined the 1080 instead of releasing this shoe at a much higher price point. I would assume they will still sell it to enthusiasts but, at this price point it will push a lot of normal folks out of the market. Appreciate your take.

[@vtru2743]

I heard the newer versions of the 1080 will be more similar to the Balos, and Balos will not have more iterations. @kofuzi know anything about this?

[@kofuzi]

I feel like the 1080v13 was incredibly reimagined as it is. like, did we already forget the 1080v10, which was such an important shoe for new balance that they held off on updates for about 20 months? and think about how different the 1080v13 is from a 1080v10. or a 1080v9

[@SteevWho]

@@kofuzi Just seems like a money grab by taking the v13 reshaping the midsole and adding an upper that they should have put on the v13 to begin with. That is something they could have done to the v13 and left it at the $165 price point instead of deciding half way through the development process, make a second shoe and charge a premium for it. The versions you seem to be harkening back to were mostly disliked by the public and they had no choice but to change up those versions with the onslaught of shoes from other manufacturers that were taking the spotlight. The v13 is already considered a relatively high priced shoe for what it is, I have a pair mind you, and enjoy them, and adding an extra premium for a better upper and a redesigned midsole, just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me, as a consumer. None the less I stand by my statement that the masses that even love New Balance will probably pass on the Balos with other shoes in their own line that seem to be more sot after and less expensive. We will see what the v14 brings.

[@karls8989]

i would like to see your thoughts on the hyperion max 2 which to me has taken over for the superblast because its firm fast and the natural role works better than bouncing along

[@T_bo71]

I agree

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

I tried it on briefly and was blown away by the comfort of its great upper and the way the roll geometry seemed to work with my stride. As a previous fan of the Tempo, then the Hyperion Max but wanting something more protective, I plan to buy a pair when my Mach6 are worn out. My other trainer is the Rebel4 but I think the support of the Hyp Max2 upper and the thicker midsole will be great for my longest runs, especially those with MP miles. I despise very mushy midsoles which wear me out.

[@hawesrr50]

I am a newer runner (18 months) but have already purchased 5 different model shoes 😂. I experienced exactly same pain (even calused) from the Endorphin Speed 3 as you explained. Aside from that, I loved the shoe more than any other, just cant run in t due to the pain. I was very excited for, and looking forward to, getting the Balos. However, not willing to chance it if the pain is same as the speed 3.

[@zuozuo3190]

Although I like the midsole of NB, I have run 600 kilometers on the sc trainer v1 , and so far I have not found a shoe with a similar feeling to it. Balos was once an expected goal, but now I have modified and bought Superblast v2

[@theghostofpcs2391]

The SC Trainer v1 is fantastic! Good to hear you got so much mileage out of it. I have over 400 km on my current pair, and a fresh pair ready to go.

[@DZero_Aperture]

Dang that sucks when the foot issue comes up with certain shoes. Cheers for getting through the review!

[@kofuzi]

I was hoping I could just run my way through the issue, but after that 16 mile run (~30 miles total on the shoe), it didn't seem like it was either a break in issue or an acclimation issue

[@christopherfoo9334]

​@@kofuzido you think it's Morton's Neuroma?

[@robertoflores2786]

The foot pain situation happened to me in the Novablast 4. But it was more of a numbing sensation in both pads of my feet. I also suspected it had something to do with the bouncy high stack of the shoe.

[@laalaa99stl]

$200? There is absolutely _no way_ I'm picking this over a Superblast. I do like that clay/relic brown colorway though. I think you may be right about why these shoes hurt you. There's a reason why their SCT and Elites have a center channel. But then again, Superblast doesn't have one so...🤷‍♂ BTW, Google says Balos is a Greek dance.

[@kofuzi]

another observation is that Endorphin Pro 3 has a center channel (no pain), but Endorphin Speed 3 does not (pain).

[@justintung7981]

I'm looking for a max cushion daily trainer that doesn't feel like a puddle of mud after 30 minutes or a set of bricks, so the Balos definitely had my interest when it was announced at the running event. What I don't get is the colorway. Brown. Really NB? Brown? The $200 price point is understandable compared to the color choice, since the Superblast sold to great success at that price point, despite numerous outcries at its release. Something else that doesn't make sense to me is NB's product spread in general. The only non-plated fuelcell shoe is the rebel, which packs a measly 30mm of stack. The rest of the fuelcell line all have some kind of plate. What really makes me scratch my head is what they've done to the Trainer. Initially, the first iteration had a stack that dared to go beyond the 40mm legal limit. As a trainer, it made perfect sense: It wasn't meant for you to race in. Instead of working on ways to decrease the weight without decreasing the stack, they trimmed the shoe down to be race legal even though it was designated as a non-racing shoe. The running industry has this strange fetish with the 40mm rule. 99.9% of your buyers will NEVER be in a situation where that limit matters. There are ways to stabilize a shoe without using a plate despite 40mm+ stack height (see Superblast). Why can't we get a Fuelcell non-plated trainer at, around, or above 40mm? Instead you hit us with the $200 BROWN Balos, which uses Freshfoam instead of Fuelcell. Since this fills a niche in my rotation, I'll probably still buy it when there's a colorway other than BROWN, but NB PLEASE. Give us a non-plated max stack Fuelcell trainer. I know you can do it. I don't want to be giving my $ to Hoka's overly flamboyant and childish styling, nor to ON that has sustained itself for years by relying on gimmicks and essentially selling overpriced lifestyle sneakers.

[@kofuzi]

Yo im 100% team burgundy. Gang gang

[@BrandonHunter-p8v]

That caparison just saved me some coins! Much appreciated!

[@kofuzi]

happy running!

[@Manuel-901]

Hi. Thanks for this description. NB Balos=$200= No for me. I prefer the Rebel v4. Like to Kofuzi. A nice day for everyone.

[@revivalist70]

Thank you for the review. Excellent Is Balos really comfortable for walking and all day wear?

[@georgesoto5436]

I bought the 1080 V13 fresh more and after running over 200 miles im beyond done. Pure mush, no bounce whatsoever. I hated them…will be taking a break from NB. Great review BTW

[@-Liyash-]

Desperately waiting for new balance more v5 review.

[@sachakopa7964]

I’m interested if there’s a bit more space in the forefoot than the 1080v13. I’d buy a pair now if they were 30/40 bucks cheaper. I love buying runners but gotta curb my habit of buying more shoes when I’ve already got a couple same type/use pairs going.

[@connorgraham6692]

hey @kofuzi i'm debating on waiting a week to grba the balos shoe OR do I just go with the more v5 (podiatry problems = custom insoles and daily gym shoes)

[@luke_what_we_have_here]

Seems to me like this shoe would have been the "max cushion" version of the NB Beacon (RIP) kind of like how the 1080 is the max cushion version of the 880. Thoughts?

[@danw7864]

Literally exactly my experience with the endorphin speed 3

[@swanso]

Hi, I think the 1080 v13 is not suitable for heavy weight runners. Do you think this Baos, yes it is? I come from a More V4 and I hesitate between going to the V5 or evaluating this Baos. thanks in advance, much appreciated

[@dhoang75]

I got the underfoot sensation with some partcular shoes as well, like Novablast 3 & Alphafly 3. I think I have Morton's neuroma, but where I live the doc's have no idea what Im talking about. Novablast 3 = pain @ 30min 2-h long run in Superblast = no pain AF3 = pain @ 30min PrimeXStrung = No pain.

[@clem.n]

Looks like this was NB's attempt at a Superblast competitor. I hope other brands start stepping up to the plate and having a proper crack as well.

[@robsnow2099]

In terms of just bounce/response, is it like the Cielo? That’s probably the bounciest shoe I’ve ever run in. I have the 1080 v 13, and that immediately became an everyday walking shoe…just not enough energy return. Like you said about the infinity run, I felt like I was fighting the shoe.

[@Matthew-px9nu]

So 1080 or this you think ? Thanks for the review !

[@kofuzi]

depends on what kind of shoe you want. they are two slightly different tools for slightly different jobs

[@CorGP]

Looking to up my volume after the richmond marathon to maintaining 35-40 mpw for 3-4 months. I want to do that mainly in non plated shoes so I’m looking at these and the superblast for my long runs.

[@kofuzi]

great options either way

[@ralphdelposo9688]

Its sad that you had an issue on it Mike. Really have high expectation on it also considering the hype it has. Hoping the freshfoam line up could create something that you can use for race day.

[@kofuzi]

I think this would make a very good marathon option for a lot of runners, so I'm not trying to say that the Balos or a Fresh Foam X shoe can't be used that way. but I'm not sure I see how Fresh Foam X and say, carbon fiber, would really fit together. we spent years begging New Balance to put peba in their race day shoes and only this year did we finally get it.

[@williamsjc12]

The camera work... looks better than real life.

[@kofuzi]

Thank you 🙏

[@joelmarkcandido8553]

I hope Puma deviate nitro 3 is next 😊

[@peterlewisful]

So many good shoes out right now,it’s funny you talked about the speed three give you a little pain in the front of your foot. I had the same thing and the four was worse,and what a let down because they are great shoes just not for me . The speed 3s would wood bother me mostly after 10 miles and further around 15 get unbearable but the 4’s 1 mile in on my first run and they were killing me has to be a plate design but damn they felt good otherwise

[@hufemeve]

the problem you experienced is the same one that I get using the ASICS gel-nimbus 25 which is exactly the way you explained it: when stepping, It compresses too much followed by a pop, as opposed to decompressing by releasing the energy equally applied to it...

[@kofuzi]

I think this kind of thing is going to be specific to some...thing that I don't know what it is, exactly. like ground contact time or some intersection of ground contact time x foot strike x power, so I've been trying to avoid saying "balos gives foot pain" in a general sense and instead phrasing it as the balos was uncomfortable for me, specifically. I didn't have problems with the nimbus 25, for example. in fact, I thought it was the best nimbus they've made. but it's peculiar how these things end up. I imagine it's got to be maddening for shoe makers.

[@mirmohsanalitalpur5884]

​@@kofuziIs the Gel Nimbus 25 more comfortable or softer than Balos?

[@yogatriathlete]

Hi Kofuzi, I've been watching your youtube channel for many years and I enjoy it very much. I'm just wondering why you don't review Nike shoes anymore? Maybe you said something on a previous video that I missed, but can you comment please on your lack of Nike reviews? Thank you

[@mrraccoon6264]

A Balanced Review 😏

[@maxmandudi2902]

You should check out the new 880

[@marinai1306]

Balos is a greek folk dance and also the name of a famous beach. It is written "μπάλος" google translate can pronounce it correctly in greek for you.

[@Kuvvvqingqunnn]

I'll get the more v5 instead.

[@timnewell5120]

I’ve got a similar foot problem with the kinvara pro

[@timo7641]

but can Balos be used for Marathon like the Superblast 2?

[@kofuzi]

Yes

[@hularock2705]

$199.00 nope.....

[@grandpuba32780]

Facts!!!

[@pepessz32]

So basically Balos is like the Superblast-ish of new balance? Sounds like balos tick every box for a super trainer.

[@kofuzi]

Yes

[@snowypods9812]

I had the same foot pain with the Nike Pegasus 35. Only in my right foot.

[@keseimbangan]

Still waiting for Deviate Nitro 3 to be reviewed.

[@daltonlawson7081]

Could you give some advice? I used to be a big runner in the military, long story short, I got out due to terrible plantar fasciitis. I had surgery on both feet, and 4 years later they feel much better. I'm looking for a shoe recommendation for Universal Studios. A lot of walking and STANDING in line. Every year, my feet feel destroyed standing in those lines. A week of walking and standing still. I don't run anymore unfortunately, just take my dogs on long walks. Thanks in advance! I've been looking at the Nimbus 25 and the Deviate Nitro 2.

[@femaciel]

Nimbus 25/26. Definitely not Deviate Nitro 2

[@paddywiggle]

You need to make sure the shoe is nice and wide. ZERO percent of your foot should be hanging off the edge. I’m guessing that’s what your biggest issue is. Consider a wide or extra wide (4E) shoe. Go get your feet scanned.

[@kofuzi]

I'm afraid I am not the right person to give this kind of guidance

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

I did a ton of walking in the Brooks Ghost Max and the 2nd version of that is coming out soon. I enjoyed it for walking in addition to running and preferred it to the Nimbus 26 which I also walked in after putting a lot of running miles in. The Brooks felt more nimble and it has a nice but not overly aggressive roll geometry.

[@wonkydonkey7899]

Will you review NB SC Trainer V3? It seems this shoe has gone under your radar.

[@kofuzi]

The delay is not on my end

[@abelrivera1198]

waiting for the review of deviate nitro 3 😅😅😅

[@danieltay1052]

I am experiencing the same pain with Skechers Hyperburst slide just by walking with it... ironically, have 4 pairs of running shoes and no such problem whatsoever with any of them... the bouncing causing me so much pain from walking with the slide

[@io-rj6sk]

when u say max cush what prupose is that shoe for exactly?

[@kofuzi]

Typically easy runs, recovery runs, or just feeling good without worrying about pace

[@cheekster777]

Thank you Mike.

[@Alex-h3v6f]

You should probably see a podiatrist and get some x-rays done about your right foot problem.

[@Routine_Runner]

Long run shoe Superblast 2 vs Balos ???

[@dannydavies2421]

I get the same pain in the 1080 and Endorphin speed 3 ... I have no idea why

[@kofuzi]

Sorry to hear that

[@silvermandavid]

The return of the Gnocchi Pillow!

[@kofuzi]

it's an endearing appendix of a design flourish

[@Allenkcw]

200 dollars for a trainer is egregious

[@jazzyjay4595]

Can we just get normal stack height, flexible shoes with super foam? Like a 32/26 shoe

[@critnisley]

NB Fuelcell Rebel v4. 34/28

[@jazzyjay4595]

@@critnisley not many more than that. Rebel is great, can’t wear it though since I have a pretty narrow foot. HyperSpeed is solid option as well. Not many more good quality options out there though

[@wowmawc]

yikes 200, might as well go for the superblast at that price lol

[@miltonng4116]

Do you mind if I ask how you are finding the Xperia I IV? Is the camera quality up to your expected standards?

[@kofuzi]

I have the vi, and there are things I like and things I don’t like. It’s far less stable than I had anticipated

[@silvermandavid]

Two things I don't like about this shoe: the price and the brown.

[@justcohen305]

Can you do a review on Mount to Coast R1.???

[@CHELSAWI]

Can we've the more v5 review please

[@kofuzi]

frequently, I will wait for a brand to send me a shoe. this ensures that there is a line of communication open so that I can ask clarifying questions should any come up during my testing. the timing of when a brand sends me a shoe is up to the brand

[@keithc1264]

Is the outsole wearing out super quickly? Kinda looked like it in the video (I was watching on my phone).

[@kofuzi]

Ground contact eva scuffs quickly. Runners who had issues with the outsoles of other ground contact eva outsole shoes, such as the Mach 5 or Rincon 3, for example, will probably want to stay away. I personally loved those shoes, but my position on rubber on outsoles is generally that less is better.

[@ksteege]

Really interested in this shoe - is it as soft as the 1080? I have been tending more towards the 880 over the 1080 for the first time but have been curious about this shoe

[@ksteege]

Also the pain you have is it across the entirety of the balls of your foot - mine happens more with the outside of my left foot one some shoes where it gets super sore like a pebble. Also I hope there is a Thursday livestream - I have been so busy lately and keep missing them - I wont be there for the Group run on 7/9 in Paris but hopefully will see you at some point while you are there! (couldnt make the NYC run)

[@ksteege]

Sorry one more LOL I really hope you get an 880 v14 its very different and I absolutely love it

[@kofuzi]

We’ll see if NB chooses to send one. I’m still waiting on More v5 and SC Trainer v3 though

[@yohankusuma5510]

I kinda dig the color 😂

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

Me too

[@bpsouza]

And about the differences between Balos and More V5 ?

[@kofuzi]

haven't tested the More v5 yet

[@OmarHelmy]

I have a big issue, with the colour way, I hope they issue other versions

[@kofuzi]

new balance typically provides a pretty wide variety of colors over the course of a product year

[@AlwaysTrain]

Are you still boycotting Nike shoes?

[@wesleysundelson598]

Any updates on the Tomir 2.0 review?

[@kofuzi]

not a lot of trail running due to Berlin training

[@Nicoztrike]

Firstlike 🙃never tried it before . Clicked faster than the cookie clicker world champ

[@kofuzi]

thanks for watching!

[@williamropes5614]

Odd that this came out right as the skyflow did🤔

[@kofuzi]

Really not that odd. The shoes offer very different experiences. It’s like saying the Bondi and the Invincible are similar

[@itsahardmuttlife9263]

Unless you have some research data showing foot pain would only happen with a small set of users, I would stop saying that. I assume you are trying not to piss NB off too much. You are the second reviewer that has said it hurts their foot. Because of this, I can imagine how many people it actually happens to.

[@kofuzi]

What I experience in the Balos is nearly identical to what I experienced in the Endorphin Speed 3. My video on that shoe, where I described the same issue, has 110k views. There is only a very small subset of comments from runners who experienced similar.

[@itsahardmuttlife9263]

@@kofuzi Then you should have said…the same users that commented having problems with the endorphin speed 3 shoe may have problems with this shoe. Not everyone comments on your videos. There could have actually been more people that had problems.

[@thespecialone7632]

yeah feet pain, i'll give this a miss

Hi, Kofuzi! Completely unrelated, but can you please do a review of the Nike Infinity Run 4?

[@kofuzi]

I'm afraid I do not currently have plans to review that shoe

[@yash_umesh]

looks like casual shoes

[@kofuzi]

I think perhaps that is more a commentary that current casual shoes are borrowing heavily from the running world. like, you think this looks like a pair of vans or sperry topsiders?

[@yash_umesh]

​@@kofuzi It's definitely a compliment, but it doesn't look like topsider or vans but looks like something that can be worn for a college ,running and daily use

[@LuisBecerra79]

Yo, what’s going on!!

[@kofuzi]

yo Luis!

[@tav4755]

so many shoe options. if you got the funds but no talent splurge. if you got the talent and no funds, well theres plenty of great options from last year. or even this year. the anti SL2.

[@kofuzi]

Sometimes people go out of their way to separate people into factions. I’m not sure I understand this, especially when those factions are based on false dichotomies

[@tav4755]

@kofuzi deep. hmm didnt think about it that way. how about this: this is a shoe that i would get when I have extra cash but don't need and I buy anyway but if I'm strapped for cash and need a shoe there's better options out there?

[@williamropes5614]

🤠

[@toi3213]

Another shoes that is unavailable.

[@user-ve2jx2up3v]

Too expensive

[@kingarthur4419]

Talk faster.

[@kofuzi]

speak clearly. I honestly can't tell if you are asking me to speak faster or if you are being sarcastic.

[@AGC828]

The paint you felt wearing running in those 2 shoes..i have to wonder is out something with your body maniacs that didn't agree with certain shoes.. More than the show itself... Have you worked with a running coach? Talked to a foot diversity.. Podiatrists.. maybe if you change your thinking 6 style.. How your feet hurts the ground.. Shrug

[@kofuzi]

I do not understand what you are trying to say in the second paragraph

[@isaacchapman393]

THESE SHOES RUIN YOYR FEET AND POSTURE AND IS WHY OLD PEOPLE MOVE AROUND THE WAY THEY DO STOP BEING APART OF THE PROBLEM

[@kofuzi]

Hahahahahaha! These have literally not even hit the market (as if the time of your comment) and you’re attributing the frailty of old age to them. 🤣

[@isaacchapman393]

NOT BAREFOOT SHOES