New Balance Nitrel v5

9.4
SCORE

Original price New Balance £85.00

From £45.00

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New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6

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Characteristics

Gender
Men
Women
Men weight
294 gr
Women weight
236 gr
Drop
8 mm
Cushion
Neutral
Runner weight
Light
Medium
Strong
Running gait
Neutral
Surface
Trail
Use
training
Pace
Medium
Foot
Normal feet
Strike
heel
Distance
Short
10K
Half-marathon
Eco-friendly
Recycled material
Colour
Blue
Grey
Orange
Black
Green
Year
2022
  • Lightness
    8.0
  • Cushioning
    8.0
  • Flexibility
    8.0
  • Responsive
    8.0
  • Stability
    7.0
  • Grip
    8.0

Photos New Balance Nitrel v5

1 / 3

It is one of the trail running shoes from New Balance that offers the best value for money among the different options available on the market today. The New Balance Nitrel v5 has arrived maintaining its main hallmarks, but also with improvements, designed to optimise the running experience of the outdoor lovers.

As we said, this trail running shoe, the New Balance Nitrel v5, isn't a radical change from its previous version. But it doesn't need to be, because it offers a perfect combination of comfort and performance. We are talking about a model designed and developed to meet all the expectations placed upon it.

The first point we'd like to emphasise at RUNNEA is that the New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5 is an ideal choice for newcomers to trail running, serving as an excellent introductory trail running shoe. It's also suitable for short to medium-distance training sessions on less technical terrain.

New New Balance Nitrel v5 - photo 1 - New Balance Nitrel v5 - photo 1

Highlights of the new New Balance Nitrel v5

When comparing these Nitrel v5 shoes from New Balance with their predecessor, the New Balance Nitrel v4, the most significant update can be found in the upper.

On this occasion, the renewed New Balance Nitrel v5 implements a new engineered mesh to ensure greater breathability and durability. Notably, all overlays are seamless, contributing to an improved fit and comfort, and giving the trainer a sleeker aesthetic.

In addition, another interesting detail of the upper of the v5 Nitrel is that it features a more adjustable lacing webbing, allowing for a personalised fit and enhanced support.

As seen in many popular New Balance trail running shoes, such as the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 and New Balance Fresh Foam More trail v2, the New Balance Nitrel v5 includes the TeoProtect compound in the toe cap. This compound provides reinforcement and protection against external elements in this critical part of the trainer.

Regarding the midsole, the new and exclusive Dyansoft material from New Balance continues to be the brand's bet. A technological resource that provides an optimal level of cushioning, very comfortable and responsive in each stride. In addition, there is improvement in the Dynasoft material, which has up to a 3% of biological content, as indicated by the brand itself. That is, renewable resources whose mission is to reduce the carbon footprint. For its part, the EVA foam insert contributes to raising the degree of comfort of the model.

New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5 technical specifications - photo 2

Technical specifications of the New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5

The outsole of the New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5 maintains the AT Tread compound pattern, which is able to offer a more versatile traction to adapt to both off-road and asphalt sports activities.

In terms of technical specifications, the New Balance Nitrel v5 has a higher drop than the Nitrel v4, going from 6 mm to 8 mm. This is because its midsole gains in height, also guaranteeing a higher degree of stability and comfort in each step.

However, this change in its geometry does not translate into a heavier weight, but quite the opposite, because the version for men weighs 294 grams; while in the version for women, this model comes in at 236 grams.

In short, this New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5 is designed for neutral-gait runners with intermediate and high weights and for different types of running paces. However, it's essential to note that this model isn't suited for high mountain terrain or long-distance running. All of this comes at a highly competitive price point.

Review of New Balance Nitrel v5

11 April 2023

7.6

New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5, the ideal shoe to get you started in trail running

If you are looking for a shoe to get started in the world of trail running , let me tell you, runner, that you have found one of the best models on the market. The New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5 will not only captivate you with its price - one of the lowest in its segment - but also with its versatility and responsiveness.

New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5, new products

These New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5 trail running shoes combine the best of two worlds: the lightness and comfort that characterize running shoes and the traction and grip of trail models. What is the result? An offroad model with which to safely make that "delicate" transition from asphalt to mountain. I also consider that, after more than 100km on my feet with them, they are also a great choice as a hiking shoe.

It is that shoe that you wear both for hiking and for running on not very technical terrain, versatility in its purest form.

New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5 Runner Profile

New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel Nitrel v5, runner profile

The New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5 is aimed at a neutral footed, intermediate to heavy trail runner looking for a wide variety of paces. Of course, it is not a model intended for high altitude running as it has not been designed to face long distances but it works very well in medium distances.

A perfect shoe for those looking to get started in the world of trail running as its geometry ensures a perfect and efficient transition from asphalt to the mountain.

We should not overlook that this Dynasoft Nitrel v5 from New Balance is also a perfect choice as a hiking shoe, thanks to its balance between cushioning, protection and lightness. A shoe with which I, for example, would do the Camino de Santiago or outdoor routes.

No, it is not a technical shoe. Its tread pattern corroborates this, but it does guarantee good traction and grip on mixed terrain.

What we liked most about the New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5

New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5, strengths

The versatility of the shoe is, in my opinion, its main advantage. It's a shoe that you wear to ride at easy and intermediate paces on mountain terrain but that you also wear to enjoy different libre trails. Very versatile and comfortable, it is perfect for short and medium distances on not very technical trails.

Another aspect I would highlight is the lightness of this model. It is an outdoor model that is different from the robustness that characterizes trail running shoes and that, aesthetically, is closer to the sneaker trend. I think that in this aspect, New Balance has managed to combine functionality with design very well.

New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5, outsole

The width of its last is another detail to take into account in these Nitrel v5. The width in the forefoot area allows your toes to fully extend and enjoy a permanent comfort; from the first to the last kilometer.

Last but not least, the cushioning capacity of this model. The presence of Dyansoft material, already present in the previous version, New Balance Nitrel v4, ensures good shock absorption during running. The increase in the profile of this model, which goes from a drop 6 to a drop 8, significantly increases the stability of this model for greater protection.

Opportunities for improvement in the New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5

Little room for improvement in a shoe perfect for making that transition from asphalt to trail. But for future innovations, I would perhaps go for a more reactive midsole material to improve fluidity. Also, maybe we could add some extra grip and traction to the outsole, but let's not forget which segment of shoe it is in.

New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5, opportunities for improvement

However, looking at the overall performance of the shoe, I consider it to be very responsive.

Direct rivals of the New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5

New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5 Final Conclusions

The feeling of comfort and lightness after accumulating more than 100km on my feet with these New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5 remains intact. Personally, I've enjoyed them on easy runs and routes on not very technical terrain, and the result has been very good.

Honestly, it's not a shoe that I would wear specifically for mountain running, but I would wear it for those 'Run Walk Method' training runs on not very technical terrain.

RUNNEA tester's final rating

  • Lightweight: 8.
  • Responsiveness: 8.
  • Cushioning: 7
  • Stability: 8.
  • Flexibility: 8.
  • Grip: 7

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9.4
SCORE

New Balance Nitrel v5 shoe is ranked 32 in the ranking of the best rated running shoes.

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