New Balance Men's Fuel Core 5000 Running Shoes

Product Information

This is a great shoe, tailor-made for triathletes. Yes, Zoot has had a BOA-enabled option for a few years, but now that big shoe brands are on board, BOA has made some necessary upgrades to their system. I loved the low-profile dial with a rubberized coating for wet-triathlete T2 paws, and I loved the low-seam, highly breathable upper that the BOA system allowed for. It also goes without saying that the tightening system was great at getting the laces super tight, super loose (duathletes take note!) or anything in-between. Blown-rubber is strategically concentrated in an arch configuration along the toe and heel to prevent accelerated wear in these locations. However, the limited use of blown-rubber leaves the foam exposed under the forefoot. The innovative mesh upper provides plenty of ventilation. The engineered mesh construction promotes ventilation for increased breathability while remaining durable enough to withstand daily wear on any surface thanks to the extra forefoot reinforcement among other features. Midsole

It's a wrap! And it feels good on the foot. I especially enjoyed the height of the upper surrounding the ankle which offered great support on the trails and reduced the potential for rolling ankles where the terrain got loose. First and foremost, the sleek and modern design caught my eye. They are versatile and look great with both workout gear and casual outfits. It's refreshing to have sneakers that seamlessly transition from the gym to everyday wear.The Fuelcore Coast 4 is an economical choice for novice runners with a neutral foot-strike. The shoes offer a smooth, natural ride, and a gentle heel-toe drop (8mm). The midsole is equipped with an innovative foam compound providing the same responsiveness and durability of New Balance foams 30% heavier. REVlite offers a lightweight ride without minimising construction or sacrificing underfoot cushioning or stability. Added underfoot cushioning and comfort comes from the NB Response 2.0 performance insert. This material aims to provide the runner with a seamless and comfortable running experience. Improved responsiveness is encouraged by IMEVA which also offers additional underfoot cushioning. AT Tread Rubber Outsole The midsole becomes slightly more rigid in the midfoot and heel where the foot is less flexible. New Balance’s Response performance insole rests on top of the midsole to further enhance the shoe’s responsive and supple feel. Upon unboxing, it’s obvious that the FuelCore Sonic is a very different-looking shoe. Without traditional laces—and the laces’ necessary accoutrements—the shoe resembles something a little more velcro-y than what we’re used to. The good news? With less “stuff”, there’s less opportunity for rubbing and chafing—super important for barefoot running and for keeping the shoe at a thrifty advertised 8.5oz weight with a small dial. The bad news? They’re not exactly fashion-forward, though to be honest, I actually did get a few compliments, so what do I know? The Fit:

With the firm ride described previously, I did not find this shoe to break in and get any softer than its first day running. Don't get bogged down, however, because a firmer shoe like this is not always a negative point. For starters, the upper material is more protective than breathable with added protective welds along with the high wear areas (i.e., lateral forefoot, toe box, eyelets) which is a big advantage for off-road use.The slip-on design is a convenient feature. It saves time when getting ready, and the snug fit ensures that they stay securely on my feet. The Fuelcore Coast 4 upper is flexible, breathable, and minimizes the use of seams to keep the shoe lightweight. The upper is comprised of a pliable knit material on the outside and a smooth liner on the inside. The New Balance Nitrel v4 is true to size with just the right amount of toe box space that did not feel restricted. Overall length was consistent with just enough room in the toe box and no slipping in the heel. The width is moderate from heel to toe without any excess room for slipping.

I tested on a variety of run distances from 5k to 25k with cushioning remaining the same under the foot but best used on shorter 5K runs. I would definitely switch out the insole to one with more arch support or simply use your orthotic as the one provided in this shoe is completely flat and does not offer any stability to the foot itself. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! The Nitrel v4 has grown into a nice crossover shoe where it fits well wearing it for casual use. However, don’t let its subtle aesthetics fool you. The off-road tread is enough to take off the tarmac and will get the job done on the trails. Who should buy the Nitrel v4 The Fuelcore Coast 4 runs a half to full size big, so I definitely recommend trying these shoes on before purchasing.Weighing in at 6.1 oz. for women and 7.2 oz. for the men’s version, they are lightweight and agile yet still provide plenty of cushion for runs lasting up to 2 hours. The quality of New Balance products is evident in these sneakers. They are well-made and durable, holding up to various activities and conditions. NB Response 2.0 Performance Insert - Provides the runner with a seamless and comfortable running experience. After manually manipulating the upper to relieve this discomfort, I set out on my first run in the shoes and was pleased to discover how light yet responsive they were. The fit was good, but not perfect. The way the FuelCore was set up didn’t extend the laces too far down the forefoot, so the toebox was given a pretty wide berth. It worked well for me—I have a pretty wide forefoot—but it could be an issue for those with very narrow feet. I also had some early issues with my arch/knee caving inward. Clearly this is a lightweight, low-support shoe, but I’ve raced with shoes that have had the support equivalent of a flip-flop, and I’ve never had the same issue. Fortunately, the inward movement seemed to go away after a few miles, so I’m not sure if it had to do with the lateral-side BOA mounting area loosening up or just the shoe’s foam. Either way, it was fine after a few runs and didn’t cause any actual pain. The Verdict: