New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz

Editor rating: 8.2 / 10

User's rating: based on 58 user ratings

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By Mike Gray

All New Balance Shoes

New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz Review Facts

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New Balance has been in the business of producing comfortable, well-performing trainers for over a century, focusing on developing new technologies and designs that allow athletes to perform at their best. With a solid reputation built up around their brand, New Balance has a dedicated audience to their brand who appreciate the signature comfort and responsiveness of their shoes.

This reputation continues with the New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz, a shoe with soft cushioning and smooth heel to toe transition. Using New Balance’s premium Fresh Foam technology, which combines a synthetic midfoot saddle with a breathable mesh, this new midsole technology is a full-length foam that’s soft and responsive. Accommodating the natural stride of the runner, the Cruz is easy to slip on and off while the upper provides a secure saddle to keep the runner’s foot snugly in the shoe during a run. Overall, the Cruz offers an added layer of comfort and additional support for neutral runners with excellent breathability to keep the foot feeling dry and comfortable even after miles on the road.

The Cruz’s knitted upper gives this trainer a soft feel, and runners will find this design and style both modern and comfortable. Although the Cruz comes in all standard sizes in both men’s and women’s, it is advised to get a half a size smaller of your regular shoe size for optimal fit. Coming in a variety of fresh and vibrant color schemes, the Cruz provides a satisfying experience for both casual wear and dedicated runners alike. With its efficient performance, comfortable support, and a great aesthetic, the New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz is made for neutral runners looking for responsiveness and cushioning in their running shoe. After all, if it’s from New Balance it has to be good.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

The Fresh Foam midsole is comfortable but firm
Great fit that keeps the foot in place during a run
Excellent breathability in its knitted upper mesh
Sleek design with a wide array of colors to choose from
Suitable price

Cons

May run slightly larger - we recommend buying a half-size smaller
Some have complained that the upper isn’t durable

See How

What are buyers saying?

We have spent 3.4 hours analyzing a total of 844 reviews.

These reviews are then categoried into "Positive" and "Negative" feedback.

Below you will read a summary of them:

Positive

Amazingly comfortable, even for my wide feet, I do not get a cramp or pinching around my toes which is my usual shoe problem. Took a few days to break in these and now they are my prime running shoes. I suggest these for those with wide feet that also want a very practical and stylish running shoe.
By far the best and most comfortable shoe that I have so far tried out and I will keep using these, they are superb. I have right leg problems and tried so many shoes to get relief from the pain and these give the relief. For me the cushion around the tendon is vital and I love the supportive and snug fir from these.
Great light materials, awesome uppers, light and knitted, had to swop for a larger size but that's fine, the toe box is serious about plenty of space, these are fantastically comfortable, the support is great and the cushioning is faultless.
Nice shoe to look at and very very comfortable with lots of strategic support, the heel has more cushion than the front part and this works great for running or just wearing casual all day, these are very light and gentle on the feet and a very good summer running shoe
These work for just about anything, wear them to work, in the gym, running and they perform perfectly while being well cushioned and seriously light, not a marathon shoe but for reasonable runs, perfectly fine. Love the foam system, it’s really nice.
I like the tongueless style it makes the shoe comfortable and problem free, my feet stay anchored and don’t slip around inside the shoe and the toe box gives great space, nice light shoe for average runs around 5 miles.
Will give the standard cliche, it like running on air because that how they feel to me, appreciate the good width and cushioning, the breathability works well on hot days, very much a warm weather shoe and very good.
What got me on to using these shoes are two key things, wide enough for my feet and the cushion level is nothing short of perfect, that enough for me while running, love the response and breathy uppers.
Had to go up a full size which was a bit irritating but well worth it, the upper is knitted and gives lots of air to my feet, the cushion feels perfect even after 6 months.
These are my running and walking shoes from now on, they are great for both, the wide shoe has sorted out a lot of problems for me, now I get a level of snugness combined with stability, the upper is a new material for me as it’s knitted and I like the flexibility and the way that keeps my feet cooler.

Negative

Ordered a full size up and still, the fit is well off, my toes feel cramped, the shoe is tight and I just can’t get a good ride going in these even though the cushion is pretty good. Nice light shoe too but I’m not going to continue with it, too tight and too troublesome for sizing.
The toe box is a way to tight for my toes, the shoe width is just like a small medium and I have wide feet, the heel constantly pinches, these are not running shoes for me but I guess for short walking trips they are ok.
The soles are not good enough, uncomfortably stiff, the inserts need to be thicker and I got messed about by the sizing, nice looking shoe, nice color and good cushion but just not up to my standards.
The ankle padding is not so comfortable and I find it distracting while I run, the toe box has a bit of pinch in it, I have not given up on the shoe, it’s now just my casual shoe but not for running
I ordered my size, wow, too small, too narrow, crampy toebox, the heel is much too high which I feel makes the shoe uncomfortable and unbalanced and actually painful while wearing it. The shoe itself looks very good but that's as far as it goes for me, certainly, I can’t run in these.

8.2

Outsole

The outsole of the Cruz is made from blown rubber, which adds durability and protection and is resistant to wear and tear. The outsole also delivers a good deal of traction over regular running surfaces. Pliable and soft, this outsole provides additional support and cushioning while protecting the foot from potential hazards on the road.

Midsole

The midsole of the Cruz uses New Balance’s proprietary Fresh Foam technology, providing a plush but responsive cushioning for the runner. This heel-to-toe foam is predominately in the heel, where runners are more apt to strike during footfall, while the forefoot section is thinner and more firm. The Cruz works best for heel strikers and those who want to avoid discomfort during a run. The Fresh Foam tech is of great construction and strategically arranged in the midsole to maximize comfort.

Read also about memory foam shoes for women.

Upper

The knitted upper of the Fresh Foam Cruz is made of lightweight mesh that allows for a great deal of ventilation to keep the foot cool and dry throughout the run. The Cruz’s “bootie” design provides a great deal of consistency in the upper’s construction and overall fit. Having removed the traditional shoe tongue, instead the one-piece upper allows the runner to slip into the shoe with ease. With a saddle that’s made from synthetic material placed in the midfoot for extra support, the saddle and the lace-up closure provide a great fit and keep the foot firmly in place while running.

Weight

Lightweight and comfortable, the weight of the Cruz varies between men and women pairs, with men’s Cruz weighing in at 9.2 ounces/261 grams and women’s at 7.7 ounces/218 grams. While there is a great deal of cushioning in the Cruz, the Fresh Foam tech is lightweight and the blown rubber outsole is flexible and not too dense.

Breathability

The upper of the Cruz features a one-piece construction out of knitted synthetic mesh, which allows for a great amount of ventilation and keeps the foot cool and dry. This highly breathable trainer is nice and snug while allowing for air to enter the foot chamber.

Comfort

One of the best attributes of the Fresh Foam Cruz is its high comfort level. With a unique upper construction that has gotten rid of the traditional tongue, this one-piece upper has a slip-on ability like a loafer with a lace-up enclosure instead. This provides a comfortable but secure fit that keeps the foot firmly in the chamber during a run. In addition, its Fresh Foam midsole that runs from heel to toe provides a plush comfort to the foot, with extra padding in the heel for heel strikers that gets thinner in the forefoot to allow for firmness and responsiveness during a run. Its blown rubber outsole also provides extra support and comfort to the runner.

Style

The New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz is a stylish shoe that runners and casual wearers alike will appreciate. Eschewing the traditional construction of a running shoe like Reebok and Nike follow, New Balance has made a running shoe that looks more like a casual loafer. Its knitted upper suggests comfort rather than high-energy performance, but don’t be fooled: these are definitely running shoes. The upper’s saddle has the large “N” New Balance logo emblazoned on its sides, but this too is a subtle addition rather than a bold-faced advertisement. Coming in a number of attractive colors (including red, gray, blue, black, and white), the Cruz hides its nature as being a running shoe in its low-key design and straightforward construction, which makes it an attractive shoe for those looking for a comfortable everyday shoe to wear or for runners looking for a more muted option in their trainer.

Durability

With its knitted upper made of synthetic material that’s resistant to breaking down over time, a blown rubber outsole that can withstand wear and tear, and its Fresh Foam midsole that remains plush and responsive even after many miles, the New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz could be considered a very durable shoe. However, there have been some complaints that the upper unit isn’t as durable as the runners had hoped.

Protection

Made for traditional running surfaces (asphalt, pavement, and running tracks), the Cruz is protective against the average hazards that are found on these surfaces. In addition, the Fresh Foam midsole has more padding in the heel to protect the heel from impact during strike. However, this is not a trainer to take out on the trails. The Cruz is best for the regular roads and paths that runners take every day in their neighborhood and town.

Responsiveness

Thanks to its Fresh Foam midsole, the Cruz is a responsive trainer when on the road. While the heel is padded to prevent injury against heel strike, the forefoot of the midsole has a thinner layer of the Fresh Foam to provide the runner with a better response during a run. The blown rubber outsole also has a good amount of traction, which gives the runner a fair amount of grip on regular running surfaces.

Support

The Cruz is made for neutral runners, which means it provides a standard amount of arch support. However, these are not specifically stability shoes for those who over- or under-pronate during a run, and as such will not provide those runners with the support they may need. But for neutral runners, the Cruz provides a comfortable, responsive ride.

Terrain

If you like to run around your neighborhood, on the boardwalk, through the city streets, or on the local track, then the Fresh Foam Cruz will prove to be a comfortable running shoe for these terrains. However, they will not perform as well even on light trails, and for those who like to run through nature or climb rocky surfaces will find the Cruz will let them down in this regard. But the average runner will find the Cruz fits their needs quite well.

Price

Price is always one of the largest concerns that may hold a runner back from purchasing a new pair of trainers. For the New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz, the price may be a dividing line for some prospective buyers: although not prohibitively expensive, and falling below the $100 mark, runners will have to weigh whether they want a comfortable running shoe that’s not particularly versatile over a more tenacious and similarly priced trainer. However, for those looking for a stylish, comfortable trainer that can easily transition into being an everyday shoe, the Cruz is a good value for its price.

Traction

The Fresh Foam Cruz has a good amount of traction for a casual running shoe. Although not as tenacious as some other trainers on the market, for the amount of comfort and overall performance, runners will appreciate the firm traction it provides.

Flexibility

With a one-piece upper comprised of knitted synthetic materials that keep the foot firmly in place after lace-up, a flexible blown rubber outsole, and a cushioned midsole made of Fresh Foam technology, the Cruz is a refreshingly flexible trainer that runners will enjoy for the amount of responsiveness and control it provides.

Stability

This is a trainer for neutral runners with moderate arch support and is not specifically a stability shoe. Although New Balance does make great stability shoes with zero drop, the Cruz is not part of those lines. Instead, runners can expect a trainer for runners with neutral pronation with this shoe, which has just a slightly lower drop than most other trainers.

Drop

With an 8mm heel to toe drop, the Fresh Foam Cruz features a moderate drop. In fact, the drop is just a few millimeters below the standard, providing a slight amount of more stability for the runner to enjoy.

Key Features

- Fresh Foam midsole makes it very comfortable
- Knitted one-piece upper is easy to slip into and secures the foot nicely after lace-up
- Casual look
- Highly breathable
- Very responsive

Bottom Line

For the runner that’s sick of their trainers being logo-heavy, flashy, and looking altogether garish, the New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz is here. Looking more like a casual everyday sneaker instead of a running shoe, its loafer-like design and muted style hide its essence as a running shoe while still performing as one.

With its proprietary Fresh Foam midsole that runs heel to toe, New Balance smartly distributed this tech so that the heel is more cushioned than the forefoot, both to protect the heel during heel strike and to allow the forefoot more responsiveness during a run. This midsole also provides the runner with a highly comfortable midsole that’s plush but never detracts from performance. With a one-piece upper that does away with a traditional tongue, runners can slip into a pair like a loafer and then attain a snug fit after lace-up. This stylish trainer comes in a nice variety of colors to match the runner’s preference, and its overall muted colors and design will find fans in both runners and those looking for an active everyday shoe.

For fans of New Balance’s excellent line of shoes and knowing of their reputation in the running world, the Cruz is yet another solid product from the company. Comfortable and casual but still built to perform on the streets for long runs, for those looking for a new trainer that will look nice when worn out to the store or hanging around the house but are able in a moment’s notice to perform on a long run, the New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz may be your new favorite sneaker, both on the road or just around the block.