New Balance 775

The outsole on the New Balance 775 is constructed of rubber material that provides decent traction with each foot strike. You’ll also notice some deep flex cuts on the sole, to assist with grip and flexibility. There is a downside to those cuts, however, when it comes to terrain, as objects can get stuck in them. We’ll go into detail on that later in this review.

The midsole is made of high-quality foam, and for those who like a little less cushion, or who take the time for cleaning, the insert is removable. Many reviewers were fans of leaving it in for that extra comfort. The foam resists compression, which allows the runner more comfort over a longer stretch of time. New Balance used ground contact EVA foam, which they say cushions the feet while providing a soft stride. One reviewer commented it was like “walking on marshmallows”.

The upper part the shoe is made of synthetic mesh. The tongue and collar are lightly padded, again for the comfort of the runner. However, some reviewers weren’t pleased with the tongue construction, saying it kept sliding to the side during their runs and had to be adjusted as to not show their socks. More than a few reviewers noted they needed the wide design for the roomier toe box, but a few who didn’t choose the wide option said their toes were too squished, and one even developed a blister from walking in them all day. As far as any other irritations, nothing is sown in the material, so there are no stitches to bug you during your runs, and there were no complaints about the laces coming untied or loosing during use.

This shoe benefits from New Balance’s patented CUSH technology, which allows the runner maximum comfort while adding minimal weight. The woman’s option weighs 7.5 ounces, and the men’s version is two ounces lighter at 9.5. Runners who want to race in an ultralight shoe, might choose this one for training runs, and then step down to a minimalist option on race day. Just a slight decrease in weight can help the legs feel less fatigued and give the runner an edge on the competition.

The upper is designed with mesh and synthetic materials, which allows for ample airflow during a run. Walkers and runners agreed that the shoe breathes well, although one reviewer did point out that he wanted more ventilation on the top of the toes. Because the mesh breathes, it’s also thin, and runners noticed that was an area that tended to wear out over time. Reviewers did not mention how the shoe performed in wet weather, although New Balance claims the 775 is an everyday running shoe and has the goods to tackle your toughest run. If you live in a rainy climate and find you need a shoe that lives for puddles, check out these wet weather options.

The key word for this shoe is comfort. The company claims it is stacked with technology to ensure you have a smooth, comfortable ride every time. Reviewers talked about their comfort over and over when evaluating the cushion this shoe provides, even over long-term wear. The shoes were worn for walking, running, bicycling, crosstraining, working, gym sessions and military PT, all with stellar reviews. Keep in mind that the sizes run a little small, so you’ll want to order a half size, or even a full size up from what you normally wear. But be careful not to go too big - a few reviewers who upsized their order found their heels would slip out of the shoe, even when the laces were tied tightly. The 775 is available in a wide option, a fact mentioned by many reviewers who are usually frustrated by the narrow toe box of a traditional running shoe.

Reviewers complimented the look of this shoe, almost as much as they raved about its comfort. The bright colors got a thumbs up from most runners, with some even saying they look better in person than in the online advertisements. We found them for men in yellow and black, grey and black, and black and red. For the women, there are even more color options, including grey and purple, orange and silver, blue and white, charcoal and something the company just describes as “outer space”. Be warned when it comes to color, there were a few disappointments from customers. One reviewer said the color wasn’t true to what she saw on her computer screen. She ordered the orange and said it turned out more coral. Suffice it to say the colors are bright, and fit the trend of a highly visible running or walking shoe. Many reviewers enjoyed racking up the compliments along with the miles.

New Balance says this shoe provides extreme comfort without sacrificing durability, and reviewers seem to agree. It isn’t that they went on and on about this shoes' ability to last, it’s more than the topic didn’t get much of a mention. Runners had no complaints about rips or tears in the materials, and they didn’t notice the shoe breaking down before its time. Keep in mind the mesh is thin, so it won’t last forever. New Balance estimates their shoes will take you through about 300-500 miles before they need to be replaced. The best way to know if you need to reorder is to track your miles, but every runner’s shoe is going to wear out differently based upon his or her weight and gait, so it isn’t just a numbers game. If you can see through the outsole to the midsole, if you aren’t getting the same energy in your feet, or if your shoe feels like it’s buckling when you run, it’s time for a new pair.

One reviewer who works on a concrete floor all day called this shoe a lifesaver. The cushion is a welcome reprieve for consumers who spend all day standing on their feet, and on hard surfaces. And for runners, the foam midsole absorbs significant impact for the joints, protecting the runner from the jarring motion of the run.

When a shoe concentrates this much on cushioning, it sacrifices a little in ground feel. However, this isn’t a super heavy shoe, and runners said it still allowed them to spring off their initial contact with the ground. The New Balance 775 shoots right down the middle – the wearer can get some energy off the impact, while still being protected. One extra note about contact: you might be able to hear it. Some reviewers noted a slight squeak when walking on smooth surfaces.

Some reviewers felt the New Balance 775 lacked support on the sides of the shoe, but overall it gets good marks, especially from neutral runners. The heel got special recognition from several reviewers as being especially helpful in giving the runner a supported stride.

Reviewers reported these shoes worked very well on pavement, and even concrete. However, the New Balance 775 is not designed with trail running in mind, and some reviewers noticed the indentations on the sole were perfect for picking up small rocks and carrying them along on the run. This isn’t just uncomfortable, it could cause a twisted ankle if the runner's foot is placed in just the right (wrong) way. If your regular route takes you on particularly rocky terrain, you may want to try a more pebble-friendly option.

The New Balance 775 is a fairly-priced shoe for the performance you’ll get from it, and many reviewers felt it was worth the investment. Are there cheaper options? Sure, but you don’t want to focus too hard on dollar signs and forget about the health of your feet. That said, the price on the New Balance 775 is about average for a neutral running shoe with a comfortable design. You can buy directly from the New Balance website, visit any number of department stores, or check for a discounted pair at a variety of online sites such as Amazon.

The flex cuts on the outsole optimize the traction on this shoe, grabbing the dry pavement and allowing the runner to stride along without straining or slipping. Reviewers did not mention the shoe’s performance on wet or slippery surfaces, and New Balance has not provided any definitive claims about this shoe’s traction.

New Balance promises the 775 is plush, yet flexible. Most reviewers agree the shoe has just enough give and stretch. The upper part of the shoe is made of synthetic mesh, which allows it to bend with the runner’s foot. A few reviewers found this put too much pressure on the top of the foot, but they noted this is a discomfort that eased with time.

This is a shoe for the neutral runner, so no special design is in place for overpronation. In fact, one reviewer noted she liked how the 775 didn’t come up too high on her ankle, and the degree of padding on this shoe has already been well-documented. Runners who need additional help in stability would do well with one of these options, designed especially for motion control.

This shoe has a moderate drop of 8mm. It’s not a minimalist shoe, but it’s also not a clunker. The middle ground is a great area for runners working on their 5k, or for athletes looking for a little extra cushion on their training runs. Most competitive runners are going to want a little less drop on race day.

• Synthetic Mesh
• CUSH technology
• EVA Foam
• Rubber Outsole
• No-sew overlay with dotted cutouts

When comfort is your utmost “must have” in a running shoe, you’ll be pleased with this one. Just a handful of reviewers took issue with the width of the New Balance 775, saying it squeezed their toes and made them uncomfortable, but far more praised the offering of the wide design to alleviate such pains. Runners were pleased with the fit and durability of the 775, and walkers agreed the plush sole was a big selling point. Speaking of sales, most reviewers were able to find a deal on the shoes, and felt the return was well-worth their investment. Style points were also awarded by men and women alike, and some reviewers bought a second pair, either to make their shoes last longer, as a gift, or simply to match different outfits. The New Balance 775 isn’t necessarily a competitive shoe, although there’s nothing stopping you from wearing it on race day. Most reviewers are choosing it for training runs, or just running errands. It’s a comfortable, stylish shoe that brightens up the closet of the neutral runner.