The shoe really does look great (once it’s on your foot) and brings New Balance firmly into the current trend for casual trail running shoes that sees the Salomon XT-6 as one of the biggest selling shoes for casual wear at the moment. You plan to run on any technical trails, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7has improved grip and ankle support to keep you safe out there

If there’s one thing that is so often overlooked on trail shoes it’s the heel tab. While it might seem like a small detail, a good, chunky heel tab changes my day. The New Balance Shando is the mid-range running shoe aimed at trail running enthusiasts. The tapered sole in conjunction with a non-traditional take on the New Balance logo on the outside gives the design an edgy, modern feel. Available in different colour-ways, these eye catching trainers are also suitable for everyday outfits. Upper and midsole The New Balance Shando Women's trail running shoes are not only visually appealing but also offer excellent functionality. With their synthetic and mesh upper, these shoes provide exceptional ventilation, ensuring optimal comfort even on hot summer days. The AT TREAD outsole delivers impressive grip, allowing you to navigate various terrains and challenging trails confidently. However, if you want to run at pace, there are much lighter options like the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6. Exploring the Outdoors in Style At 12.5oz (354g), they are well off of the average running shoe mark, and while the bulky, CAT-style shoe looks the part, the added weight is nothing to do with performance-focused features.

New Balance: The history

New Balance was founded in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts, as a manufacturer of pioneering arch supports. Founder, William J. Riley, wanted to provide a product that increased comfort and balance in the shoe, which is where the name New Balance comes from. This innovative mentality stayed with the brand throughout the years, with New Balance manufacturing the first ever running shoe with a ripple sole in the 60s. We’ve gone on to manufacture our sneakers worldwide, but have always stayed true to our roots with our Made in US and Made in UK collections crafted at our factories in Cumbria in the UK, and New England in the US. Today, we’re as well known for our trendsetting lifestyle range as well as our world-famous performance shoes.

Moreover, the anterior side replaces some loops with slits in the synthetic leather which makes tying the laces more difficult than it has to be; one end moves freely while the other is caught in the shoe.Take a leisurely stroll up a mountainside or shave valuable seconds off your PR as you trail run your favorite path with New Balance’s collection of women’s trail running and hiking shoes. It’s easy to point to all that the New Balance Shando is not; it’s not the best running shoe for you if you care about your body. But the Shando isn’t about that in my opinion. To me, the New Balance Shando is similar to the Nike Air Max 90, or the Adidas Superstar, the sports shoes that started pivoting from their speciality towards popular trends and kept companies able to spend real time focusing on all aspects of their production. One of my gripes with this shoe is that it does very little that it’s marketed to do. First and foremost it runs half a size too small. The Lugs in the middle are smaller and less spaces out and thanks to the softness of the shoe, they grip onto lots of objects underfoot.

All our lifestyle shoes are crafted with durable and innovative materials, using the best in trainer technology. The range is made up of an evolving array of designs, from steadfast ‘80s classics, to modern editions and season-inspired colourways. A number of our lifestyle trainers also benefit from the revolutionary EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) midsole/heel for cushioning, as well as a REVlite midsole for premium responsiveness and durability. The New Balance Shando has just such a heel tab and I’m glad they didn’t mind adding weight to the already chunky shoe to include it.Something this big allows you to slide a muddy, wet shoe on and off without slipping around. Genuinely a game changer for me. Conclusion Trail runners can choose from options featuring upgraded tread outsoles to provide versatile traction for on and off-road activities, engineered mesh uppers with no-sew overlays for lightweight durability, Fresh Foam technology for ultra-cushioned and lightweight support, Toe Protect technology for extra durability that protects feet, laser perforations for ventilation and beyond. I didn’t really notice its effect myself, and maybe it’s just too soft to make any difference. I think it’s probably another aesthetic choice from New Balance.The shoes are equipped with a state-of-the-art lace system with progressive technology. Through the adjustable lacing system, New Balance shoes adapt to every curve of the foot, offering a secure fit. The unique path followed by the laces along the upper gives the New Balance Shando a gritty and eye-catching look. Price in line with the quality offered