new balance hiking shoe

My New Balance Hiking Shoe Experience⁚ A Personal Review

I’d been eyeing New Balance hiking shoes for a while, intrigued by their reputation. Finally, I took the plunge and purchased a pair – the Minimus Trail 20v1. My first impression was one of solid construction and a lightweight feel. The vibrant color was a bonus! Unboxing them felt exciting; I was eager to get them on my feet and hit the trails. I couldn’t wait to see how they performed.

First Impressions and Unboxing

The box arrived promptly, and I eagerly sliced it open. Inside, nestled in tissue paper, were my new New Balance 890v11 trail runners. My initial reaction was one of pleasant surprise; they looked even better in person than in the online photos. The vibrant blue color was striking, and the overall design seemed both rugged and sleek. I carefully removed them from their packaging, admiring the intricate stitching and the robust construction. The materials felt high-quality – a durable, yet surprisingly supple, mesh upper and a sturdy, yet flexible, sole. I immediately noticed the Vibram Megagrip outsole, promising excellent traction, a feature I was particularly excited about. The weight was impressive; they felt incredibly lightweight, which I knew would be a significant advantage on longer hikes. I slipped them on, and the fit was comfortable, snug but not constricting. The cushioning seemed supportive, promising to absorb the impact of the trails. The tongue was well-padded, and the laces were sturdy and easy to adjust. Overall, my first impressions were overwhelmingly positive. I was genuinely impressed with the quality and attention to detail evident in the construction of these shoes. They felt like a significant upgrade from my previous hiking boots, promising a more comfortable and efficient hiking experience. The anticipation of my first hike in them was palpable. I carefully inspected every aspect of the shoe, from the reinforced toe cap to the strategically placed tread patterns on the sole. The overall feeling was one of confidence and excitement ⎻ I felt ready for any adventure these shoes would take me on. The vibrant blue color, a bold choice, was a welcome change from my usual neutral-toned footwear. I was ready to put them to the test.

Testing on Easy Trails⁚ A Gentle Start

For my first outing in my new New Balance 890v11s, I chose a familiar, relatively easy trail near my home – the scenic path alongside Willow Creek. It’s a gentle incline, mostly flat, perfect for a break-in hike. I wanted to get a feel for the shoes’ responsiveness and comfort on relatively even terrain before tackling anything more challenging. I set off at a leisurely pace, enjoying the sunshine and the pleasant sounds of nature. Immediately, I noticed the exceptional comfort. The cushioning was superb; I felt virtually no impact from the trail, even on slightly uneven sections. My feet felt supported and secure, the snug fit preventing any slippage or rubbing. The breathability of the mesh upper was also impressive; my feet remained cool and dry despite the warm weather. The Vibram Megagrip outsole performed exactly as advertised, providing excellent traction on the slightly loose gravel sections of the trail. I experienced no slipping or sliding, even on a gentle downhill slope. I was particularly impressed by the flexibility of the sole; it allowed for a natural gait, enhancing my overall comfort and efficiency. The lightweight design of the shoes was also a major plus, making the hike feel effortless. I completed the five-mile loop without any discomfort or fatigue. This initial test was incredibly promising. The shoes performed flawlessly, exceeding my expectations in terms of comfort, support, and traction. I felt confident and comfortable, ready to push my limits on more challenging terrain. The positive experience on this easy trail instilled a sense of trust and excitement for more rigorous adventures to come. I felt a significant improvement in comfort and efficiency compared to my previous hiking shoes. This gentle start gave me the confidence I needed to tackle more demanding trails.

The Mountain Challenge⁚ Putting Them to the Test

Feeling confident after my easy trail run, I decided to truly test my New Balance 890v11s on Mount Baldy. This is a notoriously steep and rocky mountain, a far cry from the gentle slopes of Willow Creek. I knew this would be a real test of the shoes’ durability, grip, and overall support. The ascent was brutal; loose scree, steep inclines, and rocky outcrops challenged every step. However, the New Balance shoes held up remarkably well. The Vibram Megagrip outsole provided exceptional traction, even on the most challenging sections. I felt secure and confident, never once experiencing a slip or loss of footing, even on the steepest descents. The cushioning remained consistently effective, absorbing the impact of each step on the uneven terrain. My ankles felt remarkably stable, thanks to the supportive design of the shoe. Even after several hours of hiking, my feet remained comfortable and pain-free. There was no excessive rubbing or blistering, a testament to the quality of the materials and the overall design. I was particularly impressed by the shoe’s ability to handle the varied terrain; it performed flawlessly on both rocky ascents and loose scree descents. The breathability was just as good as on the easier trail. Midway through the hike, I encountered a sudden downpour. While the shoes weren’t waterproof, they drained water quickly and efficiently, preventing my feet from becoming waterlogged. By the time I reached the summit, I was exhausted but incredibly impressed with the performance of my New Balance hiking shoes. They had withstood the rigors of a challenging mountain hike with remarkable resilience, exceeding my expectations and proving to be a worthy companion on my adventure. The experience solidified my confidence in their ability to handle demanding trails.

Comfort and Support Over Long Distances

To truly assess the long-distance comfort and support of my New Balance 574 Trail shoes, I embarked on a 20-mile hike along the scenic Appalachian Trail section near Harpers Ferry. This wasn’t just a test of the shoes’ durability; it was a test of their ability to keep my feet happy and pain-free for extended periods. I started early, anticipating a full day of hiking. From the outset, the cushioning in the shoes felt exceptional. The Fresh Foam midsole effectively absorbed the impact of each step, preventing fatigue and reducing stress on my joints. Even after several hours of hiking, my feet felt remarkably comfortable. There was no noticeable pressure points or rubbing, a significant plus considering the uneven and rocky terrain. The breathability of the shoes also proved invaluable. Despite the warm weather, my feet remained well-ventilated and cool, preventing excessive sweating and discomfort. The supportive design of the shoe provided excellent stability, particularly on uneven surfaces and descents. My ankles felt secure and well-protected throughout the entire hike, minimizing the risk of sprains or other injuries. I made sure to take regular breaks, but even during these short rests, I found the shoes comfortable enough to wear without needing to remove them. By the time I completed the 20-mile trek, I was understandably tired, but my feet surprisingly felt relatively good. There was minimal soreness, and no blisters or significant discomfort. This speaks volumes about the long-distance comfort and support provided by these New Balance trail shoes. They exceeded my expectations, proving to be a reliable companion for extended hikes. The experience convinced me of their suitability for multi-day backpacking trips, where comfort and support are paramount.

Durability Assessment⁚ Wear and Tear

After putting my New Balance 857 Trail Running Shoes through their paces on various terrains – from smooth forest paths to rugged mountain trails – I felt it was time to assess their durability. I’ve logged well over 100 miles in these shoes, and I’m impressed with how well they’ve held up. The Vibram outsole, initially, showed little to no significant wear. While there are some minor scuffs and scrapes, nothing that affects the shoe’s performance. I expected some wear and tear, given the rocky and root-filled trails I tackled, but the level of abrasion is minimal considering the intensity of my usage. The upper material, a blend of mesh and synthetic overlays, has also proven resilient. There are no rips or tears, and the stitching remains intact. I did encounter a few muddy patches on my adventures, and the shoes cleaned up surprisingly well, with no lasting staining or damage. The overall construction of the shoe feels sturdy and well-made. There are no signs of the shoe falling apart, even after encountering some fairly challenging obstacles. I’ve had other trail shoes that have shown significant wear after a similar mileage, so the durability of the New Balance 857s is a definite positive. Of course, only time will tell the true longevity of these shoes, but based on my current assessment, I’m confident that they will continue to perform well for many more miles. I’ll continue to monitor their condition, but so far, I’m very happy with their resilience and durability. The investment seems well justified given their ability to withstand the rigors of challenging hikes.

Final Verdict⁚ A Solid Choice for Hikers

After thoroughly testing the New Balance 857 trail running shoes on a variety of terrains and over a significant distance, I can confidently say they’ve earned a place in my hiking gear arsenal. My overall experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The combination of comfort, support, and durability makes them a compelling choice for hikers of varying experience levels. While they might not be the absolute lightest shoes on the market, the added stability and protection they offer far outweigh any minor weight penalty, especially on challenging trails. I particularly appreciated the superior grip provided by the Vibram sole, even on wet and slippery surfaces. This gave me the confidence to tackle more technical terrain without fear of slipping. The breathability of the upper material also deserves praise; my feet remained comfortably cool even during strenuous hikes in warmer conditions. The cushioning provided adequate shock absorption, minimizing fatigue over long distances. For someone like me, who values a blend of performance, comfort, and durability, the New Balance 857s represent an excellent value. They’re not the cheapest option available, but their performance justifies the price tag. I’ve found them to be exceptionally versatile, suitable for everything from casual day hikes to more ambitious multi-day treks. If you’re in the market for a reliable and comfortable hiking shoe that can handle a variety of conditions, I wholeheartedly recommend giving the New Balance 857s a serious look. They’ve certainly impressed me, and I anticipate many more miles of enjoyable hiking in them.