New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Beacon V1 Running Shoe

I'm not quite sure exactly if I want to do a 5 for these. If you read reviews on the web people are in lust/love with this shoe. I really like it - but I don't really love it. The plus points: It is LIGHT. Super light. The upper is a type of knit that is not only NOT hot but super comfortable, the width is decent, it has good toe box room and no issue with the heel.However, I run on a mix of gravel and dirt type trails as well as cement and asphault and I can feel every rock in this shoe. I think because the foam is exposed it doesn't have the rubber to stop you feeling rocks. I thought the sheer volume of cushion and stack height would help - but not so much. So while they are comfy as all get out and no blisters or hot spots - I don't like that I feel the rocks so much. No way for this to do trail unless it's sand or pure dirt. I also find that, after about 16 miles, my ankles hurt a bit. There is not a lot of support in this shoe - though it is not unstructured. Just know that going in. I am swapping out my long runs with the NB880V8 which is a lot more substantial and heavier but more protective. For anything 8 miles or shorter I'm in my 890V6 which I positively adore. New Balance (if you ignore all those weird "bootie" type new shoes they have which are a joke for running IMHO) has hit it out of the park this year!

Long-time runner, 20+ marathons and halfs. and have worn many brands and models of shoes. To be honest, in the past New Balance has not worked for me. The bigger trainers have been too bulky and stiff. The lightweight trainers such as Zante and Boracay felt firm and dead to me, along with having a toebox that was just too shallow. But after reading many positive reviews of this shoe, and finding a pair for a great price on Amazon, I thought I'd give them a try, I'm glad I did. The Beacon may not be quite firm or responsive enough for fast runners who need a track shoe or a 5K/10K flat, and I'm not sure it would be good on trails. But take it for a nice 6-8 miler on the roads with some tempo pace thrown in, and it's very enjoyable. Disappears on my feet. The cushioning is just enough for me. Keep in mind, if you're used to more supportive neutral lightweight shoes, such as Brooks Launch or Nike Pegasus, this may not be a distance shoe for you. The sole is composed of exposed foam, and doesn't seem super durable, but I really like the smooth, unobtrusive ride. I did size up .5 size and would recommend doing so if you like width and volume in the forefoot area and you have a low arch, as I do. The curved last is pretty noticeable but if you're a neutral runner, it shouldn't be deal breaker. The heel area is fairly narrow, which works for me, but may not work for everyone. I have to add a "thank you" to Amazon for randomly giving me Prime shipping on this item. I am not a Prime member, but I ordered it on a Friday afternoon and it arrived Saturday morning (!).

First, the positive. They are very light with plenty of room in the toe box. From the insole, to midsole, to the outsole is extremely soft and provides excellent cushion for my runs. Along with being super soft they are also springy.After the first few runs I feel in love with these shoes and made plans to buy numerous pairs knowing one day I would not be able to find them for sale. I decided to wait and so far I am glad I did because, well, there's one negative.The only bad thing I could say about these shoes is that I have not yet reached 100 miles, I'm probably in the 90s and the mid-foot is extremely worn out. In fact, it's worn out more than any other shoe I own. They are still very comfortable but I do not foresee them making it to 350 miles as many of the traction grooves in the mid-foot are almost worn flat.However, when I bought them they were marked down to about $60 so I can honestly say that even if they don't last it would be worth it

I usually wear 6.5B (normal width) but got 6.5D (wide) in this one, and it's still maybe a little narrower in the toe box than I'd really like...BUT it worked well for my most recent half marathon. I have some chronic peroneal tendonitis and needed lighter shoes so as to put less strain on my ankles and be able to control my foot strike better (tend to supinate/underpronate when I get tired) and this pair helped me, though I generally prefer a lower stack height. The cushion is nice and springy, though I do fear the outsole won't be very durable. Overall I'm very pleased, and it's not easy to find a shoe lighter than this one. I also managed to find it super on sale for $30, which is part of why I went out on a limb. I haven't used it for speedwork yet so I can't speak to that, but for distance, it's great for a neutral runner. The 6mm heel-toe drop is pretty ideal, too. I can't do more than 8mm or I feel like I'm wearing heels and my toes might go numb, but 6mm has worked great.

I need a sneaker type shoe (smooth in front, lightweight, etc) to wear after toe surgery. Checked out this NB as I have worn them in the past; got an 8.5 wide due to reviews stating it runs small, and I know I need a larger shoe in NB. The shoe came quickly (prime), great price using points & gift cards. BUT the left shoe has a catch and run in the cloth on the tongue of the shoe! Returning for an exchange because it's a great shoe. So the replacement pair came quickly but they seem to be much narrower than the first pair! Have to return. Why so narrow??? The first pair fit just fine.

I ordered the Beacon after reading many positive reviews. Amazon shipped it quickly. The reviews were right. It is lightweight, with a wonderful combination of cushioning (like the Altra Escalante) and firmness (like the Saucony Kinvara 9), so that my feet felt good in them and you want to run in them. The fit is supportive without being tight, easy to lace up and go. The upper is soft and flexible. I found the sizing right on for a running shoe: I measure 9.5 in 1 foot and closer to 10 in another, and the 10.5 regular size fit well. I have high arches and shoes did not have enough arch support (as usual), but with my insert, the fit was still good. And, the shoes accommodated my high instep. Do know that the orange color is bright. Great price for a great shoe, recommend.

These feel great. Look great too.

Good wide sneaker with enough depth for orthodics. Love the pale blue colour.

Love them. Plenty of room in tho box. I have wide feet so ways go up a size! Fitted like a slipper the minute I put them.kn and when and did a 10k with no issues at all.. I can see them being very comfortable on the longer runs.. nice and cushioned bit not over bouncy. And the baby blue colour is so pretty :)

Comfy and light but won't use for long runs straight away. Shoes need to mould into your gait (a bit like Hoka) and would not recommend on track as not responsive on that service (perhaps when new). A lovely soft running shoe. Overall would recommend it

Product is as described. Good fit and very comfortable. Delivery was earlier than estimated.