New Balance has been a staple running shoe brand for years, offering comfortable and efficient shoes designed for nearly every type of runner. Now, the brand is celebrating this legacy with the New Balance Ellipse v1, a new daily trainer that’s all about fun, bounce, and energy.
The New Balance Ellipse is a unique daily trainer that blends the brand’s trusted proprietary technology with innovative design elements and a sleek vintage aesthetic. If you’re looking for a daily trainer that combines a stylish look with plush comfort, the Ellipse may be for you.
Looking at the Ellipse, it’s clear the model nails the retro design that draws countless customers to New Balance shoes. But the aesthetic is only part of the battle. It’s even more critical that the shoe delivers the iconic New Balance comfort and cushioning.
So does the Ellipse deliver? And where does this daily trainer fall in New Balance’s vast lineup?
At Marathon Sports, our team was asking these questions and more when the Ellipse came through our doors for the first time. And if you had the same questions, you’ve come to the right place. We put the Ellipse to the test to uncover how this new model stacks up to other New Balance shoes, which features truly shine in this daily trainer, and who might benefit the most from adding this shoe to their rotation.
Our Review Process
New running shoe models are always fun to test and review. We can go in with a blank slate, without any expectations based on previous iterations.
This is especially true with the Ellipse v1, a shoe that’s all about a fun, responsive ride and plush cushioning. So we laced up the Ellipse and took the shoes for a variety of different runs. Between long, slow runs, speed workouts, uptempo intervals, and more, we gained a complete picture of how this shoe performs.
Our goal at Marathon Sports is to make sure you end up with the perfect pair of shoes for your needs and running goals. Through this review, we’ll highlight what you can expect from the new Ellipse to help you make the most informed possible decision when you set out to buy your next running shoe.
New Balance Ellipse v1: Main Specs
We want to give you a better understanding of all the features and benefits the Ellipse has to offer. But before we dive into all these highlights, here’s a brief overview of the key components:
- A new plush and responsive neutral daily trainer
- Stack height: 37.9 mm/29.9 mm
- 8 mm drop
- Weight: 7.7 oz (W), 9.6 oz (M)
- Fresh Foam X used in the midsole for a bouncy and plush ride
- Upper is made from a light and breathable mesh material
- Gussetted tongue, stretch laces, and internal liner creates a customizable fit that molds to your feet
- Design is retro-inspired with modern updates for a sleek and stylish overall look
- Elevated rocker profile guides you through your stride
- Rubber outsole increases durability and grip on a wide range of surfaces
- Price: $144.95
Is the Ellipse Right For You? A Deep Dive
With a brand new shoe model, it can be hard to know exactly what to expect when sliding it on for the first time. Fortunately, our Marathon Sports team is here to help. We’ll give you an up-close look at the main features the Ellipse has to offer to help you decide if it could be the perfect fit for you.
Reliable Fresh Foam X Midsole
The Ellipse may be a brand new model, but that doesn’t mean New Balance started completely from scratch. The midsole employs Fresh Foam X, the brand’s trusted midsole foam known for its reliable softness and comfort.
Like other models in the Fresh Foam X family, the Ellipse delivers a plush underfoot ride with consistent comfort from heel-to-toe. The high stack of this signature foam absorbs impact and provides an ultra soft, pillowy running experience perfect for recovery days, longer runs, and all your daily training in-between.
The shoe boasts a moderate-to-high stack height for a daily trainer, coming in at 37.9 mm of foam in the heel and 29.9 mm in the forefoot. This stack height puts the Ellipse slightly below the 880 v15, New Balance’s standard daily trainer, in terms of the amount of cushioning. However, our team felt the fine-tuned Fresh Foam X in the Ellipse delivered a softer ride than in the 880.
The midsole unit also features deep grooves along the side, giving the shoe more bounce and flexibility while reducing the overall weight.
Mesh Upper Design
The Ellipse v1’s upper is designed with a breathable air mesh material that securely hugs the foot while maintaining the shoe’s lightweight feel.
The upper uses multiple layers to strategically enhance support and ventilation where it’s needed most. And while this mesh offers a snug all-around fit, those that prefer more room in their running shoes can opt for the Ellipse in a wide width.
Customizable Fit
This layered upper secures the foot in place while maximizing comfort and breathability. But this upper design also incorporates several features that make the shoe feel custom-fit just for you.
The gusseted tongue keeps your feet securely in place, and the stretch laces allow you to adjust the fit exactly to your preferences. Last but not least, the internal liner provides yet another layer of comfort and security for extra confidence with each step.
Value and Durability
At Marathon Sports, we believe your fit and comfort is the most important factor when choosing a running shoe. But if you prioritize versatility and want a running shoe that can carry over into day-to-day life, you’ll likely want a shoe that looks sleek and stylish as well.
The Ellipse excels in this area, offering a comfortable and versatile design that you can easily take from runs to casual walks around town.
At $145, the Ellipse is also one of the more affordable daily trainers you can find on the market today. So if you’re looking for exceptional value for your money in a versatile, good-looking shoe, the Ellipse is one of the best options out there.
New Balance also takes several steps to increase longevity so you can enjoy even more value and versatility out of the Ellipse. The rubber outsole helps protect the foam from early wear, all while adding some extra grip to keep you feeling safe and secure throughout your runs.
Road Test Results: How Does the Ellipse v1 Stack Up?
With more and more running brands expanding their lineups and offering a huge range of trainers, it can feel like there’s less differentiation between different models. Going into our Ellipse testing, this was one of our main concerns. Is the Ellipse really that different from the 880? And is there really a need for two daily trainers in the Fresh Foam X family in New Balance’s lineup?
With this reservation in mind, our review team slid on the Ellipse v1 with an open mind, eager to see how this sleek and stylish shoe performed on different runs.
Overall, New Balance didn’t fully reinvent the wheel with the Ellipse v1. But we felt with the plush cushioning, stable feel, and versatile design, the shoe certainly earned a place among the brand’s beloved daily trainers.
The Ellipse is all about making your runs more fun and relaxed, and heading out for long runs and daily mileage, this fun, bouncy, and smooth ride definitely came through. While it’s the same type of foam used in other New Balance trainers, the re-tuned Fresh Foam X in the Ellipse felt softer and more responsive than in the 880 and other comparable shoes.
This plush ride will likely feel a bit too soft and spongy when you’re trying to shift into a faster gear during speed workouts. However, on long relaxed runs or casual miles with friends, the Ellipse really shined. The foam and slight rocker geometry kept us moving forward in comfort, while the multi-layered upper provided a snug, breathable fit for distraction-free runs.
While we had our doubts about the need for another Fresh Foam X daily trainer, we were happy to be proven wrong. The Ellipse v1 offered something different from many other trainers – an ultra plush and flexible design without the bulkiness and excess weight often found with high cushion shoes. And with a sleek, one-of-a-kind retro inspired look, the Ellipse is the perfect shoe to take you from long runs to casual hang outs or walks around town.
Sizing is one key factor to keep in mind if you’re considering the Ellipse for your next running shoe. New Balance tends to fit on the shorter side, and we found that the Ellipse was no exception. Several members of our review team found that half a size up from our usual shoe size gave us a perfect fit, and we would suggest sizing up to ensure you have plenty of wiggle room at the front of the shoe.
Ellipse v1 Pros and Cons
Our review team was excited to find a lot to love about the Ellipse as we tested them out throughout different runs. But unfortunately, no shoe is perfect. The Ellipse has both some upsides and downsides to consider when you’re shopping around for your next running shoe.
Pros:
- Fresh Foam X offers the same dependable comfort as always, but with more responsiveness and softness than ever before
- Sleek design reduces weight and bulk while giving the shoe a versatile look you can use for both running and lifestyle wear
- Air mesh upper is lightweight and breathable for maximum comfort around the foot during long runs
- The shoe feels custom-made for your feet due to the internal lining, stretch laces, and dual-gussetted tongue
Cons:
- Super plush cushioning doesn’t handle faster runs or speed workouts as well, limiting adaptability outside of daily mileage
- Fits short and snug – consider sizing up if you prefer a roomier fit
The Ellipse v1 vs the Competition: How Does This Brand New Model Compare?
Throughout our testing and research, the Ellipse showed us why it had a spot in New Balance’s lineup. The soft foam, streamlined construction, and lightweight build made it a stand-out choice for runners and walkers who prioritize reliable comfort during long hours on their feet.
However, it’s important to consider all your options when browsing shoes to ensure you’re finding the right choice for you. And if the Ellipse sounds like an appealing choice for you and your running needs, there are a few other options that might also be worth trying out.
While running in the Ellipse, some of our reviewers found themselves drawing comparisons between this New Balance shoe and the Asics Novablast. Both shoes feature a high stack of soft cushioning, a moderate 8 mm drop, and a springy, lightweight design. While the Novablast is slightly less durable and stable compared to the workhorse Ellipse v1, many runners will also find the springier foam to be more versatile for speed workouts as well as long runs.
And of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t compare the Ellipse to the more established Fresh Foam X trainer in the New Balance family, the 880 v15. As we mentioned previously, the reformulated Fresh Foam X feels slightly softer in the Ellipse than the 880, giving it a more plush, luxurious underfoot feel.
As a longstanding daily trainer model, the 880 is a great choice for anyone looking for dependable comfort and a responsive feel. But if you’re looking to take your runs to the next level of cushioning and softness – with a more affordable price tag – you may want to try the Ellipse instead.
The truth is, at $145 for a well-cushioned daily trainer, the Ellipse v1’s value is hard to beat, especially considering all the comfort and durability you can expect from this shoe. So if you want a daily driver that can handle all your relaxed mileage without breaking the bank, the Ellipse is a solid option.
Final Thoughts: Is the Ellipse Right for You?
With the new Ellipse, New Balance attempted to blend a reliable, no-frills daily trainer with a dependable lifestyle shoe that can easily span both daily runs and day-to-day wear. And with plush foam, a comfortable ride, and a unique, stylish design, we’re happy to say that the brand succeeded in this goal.
The Ellipse is a fantastic option for anyone who wants premium softness underfoot without a premium price tag. While it isn’t our top choice for faster days or speedy track workouts, the Ellipse excels from daily mileage to long recovery runs and everything in between. And if you want a shoe durable and sleek enough to handle both runs and day-to-day life, look no further than the Ellipse v1.
But learning about running shoe models is only part of the equation when it comes to finding your next pair. It’s also crucial to try them on, see how they work on your feet, and compare to other options.
If this all seems overwhelming, don’t worry. You don’t have to go at it alone. The footwear experts at your local Marathon Sports are excited to help you along the way. With the perfect running shoe for you, we’ll get you up and running towards all your fitness goals.
