In the last two years, the New Balance 1080 has become many runners favourite shoe.  The main reason for that was its super plush smooth ride.  This was made possible by a combination of the FreshFoam midsole material with an increased stack height and rocker sole.  What we have been desperately missing is a stability alternative to the popular 1080.

New Balance have now delivered with the Vongo 5.  It has the same thick FreshFoam midsole but with the addition of firmer cells of fresh foam within the inside of the heel and midfoot.  The midsole is also flared out more on the inside of the foot by 5mm.  This gives the Vongo the soft initial feel at foot strike but with a firmer supportive feeling during midstance. 

The rocker sole helps reduce slapping on forefoot loading for one of the smoothest heel to toe transitions of any stability shoe.

The segmented outsole gives good traction and durability without adding excessive weight or stiffness.  While there are some larger lugs that could work off road this is really not a shoe for the trails.

The engineered Hypoknit upper used in the 1080 has been subtly changed for the Vongo.  There is a section of super flexible mesh above the toes that can conform to any bumps and bunions.  In the Vongo 5 this area is slightly smaller than in the 1080.  This may give the upper a bit more structure for durability and stability but reduce it’s ability to conform to the foot.  When you first try these uppers they can sometimes feel funny as they grab your foot so well.  However you get used to that unique feel and they loosen up after a few runs.  The heel counter has gone to a traditional collar with slight posterior flare giving a firmer fit than the 1080 around the heel.  This is likely a good thing for the type of flexible foot that needs the Vongo.

• Type Stability Trainer
• Flexible vs Rigid = 8/10 – towards rigid
• Hard vs Soft = 8/10 – The combined feel of soft and firm
• My Rating = 5/5
• One of the best updates of any shoe in the last year.
   
• Standard width B Womens and D Mens (Fits wider in the forefoot)
• Wide widths will be available in the near future
• 289g Mens size 9
• 8mm Drop (Stack Height: 27mm Heel and 19mm Forefoot)
• $259.95