Today we take a closer look at one of the new running shoes on the market, the New Balance Vazee, a short review of its prime features. The New Balance brand has gone under some notable style changes in recent times. Most prominent has been the New Balance Vazee line of running shoes, which has made a huge impact since their launch. In fact, they have become well-known for being lightweight, featuring fresh colors and deliver undeniable performance.
New Balance debuted the Vazee line in mid-2015. The series includes the Pace and Rush, which were launched first and enjoy more popularity as a result, along with the Breathe, Prism, and Summit Trail. Already, they have been breaking into award-winning territory, with the Pace getting the nod as ‘best debut running shoe’ by at least one magazine.
Built on the latest technologies in running shoes, they New Balance Vazee running shoes maintain features of some of the brand’s standout models. For example, the Pace, which is said to replace the New Balance 890 with its firm, but cushioned midsole, also borrows upper design elements from the New Balance Zante. This kind of old + new blend allows the Vazee models to click with fans of New Balance while giving them something new to look forward to.
Made for speed and agility, the New Balance Vazee line of running shoes all have a few things in common; they are lightweight, aerodynamic and cushiony. Similar design elements permeate the entire line, including REVlite foam cushioning, podular rubber outsoles, no-sew uppers with bootie construction, and deconstructed heels.
In addition, they all have something that appeals to every type of runner, whether you’re looking for increased speed, durability, or both. Their technologies and design elements allow them to respond to the needs of today’s athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Let’s look at some pros and cons of the line.
New Balance Vazee Prism 5
Pros
- Cushioned fit: A lot of emphasis seems to have been placed on how these running shoes fit and perform under pressure. From the snug-fitting bootie of the Pace to the double density medial post of the Prism to counter over-pronation, these running shoes are built to provide a cushioned ride and fit for different types of runners. The comfortable fit and ride of the Vazee line is backed by the inclusion of materials such as REVlite foam and EVA in the midsoles, along with podular outsoles and other innovations.
- Lightweight: Ranging from 6.4 to 9.9 ounces, another hallmark of the New Balance Vazee line of running shoes is their low weight. They are all made from advanced synthetic material that not only weigh little but also promote breathability and adaptability with the movement of the athlete’s foot while running. This lightness helps to enhance the runner’s speed but without feeling flimsy.
- Durable: Among the many positive reviews that have come in for the New Balance Vazee line are those highlighting its durability. Comments about the main models so far, the Rush and the Pace, have pointed to the shoes not feeling or looking worn even after clocking several hundred miles in them. With many similar running shoes having to be replaced before they even reach their limit, this feature could be quite beneficial to those who want to get more wear for the money spent on their running shoes.
- Fashionable: The debuting of the Vazee models immediately drew attention from other top players in the running shoes market, such as Nike and Adidas. This was due in large part to how fashionable they are; a great departure from what many considered was New Balance’s boring formula for their shoes in the past. The Vazee kicks feature a number of lively colorways, bold branding marks and eye-catching cuts, which appeal to not just runners but also young folks who just want to look ‘fly’ in fashionable sneakers while they’re out chilling.
Cons
- Lack of Support: One of the complaints about a few of the New Balance Vazee models is their lack of support for some foot types. This has been mentioned for the Pace more than the others.
- Inflexible: This has also been one of the few complaints about the Vazee running shoe line. It is felt this is due to the upper design and, in the case of the Summit Trail, a lack of sufficient midfoot lockdown.
- Slippage: Foot roll has been reported as a problem with at least one of the members of the Vazee family – the Summit Trail. This, however, could be due to the soles moving around on long runs or in wet conditions.
