FuelCell Propel v5

New balance propel have been a mainstay in my collection since v1, I now have v5. Durable, with decent cushioning, but still decent enough for running fast. I think I've always paid ~£65 Puma also have some affordable options that are also versatile.

This might seem like an odd choice to most, but I’ve been running with the Boston 13 and NB Propel v5 in rotation. The Boston is firmer and more energetic, the propel is softer but still has very nice energy return. I don’t like super tall shoes for my training and these work perfectly. The Propels have really surprised me with how versatile they are. I’ve been using them for long runs all the way to 15 miles with no issues. Plus, they’re on sale now.

I use the NB Propel. Feels low stack to me. It works, and is often found very cheap.

Try finding a local running shoe to get fitted first, and find what's most comfortable. It also depends on your foot type, For me I'm flatfooted with wide feet and tend to deal with overpronation sometimes. Here are the shoes I'd recommend or have a really good sale you can try on before the holiday season fully kicks on! New Balance has been up and coming with their running shoes! I used to be with Nike shoes but recently switched because I appreciate the quality of NB shoes alot. **New Balance Propel v5** [NewBalance Reconsidered](https://newbalancereconsidered.com/productStyle/ae123a86-188e-5a94-b901-70a9ea595e44?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23083350618&gbraid=0AAAAA-FP5bcfJwvP831rbcyV7ZY-UsrbF&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxJXJBhD_ARIsAH_JGjhUun7iHei0ieOr0Dt09AbQG9j6LXiAX-_N_IweBRXegwlvkrdao5IaAo0VEALw_wcB&selectedVariants=%7B%22color%22%3A%22wfcprcz5-cz5%22%2C%22width%22%3A%22womens-d%22%2C%22size%22%3A%22womens-085%22%7D) (They are pre-owned that's why they are discounted but I've had no problems) $60 [Snag and Bagged](https://snaggedandbagged.com/products/3666648061?variant=52698998833425&country=US¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&im_ref=T16VFexmtxycUtE1-T3GYS19UkpWKsW201ZU3g0&sharedid=&irpid=101044&irgwc=1&afsrc=1) (extra 25% off) $71.25 There are numerous deals on this (also JoeNewBalenceOutlet) I personally like these shoes because they are firm and secure on my foot yet provide tons of cushion. They also feature a plate that allows for speedier workouts at a good budget price. Overall one of my favorite shoes that are AMAZING daily trainers at a price you can't beat. **New Balance Rebel v4 & v5** You can find sales on both models at Dick's, Joe's NewBalance Outlet, New Balance reconsidered, Footlocker New Balance v4 ($70-$90) This is a light and fun shoe but I personally didn't like it as much as the V5 models. It's good for runs less than 4 miles and the foam will wear a lot more than the v5. New Balance v5: firmer and more secure but less fun **New Balance 1080v14** You can find these on sale for about $100-$120. While it is a little pricy, I've heard several people swear by them. The cushion and the support is amazing and can be used for recovery runs as well as the treadmill. I know several people on my college's cross country team that uses them and swear by it. Downside is it can feel a bit clunky and heavy especially for faster paced runners. **Nike Volmero 18** [Champs](https://www.champssports.com/product/model/nike-vomero-18/449563.html) $100 on teal colorway I've heard good things about these shoes but personally haven't tried them myself. Worth a shot especially at the price they are in. While Nike has been slacking a little on quality on some of their shoes, their Volmero line is amazing with the Nike foam technolgy. Other notable mentions, **Asics Novablast**, **Nike Pegasus 41** (narrower feet) [Footlocker ](https://www.footlocker.com/product/~/D2723702.html?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&SID=9114&inceptor=1&cm_mmc=paid%20search-_-google-_-g-_-PLA-_-DPA-_--_-P-_-Prospecting-_--_-6543181850-_--_-78551815157-_-PLA-_-D27237028-_--_--_-&cm_mmc=Paid%20Search-_-Google-_--_-Shopping-_--_--_--_-SHP-_-Evergreen-_-6543181850-_--_-78551815157-_--_--_--_--_-&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=6543181850&gbraid=0AAAAAD0g7JLB8gPTboESui-G9loRP6Anl&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxJXJBhD_ARIsAH_JGjiO8NkLIrI7JUG2tYrizKzKE73NTWHjRpU6kvI-WcaeQzC2RTvWyjUaAi0VEALw_wcB) $70, **Adidas Evo SL** (heard alot of good things and you can find it for about $115), **Saucony Endorphin 2, Brooks Hyperion 2, Brooks Gylercin 2**, **Mizuno Wave**, In the end, whatever best fits your feet and whatever you like the most will overcome anybody's elses opinions. My highest recommendation is to do a bit of research and TRY ON shoes. I've personally bought shoes that I didn't like and made that mistake because I didn't TRY them on or ordered the wrong shoes that were bad for my feet. The shoes I have linked are all ones that are popular or I like personally (I'm a bit biased for NB). But I can say right now is the best time to buy shoes becuase new models are coming out and its the holiday season! I wish you best luck and Happy RUNNING!

Agree. NB5 get a bad rep, but mine lasted me 500 energetic bouncy miles & I could have got more out of them, but I was getting an itch for new shoes. NB5 made Doctors of Running list of most durable shoes. https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2025/03/the-most-durable-running-shoes-2025.html

I loved my NB5 for long runs. Very protective, responsive for any distance. They’re fun too. Runrepeat has NB5 drop as 7.4 and SB2 drop as 8.2 mm if you’re concerned about drop.