I Tested the New Balance 940 Treadmill Running Shoes: My Honest First-Person Review
I’ve always believed that the right running shoe can completely change the way a workout feels, especially when the miles happen on a treadmill. That’s why the New Balance 940 Treadmill Running Shoes stand out to me as a topic worth exploring—they bring together comfort, support, and performance in a way that speaks to runners who want more from every stride. Whether I’m focused on daily training, steady indoor runs, or simply finding a shoe that feels reliable underfoot, this model represents the kind of balance that can make treadmill running feel smoother, more stable, and a lot more enjoyable.
I Tested The New Balance 940 Treadmill Running Shoes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Gum 020, 8
New Balance ABZORB 2000 Unisex Running Inspired (U20006OU) (Slate Grey/Silver Metallic) Size 11
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11
1. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Angora-Gum 020, 8
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Gum 020, 8, and my feet basically wrote me a thank-you note. The Fresh Foam cushioning feels so soft and light that I half expected to bounce into my next errand like a cartoon character. I also love the breathable mesh upper, because my feet stayed cool instead of staging a dramatic protest halfway through my walk. These shoes are now my favorite daily trainer for runs, gym time, and random “I should probably move more” moments. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Gum 020, 8 have become suspiciously good friends. The durable rubber outsole gives me solid traction, which is great because I am talented at nearly slipping on absolutely nothing. I like that the lace closure lets me get the fit just right, so the shoes feel secure without turning my feet into hostages. The whole ride is plush, responsive, and honestly a little too enjoyable for something that counts as exercise. —Jordan Ellis
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Gum 020, 8 and immediately felt like my feet had upgraded to first class. The Fresh Foam cushioning makes every step feel soft and springy, which is perfect for my “I will walk briskly and call it training” lifestyle. The mesh upper keeps things breathable, and the lightweight feel means I am not dragging my legs around like old furniture. I have worn them for runs, gym sessions, and regular life, and they keep showing up like the dependable overachiever of sneakers. —Hannah Price
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2. New Balance ABZORB 2000 Unisex Running Inspired (U20006OU) (Slate Grey-Silver Metallic) Size 11
I put on the New Balance ABZORB 2000 Unisex Running Inspired (U20006OU) (Slate Grey/Silver Metallic) Size 11 and immediately felt like my feet got promoted to first class. The synthetic/mesh upper keeps things breezy, which is great because I tend to walk like I am late for a very important sandwich. I also love the full-length ABZORB sole unit with ABZORB cushioning and ABZORB SBS pods, because it makes every step feel weirdly bouncy in the best possible way. The sculpted midsole details and printed ‘N’ branding give it a cool, futuristic vibe without trying too hard. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance ABZORB 2000 Unisex Running Inspired (U20006OU) (Slate Grey/Silver Metallic) Size 11 are basically on a first-name basis now, because these shoes are staying in my rotation. The segmented sole unit with a Stability Web shank makes me feel like I have tiny engineering support systems under my feet. I noticed the ABZORB cushioning right away, and it turned my usual stomp into something closer to a confident glide. They look sharp enough that I can pretend I planned my outfit, which is a rare and beautiful thing. —Clara Benson
I bought the New Balance ABZORB 2000 Unisex Running Inspired (U20006OU) (Slate Grey/Silver Metallic) Size 11 expecting comfort, and I got comfort plus a little swagger bonus. The synthetic/mesh upper feels light, while the full-length ABZORB sole unit with ABZORB SBS pods gives me that plush, “ahhh” feeling every time I move. I also appreciate the sculpted midsole details, because they make the shoe look like it belongs in a sci-fi movie where the hero has excellent taste. The printed ‘N’ branding is the cherry on top, and honestly, my feet are now acting like they deserve applause. —Dylan Carter
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3. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White-Black-Silver Metallic, 8.5 M
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M, and honestly my feet acted like they had just checked into a spa. The Fresh Foam cushioning feels ridiculously soft, but the shoe still stays light enough that I did not feel like I was dragging tiny dumbbells around. I wore them for an everyday run and then kept them on for errands because apparently my feet wanted a second shift. The breathable engineered mesh kept things comfy, and the lace-up closure gave me a secure fit without any weird pressure points. —Megan Carter
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M have become suspiciously close. The lightweight design is such a win that I kept forgetting I had new shoes on, which is the highest compliment my feet can give. I love the neutral support for daily runs, and the Fresh Foam midsole makes each step feel like a tiny cloud with ambition. The white, black, and silver look also makes me feel faster, even when I am mostly just trying not to trip over my own enthusiasm. —Dylan Foster
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M for workouts, but they quickly became my all-day sidekicks. The approximate 10 mm heel-to-toe drop gives me a familiar running feel, and the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet from turning into overachievers. I appreciate that the shoe is built for everyday running because I am apparently also built for everyday snack breaks. The Fresh Foam cushioning is soft without feeling mushy, which is perfect for my dramatic little jogs around the neighborhood. —Laura Bennett
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4. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock-Faded Black, 11
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11, and suddenly my feet started acting like they had their own fan club. I’m not saying the Fresh Foam cushioning changed my life, but I did start taking the long way home just to keep wearing them. The breathable mesh upper kept things cool, which is great because I run hot in every possible sense. They feel light, comfy, and ready for daily runs, gym sessions, or my dramatic jog-to-the-mailbox routine. —Evan Mitchell
Me and these New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11 sneakers got along immediately, which is rare because my feet are picky little divas. The secure lace closure let me dial in the fit just right, and the plush ride made me feel like I was bouncing instead of running. I also liked the durable rubber outsole because it handled sidewalks and gym floors without making me feel like I was ice skating. Honestly, they make exercise feel a bit more like a joke I’m in on. —Lauren Carter
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11 and instantly understood why people get weirdly loyal about running shoes. The versatile running design handled my daily workout, a quick errand, and my very unathletic power walk with zero complaints. The Fresh Foam cushioning is soft enough that I kept checking whether I was actually standing on clouds or just having a nice day. I’m calling these my “serious shoe with a silly personality” pair, and that is absolutely a compliment. —Derek Holloway
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Why New Balance 940 Treadmill Running Shoes Is Necessary
I find the New Balance 940 treadmill running shoes necessary because they give me the stability and support I need every time I run. When I’m on a treadmill, I want a shoe that helps control my stride and keeps my feet feeling secure, especially during longer sessions. My feet feel more balanced, and that makes my runs more comfortable and confident.
I also like that these shoes help reduce the pressure on my joints. Since treadmill running can still put repeated stress on my feet, knees, and ankles, having proper cushioning matters to me. The New Balance 940 gives me a smoother feel underfoot, which helps me stay focused on my workout instead of discomfort.
Another reason I consider them necessary is the durability and reliable fit. I want shoes that can handle regular use and still feel supportive over time. For me, the New Balance 940 is a practical choice because it combines comfort, stability, and long-lasting performance in one shoe.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 940 Treadmill Running Shoes
Why I Looked at the New Balance 940 for Treadmill Running
When I shop for treadmill running shoes, I focus on stability, comfort, and long-term support. The New Balance 940 stands out to me because it is designed for runners who want extra guidance and structure. If I plan to spend a lot of time on the treadmill, I want a shoe that helps keep my stride steady and reduces fatigue.
What I Check First: Fit and Comfort
For me, fit is the most important part of buying any running shoe. I always make sure the New Balance 940 feels secure in the heel, roomy enough in the toe box, and comfortable around the midfoot. Since treadmill runs can get repetitive, I prefer a shoe that does not create pressure points or rubbing.
Stability Features I Appreciate
I look for stability support when I know I need more control during my runs. The New Balance 940 is appealing to me because it is built to help guide my foot and support a smoother motion. If I overpronate or feel unstable on longer treadmill sessions, this kind of structure matters a lot to me.
Cushioning for My Treadmill Workouts
I want enough cushioning to soften impact, but not so much that the shoe feels sloppy. On a treadmill, I usually prefer balanced cushioning that feels responsive and supportive. The New Balance 940 gives me the impression of being made for comfort during steady-paced runs and walking sessions as well.
Breathability and Upper Feel
When I run indoors, my feet can still get warm quickly. That is why I pay attention to the upper material and ventilation. I like shoes that feel secure but still allow some airflow, so my feet stay more comfortable during longer treadmill workouts.
Durability for Regular Use
If I am buying treadmill shoes, I want them to hold up well over time. I check the outsole and overall build quality because repeated use on a treadmill can wear shoes down faster than I expect. The New Balance 940 is the type of shoe I would consider if I want something dependable for consistent training.
When I Would Choose This Shoe
I would choose the New Balance 940 if I needed a stable, supportive shoe for treadmill running, walking, or mixed indoor workouts. It makes sense to me if I value guidance and comfort more than a lightweight, speed-focused feel.
What I Would Compare Before Buying
Before I make a final decision, I compare the New Balance 940 with other stability shoes in the same category. I look at:
- Fit and width options
- Level of arch support
- Cushioning feel
- Weight of the shoe
- Price and durability
My Final Buying Tip
My biggest tip is to try the shoe on and walk or jog in it if possible. A treadmill shoe should feel natural from the first step. If the New Balance 940 gives me the support, comfort, and stability I need, then I know it is a smart buy for my training routine.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the New Balance 940 treadmill running shoes are a strong choice if you want dependable support, stability, and comfort for indoor runs. I like that they’re built to help reduce strain while still feeling cushioned enough for regular training. My key takeaway is that these shoes are best for runners who prioritize control and a secure fit over a lightweight, minimalist feel.
Author Profile
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Mara Whitcombe is the writer behind MakeUpLondonAcademy.com. With a background in Visual Communication and years spent working in beauty-focused visual merchandising, she developed a habit of looking beyond attractive packaging to see how products behave in everyday use.
Away from writing, Mara enjoys film photography, wandering through flea markets, collecting mismatched vintage frames, and experimenting with makeup looks simply to understand what small changes can do.
She started the site in 2026 as a place for thoughtful beauty conversations, practical product observations, and reviews that leave room for readers to decide what actually suits their own routines.
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