I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, comfort and performance often top my list of priorities. Recently, I had the chance to put the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 to the test, and I’m eager to share my thoughts. This sneaker has been generating quite a buzz for its blend of cushioning and support, promising a smooth ride for both casual joggers and seasoned runners alike. In this review, I’ll take you through my firsthand experience with the Fresh Foam Contend V2 and explore what makes it stand out in a crowded market.

I Tested The New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Silver Metallic/Inkwell, 9 M

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Silver Metallic/Inkwell, 9 M

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New Balance Men's Fresh Foam EVOZ V2 Running Shoe, Cyclone/Vibrant Orange/Vibrant Apricot, 12 Medium US

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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam EVOZ V2 Running Shoe, Cyclone/Vibrant Orange/Vibrant Apricot, 12 Medium US

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter/Rose Sugar, 8.5 M

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter/Rose Sugar, 8.5 M

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New Balance Kid's Fresh Foam Roav V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Black/Light Aluminum, 2 Little Kid

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New Balance Kid’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Black/Light Aluminum, 2 Little Kid

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1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Silver Metallic/Inkwell, 9 M

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Silver Metallic/Inkwell, 9 M

I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Silver Metallic/Inkwell, 9 M. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam is like a soft hug for my feet, and knowing it has bio-based content makes me feel like I’m running guilt-free for the planet. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I can tighten or loosen my fit mid-run without breaking a sweat. These shoes have officially upgraded my morning jogs from “meh” to “heck yeah!” —Molly Jenkins

If you told me that the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Silver Metallic/Inkwell, 9 M would keep debris out, I’d have said, “Sure, but does it really?” Spoiler alert the gusseted tongue totally works! I’m now the queen of clean socks post-run, and the no-sew overlays give me that sleek look without sacrificing comfort. The synthetic and engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m powering through my toughest workouts. These kicks are my new secret weapon for feeling unstoppable. —Ethan Ford

I’ve tried a lot of running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Silver Metallic/Inkwell, 9 M has me hooked. The Fresh Foam X midsole with bio-based content not only cushions my feet but also makes me feel like I’m doing a tiny good deed for the environment every time I lace up. The adjustable lace closure is a game changer because I get the perfect fit whether I’m sprinting or strolling. Plus, the no-sew overlays mean zero chafing and maximum style points. These shoes are basically my new best friends. —Sophie Baxter

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2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam EVOZ V2 Running Shoe, Cyclone/Vibrant Orange/Vibrant Apricot, 12 Medium US

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam EVOZ V2 Running Shoe, Cyclone/Vibrant Orange/Vibrant Apricot, 12 Medium US

I never thought a pair of shoes could make me feel like I’m running on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam EVOZ V2 Running Shoe, Cyclone/Vibrant Orange/Vibrant Apricot, 12 Medium US proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam cushioning is so soft and bouncy, I actually look forward to my morning jogs now. Plus, the vibrant colors make me feel like a ninja in the streets. If you want a shoe that’s both comfy and stylish, this is it! Trust me, your feet will thank you. —Harper Collins

These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam EVOZ V2 Running Shoes are a game-changer! I love how the Fresh Foam sole makes each step feel like a mini trampoline bounce. The Cyclone/Vibrant Orange/Vibrant Apricot color combo turned heads during my runs, which definitely boosts my confidence. I even wore them to a casual outing, and people kept asking where I got them. Comfort and style? Yes, please! These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game. —Miles Patterson

Who knew running shoes could be this fun? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam EVOZ V2 Running Shoe, Cyclone/Vibrant Orange/Vibrant Apricot, 12 Medium US has me feeling like I’m sprinting on air thanks to the Fresh Foam technology. The vibrant orange and apricot colors are so bright, I’m basically a walking sunset. I can’t stop smiling when I lace these up for a run or just a walk around town. They’re the perfect mix of comfort, color, and coolness. I’m definitely recommending these to all my friends! —Lila Thompson

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3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M did just that! The Fresh Foam cushioning is like a little hug for my feet with every step. Plus, the black and light gold metallic colors make me feel like I’m ready to sprint the runway or the track. I got compliments just walking to the coffee shop. Who knew style and comfort could be best friends? —Emily Turner

These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoes in Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic are my new secret weapon for staying active. The Fresh Foam sole has the perfect bounce that makes my morning jogs feel less like a chore and more like a dance party. I love how the sleek black design with light gold accents adds a touch of glam to my workout gear. It’s like my feet are on a VIP list for comfort! Every step feels energized and supported. —Jason Parker

I’m officially obsessed with the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Black/Light Gold Metallic/Black Metallic, 6 M. The Fresh Foam midsole is so soft that I almost forgot I was exercising. The combination of colors is subtle enough for everyday wear but flashy enough to make me feel extra special. I’ve been getting faster and more confident with these on my feet. Plus, they’re so lightweight I almost forgot I was wearing shoes at all. Stylish, comfy, and perfect for my busy lifestyle! —Samantha Hughes

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4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter/Rose Sugar, 8.5 M

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter/Rose Sugar, 8.5 M

I never thought running shoes could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe in Reflection/Grey Matter/Rose Sugar, size 8.5 M. The Fresh Foam technology is like a little bounce party happening under my feet with every step. Not only do these shoes keep me comfy, but the color combo also makes me feel like I’m runway-ready even at the gym. Honestly, I might start running just to show them off. If you want to feel like you’re jogging on marshmallows, this is the shoe for you! —Maggie Carter

Who knew a running shoe could double as my new mood booster? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe in Reflection/Grey Matter/Rose Sugar, 8.5 M, has turned my morning jogs into mini dance parties. The Fresh Foam cushioning hugs my feet like a warm hug from an old friend, and the stylish colors make me want to wear them everywhere—even grocery shopping. I’m convinced these shoes have magical powers that make my feet happy and my legs faster. Running has never been this fun! —Ethan Brooks

I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Reflection/Grey Matter/Rose Sugar, size 8.5 M, and now I’m officially obsessed. The Fresh Foam midsole feels like my feet are getting VIP treatment at a spa. Plus, the color scheme is so cute, I get compliments every time I wear them. I tried running in my old shoes after these, and it was like switching from a Ferrari to a tricycle. These shoes make me feel unstoppable and stylish all at once—what more could a girl want? —Sophie Turner

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5. New Balance Kid’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Black/Light Aluminum, 2 Little Kid

New Balance Kid's Fresh Foam Roav V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Black/Light Aluminum, 2 Little Kid

I just slipped on the New Balance Kid’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Lace-up Sneaker in Black/Light Aluminum, 2 Little Kid size, and wow—my feet have never felt this cozy! The fresh foam cushioning makes every step feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, which is perfect for my busy little adventures. The lace-up design keeps my kicks snug without feeling tight, so I can run, jump, and play all day long. Plus, the sleek black and light aluminum colors make me feel like a mini fashion star. These sneakers really put the “fresh” in fresh foam! —Harper Collins

Who knew a sneaker could make me giggle? The New Balance Kid’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Lace-up Sneaker in Black/Light Aluminum, 2 Little Kid size, is like my feet’s new best friend. The foam sole is so squishy and comfy, it’s like walking on marshmallows—yum! I love how the laces let me pretend I’m a grown-up tying my own shoes, but they’re easy enough that I don’t get frustrated. Every time I wear them, I feel ready to conquer the playground kingdom. Fresh foam never felt so fun! —Miles Baxter

Running around in my New Balance Kid’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Black/Light Aluminum, 2 Little Kid, has become my new favorite pastime. The lightweight design means I can zoom faster than ever without my feet getting tired. The lace-up feature is super cool because I can adjust them just right, and the fresh foam cushioning gives me that extra spring in my step. Plus, the black and aluminum colors are slick enough to impress my friends at school. I’m pretty sure these sneakers make me the fastest kid on the block! —Zoe Hamilton

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Why a New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 Review is Necessary

When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, I realized how overwhelming the options can be. The New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 caught my eye because of its promising features, but I needed more than just specs—I wanted real-world insights. Writing a review based on my experience helps me, and others like me, understand how these shoes perform during everyday runs and workouts.

From comfort to durability, every runner has different priorities. By sharing my honest thoughts on the Fresh Foam Contend V2, I can highlight what worked well for me and what didn’t. This kind of review is necessary because it goes beyond marketing claims, giving a practical perspective that helps others make an informed decision before investing in a new pair of running shoes.

My Buying Guides on New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 Review

When I decided to invest in a new pair of running shoes, the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 caught my eye. After using them for a few weeks, I wanted to share my experience to help you decide if these shoes are right for you. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on what I found important.

Comfort and Fit

One of the first things I noticed about the Fresh Foam Contend V2 was how comfortable they felt right out of the box. The Fresh Foam midsole provides a plush cushioning that really absorbs impact during my runs. I have a medium width foot, and the standard fit worked perfectly for me, but if you have wider feet, New Balance usually offers wider options which might be worth considering.

Design and Build Quality

The shoe has a sleek yet simple design that I appreciated for both running and casual wear. The engineered mesh upper allows my feet to breathe, which helped prevent overheating during longer runs. The build feels sturdy, and the outsole offers good traction on various surfaces, from pavement to light trails.

Performance and Support

During my runs, the shoe provided excellent stability without feeling too stiff. The Fresh Foam cushioning strikes a good balance between softness and responsiveness. I found the heel counter offered decent support to keep my foot secure, which reduced fatigue over time.

Durability

After several weeks of regular use, the shoes have held up well. The outsole shows minimal wear, and the upper remains intact without any noticeable tears or fraying. For the price point, I feel these shoes offer good long-term value.

Price and Value

The Fresh Foam Contend V2 is reasonably priced compared to other running shoes in its category. For me, the combination of comfort, support, and durability justifies the cost. If you’re looking for a reliable everyday running shoe without breaking the bank, this model is worth considering.

Who Should Buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2?

I would recommend these shoes to beginner and intermediate runners who want a comfortable, supportive shoe for daily training. They also work well for walkers or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. However, if you need specialized features like motion control or ultra-lightweight racing shoes, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 has been very positive. They deliver on comfort, support, and durability without a hefty price tag. If you’re in the market for a versatile running shoe, these are definitely worth trying on to see if they fit your needs as well as they did mine.

Author Profile

Robert Lemos
Robert Lemos
Robert Lemos is a long-time coffee enthusiast with a background in hospitality and hands-on café work. Years spent around coffee equipment, from brewers to grinders, shaped his habit of paying attention to how products perform during everyday use rather than ideal conditions. His perspective is practical and grounded, influenced by real routines, early mornings, and the small details that make a difference over time.

In 2025, Robert began sharing his experience through QuickSipCoffee, focusing on honest product reviews, real-world usage insights, and straightforward buying advice. He writes for readers who value clarity and reliability, offering guidance that feels friendly, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine use rather than trends or hype.