An easy-going running shoe for undemanding runners for a reasonable price tag nowadays. That’s how I would describe New Balance Drft V1. You cannot flatter this model for the best performance in the world but it doesn’t spoil the fun either. After the whole 50 miles of testing these shoes, I came actually to some nice and important findings.
Weight of the model
Foremost, New Balance Drft V1 can boast with ACTEVA cushioning. It is lighter than most average midsoles in other running shoes. Officially, New Balance claims that it’s lighter by 12 %. When it is built in the shoe, it’s hard to compare it to other midsoles in other running shoes. But the truth is that it feels very light on both short and long distances. Compared to Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36, they are pretty much the same.
Top of the shoe
Engineered mesh upper offers high perforation, very thin material so that you can be sure you would get too hot in them. New Balance Drft V1 are very breathable. On the other hand, when I tried them in a rain shower, the shoes got soaked in a couple of minutes. So don’t go too hard on them. You will find them rather useful for indoors exercising, gym workouts or for treadmill runs. Then they are perfect.
New Balance Drft V1 also fits very well true to size. I ordered my normal width and length and I had no issues at all. What might be a problem though, is the thickness of the insoles. First, they are very thin and for second, they don’t offer too much foot support. Luckily, you can exchange them for something better. So not so much of an issue in the end.
So after my 50 miles of testing, I would say New Balance Drft V1 is an ideal shoe for shorther runs, offering rather medium to low arch support but lightweight and comfortable fit at the same time. For sure, check it out now as it is not the newest model anymore and the price has dropped already. For a real beginning runner, this can be a pretty good option in the end.
New Balance Drft V1
Pros
- High breathability
- Very low weight
Cons
- Thin insoles lacking support
- Gets easily soaked