New Balance 1400v3 Review

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New Balance 1400v3

One, Two, Three! Having recently reviewed the 1400v2’s, taking the New Balance 1400v3’s for a spin seemed like a no-brainer. I like what version 2 had to offer in that it was a shoe that catered to a wide variety of runners to use a shoe built for speed.  The premise of that still holds true for version 3. Minor improvements have been made to the outsole, and the upper is a ‘throwback’ of sorts to the original 1400.

First Thoughts on The New Balance 1400v3

My 1400v2’s were mainly used for my speed work and tempo workouts. I decided to take these along on a 10 day trip as my sole running shoe; one, because they packed pretty easy, and two, because they are lightweight. I am in the midst of marathon training, so the New Balance 1400v3 were subjected to short, easy, long, and fast runs.  I also tend to mix it up when it comes to terrain, so these saw asphalt roads, concrete paths, treadmill rubber, gravel trails, cobbled streets, grass, and even terrazzo floors (an airport dash trying to make a connection).

Lightweight and compressible made these a perfect traveling companion

Midsole

The REVlite midsole has not changed any from the v2, and I really didn’t think anything needed to change there. I am sure something will come along in the future to make that better or lighter, but for now this is a super nice ride with just enough cushion to speak to many a runner out there. With that said, the “feel” or connection to the ground is superb allowing for quick contact and push off to aid in picking up the pace.

The midsole provides just enough support that I feel comfortable recommending these to “larger” runners for shorter speed sessions.

Upper of the New Balance 1400v3

New Balance has a loyal following, and they seem to cater to the entire spectrum of runners and walkers. On the one side, you have the bulkier and rather plain supportive shoes. And the complete flip side of that are the racy, vibrant, sleek, and stylish (yet functional) shoes that this 1400v3 falls into.

The color scheme falls slightly on the side of noticeable and bold.  The model I am testing has a green midsole, laces, and “racing stripes with shades of a teal green/blue on the upper. A few orange branding highlights are added on the sole and heel that work well and make a statement.

no sewn mesh overlays provide for a no-rub experience plus lots of breathability.

The no-sew overlays and very breathable mesh is well made. I can’t speak to durability just yet as I have about 40-50 miles on these, but if used for its intended purpose, the New Balance 1400v3 should be a good tool in the running/racing arsenal for a good while to come. The really cool thing is that the mesh is softer and features more no-sew suede rather than film.

Outsole

The outsole hasn’t changed a whole lot.  New Balance made a few improvements to the geometry of the lug pattern, and increased the use of blown rubber. Both are helping to provide a more secure feel to reduce the chance of slippage on wet surfaces. With those changes, the sole is also supposed to last longer because the materials are ever so slightly more durable. And that’s a good thing! I wear my shoes to the ground so to speak.  I think 500 miles is a pretty good breaking in period.  That’s just me though. Listen to your LRS professionals, your body, and visual cues from the shoes. That blown rubber can easily wear down if you are slightly heavier and is dependent on running form.

A diagonal pattern for a bit of grip on wet surfaces or a track.

Technical Specifications of the New Balance 1400v3

• Weight: 6.2 oz.
• Profile (Heel): 30.2 mm
• Profile (Forefoot): 19.6 mm
• Drop from heel to forefoot: 10.6 mm
• 10 mm heel toe drop (HTD)
• Blown rubber outsole
• Breathable air mesh
• no-sew material application

• 

  I live in Denver, but I had fun on a Sunrise run in D.C.

Putting the New Balance 1400 v3 to the test

A nighttime run on the Mall of America! Not the one in Minnesota, but the one in DC.  I put the little ones to bed, and went out on a longer run with a handful of mile repeats thrown in. Whizzing by monuments, classic architecture, sight-seeing tourists, all the while getting my workout in was fantastic. Paying attention to my footing was also key because the changes in terrain will literally keep you on your toes. Quick feet were the call of the day, and the New Balance 1400v3 were there to deliver. I had good underfoot while maintaining a strong pace, and having to dodge ramps, curbs, people, and the occasional squirrel.

I told you these shoes made me float…. Having some fun with time-lapse photography.

I don’t know what it is about these shoes that make me feel like I am floating. Yes, they are lightweight, but I think it is more so a factor of responsiveness and quickness.  I just naturally feel like increasing my cadence which in my case improves my form and pushes me forward and upward to go faster. I feel that the New Balance 1400v3 is a perfect racer for anyone no matter if you run in minimal or a heavy duty support shoe. The 10mm HTD won’t be a shock to the system (calves and Achilles in this case), and the bit of cushioning means you can take these out for a track session.  I run my marathons in a 4mm HTD shoe with a good amount of cushioning, and run my more technical endurance trail excursions in a pretty heavy duty 10mm HTD. I mention this because of the wide range of drops and shoes that I run in.  These fit my mold and could work for others as well I think.  Even though it is 10mm, I am really not coming down on my heel very much, but the drop supports my Achilles, so I can keep running.

I have always had good luck with the fit of New Balance having never experienced any heel slippage or blisters. And it’s worth noting that a trail cousin, the New Balance MT 101 provided close to 700 miles of enjoyment. That is also a lightweight minimal shoe, but speaks to its longevity. The forefoot is wider which I like even though my foot is only slightly on the wide side. This allows my foot some freedom, and my toes to splay out without giving blisters. The lacing and heel cup ensures that sliding is not an issue.

And yes, I pushed the pace on the dreaded treadmill. Speedwork has to be done though!

Final thoughts for the New Balance 1400v3

“A shoe does not a runner make” – an ancient proverb, or I may just have made that up….?!?  In either case, your body, legs, feet, lungs, desire, training, etc. mold you into whatever you want it to be. A shoe is only a small part of the equation, but factors in quite significantly.  Having the right tools in your tool chest, so to speak, can make or break your training or race. The New Balance 1400v3 are a key component, and could definitely make you a better runner. They are a lightweight and responsive shoe made to aid you in going fast. Even though this can be considered a racing flat, they have worked well for me in my speed work training, and because they are made with durability in mind can last longer than you’d think.

MSRP: $99.95

For more details on the New Balance 1400 v3, and other quality running shoes please visit: www.amazon.com/newbalance.