The New Balance Prism v2 isn’t my usual type of shoe. The NB Prism V2 is a responsive and slightly stable option. It’s one of the few shoes designed to be a “fast shoe” but also has a stability piece to it. Faster and stable are far between, and you don’t see any true stable carbon plated shoe. I usually keep one stability shoe in my rotation because I tend to pronate when my body gets tired. Lately my stability shoe of choice has been the Hoka Arahi.
Over the last few years, stability has moved to lighter posting and guide rails. This means many people who need true stability shoes are only left with a few shoe options including adding orthotics to their shoes. While the New Balance Prism v2 is a stable shoe, it isn’t providing rigid support as many imagine. The rigid support pieces from before 2016 are now a thing of the past.
New Balance Prism v2 Quick Facts:
Weight: 7.4 oz
Heel to toe drop: 6 mm
Cost: $120
New Balance Prism v2 Fit:
The New Balance Prism v2 features a breathable mesh upper. Together with the stability posting, it works to provide even more support through the arch.
Since the original New Balance Prism, the upper has been updated to make it lighter and more flexible. The internal tongue is gusseted, so it fits more like a sock than a slipper.
To me, the best uppers disappear off your feet and you don’t worry about them throughout the run. The NB Prism v2 does just that, and I didn’t notice any hot spots. I must admit, New Balance has done a great job with their shoe uppers over the last few years.
Typically in running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I found the women’s size 10.5 in the New Balance Prism v2 to fit well.
New Balance Prism v2 Ride:
The New Balance Prism v2 is a lot firmer and more bouncy than the original version. Many people felt as though their foot was sinking into a marshmallow and not firm enough to get a fast ride. Thankfully New Balance updated that.
The fuelcell foam delivers a responsive and propulsive feeling through workouts. You can see from just the photos how much cushion and support is under your feet.
Durability and Traction: New Balance usually does a good job in both durability and traction. I’ve found most New Balance shoes get at least 400 miles on them. I do notice the Fuelcell line does slightly less due to the lack of rubber on shoes. Why even remove the rubber? Removing the rubber means removing excess weight which many people prefer over durability. I expect the NB Prism v2 to get between 300 miles.
As far as traction, I’ve taken the New Balance Prism v2 out on a few inclement weather days and it’s performed well each time. While it’s not my first choice for bad weather, I wouldn’t be too worried I’m sliding around.
I’ve taken the NB Prism v2 on several different runs, including easy runs, faster workouts, and daily runs. It’s designed for faster runs and I can definitely feel that running. There are very few stability shoes that are designed to run fast and the New Balance Prism v2 does it well.
New Balance Prism v2 Conclusion:
If you are looking for a faster stability shoe, the NB Prism v2 is a great option. The update has made for a firmer and more responsive ride which isn’t a bad thing. You do feel as though you can get going towards the end of your run. I hope New Balance keeps this shoe for a while since there are such limited options in the “fast and stable” category. Who knows, of any brand New Balance is the one that would create a carbon plated stable shoe.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7,
Speed Work: New Balance Prism v2, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky,Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro,New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the New Balance Prism v2?
What is your favorite fast shoe?