The New Balance Ellipse v1 is one of New Balance’s newer daily trainers, and I was curious what the point was. New Balance already has the 880, 1080, More, Rebel, Balos, and too many other daily trainers depending on how deep into the website you are willing to go.
So when a new cushioned daily trainer appears, my first question is always: did New Balance need another daily trainer?
The Ellipse is designed as a soft, comfortable, everyday running shoe with Fresh Foam X, an engineered mesh upper, a rockered profile, and a more lifestyle-friendly look than many running shoes. It looks good…but what is it? It is a daily trainer made for easy runs, recovery miles, walking, travel, and runners who want something comfortable without feeling bulky. It is not a plated shoe, it is not a speed shoe, and it is not trying to replace the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
I have reviewed plenty of New Balance running shoes, including the New Balance 1080v14 and New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4, so I wanted to see whether the Ellipse fills a gap or just crowds the already crowded daily trainer shelf. There was a period of my running that the majority of my training in New Balance shoes, but if I’m being honest they are kind of boring and clunky again. Clearly I’m being paid to review these LOL…kidding.
New Balance Ellipse v1 Quick Facts
- Weight: 9.6 oz men’s, 7.7 oz women’s
- Stack height: 38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot
- Drop: 8 mm
- Price: $144.99
- Category: Neutral daily trainer
- Best for: Easy runs, recovery runs, walking, travel, all-day wear
- Comparable shoes: New Balance 1080, New Balance 880, Brooks Ghost Max, Hoka Clifton, Puma Velocity Nitro
Before Trying the New Balance Ellipse v1, I Had a Few Questions
Is the New Balance Ellipse v1 good for running?
Yes, the Ellipse v1 is good for easy running, daily mileage, recovery runs, and walking. It is not the shoe I would choose for workouts, races, or anything fast.
Does the New Balance Ellipse v1 fit true to size?
The Ellipse fits true to size for most people, with a slightly more accommodating fit than some daily trainers. If you need extra room in the toe box, try it on first because the upper has stretch, but the shape is still more traditional than foot-shaped.
Is the New Balance Ellipse v1 like the 1080?
Kind of. The Ellipse is softer and more casual than the 1080 line, while the 1080 still feels more like New Balance’s main premium daily trainer. The Ellipse is the one I would grab for easy miles and walking around afterward.
Is the New Balance Ellipse v1 good for beginners?
Yes. It is one of the easier New Balance shoes to recommend for newer runners because it is comfortable and does not require you to run a certain pace to enjoy it.
Let’s get into an honest New Balance Ellipse v1 shoe review.
New Balance Ellipse v1 Upper and Fit
The New Balance Ellipse v1 uses an engineered mesh upper with stretch laces, an internal liner, and a gusseted tongue. The upper is one of the better parts of the shoe because it feels comfortable immediately and does not have that stiff, overly technical daily-trainer feeling. It is soft, padded, and more casual than many running shoes. You don’t need a super technical daily trainer, you just need something comfortable.
The fit is more relaxed than a speed shoe, but it is not sloppy. The midfoot hold is secure enough for easy runs, and the padded tongue helps the laces sit comfortably across the top of the foot. I appreciate a gusseted tongue in a daily trainer because it keeps the shoe from feeling messy when the pace changes or when you are several miles into a run and everything starts shifting around.
The heel has plenty of padding, which feels good for walking and easy running. Some runners may find the heel collar a little noticeable near the Achilles, especially if they are sensitive there, so that is something to check before buying. The Ellipse also comes in standard, wide, and extra wide for men, which is a good move from New Balance because a lot of runners turn to the brand specifically for width options.
For me, the Ellipse fits like a shoe made for comfort first. In running shoes, I usually wear between a women’s size 10-11 and the New Balance Ellipse v1 fits the best at size 11. It’s comfortable and you don’t really need any thing else.
New Balance Ellipse v1 Ride
The ride of the New Balance Ellipse v1 is soft, smooth, and easy. The Fresh Foam X midsole feels cushioned without turning the shoe into a max-stack monster, and the 8 mm drop gives it a traditional daily trainer feel. It rolls along nicely at easy paces, especially when you are not trying to force it into workout territory. If you are someone who misses the “old days” or daily trainers being just daily trainers…you may really enjoy the New Balance Ellipse v1.
Where the Ellipse does best is easy mileage. Think recovery runs, neighborhood miles, casual treadmill runs, walking, travel days, and just easy miles. It feels soft underfoot, and the rocker helps the shoe move forward without feeling too flat.
The Ellipse is not especially responsive, and once you pick up the pace, it feels more chonky and just harder to do that. It is a good cushioned daily shoe, but it does not have the range of livelier trainers.
I would use the Ellipse for the easy side of a rotation. If you want a shoe for workouts, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 has more speed range. If you want a race shoe, this is not that shoe.
New Balance Ellipse v1 Outsole and Traction
The Ellipse uses a rubber outsole, and for a daily trainer, that is what I want. I would use it on roads, sidewalks, treadmill runs, and light packed dirt paths, but I would not take it on technical trails.
The outsole also helps with the all-day wear part of the shoe. Some running shoes feel strange when you walk around in them because they are built too aggressively for forward motion. This feels like you can do either.
As far as durability, I expect the New Balance Ellipse v1 to last about 400 miles or your typical daily trainer. I do believe it’s one of the more durable daily trainers out there, which New Balance excels at.
Where Does the New Balance Ellipse v1 Fit in a Rotation?
The Ellipse fits as an easy-day shoe, recovery shoe, walking shoe, or travel shoe. It is the shoe you use when you want comfort and do not care about running fast. In a three-shoe rotation, I would pair it with a faster trainer and a race shoe.
For example, the Ellipse could handle easy runs while the Rebel handles faster days and the SuperComp Elite handles race day. You can see more shoe options in my Shoe and Gear Reviews or my current Best Running Shoes in 2026 list.
New Balance Ellipse v1 Comparison
Previous version: This is a new model, so there is no Ellipse v0 to compare it to. The closest New Balance comparison is the 1080 or 880, depending on how much cushion you want.
New Balance Ellipse v1 vs. New Balance 1080: The 1080 feels more premium and more established as a daily trainer. The Ellipse feels softer and more casual.
New Balance Ellipse v1 vs. New Balance 880: The 880 is more traditional and dependable. The Ellipse is softer and more lifestyle-friendly.
New Balance Ellipse v1 vs. New Balance Rebel: The Rebel is faster and more fun for workouts. The Ellipse is better for easy running and walking.
Closest competitor: I would compare it to shoes like the Hoka Clifton, Brooks Ghost Max, Puma Velocity Nitro, and softer daily trainers that can cross into walking and travel.
Who Should Buy the New Balance Ellipse v1?
- You want a comfortable daily trainer for easy runs, recovery days, walking, travel, and casual mileage.
- Newer runners who want a cushioned shoe that does not feel unstable or intimidating.
- Neutral runners, runners who like soft Fresh Foam X
- Anyone who wants one shoe that can run in the morning and walk around for errands
Who Should Skip the New Balance Ellipse v1?
- You want one daily trainer that can handle workouts, tempo runs, and faster long runs.
- Runners who dislike soft midsoles may also find it too compressive
- Skip it if you already have a 1080, 880, or similar cushioned daily trainer you love
New Balance Ellipse v1 Conclusion
The New Balance Ellipse v1 is a comfortable, soft, daily trainer that is good for easy running, walking, travel, and recovery days. Would I use it for workouts? No. Would I race in it? Also no. Would I keep it around for easy miles, treadmill runs, walking, and travel days?
Yes. In short, the New Balance Ellipse v1 is fine. It’s not super exciting but it does get the job done. Personally I have found a lot more interesting and fun daily trainers, but I’ll still keep running in the New Balance Ellipse v1 because there is a place in this running world for it.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the New Balance Ellipse v1?
Do you like soft daily trainers, or do you prefer something firmer?