© New Balance
New Balance Ellipse v1: running in style without overthinking it
There are shoes that speak performance. Others that speak style and comfort. The new Ellipse v1 aims to do both. New Balance has long proven itself in the running world with iconic models like the 1080. But the American brand is also known for its famous “dad shoes” style, which has become ultra-trendy. Retro, comfortable, these sneakers are among the most popular in the world. In recent years, the brand has been navigating between these two worlds with a unique and forward-thinking vision. With the Ellipse, New Balance opens a new door. It’s a shoe designed for everyday runs with its Fresh Foam X cushioning. But with its vintage look, it’s also a pair you could easily wear all day at the office without ever feeling like you’re wearing a highly technical running shoe.
| A new era for New Balance
The release of the Ellipse marks a turning point for New Balance. The brand even states it clearly: “This is our most important running innovation in the past ten years.” That says a lot. The idea behind the Ellipse is simple: bring running back to its purest form. Less data, less pressure, more feeling. Running for pleasure, to disconnect, to forget about time.
Kevin FitzPatrick, Global VP of Running at New Balance, sums it up well: “The Ellipse celebrates everyone who runs, whether they’re logging their first miles or recovering after a race, by offering premium cushioning and a curved profile that helps protect the body.” This isn’t a carbon-plated super shoe. It’s an everyday trainer—accessible, well-designed, well-built, and above all, enjoyable for easy runs.
| Fresh Foam X: New Balance DNA preserved
While the 1080 franchise is evolving toward new sensations with Infinion foam, the Ellipse stays true to one of the brand’s core pillars: Fresh Foam X cushioning, highly appreciated by runners.
Fresh Foam X delivers:
✔ Generous cushioning
✔ Controlled lightweight feel
✔ Clean energy return
✔ Smooth stride transition
This is premium comfort—but not overly soft. There’s some responsiveness—but not too much. A shoe that can handle daily mileage without unnecessarily fatiguing your legs or pushing you to run faster than you want.
Tech specs – ELLIPSE v1
- Category: daily trainer
- Use: easy runs, recovery runs
- Cushioning: Fresh Foam X
- Surface: road
- Level: all runners
- Weight: 273 g (M) / 218 g (W)
- Stack height: 38 mm / 30 mm
- Drop: 8 mm
- Price: €150
- Available March 5, 2026
| A lifestyle silhouette… with real running tech
Visually, the Ellipse clearly leans into New Balance’s lifestyle codes. But technically, it’s serious:
✔ Breathable, seamless Hypoknit mesh
✔ Sock-like construction for precise midfoot lockdown
✔ Gusseted tongue + stretch laces
✔ Reinforced heel for added stability
✔ Ndurance rubber outsole with carbon reinforcement
This isn’t a sneaker disguised as a running shoe. It’s a true running shoe… with style.
| Who is the Ellipse for?
This is probably where the model gets most interesting. The Ellipse isn’t just aimed at elites, gear geeks, or time-chasers. It’s also designed for:
➜ Beginner runners
➜ Casual joggers
➜ Marathoners in recovery
➜ Athletes looking for a simple, enjoyable shoe
It’s perfect for:
✔ Easy runs
✔ Relaxed outings
✔ Recovery blocks
✔ Long, easy efforts
Depending on your level, you can even pick up the pace a bit. The Fresh Foam X has enough bounce—but for speed sessions, you’ll still want a more performance-oriented shoe.
| Bridging culture, performance, and running
What’s clever here is that the Ellipse is embraced by both elite athletes and cultural figures, such as American rapper Action Bronson and NFL quarterback Josh Allen. Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas and middle-distance standout Parker Valby have also adopted the Ellipse as their go-to running shoe.
This is exactly where New Balance excels: creating products that live both in sport and in the streets. The Ellipse might be the most complete expression of that vision yet. For the launch, Action Bronson even stars in a highly stylized, vintage-inspired campaign video.
| What you really need to know
The Ellipse v1 isn’t a technological revolution. But it’s a strong addition to New Balance’s lineup, perfectly positioned in the daily trainer category. And at €150, the price is excellent for what you get underfoot. With Fresh Foam X, it’s an accessible, slightly premium daily trainer without being elitist.
The Ellipse says something about modern running: you can want to perform… without taking yourself too seriously. You can want comfort… without sacrificing style.
New Balance already has its legacy models, and the Ellipse isn’t here to replace them. It opens a new chapter, making running even more accessible—for those early morning runners or lunchtime movers. With its clean, vintage look, the Ellipse makes you want to run—simply, without checking your watch, but always with style and comfort. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you want from a shoe.
✔ The Ellipse v1 will be available for €150 on newbalance.com starting March 5, 2026.
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
