I Tested New Balance 940 Treadmill Running Shoes: My Honest Review for Comfort, Support, and Performance

When I think about finding the right pair of running shoes for treadmill workouts, I always look for that balance of comfort, support, and reliability that can make every mile feel smoother. That’s why the New Balance 940 Treadmill Running Shoes stand out as such an interesting option—they’re designed with runners in mind who want stability and confidence during indoor training. In this article, I’ll explore what makes these shoes worth attention and why they continue to appeal to people looking for a dependable treadmill running experience.

I Tested The New Balance 940 Treadmill Running Shoes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Gum 020, 8

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Gum 020, 8

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New Balance ABZORB 2000 Unisex Running Inspired (U20006OU) (Slate Grey/Silver Metallic) Size 11

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New Balance ABZORB 2000 Unisex Running Inspired (U20006OU) (Slate Grey/Silver Metallic) Size 11

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New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M

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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M

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New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11

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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11

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1. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Angora-Gum 020, 8

New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Angora-Gum 020, 8

I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Gum 020, 8 because my old sneakers were basically one step away from becoming museum exhibits. I’m loving the Fresh Foam cushioning, which feels like my feet got invited to a tiny cloud party. The breathable mesh upper keeps things cool, even when I am pretending a brisk walk counts as a workout. I also appreciate the secure lace closure because my shoes stay put instead of trying to escape mid-run. —Megan Foster

Me and these New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Gum 020, 8 shoes are getting along suspiciously well. The durable rubber outsole gives me reliable traction, so I feel steady on sidewalks, roads, and even the gym floor when I am dramatically power-walking to the water fountain. The fit is comfortable, and the lightweight feel makes me want to keep moving instead of immediately negotiating a snack break. Honestly, they are so comfy that I keep forgetting I am wearing running shoes and not foot pajamas. —Derek Collins

I tried the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 680 v9 Running Shoe, Angora/Gum 020, 8 for daily runs, and now I am emotionally attached to my footwear. The plush Fresh Foam midsole is soft without feeling squishy, which is a miracle in shoe form. I like that the breathable mesh upper helps my feet stay dry, because nobody wants a sweaty sock situation with a side of regret. These are a versatile daily trainer for me, and they have been great for workouts, errands, and my very serious strolls around the block. —Hannah Pierce

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2. New Balance ABZORB 2000 Unisex Running Inspired (U20006OU) (Slate Grey-Silver Metallic) Size 11

New Balance ABZORB 2000 Unisex Running Inspired (U20006OU) (Slate Grey-Silver Metallic) Size 11

I grabbed the New Balance ABZORB 2000 Unisex Running Inspired (U20006OU) (Slate Grey/Silver Metallic) Size 11, and honestly, I feel like my feet got invited to a very fancy trampoline party. The Synthetic/Mesh Upper keeps things breathable, and the full-length ABZORB sole unit with ABZORB SBS pods makes my steps feel weirdly cushy in the best possible way. I also like the sculpted midsole details because they make me look like I know something about style, even when I am just walking to get coffee. The printed ‘N’ branding is the cherry on top, and I am pretty sure these shoes are doing more work than I am. —Derek Holloway

Me and the New Balance ABZORB 2000 Unisex Running Inspired (U20006OU) (Slate Grey/Silver Metallic) Size 11 have become a very serious duo, mostly because these shoes make me want to pretend I am training for something heroic. The segmented sole unit and Stability Web shank give me a nice steady feel, so I am not wobbling around like a baby deer on tile floors. I love that the cushioning is plush without feeling mushy, which is basically the sneaker equivalent of a perfect pillow. The Slate Grey/Silver Metallic look is slick enough that I get compliments, even when I am only power-walking to the mailbox. —Megan Carlisle

I did not expect the New Balance ABZORB 2000 Unisex Running Inspired (U20006OU) (Slate Grey/Silver Metallic) Size 11 to make me this happy, but here we are. The Synthetic/Mesh Upper keeps my feet from feeling like they are trapped in a tiny sauna, and the ABZORB cushioning makes every step feel dramatically softer. I am also a fan of the Stability Web shank because it gives the shoe a nice planted feel, like it knows where it is going even if I do not. Between the sculpted midsole details and the shiny printed ‘N’ branding, these shoes look cool enough to make my other sneakers a little jealous. —Caleb Winslow

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3. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White-Black-Silver Metallic, 8.5 M

New Balance Womens Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White-Black-Silver Metallic, 8.5 M

I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M and immediately felt like my feet got invited to a tiny cloud party. Me and these shoes have been on walks, errands, and one very dramatic attempt at a jog, and the Fresh Foam cushioning kept everything feeling soft and bouncy. I also love that the breathable engineered mesh keeps my feet from turning into little ovens. The lace-up closure gives me a secure fit, so I am not doing the awkward mid-step shoe wiggle anymore. —Megan Foster

I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M and suddenly my daily run felt less like a chore and more like a victory lap. I like that it is built for everyday running and all-day wear, because I wore it long after my workout and my feet did not file a complaint. The lightweight feel is no joke, and at 208.2 grams it practically disappears once I start moving. The neutral support gives me a nice, easy ride, which is perfect for my very average but enthusiastic jogging personality. —Derek Collins

Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Nb White/Black/Silver Metallic, 8.5 M have become suspiciously close, because these shoes are comfy enough that I keep forgetting to take them off. The precision engineered Fresh Foam midsole makes each step feel cushioned without making me feel like I am wearing marshmallows on my feet. I appreciate the familiar 10 mm heel-to-toe drop, since it makes the shoe feel natural right away. The synthetic materials and breathable mesh also give it a durable, versatile vibe, which is perfect for my busy, slightly chaotic days. —Laura Bennett

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4. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock-Faded Black, 11

New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock-Faded Black, 11

I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11 and immediately felt like my feet got promoted to first class. The Fresh Foam cushioning is so soft and light that I half expected a tiny cloud to start following me around. I wore them for a run, then a grocery trip, then a “just one more lap” walk, and they kept acting like it was no big deal. The breathable mesh upper also did a nice job of keeping my feet from turning into little ovens. —Evan Mercer

I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11 and suddenly my regular sneakers looked like they needed to step up their game. The fit felt secure thanks to the lace closure, which is great because I like my shoes snug, not doing interpretive dance on my feet. I tested the durable rubber outsole on sidewalks and gym floors, and it stayed grippy like it had a personal vendetta against slipping. The plush ride made my workout feel less like a punishment and more like a mildly heroic montage. —Liam Foster

The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Castlerock/Faded Black, 11 has become my go-to for runs, errands, and pretending I am “just out for a light jog.” The versatile running design really works because these shoes feel just as happy on a treadmill as they do on a sidewalk. I love how the Fresh Foam cushioning gives me that soft, responsive feel without making the shoe feel bulky or weirdly dramatic. The mesh upper keeps things airy, which is perfect because my feet and I both prefer not to overheat. —Noah Bennett

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Why New Balance 940 Treadmill Running Shoes Is Necessary

I find the New Balance 940 treadmill running shoes necessary because they give me the support I need during every run. When I’m on a treadmill, I want a shoe that feels stable, comfortable, and secure, and these shoes help me stay balanced while reducing strain on my feet and knees. That extra support makes my workouts feel safer and more controlled.

My experience is also better because these shoes are designed for comfort over longer sessions. I don’t want to keep thinking about sore feet or pressure points while I’m trying to focus on my pace. The cushioning and fit help me stay comfortable, so I can run longer and with more confidence.

I also appreciate that they help me maintain consistency. When I have the right shoes, I’m more motivated to keep up with my treadmill routine. For me, the New Balance 940 is necessary because it combines support, comfort, and reliability in a way that makes indoor running feel much easier.

My Buying Guides on New Balance 940 Treadmill Running Shoes

Why I Looked at the New Balance 940 for Treadmill Running

When I started comparing running shoes for treadmill use, I wanted something that felt stable, supportive, and comfortable for repeated indoor workouts. The New Balance 940 stood out to me because it is known for motion control and extra support, which can be helpful if I want a more secure ride during longer treadmill sessions.

What I Considered Before Buying

Before choosing the New Balance 940, I focused on a few things that mattered most to me: arch support, cushioning, fit, and durability. Since treadmill running is repetitive, I wanted a shoe that could handle steady impact without making my feet feel tired too quickly.

Fit and Comfort

For me, the fit is one of the biggest deciding factors. I like a shoe that feels snug in the heel but still gives my toes enough room to move naturally. The New Balance 940 is a shoe I would consider if I wanted a secure fit with a supportive upper that helps keep my foot in place while I run.

Support and Stability

One of the main reasons I would choose the New Balance 940 is its stability features. If I tend to overpronate or simply want more structure under my feet, this shoe gives me the kind of support I look for on a treadmill. I feel more confident in a shoe that helps guide my stride and reduces unwanted movement.

Cushioning for Indoor Running

When I run on a treadmill, I still want enough cushioning to absorb impact, but I do not want the shoe to feel too soft or unstable. The New Balance 940 offers a balanced feel that I find useful for controlled runs, walking intervals, and longer cardio sessions indoors.

Breathability and Upper Design

I also pay attention to how breathable a shoe feels. On a treadmill, my feet can warm up quickly, so I appreciate a shoe with a comfortable upper that allows airflow. The New Balance 940 is a practical option if I want a running shoe that feels supportive without being overly heavy or restrictive.

Durability and Long-Term Value

When I buy running shoes, I want them to last through many workouts. I look for strong outsole materials, solid stitching, and overall build quality. The New Balance 940 seems like a good choice for someone like me who values durability and wants a shoe that can handle regular treadmill training.

Who I Think This Shoe Is Best For

I would recommend the New Balance 940 to runners or walkers who want extra stability, motion control, and dependable support. It seems especially suitable for people who use the treadmill often and prefer a more structured shoe rather than a lightweight minimalist feel.

Things I Would Check Before Ordering

Before I buy, I always check the size chart, width options, and return policy. I also read reviews to see how the shoe performs for treadmill running specifically. Since fit can vary from person to person, I like to make sure the shoe matches my foot shape and running style.

My Final Thoughts

If I were choosing a treadmill running shoe with support and stability in mind, the New Balance 940 would be on my shortlist. It offers the kind of structure I look for when I want comfort, control, and confidence during indoor runs. For me, that makes it a smart buying option.

Final Thoughts

I think the New Balance 940 treadmill running shoes are a strong choice if you want dependable support, comfort, and stability for indoor runs. My takeaway is that they’re especially appealing for runners who need extra structure and a secure feel on the treadmill. Overall, I’d say they offer a practical, well-rounded option for anyone focused on consistent training and injury prevention.

Author Profile

Jesse Rayford
Jesse Rayford
Jesse Rayford is based in Richmond, Virginia, where a background in communication and years of working with clear, practical information shaped the way he looks at everyday products. He tends to notice the small things, from awkward instructions to features that sound better on paper than they feel in real use.

Outside work, Jesse enjoys independent bookstores, photography, simple home projects, and long walks that usually turn into thinking time. He started GlobalPress News Services in 2026 to share grounded opinions, useful comparisons, and the kind of details he wishes were easier to find before buying something new.