Customer Reviews New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon v3

I'm a fairly serious runner (50-60mi/week recently) and was a huge fan of the New Balance Zante (Fresh Foam). I went through dozens of those from Zappos and the local store and then 3rd party sellers on Amazon once discontinued. Unfortunately, they are completely unavailable now. The local store suggested these Beacon v3 as a replacement. The Beacons have an unusual heel cuff and cup design that seems to work pretty well. I got my usual size 12 and didn't pay enough attention to length. On my first run at my volume/easy pace, I got rubbing on the outside side of my great toe. That is very unusual for me -- not where I get problems normally. I figured maybe it's just new shoes but on my second run (after a few days back in my old shoes), this time longer and at tempo pace, I got a thumb-size blood blister in that same spot. I realized my forefoot was moving too much, partially due to having too much extra length. I wear a size 12 in virtually every running shoe -- Nike, Reebok, Asics, New Balance Zante and other, Saucony. So, I tried 11 and 11.5 and the 11.5 seemed best. But I still get the toe rubbing and no other adjustments resolved it. I also noticed they don't breath as well as the Zante and moisture can also contribute blister issues. So, they are going back. If you are a former NB Zante fan, I recommend the Saucony Kinvara v11. They fit and ride most like the Zante, except they, too, are not as breathable.

Fir and feel as excepted!! Great running shoe.

I've been running for 20 years (I'm 49), 3-4 miles daily with the periodic 10k or half marathon training mixed in. I've been using Saucony Triumphs for years but was feeling the pounding in my knees more than usual lately and thought I'd try something else. I LOVE THESE SHOES! They are feather-light. The foam looked a little thick when I first saw it, but either the soft foam or fit has caused my knee pain to virtually disappear. My gait hasn't changed much as a result of the thicker foam, which was another fear. The heel mentioned in the other review did look a little odd and concerned me, but its really soft and makes sliding on my shoes a pleasure (seriously - its like sliding into a well fitting foot sheath!). I was concerned it would rub - but that's been a non-issue as well. Running's been great been using them for about 2 months). So far they seem to be wearing well also. Every foot is different - but I think these are worth a try!

My son has worn these for almost 4 months so that's not bad for a tennis shoe but I noticed today that the entire side is out of the shoe. He has worn them 1-2 times a week for PE and doesn't play sports in them. High marks for style and comfort but less so for durability given his low activity level.

The shoe is extremely light and I was quite pleased with them at first. However, they wore out within 3 months. I am not a runner, I am just wearing them around throughout summer 2021. They wore specifically on the outer edges of the soles so the edges of my feet are bowing out in the shoe. This is the first time I have had such uneven wear in a pair of sneakers. Perhaps it the extremely light foam that has compressed too much or too easily. After four months of moderate wear I am not sure they are worth $120.

My husband loves them.

This was great, thanks!

This is a really good sneaker and since the price was lowered, it is great. Thank you, God bless you!

These became my favorite running shoe when NB discontinued the Zante. It’s not the same shoe, it’s a higher stack height and more drop but they fit my feet and are a great training shoe. BTW, the new Tempo v2 is a great replacement for the old Zante - between those for faster runs and racing, and these Beacons for training, I’m all set until they decide to mess up one or the other!

It's a great product, however it is expensive.

FINALLY, A SHOE THAT FITS MY SON! My 13-year-old son has large, very wide feet although he is a very slender guy that is only about 5'2. He is extremely hard to fit. He has been wearing a men's size 10 for quite some time. We pretty much have always stayed with Nike brand for our boys, but so glad we made the change after getting frustrated trying every other brand shoe, we finallytried NEW Balance. These specific pair come in an EE and also have a great shape to them, so they do not make feet look odd. Love them. Would easily buy another pair regardless of the price. WIsh they had his next size up available.

Perfect

Bought these for my husband who walks 3-4 miles daily. He's very happy with the shoes, says they fit well and are cushioned perfectly for walking.

Very comfortable shoes! My son loves them. They appear very well made and are holding up well.

The Beacon v3 fits well, if not slightly on the long side, especially compared to the v1, which fit me perfectly. I like the modest arch support and light weight, which has been true of both versions I have run in.