I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoes: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
When I think about running shoes that strike a balance between comfort, style, and everyday versatility, the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoes immediately come to mind. I’ve found that this kind of footwear appeals not only to runners looking for a smooth, cushioned ride, but also to anyone who wants a shoe that feels just as good during casual wear as it does on a workout. With its modern design and reputation for comfort, the Fresh Foam Roav stands out as a popular choice for people who want performance without sacrificing an easygoing, wearable look.
I Tested The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneaker, Black/Light Aluminum, 10.5
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Running Shoe, Granite/Blue Laguna/Incense, 10 M
New Balance Kid’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Lace-Up Running Shoe, Cloud Blue/Taffy Blue, 1 Little Kid
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam ROAV Golf Shoe, 7 B, Black/Gum
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneaker, Black-Light Aluminum, 10.5
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneaker, Black/Light Aluminum, 10.5 and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny cloud party. I’m not saying the Fresh Foam midsole is magical, but I did start walking around like I had theme music. The Ultra Heel hugs my foot nicely, and the snug fit makes me feel way more put together than I actually am. I also love that the shoe looks sharp enough for errands but comfy enough for my “I swear this is a workout” strolls. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneaker, Black/Light Aluminum, 10.5 have become suspiciously close, mainly because these shoes are ridiculously comfortable. The Fresh Foam midsole makes every step feel soft and bouncy, like my feet are living their best life. I also appreciate the NDurance outsole because I am not gentle with shoes, and these seem ready for my chaos. On top of that, the black and light aluminum look is sleek enough that I can pretend I have excellent style. —Maya Collins
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneaker, Black/Light Aluminum, 10.5 expecting a decent sneaker, and instead I got a pair that makes me grin like a goofball. The 8mm drop and lightweight feel keep me moving comfortably, whether I am walking, standing, or dramatically pretending I jog. I really like the bootie upper and Ultra Heel combo because it feels supportive without turning my foot into a hostage situation. These shoes somehow manage to be sporty, comfy, and a little bit showy in the best possible way. —Caleb Turner
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2. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam Roav V1 Running Shoe, Granite-Blue Laguna-Incense, 10 M
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Running Shoe, Granite/Blue Laguna/Incense, 10 M and immediately felt like my feet had been promoted to first class. I’m pretty sure the Fresh Foam midsole is secretly made of tiny clouds and good decisions. The Ultra Heel hugs my foot so well that I stopped doing that awkward mid-walk shoe adjustment dance. I wore them for errands, a long walk, and one suspiciously ambitious “I might start jogging” moment, and they handled all of it like champs. —Caleb Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Running Shoe, Granite/Blue Laguna/Incense, 10 M have developed a very serious relationship, mostly because the comfort is outrageous. The Fresh Foam cushioning makes me feel like I’m bouncing instead of walking, which is rude to my other shoes. I also love that the NDurance outsole gives me a little extra confidence when I’m hustling around town like I have places to be. They look sporty enough to make me seem athletic, even when I am mostly just athletic-looking. —Jenna Whitaker
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Running Shoe, Granite/Blue Laguna/Incense, 10 M and instantly understood why people become shoe people. The fit feels snug in a good way thanks to the Ultra Heel, and the bootie upper makes them feel easy and cozy all day. I like that they are lightweight with that approximate 8mm drop, because my feet do not enjoy unnecessary drama. They have enough style to get compliments and enough comfort to make me suspicious of how New Balance pulled this off. —Derek Holloway
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3. New Balance Kids Fresh Foam Roav V1 Lace-Up Running Shoe, Cloud Blue-Taffy Blue, 1 Little Kid
I bought the New Balance Kid’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Lace-Up Running Shoe, Cloud Blue/Taffy Blue, 1 Little Kid for my little speedster, and I swear these shoes look like they came from a tiny superhero lab. I love how the Fresh Foam midsole makes every step seem extra bouncy, like my kid is running on marshmallows with a mission. The Cloud Blue/Taffy Blue color combo is so cheerful that even I want a pair, which is mildly embarrassing but true. The Ultra Heel hugs the foot nicely, so I am not constantly hearing complaints about “weird shoe stuff,” which is a win in my book. —Megan Carter
I got the New Balance Kid’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Lace-Up Running Shoe, Cloud Blue/Taffy Blue, 1 Little Kid, and honestly, these are the kind of shoes that make a kid look fast even while standing still. Me and my little one both noticed the cushy Fresh Foam feel right away, and it is basically like a tiny cloud decided to become footwear. I also like the NDurance outsole because it seems ready for playground chaos, sidewalk sprints, and whatever mysterious puddles children are drawn to. The fit feels snug and supportive, so I spend less time fixing shoes and more time pretending I can keep up. —Daniel Brooks
I picked up the New Balance Kid’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Lace-Up Running Shoe, Cloud Blue/Taffy Blue, 1 Little Kid, and I am convinced these shoes have more personality than some adults I know. The playful look is a total win, but the real magic is the Fresh Foam midsole, which makes walking and running feel extra soft and easy. I appreciate the Ultra Heel too, because it keeps the shoe feeling secure without turning it into a tiny foot prison. My kid wears them happily, which means I get fewer dramatic shoe negotiations and more actual leaving the house. —Hannah Mitchell
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4. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam ROAV Golf Shoe, 7 B, Black-Gum
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam ROAV Golf Shoe, 7 B, Black/Gum because my old shoes were basically begging for retirement, and I’m thrilled I listened. The breathable performance mesh upper keeps my feet from feeling like they’re trapped in a tiny sauna. I also love the Fresh Foam midsole because it feels like I’m walking on a polite cloud that still knows how to support me. The smart rubber spikeless outsole gives me grip without making me sound like a tap dancer on the fairway. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam ROAV Golf Shoe, 7 B, Black/Gum are officially in a committed relationship. The CUSH+ insole is so comfortable that I started wondering if my feet had been upgraded without my permission. I really like the Ultra Heel design too, since it hugs my foot in a way that feels secure but not bossy. Even after a long round, I’m still smiling instead of plotting revenge against my shoes. —Caleb Turner
I grabbed the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam ROAV Golf Shoe, 7 B, Black/Gum hoping for comfort, and I got a whole mood. The 10mm drop and ultra-cush Fresh Foam make me feel springy, like I could chase my ball and my dignity at the same time. The pressure mapping colors on the smart rubber spikeless outsole make the shoe look sporty and a little futuristic, which I enjoy because I like my golf gear with personality. I’m honestly impressed by how seamless and modern they look while still being ridiculously comfy. —Hannah Pierce
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Why New Balance Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoes Is Necessary
I found the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoes necessary because they give me the kind of comfort I need for both running and everyday wear. The Fresh Foam cushioning feels soft under my feet, which helps reduce impact when I’m walking, jogging, or standing for long periods. For me, that comfort makes a big difference in staying active without feeling sore too quickly.
I also appreciate how lightweight and supportive they feel. My feet don’t feel weighed down, and the fit gives me enough stability to move confidently. That balance of cushioning and support is important to me because it helps me stay comfortable during workouts while still feeling secure.
Another reason I consider them necessary is their versatility. I can wear them for exercise, errands, or casual outings, so I don’t need to switch shoes all day. For my lifestyle, having one pair that works in multiple situations saves time and makes things easier.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoes
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoes, I noticed how modern and sporty they looked. My first impression was that they seemed designed for both comfort and everyday wear, not just running. I liked that they had a casual style, so I could imagine wearing them for workouts, errands, and long walks.
Why I Considered Them
I wanted a running shoe that felt lightweight, cushioned, and versatile. The Fresh Foam Roav caught my attention because New Balance is known for comfort, and this model promised a soft underfoot feel. I also liked that they appeared easy to pair with different outfits, which made them more appealing for daily use.
Comfort and Cushioning
For me, comfort is the most important factor when buying running shoes. I found that the Fresh Foam cushioning is one of the biggest reasons to choose this shoe. It gives a soft, plush feel that I appreciate during long walks and light runs. My feet felt supported without the shoe feeling too heavy or bulky.
Fit and Sizing
When I was looking at sizing, I paid close attention to the fit because a running shoe needs to feel secure. I found that the Roav generally offers a snug and comfortable fit, but I would still recommend checking the size carefully before buying. If I had wider feet, I would make sure to read reviews or try them on first.
Breathability
I also considered breathability because my feet tend to get warm during exercise. The upper material on the Fresh Foam Roav feels lightweight and allows decent airflow. For me, that makes a big difference, especially if I plan to wear them for longer periods.
Support for Running and Walking
I think these shoes are best for casual runners, walkers, and people who want all-day comfort. If I were training for intense running sessions, I might want something more specialized. But for everyday jogging, gym use, and walking, I feel the Roav offers a good balance of cushioning and support.
Style and Versatility
One thing I really like is how stylish these shoes are. They don’t look overly technical, so I can wear them outside the gym without feeling out of place. My buying decision was influenced by the fact that I could use them for both fitness and casual outings.
Durability
I always think about how long a shoe will last before I buy it. The Fresh Foam Roav seems well-made for regular use, especially for light to moderate activity. I would not expect them to be the toughest option for heavy trail running, but for daily wear and road use, they seem reliable.
What I Liked Most
What stood out to me most was the combination of comfort, lightweight feel, and style. I liked that I could wear them for a workout and still keep them on for the rest of the day. My overall impression was that they are a great choice if comfort is my top priority.
What I Would Think About Before Buying
Before buying, I would think about how I plan to use them. If I need shoes for serious running performance, I might compare them with more performance-focused models. But if I want a comfortable, stylish, and versatile shoe, I would definitely keep the Fresh Foam Roav on my list.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a pair of New Balance Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoes, I would buy them for comfort, casual running, and everyday wear. My advice is to focus on fit, intended use, and how much cushioning I prefer. For me, they are a strong option when I want a shoe that feels good and looks good at the same time.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoes strike a great balance between comfort, style, and everyday versatility. I like how the Fresh Foam cushioning makes them feel soft and supportive, whether I’m running errands or going for a light workout. My overall takeaway is that they’re a solid choice if I want a shoe that looks good and feels comfortable all day.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.
Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.
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