New Balance Vazee Pace Review

Today I am going to be doing a shoe review on the new, New Balance Vazee pace shoe.  I was skeptical of this shoe when it first came into the store this spring, however, I have quickly been won over.  Unfortunately, when I tried on this shoe and compared against a New Balance Fresh Foam (specifically the Zante), the Zante won out on comfort. In fact, I think the first thing I said about this shoe was that it felt stiff.  However, the more I run in it, the more I love this shoe.

With a 6mm drop and REVlite midsole foam, New Balance is hitting on all-cylinders with this shoe. In addition, the 7.5 oz weight makes it an ideal racing shoe for me.  As far as addressing the concerns of a hard sole, I find that the more I run in the shoe, the more comforting the shoe becomes. I can't really explain it, but it is almost like there is a "breaking in" period where the shoe adjusts to my foot.

The Vazee has become my utility shoe. I will use it in shorter workouts where I want a little more cushion, on a long run and everywhere in-between.  Depending on your own distance and pace, however, you might want a shoe with a little more support (*SPOILER* I'll be reviewing the Saucony Zealot next). I plan on racing with this shoe at the 2015 Twin Cities Marathon next month in Minneapolis.  Even the colors are all on target (with maybe the exception of the all-black women's shoe)!

I wore this shoe at the Sioux Falls Half Marathon this past weekend where I did my final long run/workout in preparation for Twin Cities.  My day consisted of a 7 mile warm-up (7:00 pace), followed by "holding back" the first 7 miles of the half race (6:00 pace) and then pushing the last 6 a little (probably between 5:45 and 5:50 pace). The Vazee held up on all accounts. I was telling some people after the race that I didn't notice anything with my shoes, which when you are doing a final race-simulated workout, is exactly what you want.

Come down and try out the New Balance Vazee Pace on our treadmill at the store to see what you think!

Happy Running!

Logan