New Balance 890v2: The updated, lighter 890

We get a little excited when we hear the words “Version 2,” especially when it’s referring to something we already love, like the 890 running shoe from New Balance. The short version of the story is that if you loved the groundbreaking original 890 as much as we did, then you are in for a treat with the New Balance 890v2 collection.

The original 890 trainer has hammered out who-knows how many thousands of miles on the feet of tens of thousands of neutral runners, and the 890s did it by delivering reliable stability, support and comfort. The original 890 is an award-winning running shoe, recognized by both Outdoor and Women’s Running magazines for being awesome—and the New Balance 890v2 collection is even better. This would be a perfect time to cue some epic theme music and get to know the new 890v2.

The first thing you may notice about the 890v2 collection is the new look. New Balance didn’t go nuts with it, but they did use a lot of “intelligent geometry” to make sure each groove, each articulation and line is working together to deliver a stable, comfortable run. It’s also got a slightly lower heel height as well. That, combined with a full ground contact outsole, helps make the new 890v2 just as compatible with midfoot and forefoot strikes as it is with a heel strike. The 890v2 is a great neutral trainer that just wants to run.

Another change is the overall weight. New Balance did a ground-up review of the design, materials and craftsmanship in the 890, and found ways to improve the responsiveness and stability of the shoe while making it lighter on your foot. Lighter. The super-lightweight synthetic mesh upper features no-sew construction for comfort. It also includes a thermoplastic urethane (cool kids say TPU) band wrapping the midfoot to deliver stability, and generally just keep your foot snuggly where it’s supposed to be. The women’s New Balance 890v2 weighs in at just 7.5 ounces, and the men’s version is just 9.5 ounces. So, on average, this amazing lightweight running shoe tips the scale at roughly the same weight as a cup of water.

Lightweight, super comfortable on your foot and it looks great. The New Balance 890v2 may (I did say may) make you forget all about the original 890.