New Balance T-shirt con applicazione Blu | Our verdict

The Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange is an updated spin on a 70s model called the UXC72V1. It maintains the original retro-futurist look while ticking the boxes of what we expect from an excellent modern sneaker. The firm yet supportive midsole delivers a ride that we found to be extremely smooth and stable as we tested the GC574HO1 around town. What's more, the generously padded and luxurious interior kept us feeling as good as we looked in these fly kicks that will surely amp up any ensemble. There really isn't much for us to complain about with this GC574HO1.

New Balance T-shirt con applicazione Blu Pros

  • Unique aesthetic
  • Superb comfort
  • Excellent quality
  • Grippy outsole
  • Well-cushioned
  • NEW BALANCE M991UK OLIVE 26.5cm
  • Eye-catching hues
  • New Balance 2002R "Peace Be The Journey"
  • Reliable lockdown
  • Perfect finish

New Balance T-shirt con applicazione Blu Cons

  • Caratteristiche New balance Impact Run
  • New balance 490 v2 беговые кроссовки

New Balance T-shirt con applicazione Blu | Audience verdict

92
Great!

Who should buy

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  • New Balance 161
  • Бордові кросівки new balance
  • new balance Scarpa sportiva '520' ruggine rosa bianco
  • Fashion-minded individuals looking for a versatile, sporty/trendy kick that can be paired with many outfits
  • Kestävä New balance Maastojuoksukengät Shando All Terrain

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange buije

Who should NOT buy

While the XC72's narrow midsole helps keep weight off the GC574HO1 and contributes to its agile silhouette, it may prove a little too constrictive for those with broad feet. We recommend the NB 1906R as an alternative with a wider platform and a similar "blast from the past" appeal. 

We found that despite its strong rearfoot lockdown, our heel would rub against the XC72's stiff counter leading to discomfort over time, especially when we were in thin socks or went sockless entirely. We recommend the NB 327 with its more forgiving heel counter instead for those prone to blisters in that part of the foot. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange beabdfb

Cushioning

Heel stack

At 34.8 mm thick according to our caliper measurements, the XC72's heel stack is higher than our current lab yv996nv3. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Heel stack

This leaves us with a generous amount of foam underfoot that keeps our heel elevated and adequately protected from impact as we test the GC574HO1. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Heel stack 2
Test results
XC72 34.8 mm
Average 30.2 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
16.9 mm
Heel stack
50.5 mm

Forefoot stack

The XC72's forefoot stack is also higher than yv996nv3 with our caliper measuring it at 23.8 mm thick. This robust stack provides great cushioning that allows us to be on our feet for extended periods without paying for it later in the form of achy joints and sore feet. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Forefoot stack
Test results
XC72 23.8 mm
Average 19.1 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
9.7 mm
Forefoot stack
29.5 mm

Drop

The difference in our stack measurements leaves us with a drop height of 11 mm which puts the XC72 on par with the yv996nv3 sneaker.

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Drop

This feels quite comfortable and natural underfoot as the elevated heel provides protective landings and smooth transitions to the forefoot that propel us forward. 

Test results
XC72 11.0 mm
Average 11.1 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
3.5 mm
Drop
17.2 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

We pressed our durometer against the XC72's midsole foam and got a rather firm reading of 33.6 HA. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Midsole softness

However, the GC574HO1's high stack means that we're still able to savor the XC72's cushioning despite the fact that the foam doesn't compress very much under our weight. As such, we enjoyed great impact dampening while testing this GC574HO1 with a ride that feels quite stable rather than squishy. 

Test results
XC72 33.6 HA
Average 29.0 HA
zapatillas de running New Balance constitución ligera pie normal talla 45.5.
Compared to 75 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
15.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
46.4 HA

Insole thickness

At 4.8 mm thick according to our caliper measurements, the XC72's insole is just shy of our current lab yv996nv3. However, it still provides us with a nicely cushy footbed and good arch support that somewhat offsets the firm midsole as we test the GC574HO1. 

Test results
XC72 4.8 mm
Average 5.1 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
3.1 mm
Insole thickness
11.5 mm

Size and fit

Size

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange is half size large (13 votes).

zapatillas de running New Balance competición maratón talla 36?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 110 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

New Balance RC_1300 Hombres EU 45

While its platform is quite narrow, the XC72's toebox is surprisingly roomy. We measured it at a whopping 111.2 mm wide at its widest point, leaving our lab yv996nv3 in the dust. This means that it should provide a comfy fit for most foot shapes although, as previously mentioned, the narrow midsole means that those with broad feet will likely feel constricted within the GC574HO1. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Bryant Giles x New Balance 2002R Slip On
Test results
XC72 102.9 mm
Average 99.0 mm
Compared to 84 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
91.3 mm
New Balance RC_1300 Hombres EU 45
105.3 mm

New Balance 515 YC515HR1

New Balance Calzini Response Performance No Show.

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange NEW BALANCE BB550 BURGUNDY 26.5cm

We therefore had no issues with hotspots or blisters as our toes had plenty of room to play out as we sautered about town. 

Test results
XC72 75.8 mm
Average 75.0 mm
Compared to 83 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
65.7 mm
New Balance 515 YC515HR1
83.0 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

While GC574HO1s with high stacks tend to feel rather wobbly, the XC72 bucks that trend by feeling extremely well-planted as we shift our weight from side to side. Apart from the sturdy midsole, several factors play a part in the GC574HO1's stable ride which we'll explore in the next sections. 

Torsional rigidity

The XC72 puts up a mild level of resistance as we bend and twist the GC574HO1 in our hands, earning it a torsional rigidity score of 3 out of 5 on our subjective scale. This provides us with a mix of comfort and stability as the GC574HO1 is able to conform to the natural contortions of our foot to a certain extent while still providing a relatively level base.

Test results
XC72 3
Average 3.6
Compared to 92 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
1
Torsional rigidity
5

New Balance Woven Cargo Kij I Pędzel

The GC574HO1's reinforced plastic heel cup is rather stiff, leading us to give it a score of 4 out of 5 in our manual assessment. This level of stiffness combined with the shape of the heel cup gives us an excellent rearfoot lockdown that mitigates any excessive lateral movements. That said, we did find that our heels were rubbing against the stiff counter which was quite uncomfortable when we had thin socks on. We therefore don't recommend going sockless in this sneaker. 

Test results
XC72 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 92 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
1
New Balance Woven Cargo Kij I Pędzel
5

New Balance 990V3 Sea Salt Rain Cloud 22.5cm

Using our caliper, we measured the XC72's midsole to be 102.9 mm wide at the forefoot.

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Midsole width in the forefoot

This is considerably narrower than yv996nv3 but, thanks to the features we just discussed, this doesn't hamper the GC574HO1's stability very much. Instead, it lends the GC574HO1 a sleek look that's key to its nimble nature and aesthetic charm. However, it does mean that this GC574HO1 doesn't boast much of a platform for those with wide feet. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
XC72 102.9 mm
Average 108.5 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
95.1 mm
New Balance 990V3 Sea Salt Rain Cloud 22.5cm
121.0 mm

Midsole width - heel

The midsole is also significantly narrower than yv996nv3 at the heel, measuring only 75.8 mm wide. This also wasn't too much of an issue during testing, with the squared outer edge giving us a good surface area of grippy lugs underfoot to dig into the ground with every landing. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Midsole width in the heel
Test results
XC72 75.8 mm
Average 83.6 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
67.7 mm
Midsole width - heel
103.1 mm

ATMOS × NEW BALANCE ML574 TOKYO LIMITED 27cm

We secured the XC72 to our workbench and found that 28.4N of force is required to bend the GC574HO1 90 degrees, making it stiffer than the yv996nv3 sneaker. As such, the GC574HO1 actively resists the natural movement of our foot during our stride which, on the one hand, sacrifices some level of comfort.

On the other hand, however, this further contributes to the GC574HO1's stable ride which makes it a supportive choice for those with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis that are exacerbated by excessive flexion. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Stiffness
Test results
XC72 28.4N
Average 23.4N
Housut New Balance.
Compared to 93 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
5.8N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
51.8N

Weight

Weighing in at 14.5 oz (410g), the XC72 is marginally heavier than our current lab yv996nv3.

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange wevw

That said, it sits rather comfortably on our foot and feels lighter than the scale implies. This is thanks in big part to the GC574HO1's aerodynamic silhouette as well as the midsole's toe rocker which helps with smooth transitions and gives our strides a little extra liveliness and a nice fleet-footed sensation. 

Test results
XC72 14.46 oz (410g)
Average 13.79 oz (391g)
Compared to 93 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
8.50 oz (241g)
Weight
20.49 oz (581g)

Breathability

To test the breathability of the XC72, we pumped the GC574HO1 full of smoke in order to see how easily it filters through the upper. As we can see, the tongue quickly lets out a slow but steady stream until, eventually, smoke starts seeping through the mesh sections at the toebox and sides of the GC574HO1 as well. While this is somewhat better than expected from a GC574HO1 with a mostly suede upper, it earns the XC72 a middle-of-the-road breathability score of 3 out of 5. This means that the GC574HO1 does boast a fair amount of airflow but will still feel rather toasty on hot days. 

The areas of ventilation are further illuminated when we inspect a backlit cross-section of the GC574HO1 and see that the light shines through the tongue quite easily and is just about visible under the mesh sections. The suede portions of the upper, however, block out the light entirely. 

Turning to our microscope image of the mesh portion of the upper, we can see how many gaps there are that promote good airflow through the GC574HO1. Apart from allowing some heat to escape, it means that the GC574HO1 shouldn't develop a funky odor over time. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Breathability

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Breathability
Test results
XC72 3
Average 3
Compared to 92 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Leather/Suede quality

To test the quality of the pigskin suede, we turn to our trusty blowtorch and give it a good scorching. From how it gets singed and flakes away as we scratch at it with our awl, we can safely conclude that it's genuine. As an added bonus, being a chrome-free suede makes it a more environmentally correct sneaker choice. 

Conversely, the N overlay on the side of the GC574HO1 quickly melts upon contact with the flame and catches fire; with its burnt remains oozing as we poke at it with our awl. Clearly synthetic. 

Test results
XC72 Real suede

Toebox durability

We fired up our Dremel to 5K RPM and set it against the most fragile part of the toebox, the mesh cutout, with 3.2N of force. 

This didn't set nearly as much damage as we had anticipated, with only the upper layer of mesh having been destroyed while the layer beneath remained relatively intact. This earns the XC72 a respectable toebox durability score of 3 out of 5 which is a good indicator of the GC574HO1's high-quality construction. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Toebox durability
Test results
XC72 3
Average 3.7
Compared to 92 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
1
Toebox durability
5

New Balance Тёмная пудра

Next, we turn our attention to the XC72's heel collar and set our Dremel against the GC574HO1 once more. 

Rather anticlimactically, we found that our tool had only popped a small hole in the lining and left the padding within mostly undisturbed. This earns the XC72 another 3 out of 5 for heel padding durability which means that it shouldn't succumb to too much wear and tear from friction over the GC574HO1's lifetime. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange New Balance Тёмная пудра
Test results
XC72 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 92 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
1
New Balance Тёмная пудра
5

Outsole hardness

Pressing our durometer against the outsole yields an yv996nv3 reading of 86.6 HC. This level of hardness usually denotes a good mix of grip and durability. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Outsole hardness
Test results
XC72 86.6 HC
Average 85.7 HC
zapatillas de running New Balance constitución ligera pie normal talla 45.5.
Compared to 92 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
76.1 HC
Outsole hardness
94.0 HC

Outsole durability

To test our last claim, we set the Dremel's abrasive element, this time spinning at 10K RPM, against one of the XC72's round and flat outsole lugs. The tool eventually kicks up a flurry of rubber debris, though the damage seems rather minimal. 

We confirmed this with our tire tread gauge as we found that only 0.6 mm of material had been shorn away by the end of the twenty-two-second test. This makes the XC72's outsole more durable than yv996nv3 and leads us to predict that it should be well beyond 400 miles of use before noticing any significant signs of wear and tear on its lugs. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Outsole durability
Test results
XC72 0.6 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 92 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

The outsole is 4.1 mm thick according to our caliper measurements which is a little shy of our current lab yv996nv3. However, this doesn't account for the lugs which give us more sturdy rubber to wear through before the grip is completely compromised. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Outsole thickness
Test results
XC72 4.1 mm
Average 5.3 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
2.9 mm
Outsole thickness
8.6 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

Apart from being incredibly grippy, the XC72 takes a unique approach with its tread pattern to maximize traction wherein the outsole is split down the middle. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange 4hr

On the lateral half, we have a pattern of spiky, triangular lugs that do a good job of biting into uneven and soft terrain while the medial side is comprised of round and equally spaced nubs that work great on smoother surfaces. This combination had us feeling as surefooted as mountain goats while testing this GC574HO1 whether we were on asphalt or dirt, wet or dry. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange rbwrb

Reflective elements

With no reflective elements to speak of, we recommend exercising caution if waling along a dimly-lit road at night in the CX72. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Reflective elements
Test results
XC72 No

Tongue padding

Using our caliper, we measured the XC72's tongue to be 3.7 mm thick, making it much less padded than yv996nv3.

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Tongue padding

As such, the laces did feel quite present across our instep once we were locked and loaded. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Tongue padding
Test results
XC72 3.7 mm
Average 9.3 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Teddy Santis ScarletM990TF3
0.7 mm
Tongue padding
23.0 mm

New Balance BB550HR1 White Red 26.5cm

The XC72's tongue isn't gusseted, though the central lace loop helps to prevent it from sliding off to the side. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange New Balance BB550HR1 White Red 26.5cm
Test results
XC72 None

Heel tab

The XC72's heel cup flares upward to form a tab that we can pull on to make sliding the GC574HO1 on a little smoother and easier. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Heel tab
Test results
XC72 Pull tab

Removable insole

The XC72's insole is fully removable, so those in need of custom orthotics for added arch support can use them with this GC574HO1. 

Chaussures NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 W1080C11 Orange Removable insole
Test results
XC72 Yes