Our verdict

The New Balance Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green is a bona fide choice at just £110, offering a slice of luxury in the world of neutral running shoes. Our lab tests confirm it's not only incredibly comfortable thanks to its premium upper but also versatile enough for easy and tempo runs, courtesy of its FuelCell foam and flexible TPU plate. On the flip side, extreme heel strikers or those who need added stability may find it less ideal, but for the majority, we consider it a well-balanced and budget-friendly pick.

New balance 327 белые разноцветные мужские кроссовки Pros

  • High-quality upper material
  • Verwendet die New Balance Dry Technologie
  • Seamlessly integrated TPU plate
  • New balance fuel cell 996 v4.5 wch996j4
  • Long-lasting outsole
  • New Balance Hombre MR530 in Blanca Negro
  • Чоловічі кросівки new balance 550 yellow

New balance 327 белые разноцветные мужские кроссовки Cons

  • New Balance 530 Womens White Red
  • Midsole foam may lack some energy return

Audience verdict

86
Good!

New balance 327 белые разноцветные мужские кроссовки | Who should buy

The New Balance Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green emerges in the lab as an excellent pick for:

  • Midfoot and forefoot strikers looking for a plush-and-fun ride.
  • NEW BALANCE M1400JGY GREY 28cm.
  • Budget-conscious runners eager for a plated shoe that doesn't skimp on premium features.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4

Who should NOT buy

The Propel v4 delivers a soft, cloud-like experience, and that's not for everyone. If you prefer a firmer and more stable run, check out Shoe like the Saucony Tempus or the Trainers NEW BALANCE MS237VB Colourful Red, as we consider these to offer a better fit for such preferences.

With a 4.5-mm heel-to-toe drop, this shoe doesn't shine for heel strikers, especially those in need of stability features. In such cases, we found the New Balance ML2002RR Light Blue 26cm or the ASICS Gel Kayano 30 Duurzaam New balance 410V7 All Terrain Trailrunningschoenen.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4

Cushioning

Heel stack

Moving to the midsole, we measured a heel stack height of 33.7 mm. This clearly shows that the Propel v4 isn't aiming for the sky-high cushioning of a maximalist shoe, staying well under the 40 mm mark.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 heel

But don't let that fool you—the stack height still provides enough cushioning for even your longest runs.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Heel stack
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 33.7 mm
Average 34.0 mm
Compared to 381 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

We measured the forefoot stack and found that it sits at a comfortable 29.2 mm. This is a clear sign from New Balance that the Propel v4 is specifically designed for those who are midfoot and forefoot strikers.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Forefoot stack
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 29.2 mm
Average 25.5 mm
Compared to 381 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

We just mentioned this shoe isn't really geared toward heel strikers. The 4.5-mm heel-to-toe drop serves as proof. While the shoe is user-friendly for everyone, it really shines for those who land on the midfoot or forefoot. 

It's worth noting that New Balance lists a 6-mm drop in their specs. But after multiple measurements, New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v3 WVNGOIP3, New Balance 2002r Gore-tex Light Grey.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Drop
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 4.5 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 381 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

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

New Balance's FuelCell foam is a top pick for anyone who loves that soft, cloud-like cushioning. In the Propel v4, this comfort-focused trend keeps going. We gauged its softness at only 14.0 HA using our lab's durometer.

This foam squishes down super easily, making it ultra-comfortable. Plus, the built-in TPU plate in the midsole helps with smooth step-to-step transitions. This also keeps the shoe from bottoming out, which can sometimes be a problem with FuelCell shoes.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Midsole softness
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 14.0 HA
Average 20.9 HA
FuelCell Echo Heritage de New Balance está orientada a diferentes usos.
Compared to 308 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.9 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

FuelCell foam doesn't do great in cold weather, something we've mentioned Кросівки new balance 574 кросовки кеди бігові.

Yet, even after 20 minutes in our lab's freezer, the foam stays pretty soft and squishy. We ran the same test again and found that the durometer gave us an 18.8 HA reading.

We observed a 33.9% jump in stiffness, something you'll really feel if you live in places with harsh winters. This isn't great performance by any means.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Midsole softness in cold
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 34%
Average 26%
Compared to 308 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

The insole is pretty standard with a thickness of 4.5 mm. There's really nothing special to point out—it's just a solid, straightforward insole!

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Insole thickness
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 4.5 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 377 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

New Balance Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green is true to size (86 votes).

O 574 da New Balance é?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 346 running shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

New balance 327 белые разноцветные мужские кроссовки

We initially thought that New Balance would pair the wide midsole of the Propel v4 with a spacious upper. Surprisingly, we discovered that the upper is actually medium-to-narrow. So why did they go this route?

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 toebox

We found two main reasons behind this design choice. First, the Propel v4 is available in wide size. So if you're looking for a roomier upper, you have that option. Second, a narrower upper combined with a wide midsole actually improves stability—it's a clever little trick to enhance performance.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 New Balance в черном цвете из замши
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 97.3 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
Number of shoes
91.6 mm
New balance 327 белые разноцветные мужские кроссовки
104.9 mm

Кросівки бренд new balance

After taking another measurement focused on the big toe area, we were pleasantly surprised.

New Balance has bucked the trend by designing a remarkably rounded fit with a generously wide toe cap (79.1 mm). We're really impressed and appreciate it.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Características de las New Balance Fuel Core Sonic
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 79.1 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 244 running shoes
Number of shoes
67.6 mm
Кросівки бренд new balance
89.2 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

If you're looking for a shoe that's good for fast-paced runs and offers stability, the Propel v4 isn't for you, check the ASICS Superblast instead—but yes, it costs £200.

The soft foam and non-supportive upper make this a no-go for people who pronate. However, it's a fantastic fit for neutral runners.

Torsional rigidity

The TPU plate in the midsole really stiffens up the shoe. We had to apply a lot of force to twist it in our lab tests. That earns it a solid 4 out of 5 score!

Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 4
Average 3.4
Compared to 360 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Reveal Inaugural New Balance Collaboration

The heel counter is comfy yet fairly firm, but it's not like what you'd find in a stability-focused shoe. In our tests, we gave it a middle-of-the-road 3 out of 5 score.

Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 3
Average 2.9
Compared to 344 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Reveal Inaugural New Balance Collaboration
5

zapatillas de running New Balance niño niña amortiguación media talla 19

Understanding that a soft foam and a flexible upper could make the shoe wobbly, New Balance designers chose a wide design (116.2 mm) to make it more stable. This approach does help to some extent.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 116.2 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 382 running shoes
Number of shoes
103.3 mm
zapatillas de running New Balance niño niña amortiguación media talla 19
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

We measured the heel width and found it to be 97.6 mm, which is noticeably wider than what you'd see in most running shoes.

It's an interesting choice, considering the shoe isn't really aimed at heel strikers. It looks like New Balance is trying to make a shoe that appeals to everyone...

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 97.6 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 382 running shoes
Number of shoes
73.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

New Balance US 2

New balance Kortærmet T-Shirt Printed Impact Run.

However, in our lab's bend test—where we apply force until the shoe bends at a 90-degree angle—we only needed to use 24.8N of force. This shows that the plate doesn't make the Propel feel too stiff, which is actually a good thing for a training shoe.

Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 24.8N
Average 28.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 364 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

brand new with original box New Balance MX608 v1 MX608WT (%)

After chilling the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes, we did the bend test again. Impressively, the result was almost identical at 26.3N. 

That's only a 6% difference which highlights the shoe's consistent stiffness, even in colder conditions.

Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 6%
Average 33%
Compared to 364 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
brand new with original box New Balance MX608 v1 MX608WT
105%

Weight

Weighing in at 9.7 ounces or 276 grammes, this shoe isn't exactly a heavyweight, but it's also far from feather-light.

While it could stand to shed a few ounces, the culprit seems to be the thick upper that's designed for extra comfort and the FuelCell foam. This makes it noticeably heavier than other options out there, like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Weight
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 9.74 oz (276g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 382 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

At first glance, the New Balance Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green doesn't seem like a shoe that would breathe well. The engineered mesh feels heavy and thick, and we don't see any obvious ventilation holes. So, we're not expecting much in terms of breathability.

But we love testing shoes rather than just guessing. Our eye-catching smoke test gave it a 4 out of 5 score. That's good enough to call it a well-ventilated shoe, even if it's not the best out there.

When we used a light and moved the upper, we found a nice surprise. There's airflow through the midfoot, which sets it apart from many shoes that only have ventilation in the toe box.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 microscope

Finally, a closer look under the microscope confirms our findings. We see the same multi-layered mesh we noted earlier. But now, we also spot some small ventilation holes that explain the better-than-average score.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 microscope

The standout feature of this upper is unquestionably its high quality. You'd expect to find something like this in a shoe priced around £150, not one that costs just £110.

Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 311 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

An unexpected perk of uppers that don't ace our breathability test is that they often turn out to be more durable. That's exactly what we find with the Propel v4, which earns a solid 2/5 score in our Dremel test.

When we compare it to the New Balance® Kids logo on upper and heel in the picture below, the difference is crystal clear.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Toebox durability
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 2
Average 2.5
Compared to 245 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

New Balance Futbol Tekela V3 Magique FG

Next, we turned our attention to the heel area to assess its durability, and let's just say our jaws dropped at the findings.

We could barely see any wear on the heel, making us thrilled to award one of the rare 5/5 scores ever.

brand new with original box NEW BALANCE 247 RED MRL247RW Rebel v3 (right). But it looks like New Balance really stepped up their game. 

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 New Balance Futbol Tekela V3 Magique FG
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 241 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
New Balance Futbol Tekela V3 Magique FG
5

Outsole hardness

The Propel needs to last more than just a few hundred miles, especially since New Balance markets it as a durable option.

In our lab, we kicked off our tests focusing on the outsole's hardness. We measured it with a durometer and got a reading of 78.8 HC. We found that this is a pretty average measurement, just what you'd expect from a shoe that aims to balance both durability and grip.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Outsole hardness
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 78.8 HC
Average 79.9 HC
FuelCell Echo Heritage de New Balance está orientada a diferentes usos.
Compared to 362 running shoes
Number of shoes
60.3 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

The ultimate test for the outsole's durability came when we used our Dremel on it.

After putting the rubber through this rigorous test, we discovered just a minimal 0.5-mm indentation. That's an outstanding result, promising superb long-term durability for the shoe.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Outsole durability
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 0.5 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 223 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

The strong performance in our earlier test is likely why New Balance decided to go with a thinner-than-average outsole, helping to cut down the shoe's weight.

When we measured it, the outsole was just 2.5 mm thick, which is less than what you'd typically find in Camiseta negra con logo neón de New Balance.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Outsole thickness
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 2.5 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 381 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

The Propel v4 disappoints us by lacking any reflective elements. For the next version, we think that New Balance can add a reflective big N logo. It would be a win-win for everyone!

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Reflective elements
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green No

Tongue padding

If weight isn't a big deal for you, then you'll find the tongue super comfy and well-padded. But it does add some extra ounces.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 tongue

We think the tongue is one of the first spots where New Balance could cut weight for the next Propel model.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Tongue padding
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green 5.8 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 379 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

New balance 327 белые разноцветные мужские кроссовки

Given all the high-end features we've talked about, we didn't expect to see a gusseted tongue in a shoe priced at £110. You can't get a top-of-the-line running shoe without paying top-of-the-line prices, after all.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 New balance 327 белые разноцветные мужские кроссовки
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green None

Heel tab

Lots of brands are getting rid of heel tabs in their shoes, and New Balance is doing the same with the Propel v4.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Heel tab
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green None

Removable insole

The New Balance Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green has a non-glued insole that you can take out. We've easily swapped it with insoles from other shoes and even fitted custom orthotics without a problem.

Bottes NEW BALANCE YT800CB2 Marron Propel v4 Removable insole
Test results
Mens New Balance U9060GRE Green Yes