New Balance
Ellipse v1 Running Shoe – Women's
$139.99
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The Grivet Take
The Ellipse v1 is New Balance's pillowy daily comfort shoe, built around a softer-tuned Fresh Foam X midsole and a heel-to-toe rocker that smooths out walking and easy running. The ride reads plush and protective rather than bouncy or responsive; this is a shoe that takes the edge off tired legs, not one that pushes the pace. We send it home with newer runners stacking easy miles, walkers logging long shifts on their feet, and customers who want a cushioned recovery option to rotate with a faster trainer. Runners chasing modern supercritical-foam pop should reach for the 1080v15 instead, and anyone wanting a firmer, more grounded daily trainer will be happier in the 880v13.
Fit & Feel snapshot
Fit
LengthHow the shoe fits compared with true-to-size expectations.
True to size
Toe box widthHow much side-to-side room the shoe has across the front of the foot.3 of 5
NarrowWide
Toe box volumeHow much vertical room the shoe has above the toes.2 of 5
LowHigh
MidfootHow snug or roomy the shoe feels through the arch and laces.2 of 5
SnugRoomy
Heel holdHow securely the back of the shoe holds the heel.3 of 5
LooseLocked
Ride
CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.4 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.4 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.3 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.2 of 5
DeadBouncy
Support
Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral
Stability
Motion Control
No added support structure
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
Standard platform
How it fits
Fits true to size for most runners. The engineered mesh upper runs slightly wider through the forefoot than the 1080v15 but sits lower over the toes, which can make the shoe feel a touch short on first try-on. Runners with high-volume feet or prominent toe knuckles should size up half a size. Midfoot is held by a stretchy mesh and gusseted tongue; the lockdown is comfort-first and reads slightly looser than New Balance's performance trainers. Heel collar is heavily padded; a minority of customers with prominent Achilles report the collar pushes in for the first few miles before settling. Available in women's standard (B) width only.
How it feels
Cushion is high and the softness is the headline. Fresh Foam X is tuned softer here than in the 880 or 1080, with a heel that compresses noticeably on landing and a forefoot that can feel like it bottoms out on faster, more forward strikes. An early forefoot rocker and a generous heel bevel keep transitions smooth at easy paces and during walking. Flexibility is moderate; the segmented outsole keeps the shoe from feeling slappy. Energy return is modest. The shoe protects and absorbs; it does not propel, and faster efforts feel awkward as the foam does not rebound quickly.
Quick specs
- Category
- Daily trainer
- Surface
- Pavement · Treadmill
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 38.0 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 30.0 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 8.0 mm
- Weight (women's 8)
- 7.7 oz · 218 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 4 / 5
- Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
- Neutral
- PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
- Standard platform
- Midsole
- Fresh Foam X
- Outsole
- rubber
- PlateA stiff layer, usually carbon, nylon, or TPU, built into some shoes to add structure, snap, or propulsion.
- No
- WidthsThe width options this shoe is made in. Actual availability depends on current inventory.
- B
Tech, translated
Fresh Foam X is New Balance's EVA-based midsole foam, tuned in the Ellipse for a softer, more compliant ride than the 880 or 1080 versions of the same compound. The foam is built for comfort and cushion absorption rather than supercritical bounce, with a sealed cell structure that holds up over hundreds of miles.
Engineered mesh upper runs wide through the forefoot but low over the toes, with a gusseted, elastic tongue that wraps the midfoot without overtightening. The breathable knit suits Southeast humidity and long days on the feet.
Segmented rubber outsole with vertical forefoot flex grooves gives the shoe a natural toe-off bend and reliable traction on dry pavement, concrete, and treadmill belts. Wet pavement traction is adequate.
Frequently asked
Does the New Balance Ellipse run true to size?
The Ellipse runs true to size in length for most runners, though the upper sits lower across the toes than other New Balance daily trainers. Runners with high-volume forefeet, prominent toe knuckles, or who normally size up half a size in New Balance should do the same here. The forefoot is on the wider side, but the lower volume can make the shoe feel slightly short on first try-on. Standard (B) is the only width offered in women's.
Is the New Balance Ellipse firm or soft underfoot?
Soft. The Ellipse uses a softer-tuned version of Fresh Foam X than the 880 or 1080, with a heel that sinks noticeably on landing and a forefoot that compresses easily. Cushion is plush and protective rather than bouncy or responsive. Runners looking for a firmer, more grounded ride should look at the 880v13; runners chasing modern supercritical-foam bounce belong in the 1080v15.
Is the New Balance Ellipse good for walking?
Yes. The Ellipse is one of the most walking-friendly Fresh Foam shoes New Balance makes. The early forefoot rocker, generous heel bevel, and soft midsole work together to reduce the effort of long walks, and the wide platform stays steady at slow paces. Customer feedback consistently points to the Ellipse holding up well on 10,000-plus-step days and all-day-on-feet shifts. Walkers who want a similar feel from a dedicated walking shoe can also consider the Hoka Bondi.
How does the New Balance Ellipse compare to the New Balance 1080v15?
Both are cushioned daily neutral options from New Balance, but they aim at different runners. The Ellipse uses a softer-tuned Fresh Foam X for a plush, pillowy ride aimed at easy miles, recovery, and walking. The 1080v15 uses the same foam family in a more performance-oriented tune with a livelier supercritical-foam pop, making it the better pick for runners who want one shoe that can handle daily miles and pick up the pace. Pick the Ellipse for comfort-first easy miles; pick the 1080v15 for a livelier daily trainer.
Is the New Balance Ellipse good for treadmill running?
Yes. The rubber outsole holds traction on belt surfaces, and the soft cushion absorbs the harder landings that treadmill miles can produce. The 7.7 oz women's weight is light enough to keep cadence honest across longer easy treadmill sessions. For faster treadmill workouts a lighter, more responsive trainer is a better fit; the Ellipse is the easy-pace and recovery option.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15
Choose the Ellipse if you want a softer, more pillowy daily and walking shoe at a lower price. Choose the 1080v15 if you want the supercritical-foam pop and more performance-tuned ride for faster daily miles.
Compare New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 →
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13
Choose the Ellipse if you want plush cushion and a gentle rocker for walking and easy miles. Choose the 880v13 if you want a firmer, more responsive Fresh Foam X daily trainer that can pick up the pace.
Compare New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13 →
Hoka Clifton 10
Choose the Ellipse if you want a wider, more grounded platform with a softer Fresh Foam X feel. Choose the Clifton 10 if you want a more pronounced rocker and the familiar Hoka high-stack ride for daily miles and recovery.
Compare Hoka Clifton 10 →
Brooks Ghost 17
Choose the Ellipse if you want a softer, more relaxed daily and walking shoe with a gentle rocker. Choose the Ghost 17 if you want a firmer, more traditional neutral daily trainer with a familiar Brooks ride.
Compare Brooks Ghost 17 →
Buyer's guide
Read our running shoes guide
A clear framework for picking running shoes by surface, cushion, drop, stability, and fit.
Read the guide