SCORE: 9/10 (for its budget-friendly category)

Weight: 10oz/294g

Shoe type: Trail/hiking running shoe

Heel drop: 8mm (varies)

Support: Neutral

 Take Away

The DynaSoft Nitrel Nitrel v5 is a versatile trail running shoe with a dual-use outsole design for both on-road and trail running or hiking. It has a supportive upper, improved midsole cushioning, and traction, making it one of the best budget-friendly trail running shoe options.

   Pros

•       Lightweight and comfortable
•       Breathable upper
•       Soft underfoot ride
•       Responsive and Versatile
•       Secure fitting
•       Stylish

 Cons

• Runs quite narrow
• Lack of arch support for those with high arch

Introduction

The DynaSoft Nitrel series is a line of trail running shoes from New Balance. They are durable  and designed to offer comfort, traction on a range of terrains. New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel features the Dynasoft technology, a new midsole cushioning foam that offers excellent energy return and plush ride. Like in New Balance 410 series, DynaSoft series has the robust AT Tread outsole rubber, a dual-use outsole that integrates both running and trail lugs for both on and off-road use. 

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel has a good reputation among runners. It is known for being lightweight and comfortable with amazing grip and stability across terrains. It is also stylish, and breathable. Still it has some issues, especially among runners who need support. The Dynasoft series are neutral running shoes, fitting those who don’t need support.

New Balance has remained consistent to retain the identity of this series. The previous version, DynaSoft Nitrel v4 didn’t disappoint. It offered runners versatility, comfort and affordability. Therefore, New Balance released its iteration, DynaSoft Nitrel v5, which is better and more satisfying.

What is New?

New Balance retained some of the key features we have in the previous versions.  Hence, like in the Dynasoft Nitrel V4, the new version, Dynasoft Nitrel 5 has the DynaSoft technology, a midsole system that is key for offering responsive and soft underfoot ride. New Balance designers also retained the AT Tread outsole and the neutral running profile. Hence, New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel doesn’t offer arch support or stability for overpronators.

The few changes New Balance introduced into the new Dynasoft Nitrel 5 include a new upper that is more flexible and breathable than in the previous version. The fitting has been enhanced with a better lockdown system comprising a gusseted tongue and reinforced heel counter.

Also, there is a slight stack height addition in New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel 5, up from 6mm to 8mm. It implies that this version has enhanced cushioning in the heel in the favor of heel strikers.

The additional foam has resulted in additional weight from 292g (10.3oz)  to 294g (10.4oz), but still in the lightweight range. The women’s size weighs 236g.(8.3oz).

Finally, New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v5 has deeper lungs in the outsole to enhance traction. Hence, this new version has improved performance and stability.

   New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5 Upper Design and Fitting 

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v5 upper part is concocted with a lightweight and fairly flexible engineered mesh for breathability. Due to its flexibility, the upper mesh adapts to the foot’s shape. Hence it guarantees a snug and comfortable fitting. The upper also features no-sew overlays. The overlays in this shoe have been fused onto the mesh material without stitching to offer extra support and durability and provide structure.

The gusseted tongue offers a sock-like fitting and preventing debris from penetrating into the shoe. The standard lace-up closure system consists of flat laces and reinforced eyelets. It is easy to dial-in and obtain a personalized fitting.

The new upper has an extended high collar for extra protection around the ankle. The extended collar design is part of New Balance’s mission to enhance fitting and support. The designers succeeded but created a problem for some runners since the high collar may rub their ankles.

New Balance also introduced a more rigid heel counter that wraps the heel nicely to offer an amazing foothold, which is necessary, especially in trail running. There is no element of slipping. Instead, the security is amazing.  Finally, this upper has a modern stylish look.

The fitting is excellent. The upper of Dynasoft Nitrel v5 runs narrow, a style that suits my foot. The EVA inserts offer a soft, cushioned footbed. I recommend runners to go half size up. Besides, this shoe has standard and wide options.

    New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel 5 Midsole Design and Performance

The midsole is where magic happens. It ticks many boxes including comfort, versatility, responsiveness, stability and speed. The midsole of New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel 5 features the DynaSoft midsole foam, a new cushioning system that has both elements of softness and responsiveness. This midsole is designed to offer energy return. The impact absorption and bounce is amazing. It is for this reason the Dynasoft Nitrel v5 doesn’t feel like a budget running shoe. Its plush ride offers a premium experience.

Besides, New Balance designers added 2mm more stack in the heel to 8mm. The decision has led to enhanced softness and bounce, and improving overall performance for heel strikers. The added heel drop doesn’t affect forefoot strikers because an 8mm drop is a moderate drop compared to 10mm or 12 mm. 

The DynaSoft technology combines with the AT Tread, a dual density outsole featuring adaptable lugs for off and on-road traction. The lugs are fairly deepened compared to the previous version to offer more stability. 

The outsole rubber extends to create a toe bumper to protect the toes from abrasion. 

Overall, the outsole design is amazing since it offers sufficient protection. The adaptable lugs reserve the underfoot plush, making easy runs, long and fartlek runs exciting.

 Who Should Buy New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5?

The Dynasoft Nitrel 5 is designed for a runner looking for a versatile shoe for various terrains and conditions.

It fits a runner who doesn’t need support or stability running shoes but a flexible, responsive and neutral running shoe for all types of training like long, short and easy runs or sprints on roads and trails.

  Verdict

New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel 5 has significant improvement. The previous version had a squeezed tongue and tight lacing. However, this version is broader, the tongue is okay. It doesn’t bulge or look squeezed. However, the extended rigid heel counter rubs the Achilles tendon. I have to wear thick socks to prevent the rubs. Some runners don’t have this experience. Still, New Balance DynaSoft v5 is an amazing running shoe. It has perfect fitting, lightweight, bouncy and protective. Still, I recommend using it in less technical terrains; where it is less rocky because the outsole is not that hardened for this type of terrain.

          Reviewed by Tom Oliver

                  Tom Oliver is a regular runner and a shoe enthusiastic.