The New Balance 840 series is popular among runners with bunions, overpronation, and supination. The 840 series are motion control running shoes with amazing cushioning for utmost comfort. This model has gone through five iterations. The latest New Balance 840v5 model has significant changes, especially in the upper. It features a half-size reduction of the toe box. This shoe has received both positive and negative feedback from runners, and it is understandable considering the unique needs of runners, especially those needing special attention.

The greatest takeaway is that the New Balance 840v5 has a supportive and comfortable upper, and accommodates orthotics. It  has a balance of firmness and softness, thus, excellent for easy runs and all-day walking.

New Balance 840v5 Upper Design and Fitting

The new iteration has a voluminous upper but not as wide as its predecessor. To some, it fits perfectly, even with orthotics. “840v5 has quite a shallow footbed,” says a runner with neuropathy. Understandably, such a runner needs more toe room. Hence, the previous version was an accurate fit considering the wider, roomy upper construction.

Most runners have expressed the change in the upper construction. The runners’ feedback reveals a significant change in the upper versions four and five. The toe box is getting smaller and smaller; in this particular version, even the height is slightly shorter.

Those who found the previous version too clunky on their feet love the New Balance 840v5. The narrowed toe box and shallow heel bed offer an excellent fit for a narrow-footed runner with bunions. Even with prescribed insoles, this shoe fits well.

New Balance 840V5 has generously cushioned removable insoles for comfortable and relaxed walking and running. These original inserts are awesome!

The tough and heel collar are well padded. However, the padded collar extends high in this shoe, and some runners have reported rubbing in the ankle bones. The issues can be attributed to the narrowed construction.

Also, the upper has an adjustable lace closure system for customizing the fit.

Overall the mesh upper is structured. The perforations allow enough air to permeate and keep the feet fresh. There is enough all-around padding in the tongue, collar, and footbed. Most importantly, the upper accommodates orthotics.

New Balance 840v5 Midsole Design and Performance

The midsole comprises a full-length ABZORB midsole foam for long-lasting cushioning. Besides being responsive, this midsole foam adapts to various foot types. The ABZORB midsole foam is similar to the one in New Balance 847v4.

New Balance 840v5 doesn’t feature roll bar technology, but applying the ABZORB midsole instead of the EVA foam ensures sufficient foot support and encourages forward motion. The ABZORB is firmer than the EVA midsole. Also, the midsole walls extend upwards into the upper mesh to form support all-round the foot. The design ensures that the foot is held in its position.

The synthetic and rubber outsole has shallow but aggressive lugs. The lugs have beautiful patterns and are carefully distributed to provide support while maintaining a balance of flexibility and firmness.

The overall comfort is excellent. There is firmness yet a forgiving underfoot feel, and the transition is seamless. The firmness makes it unsuitable for recovery runs because the midsole response is quite blunt. However, the firmness magically disappears at moderate speed as the foot strikes get lighter. The ride is also stable. Hence, New Balance 840v5 is excellent for short easy runs and walking.

Who needs New Balance 840v5? 

New Balance 840v5 fits someone who wants adequate support. Hence, individuals with feet sensitive to hard orthotics or insoles will love New Balance 840v5.

It is an excellent all-day walking shoe for those who spend most of the time moving around. It also fits someone looking for an orthotic-friendly running shoe for light workouts.

The New Balance 840v5 running shoe is for those who want to fit their orthotics, particularly narrow-footed runners due to narrow sizing.

Who Shouldn’t Buy New Balance 840v5?

This shoe should not be bought by runners who found the previous version less roomy. It runs narrow compared to its predecessor. The New Balance 847v4 is a better alternative.

What to Expect from New Balance 840v5

• Roomy toe box
• Supportive upper
• Orthotic-friendly
• Comfortable footbed
• Breathable mesh upper
• Firm underfoot ride
• Half size smaller than the previous version

By Kyle Parker

Parker is a gym trainer, runner, and shoe lover who enjoys everything to do with fitness and shoes. He deeply understands the relationship between wearing a good running /training shoes and excellent training. He is also a shoe lover.