New Balance 510 V5 Trail Running Shoe - Durable Trail Comfort

Our review of the New Balance 510 V5 Trail Running Shoe finds it best for runners and outdoor walkers who want a dependable, no-frills trail shoe that balances durability with lightweight comfort. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a rugged lugged outsole with AT TREAD technology and a cushioned midsole featuring ABZORB and an NB Soft + Supportive Insert, which together deliver good traction and impact protection without excess weight. This shoe reads like a practical choice for regular trail miles rather than a maximalist cushion experiment.

Key Features

• Rugged outsole: The lugged outsole with AT TREAD technology gives enhanced traction on a variety of surfaces, helping maintain grip on loose dirt and wet rock.
• Impact absorption: The injection-molded EVA midsole integrates ABZORB technology to reduce shock and protect joints on uneven terrain.
• Memory comfort: An NB Soft + Supportive Insert provides a memory-like feel that increases long-run comfort without adding much weight.
• Lightweight construction: The design keeps overall mass low so the shoe feels responsive and agile on rolling trails and mixed surfaces.
• Durable build: Rugged materials on the upper and outsole are intended to stand up to repeated off-road use and day-to-day wear.
• Versatile use: The shoe is suitable for both on-road and off-road running, offering a balanced mix of cushion and traction.

Who It's For

The 510 V5 is aimed at recreational trail runners, hikers who prefer a running-shoe fit, and commuters who encounter mixed surfaces. It suits people who want stable, reliable traction and modest cushioning rather than maximalist padding; the shoe is especially practical for those who split time between road and trail and need one pair to do both.

Serious ultrarunners seeking aggressive cushioning or racers after the lightest raceflat should look elsewhere, as should runners requiring extensive motion control features. Those needing highly breathable or minimalist barefoot-style footwear may prefer a different model.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable lugged outsole provides confident traction across mixed terrain.
• ABZORB midsole delivers noticeable impact absorption for trail runs.
• NB Soft + Supportive Insert adds lasting memory comfort during longer outings.
• Lightweight feel makes the shoe responsive without sacrificing stability.

Cons

• Not the plushest option for runners who want maximal cushioning on long road miles.
• The protective, rugged build may trade off a bit of breathability in hot conditions.

Specifications

Model	510 V5
Intended use	Trail running and mixed on-/off-road
Outsole	Lugged outsole with AT TREAD technology
Midsole	Injection-molded EVA with ABZORB technology
Insert	NB Soft + Supportive Insert (memory comfort)
Weight	Lightweight construction (trail-focused)
Protection	Rugged construction for increased durability

Our Verdict

The New Balance 510 V5 is a sensible, value-oriented trail shoe for recreational runners and outdoor-minded commuters who need reliable traction and modest cushioning. Its durable outsole and ABZORB midsole combine for versatile performance, making it a good everyday trail option for those who want a comfortable, long-lasting shoe without chasing the extremes of ultralight or maximalist designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for mixed surfaces?
Yes, the lugged outsole with AT TREAD and the cushioned midsole make them suitable for both trail and occasional road use.

Do they provide enough cushioning for long runs?
They offer moderate cushioning via ABZORB and the NB Soft + Supportive Insert, which is comfortable for many long runs but not as plush as maximalist models.

Are they durable for regular trail use?
Yes, the rugged construction and durable outsole materials are designed to withstand repeated off-road miles.