New Balance Lerato Running Shoes - AW21

Product Information

But this is a running shoe which in terms of weight seems very similar to a classic high-mileage training shoe like ASICS GEL-Nimbus, but in terms of type is more similar to a racer like New Balance FuelCell TC or Nike Vaporfly on the basis of its carbon plate midsole. Adam: Echoing both Jacob and Derek here, the Lerato’s outsole has excellent coverage, runs quietly, and has shown no visible wear. It’s quiet, grippy, and should hold up well over time. Complimenting the foam and the plate, it makes the shoe feel very smooth and quiet, diminishing the harshness of impacting the ground. The soft and dense tongue does a good job adding to the plush feel and easy lace-up without being bulky and in the way. Nils: I can just repeat what’s already been said. It’s a fairly soft midsole setup which gets guided by the plate and especially the heel clip. I really appreciate that as I wouldn’t be able to run and enjoy such a soft midsole sensation without those stabilizing features.

The Lerato is more relaxed so better for recovery runs or when trying to go slow, and importantly, more comfortable and warmer. I think a lot of my enjoyment of the Lerato was because it was winter and I cared more about just getting out the door and having an enjoyable run than about speed, so I didn’t mind the weight. Jeff: The Lerato is unique, in that it toes the line between bouncy and springy very well. To some, those words mean the same thing, but I like to think of bouncy as a function of vertical movement and springy as a function of forward movement. Perhaps its a result of a relatively flat plate paired to a bouncy midsole material. Either way, the result is a fun shoe to run in that doesn’t have a clearly defined purpose. It isn’t a race shoe, but it feels like too much of something to be your go-to daily trainer.Designed without compromise, New Balance running shoes are guaranteed to provide a responsive ride that fuels your run - in other words, get ready to feel faster-than-fast. Speed-seeking, breathable, conforming fit, optimal cushioning - New Balance has something for every run and every man.

Nils: I jump on Renee’s comment about the height of the shoe entrance (tongue, heel collar and heel counter). I experienced the exact same and additionally I had some weird pressure points around my ankle caused by the tongue. I think it was actually too wide for my feet. The pain disappeared after 2-3 runs but needs to be mentioned nonetheless. Other than that I can’t say any bad about the upper of the Lerato. Despite really liking the Lerato and running in it a lot, there are shoes that are more versatile and as fun riding, so it is hard to know how to recommend it. The TC for example (the ASICS Novblast also comes to mind) has a similarly soft, fun, propulsive ride but is much lighter and runs well at easy paces but also can rip hard intervals. Despite being an all-around trainer the TC would be a decent choice as a workout shoe or even racer, a realm the Lerato is not at all intended for. You get comfort regardless of the distance, and you will be assisted/pushed forward on every run, but you will also get plenty of support all the way through. Don´t get intimidated by the word ”carbon”, as Lerato is a shoe which provides the best of the best - regardless if you are chasing your first 5km or marathon.My half size up from my normal were a bit large but still totally secure.. While those collars are high, the foot slides in easy with a resounding thunk once set, reassuring. Walking in them, the heel stability is clearly felt as is the soft pleasing midsole foam. The carbon plate is barely noticed as a subtle small rise just behind the ball of the foot followed by a mild final toe off. Very different from other carbon plated shoes where the plates tend to be highly noticeable “at rest” and which are barely walkable. Not so here. We all agree they also make a fantastic walking shoe.

It really has an amazing fit. I think its very clear that we are dealing with a top-quality upper. Its a knitted upper which is in many ways similar to Flyknit in Nikes running shoes and Primeknit in the ADIDAS Ultraboost, but it is still just more exclusive. It has a slim-fit, but is still super flexible and provides great room for your toes. And if I have to say something negative, it would have to be that its a shame that it has a somewhat boring look in relation to how amazing it actually is! It is a fun, pleasant, easy-riding shoe. Bottomless cushion and an ultra-smooth ride make it a relaxing cruise-along shoe. The geometry and well-directed energy return are leg saving and lead to effortless long runs.

Heavy at 11.78 oz /334g men’s US9, 9.98 oz /283 g women’s US8 Sam/Jacob/Derek/Ivan/Nils/Jeff/Sally/Adam Adam: Jacob described the materials very well, and I agree with Ivan on the plushness. Personally I’m a fan of extremely minimal and lightweight uppers (Matryx on the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar is my current favorite), but the Lerato’s upper fits the character of the shoe. The width up front is pretty good, not incredible, but there is not much height to the toebox, and there’s very little stretch or give. The outsole on here is combination of blown and solid rubber giving it maximum durability and traction. Note, this does increase the weight a bit and we did experiences some degradation on the outsole sooner than we would have expected. Literally had rubber pieces separating after less than 50 miles. The carbon-plated effect is on in full force. However it is not at all aggressive—quite relaxed in fact with a bit of flexibility and endless cushion. Unlike in many plated racers (including the TC and RC Elite), the plate in the Lerato doesn’t encourage speed or make it easy to run fast. The plate in the Lerato makes it easy to just keep on cruising and having a good time out on the road.