Kristian Ferrell
New Balance is an American sportswear company that has been in the business of making comfortable, high-quality shoes for over a century. The company has a loyal following of sneakerheads who appreciate their versatile sizing and widths, as well as their commitment to fair trade and employee treatment. While New Balance has a strong presence in the running shoe market, they have also gained popularity in the performance basketball space. With NBA Champion Kawhi Leonard signing with the brand in 2018, New Balance has released several signature shoes, including the KAWHI and the more recent KAWHI IV, which features a lightweight mesh upper and a combination of FuelCell and a carbon fiber plate for an explosive feeling of energy return. The TWO WXY v4 is another popular New Balance basketball shoe, known for its lightweight responsiveness and unique split sole design, supporting both quick lateral movement and high-impact takeoffs and landings. While there is no information available on exactly when the next New Balance basketball shoe will be released, the brand has a history of releasing premium-quality models that are well-crafted and designed for elite performance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | New Balance |
| Model | TWO WXY v4 |
| Features | Fresh Foam X, FuelCell, split sole design, mesh and synthetic upper |
| Best for | Quick lateral movement, high-impact takeoffs and landings, lightweight feel, responsiveness |
| Best suited for | Quick, nimble athletes, players who appreciate a low-cut silhouette |
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What You'll Learn
New Balance TWO WXY v4
The TWO WXY v4 is the latest addition to New Balance's basketball shoe lineup. It is the first New Balance basketball shoe model to combine Fresh Foam X and FuelCell technologies, providing a unique, split sole design. This design supports quick lateral movements and high-impact takeoffs and landings, making it a versatile shoe for different playing styles. The shoe also features a mesh and synthetic upper, offering a lightweight and secure fit.
The TWO WXY v4 has received positive reviews for its performance and versatility. Users have praised its responsive cushioning setup, which provides good impact protection. The shoe also offers a normal style of lockdown with laces, providing a customizable fit without any noticeable restriction. The traction, bounce, and support of the shoe have been highlighted as strong points, making it a well-rounded option for basketball players.
The sizing of the TWO WXY v4 is similar to Nike's sizing, and it offers a more spacious forefoot area compared to its predecessor, the V3. New Balance also provides wide sizes on their website, catering to a diverse range of foot shapes. The shoe comes in a plain red box, and the actual shoe design is available in various colorways, including black and white.
The TWO WXY v4 is a significant release for New Balance, building on the success of previous versions and solidifying the brand's presence in the performance-basketball space. With endorsements from NBA players like Kawhi Leonard and Jamal Murray, New Balance has gained increased attention from basketball enthusiasts and athletes alike. The TWO WXY v4 continues this momentum by delivering a shoe that prioritizes performance and comfort, appealing to a wide range of basketball players.
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New Balance KAWHI IV
New Balance, the popular American sportswear company, has been in the business of manufacturing comfortable and high-quality products for over a century. One of their notable products in the basketball shoe category is the New Balance KAWHI IV, which has gained popularity among players. Here is a detailed review of the shoe:
Design and Comfort: The KAWHI IV features a dual-density FuelCell midsole, offering exceptional comfort and softness. The shoe's interior boasts a dual-density setup with both white and red foam, providing a comfortable and responsive experience. The shoe also includes a long shank in the midfoot area, visible as a thin black piece between the foams, which offers extra support and bounce to your steps. While it may not be the most explosive shoe on the market, the KAWHI IV provides a bit of spring in each step, helping you get closer to your top performance.
Protection and Stability: The KAWHI IV's heel is slightly taller than the forefoot, providing excellent impact protection. With a heel stack of 30.9 mm, it surpasses the average and ensures your feet are protected from harsh surfaces. Additionally, the forefoot stack measures 21.8 mm, keeping a foamy barrier between your feet and the floor. The shoe also has a drop of 9.1 mm, a unique feature not commonly seen in basketball shoes.
Fit and Space: The KAWHI IV has a snug fit, especially for those with narrow feet, as it is narrower than the average shoe with only 89.9 mm in width. However, for those who require more space, the shoe is also available in a wide width option. The tip of the shoe's toebox has a standard width of 70.6 mm near the big toe, ensuring a non-restricting shape that prevents any toe pinching.
Performance: While the KAWHI IV may be on the heavier side, it still provides a comfortable and stable experience during wear tests. The shoe's structure effectively supports your ankles, preventing overextension. The insole thickness measures 5.7 mm, which is larger than average, enhancing the overall comfort levels.
Overall, the New Balance KAWHI IV is an excellent choice for basketball players seeking a combination of comfort, protection, and stability on the court. Its unique features, including the dual-density midsole and the tall heel, make it a popular option for those looking for a structured and supportive shoe during their games.
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New Balance 550
New Balance is an American sportswear company based in Boston, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1906 by English-born William J. Riley, and the brand is known for its comfortable, high-quality products. The brand has enjoyed widespread popularity among runners, which began with the New Balance Trackster, the first-ever running shoe with rippled soles, in 1961.
The New Balance 550 has become extremely popular with the help of Aimé Leon Dore’s Teddy Santis, who was appointed Creative Director of Made in USA in April 2021. The 550s are said to be comfortable and durable, with some saying they prefer them to other sneaker styles. The 550s have also been described as "heavy and clunky", and some users have expressed indifference to the style.
The New Balance 550 is part of a wider trend of vintage basketball shoes gaining attention. This trend has also brought popularity to other NB vintage basketball shoes.
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New Balance Hesi Low
The New Balance Hesi Low is a basketball shoe designed for entry-level players with a less aggressive playing style. It is lightweight and flexible, prioritising freedom of movement over impact protection and support. The shoe has a low heel-to-toe drop, providing stability and a more sure-footed experience, although this does come at the cost of heel and Achilles tendon support. The Hesi Low also features a small, stiff shank on top of FuelCell foam in the midfoot, adding rigidity to the shoe's platform, along with firm carrier foam and a thick rubber outsole.
In terms of cushioning, the Hesi Low offers an essential amount, particularly under the balls of the feet, with a forefoot stack of 21.4 mm. The insole is well-cushioned, adding underfoot comfort with a heel thickness of 4.8 mm, slightly thicker than average. However, the shoe may not provide sufficient underfoot cushioning for heavier players, who may prefer alternatives like the New Balance Fresh Foam BB or the NB TWO WXY v4.
The New Balance Hesi Low has a narrow fit, with a forefoot width of 97.3 mm, which is one of the narrowest among basketball shoes. Wide-footed players may need to size up or choose a different model. The toebox, however, offers a spacious and rounded shape with ample breathing room. This extra space may contribute to slight heel slippage, as observed in some reviews.
Overall, the New Balance Hesi Low is a suitable option for beginner basketball players who prioritise agility and flexibility. While it may not offer the same level of impact protection and support as other shoes, its lightweight construction and stable design make it a good choice for those seeking freedom of movement on the court.
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New Balance Fresh Foam BB
The New Balance Fresh Foam BB v3 is the latest edition to the performance basketball shoe series, with a scheduled release in April 2025 for $130. This new model was first showcased at a media-exclusive press preview in New York on 29 October 2024.
The Fresh Foam BB v3 features a midfoot plate and embossed, oval-shaped detailing, replacing the topographic-inspired midsole of its predecessor. The shoe continues the mid-top height silhouette of the Fresh Foam BB line.
The Fresh Foam BB v3 debuted in February 2025 as part of a collaboration with Bricks & Wood. This new edition to the Fresh Foam BB series has almost entirely diverged from its predecessor in terms of design, with the exception of the continued mid-top height.
The New Balance Fresh Foam BB series has gained popularity within the performance-basketball space. The previous version of the shoe, the Fresh Foam BB v2, featured a topographic-inspired midsole, which has been replaced by a new structure in the v3.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best New Balance basketball shoes include the TWO WXY, the KAWHI, the Fresh Foam BB V2, the NB Hesi Low, and the NB 550.
A good basketball shoe should be light, stable, grippy, and durable. It should also offer a good mix between ground feel and cushioning.
I cannot find specific information on the release date of the next New Balance basketball shoe. However, the brand has released new basketball shoes every year since 2020, so we can expect a new model sometime in 2025.
