You’ve seen them everywhere. On the feet of that woman sprinting through the airport, the regular at your local HIIT class, and maybe even your nurse who spends twelve hours on her feet. The New Balance DynaSoft Nergize Sport v2 has become a sort of "stealth" staple in the footwear world. But honestly, most people are buying them for the wrong reasons, and that leads to some pretty vocal frustration.
It’s a polarizing shoe. People either call it a "cloud on your feet" or complain it has "zero support."
The truth? It’s both. This isn't your traditional chunky New Balance dad shoe, and it’s certainly not a high-mileage marathon trainer. It’s a hybrid—a "glorified sock" with a midsole that punches way above its weight class. If you understand what it’s actually for, it might be the best $70 you spend this year. If you don't, you’re going to be annoyed within a week.
The Midsole Myth: What DynaSoft Actually Does
Most buyers see the name "DynaSoft" and expect a marshmallow-like experience similar to the Fresh Foam 1080. That’s the first mistake.
DynaSoft isn't just about being squishy. It’s a dual-density foam designed to balance plushness with responsiveness. In the New Balance DynaSoft Nergize Sport v2, the foam is surprisingly thin. We are talking about a 6 mm drop here. That is a relatively low profile for a "sport" shoe.
When you press your thumb into the midsole, it gives. But when you’re actually moving—doing mountain climbers or jumping on a box—it firms up. This responsiveness is what makes it a "Sport" shoe rather than just a "Walking" shoe. According to lab tests on similar DynaSoft models like the TRNR v2, this foam measures around 26.8 HA on a durometer. To put that in plain English: it’s moderately soft, but it won’t bottom out immediately like cheap generic foam.
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However, there’s a catch. Because the stack height is low, if you weigh more or have high arches that need significant structural bracing, the DynaSoft foam can feel "spent" after a few hours on concrete. It’s great for a 45-minute gym session; it's a bit of a gamble for an 8-hour shift at a warehouse.
Why the "Glorified Sock" Design Divides Everyone
The upper of the Nergize Sport v2 is basically a textile and synthetic mesh hug. It uses a no-sew construction, which is fancy talk for "nothing to chafe your toes."
- The Weight Factor: At approximately 162 grams (about 6 ounces), these are lighter than your average smartphone. You literally forget you’re wearing them.
- The Entry Problem: It has a bootie construction. While there are laces, they are mostly there for aesthetic "locked-in" feel and minor adjustments. The collar is stretchy.
- The "Support" Reality: There is no internal plastic heel counter. There is no medial post for overpronation. If you have "floppy" ankles or need your shoe to hold your foot in a specific rigid position, you will hate these.
Kinda feels like a second skin, right? But that lack of structure means if you try to do heavy lateral cutting—think intense tennis or basketball—your foot might slide right off the side of the midsole. It’s built for linear movement and light gym work, not for breaking ankles on the court.
The Sizing Trap: Don't Order Your Usual Size
If there is one thing that ruins the New Balance DynaSoft Nergize Sport v2 experience for people, it’s the sizing. New Balance is usually the king of "true to size," but the Nergize line is notorious for running small and narrow.
A lot of long-time fans of the v1 version were shocked when they switched to the v2. The toe box on the v2 is slightly more tapered. Even though it's available in Wide (D) widths, many users find that the "Wide" feels more like a standard "Medium" in other brands.
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Basically, if you have even a slightly wide foot, or if you like to wear thicker athletic socks, you must size up at least a half size. Some people go a full size up. If you ignore this, you’ll end up with that annoying "big toe pressing against the mesh" feeling that eventually leads to a hole in the shoe.
Technical Breakdown
- Weight: 6 oz (162g)
- Drop: 6 mm
- Upper: No-sew synthetic/textile
- Insole: NB Memory Sole Comfort Insert
- Outsole: Targeted rubber pods in high-wear areas
The "Everything" Shoe vs. The "Specific" Shoe
Where does the Nergize Sport v2 actually belong? It’s a "transitional" shoe.
It’s perfect for the person who wants to go from a Pilates class to a grocery run without looking like they’re wearing moon boots. The aesthetic is incredibly clean—especially the "White with Quartz Grey" or the "Black/White" colorways. It looks like a lifestyle sneaker, but it has enough grip on the outsole to keep you from slipping on a gym floor.
But let's be real about the "Running" label often attached to it. Is it a running shoe? For a mile? Sure. For a 5K? Maybe, if you’re a light runner with perfect form. For anything longer? Absolutely not. The lack of arch support and the minimal cushioning would likely lead to shin splints or plantar fasciitis for most casual runners.
It's better categorized as a cross-trainer/lifestyle hybrid. It excels at:
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- Travel: They pack flat and weigh nothing.
- Indoor Workouts: Perfect for weightlifting (where a flatter, lower-to-the-ground sole is actually better) and rowing machines.
- Casual Commuting: If you walk a mile to the office and change into heels, these are your best friend.
Common Gripes and Realities
One valid criticism of the v2 is the durability of the upper. Because it's so thin and breathable, it isn't "tough." If you’re someone who drags your toes or uses your shoes for rugged outdoor hiking, these will show wear and tear within three months. The rubber on the outsole is also "targeted," meaning it doesn't cover the entire bottom of the shoe—only the spots that hit the ground most. This saves weight, but it means the exposed DynaSoft foam can get chewed up by rough asphalt.
Also, moisture is an issue. These are basically mesh. If you step in a puddle, your foot is wet. Instantly. There is zero water resistance here.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Nergize Sport v2
If you already own a pair and feel like they’re a bit "thin," there’s a hack: swap the insole. The included NB Memory Sole Comfort Insert is nice for about twenty minutes, but memory foam eventually compresses and stays flat. Replacing it with a structured orthotic like a Superfeet or a Powerstep can actually transform this shoe into something you can wear for a 12-hour shift. Since the shoe is a bit narrow, just make sure the new insole isn't too thick.
Actionable Tips for Potential Buyers
- Check the Price: Do not pay $100 for these. They frequently go on sale at outlets like Joe's New Balance or big-box retailers for $40 to $60.
- The "Sock" Test: Wear them with thin "no-show" socks. These shoes are designed for a close-to-foot feel. Bulky crew socks will make them feel suffocating.
- Visual Check: Look at the "N" logo and the heel pull tab. If you prefer a "slip-on" feel, keep the laces tied loosely; the bootie construction allows you to use them as slip-ons once they’re broken in.
- Cleaning: Don’t toss them in the dryer. The heat can warp the DynaSoft foam and ruin the adhesives. Hand wash with a mild detergent and air dry.
The New Balance DynaSoft Nergize Sport v2 isn't trying to be a high-performance athlete’s primary tool. It’s a specialized tool for a specific job: looking good while providing enough comfort for a busy, active day. If you respect its limits—and buy a half-size larger than you think you need—it's one of the most versatile tools in a modern wardrobe.
To make the best choice, first determine if your foot is "Standard" or "Wide" and prioritize the Wide (D) option if you have any history of toe cramping. Always test the feel on a hard surface rather than carpet to see how the DynaSoft foam reacts to your specific body weight before committing to a long day of wear.