You’re standing in the middle of a shoe aisle—or more likely, scrolling through a dozen browser tabs—and you keep seeing the New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v5 pop up as the "budget" answer to your trail running prayers. Honestly, the word "budget" usually scares people away. It sounds like cheap foam and stiff mesh. But here’s the thing about the Nitrel v5: it isn't trying to be a technical mountain climber that costs two hundred bucks. It’s a hybrid. It’s for the person who runs on pavement for two miles just to get to the dirt path by the lake.
Most people buy trail shoes and realize they’re too clunky for the road. Or they wear road shoes and slip on the first patch of wet grass. This shoe sits in that awkward, beautiful middle ground.
The DynaSoft Midsole Actually Does Something
We need to talk about the foam. New Balance uses "DynaSoft" here, which is a different beast compared to the ultra-plush Fresh Foam X you’ll find in their high-end 1080s or the Hierro. It’s firmer. Much firmer. If you’re expecting to feel like you’re stepping on a marshmallow, you’re going to be disappointed.
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But firmness isn’t a flaw.
When you’re hitting a trail, you want responsiveness. You want to feel the ground enough to know your ankle isn't about to roll into a ditch. The DynaSoft tech is designed to give you a bit of "pop" without that energy-sapping mushiness. It’s got about 3% bio-based content, which is a nice nod to sustainability, though let’s be real, nobody is buying this shoe solely to save the planet. They’re buying it because it’s a workhorse. It handles the impact of the road without feeling like a brick, then transitions to the trail where that stability really shines.
AT Tread: The "Jack of All Trades" Problem
The outsole is where the New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v5 tries to please everyone. They call it the AT Tread. It’s a dual-use lug pattern. Look closely at the bottom and you'll see the lugs aren't these massive, 6mm claws that you'd find on a Salomon Speedcross. They are shorter, flatter, and more closely spaced.
This is intentional.
If you take a deep-lugged trail shoe onto asphalt, it feels like you're wearing cleats. It’s noisy, it vibrates, and you’ll wear those lugs down to nothing in a month. The Nitrel v5 doesn’t do that. It’s smooth on the street. However—and this is a big "however"—don't take these into deep mud. If you’re planning on racing through a swamp or climbing a scree field in the Rockies, these will fail you. The lugs aren't deep enough to bite into loose, wet muck. They are "gravel path" lugs. They are "hard-packed dirt" lugs.
Breathability vs. Durability
The upper is an engineered mesh that feels surprisingly premium for the price point. It’s thin enough to let your feet breathe on a humid July morning but has these seamless overlays that add structure. One of the best features is the "Toe Protect" reinforcement. It’s basically a hardened bit of material over the front.
Ever stubbed your toe on a hidden root? It’s a rite of passage for trail runners, and it hurts like hell. This little shield actually works.
One thing to watch out for is the heel collar. It’s a bit stiff out of the box. Some runners have reported that it rides a little high on the Achilles, which can cause rubbing if you wear those ultra-low "no-show" socks. Do yourself a favor and wear a mid-crew or something with a tab.
Who Is This Shoe Actually For?
It’s not for the ultra-marathoner. If you’re running 50 miles through the woods, your feet will crave more cushion and a more aggressive grip.
It is for the casual explorer.
It’s for the person who wants one pair of shoes in their gym bag that can handle a treadmill session, a walk in the park, and a weekend hike. It’s for the beginner who doesn't want to drop $160 on a hobby they might quit in three weeks.
The weight is another factor. It’s relatively light. For a men's size 9, it clocks in around 290-300 grams. That's light enough to feel fast. It doesn't have the "clump-clump" weight of a traditional hiking boot.
The Reality of the "New Balance Fit"
New Balance is famous for their widths. This is a massive selling point. Most "cool" trail brands like Hoka or Salomon tend to run narrow, which is a nightmare for people with wide midfoots. The Nitrel v5 comes in Wide (2E) and even Extra Wide (4E) options in some markets.
If you have a wide foot, this is probably your best entry-point trail shoe. Period.
The lacing system is standard—nothing fancy like QuickLace—but it holds the midfoot securely. The tongue is gusseted, which is a fancy way of saying it’s attached to the sides so rocks and dirt don't slide inside your shoe. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference when you’re running through dry leaves or loose sand.
Comparing the v5 to the v4
If you’re still rocking the v4 and wondering if the upgrade is worth it, the answer is usually yes. The v5 feels a bit more refined. The transition from heel to toe is smoother. The DynaSoft foam feels slightly more resilient over long distances than the old RevLite or previous iterations. It also looks better. New Balance has leaned into that "lifestyle" aesthetic, so you can wear these with jeans and not look like you're about to go orienteering.
Specific Specs to Keep in Mind
- Drop: Usually around 8mm. This is a middle-of-the-road drop that works for both heel strikers and midfoot strikers.
- Terrain: Best on road, light trail, and gravel.
- Grip: Decent on wet pavement, poor on deep mud.
- Flexibility: Moderate. It’s not a barefoot shoe, but it isn't a stiff carbon-plated racer either.
Actionable Steps for New Owners
Before you head out for your first ten-miler in these, there are a few things you should do to get the most out of the New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v5.
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First, break them in on a walk. Because the DynaSoft foam is on the firmer side, it takes about 10-15 miles to "open up." The first mile might feel a bit stiff, but the foam will soften slightly as it goes through a few compression cycles.
Second, check your sizing. New Balance usually runs true to size, but trail shoes often require a "thumb's width" of space at the front. When you're running downhill, your foot slides forward. If you don't have that gap, you're going to end up with black toenails. If you're between sizes, go up the half size.
Third, don't over-tighten the laces. Because the upper has those synthetic overlays, they don't stretch as much as a pure knit shoe. If you crank the laces too tight, you might feel pressure on the top of your foot (the dorsal nerves). Keep it snug but let the mesh do its job.
Finally, clean the outsoles. Since the AT Tread has closely packed lugs, it loves to trap small pebbles. If you transition from a trail to a hardwood floor or a gym, those trapped rocks will scratch everything. A quick tap of the shoes together usually clears them out.
The Nitrel v5 is a "set it and forget it" shoe. It’s reliable, it’s affordable, and it bridges the gap between your suburban sidewalk and the great outdoors without making a fuss. It isn't the flashiest shoe on the market, but it’s arguably one of the most practical.