Comments on: New Balance RC5000 Road Racing Flat: Fit, Feel, and First Run Thoughts

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 18:56:49 +0000

In reply to Jakob. I go a half size up in all New Balance racers. The 5000 is a bit narrower than the others, but I think I wouldn't go more than 1/2 size bigger.

By: Jakob

Jakob — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 00:09:37 +0000

Hi Pete,
Thanks for the review! Is the fit pretty much the same throughout the New Balance range? (1400,1500,1600,5000) I have quite wide feet and the 1500 is the perfect length in a US9 but is almost too snug with the insole left in. I’m about to buy the 5000 and I was wondering if you’d recommend going half a size up?

By: kris

kris — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 20:35:56 +0000

Bought them 1 mounth ago , run in them about 70 K. Today my big toe went through the upper. I DO NOT RECOMENT BUYING THEM.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 17:54:45 +0000

In reply to Nathaniel. Personally no, not enough cushion for me.

By: Nathaniel

Nathaniel — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 05:22:04 +0000

Would you recommend this for the Full Marathon?

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 14:56:05 +0000

In reply to Daniel.

The midfoot is pretty narrow in the 5000. Maybe take a look at the Saucony A5 – you can find them on clearance lots of places right now: http://www.amazon.com/Saucony-Mens-Type-Running-White/dp/B0081LE2JA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395759306&sr=8-1&keywords=saucony+a5

By: Daniel

Daniel — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 16:07:56 +0000

Would you recommend these shoes for me? I run track and cross country in HS (currently starting track). I have very flat feet and mild pronation, so I’m worried about the amount of arch support in these. However, I have previously run in adidas hagio’s after they were fitted for me in a specialty running store, and their minimal arch support didn’t bother me. If not the rc5000’s, what would you recommend otherwise?

By: hummingbird

hummingbird — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Just wondering how flexible the RC5000 is compared with the Kinvara 2. I have a rigid foot and don't find the Kinvara 2 flexible enough. I usually run in a very flexible shoe like the Nike Free 3.0 v4 and 4.0 v2, Brooks Pure Connect and Skechers GO run, otherwise I feel like I am fighting the shoe.

By: Emilie Reas

Emilie Reas — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks for another great review, Pete! Any thoughts on how the RC5000 compares to the Saucony Grid Type A5? I just started running in the A5 (women's) and love it, and am curious if the NB is comparable.

By the way, your reviews are dangerously feeding my growing shoe collection ;)

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Sam.

Half the weight, softer, and not as longitudinally stiff. I'd probably opt for the Hagio for racing.

By: delrayAlex

delrayAlex — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to RunningPT12.

@runningPT12 -- Thanks for the longer term perspective. The Mizuno Universe nubs are pretty low-wear for me after ~300 miles (though signifcant forefoot wear in the areas between the nubs).
I'm skeptical about the roominess up front. Wish I could count on the Running Warehouse description of the forefoot width.
I don't really get the big deal about running sockless. A nice thin sock obviates all issues regarding material roughness. Socks provide a featherweight, removable liner -- that you can wash!!!
I do enjoy all the shoe reviews, great site.

By: Edward J. Edmonds

Edward J. Edmonds — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Good review. You hit on some key things I'd been wondering about on the fit. I think it is about time to shelf the old Universe.