Gear Review: New Balance Spring 2021 Apparel

By the Fleet Feet Review Team. With over 80 years of combined experience, our review team is dedicated to providing in-depth gear and shoe reviews to help you find the best shoes and gear for your next run.

New Balance running apparel consistently delivers performance fit and feel no matter the workout.

This spring, New Balance designers rolled out updates to their performance Impact Run line featuring super-smooth fabrics and a lightweight feel. What makes the New Balance Impact run collection unique is the incorporation of their fast-drying technology, NB Ice.

NB Ice fabrics wick away sweat and boast fast dry times to create a cooling sensation through even the hottest, sweatiest workouts.

Fleet Feet reviewers put some pieces from the updated Impact run collection to the test. Through tough miles, hot yoga classes and wear around town, here’s what we thought.

With a broad, mid-rise waist band and just-above-the-ankle crop, the Printed Impact Run Tight is as flattering as it is functional. The tights offer gentle compression that hugs your body as it moves. That means no bulky fabric, uncomfortable pinching or chafing.

“I feel comfortable wearing these on a run or even to yoga class, and they don’t get loose in weird areas or bunch up. They’re great for really any activity,” says one reviewer.

In addition to comfort, the Printed Impact Run Tight performs under a range of conditions. The ladies of the Fleet Feet review team noted how well the tight transitions from cold-weather runs to cozy lounging, thanks to the moisture-wicking polyester blend.

“These tights kept me warm and comfortable on an abnormally cold April day, and they don’t overheat on a warmer morning, either,” says one reviewer. “These tights can do it all: from walks, to yoga and even lounging around the house.”

The New Balance Printed Impact Run Tights are the perfect transition piece from cold to warm weather and are ready to go wherever your day takes you.

Reviewers liked the no-slip, dependable fit of the Impact Run 3” Short, making it versatile enough for hard workouts or long, slow runs.

“The waistband and athletic cut give the shorts a flattering shape, and I loved the variety of key and gel pockets in the waistband,” says one reviewer.

The short includes an interior drop-in front pocket that can easily hold snacks or gels without excess bouncing. Additionally, a back zipper pocket offers a secure place to hold keys and cards on the run.

The Men’s Impact Run 5” short offers a sleek, minimalist look and maximum performance.

A winning combination of polyester fabric and NB Dry technology help the fabric deal with moisture over even the longest workouts. This means no sogginess, chafing or uncomfortable rubbing. Only smooth fabric and super-fast dry times.

Our reviewers loved the soft, stretchy fabric and athletic cut of the Impact Run short.

“These shorts feel minimalist in the best way. They’re extremely lightweight and not cut too tight. I feel like I can run easily without being restricted by a slim cut,” says one reviewer.