New Balance Lerato Running Shoes - AW21

Product Information

Jeff: With so many voices on this review, I won’t beat a dead horse too hard. Reflectivity is off the charts, tongue is definitely high (not quite ASICS Evoride 1 levels of high, but close), and the toebox is...adequate. In my view, Lerato is a world class running shoe which really sets new standards. It will help many runners reach their targets. Jacob: The Lerato upper uses a blend of several materials for support and style. The primary mesh (the light gray) is a dense but thin plastic-like material that holds its shape well. Nils: I highly appreciate what New Balance did with the Lerato. The shoe is a unique blend of soft and energetic cushioning with an outstanding level of stability. What I actually don’t need in a running shoe is the weird focus on the Lerato being a premium shoe. Taking away the fancy stuff and replacing the materials with a more athletic upper would save some weight and making it a far more versatile running shoe. I for myself will keep the Lerato in my rotation for days when I want to just comfortably cruise along. At the steep price I can just recommend the Lerato for people who have at least some stability needs and additionally run a lot of miles. Anyone else will get a comfortable easy day shoe for far less money. One more sidenote: The Lerato is the most comfortable walking shoe I ever put my feet in.

The “N” has a translucent overlay filling it for support but also creates a subtle contrast while the knit collars and tongue add a darker contrast. The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to maintenance downtime or capacity problems. Please try again later.

The soft and dense tongue does a good job adding to the plush feel and easy lace-up without being bulky and in the way. As touched on in my First Impressions the visual depth, while in muted colors, is let’s just say deep! Sam: Exactly as Jeff says. This is clearly, so far for me 2021’s super premium very run able Dad (and corporate exec) Shoe. With its more sober conservative colors this shoe will fit in anywhere with just enough visual pizazz to say you are not a bore in your comfort trainers. Derek: The Lerato is the one shoe I don't see any rumblings on the net about. That’s quite hard to do these days. It is what I consider New Balance’s attempt at a sort of premium trainer with an incorporated carbon plate. Heavy at 11.78 oz /334g men’s US9, 9.98 oz /283 g women’s US8 Sam/Jacob/Derek/Ivan/Nils/Jeff/Sally/Adam

Ivan: As my fellow reviewers all have pointed out, there is no doubt that this is the New Balance version of a premium trainer. Quality all the way around and a modern take on a classic look, which I really like in this case. There seems to be a trend of heavier trainers/sneakers going on, but this is the first time I’ve tried one with an incorporated carbon plate. I can’t wait to give it a go. Ready to elevate your run? New Balance is proud to present a line of carefully cultivated and mindfully crafted running shoes that are designed to protect, conform, endure, and outperform. No matter the run, no matter the terrain, no matter the goal, New Balance makes a running shoe that's guaranteed to provide lasting comfort and stability. Derek: I really like this shoe for easy runs. The weight of it does start to wear on me once I get past 10 miles, and so that’s the farthest I’ve managed to go in it.Sam: While they share a similar but not identical FuelCell foam, carbon plate and a soft heel feel these two are in almost completely fields of play, The considerably lighter TC will handle a far broader range of daily training paces leaning for sure faster paces. The Lerato’s main running advantage is a far more stable heel for slower paced and recovery runs, something I will not take the TC out for. I do give Lerato the nod for execution of its carbon plate, outsole midsole foot comfort and all day versatility. TC’s plate at the forefoot is much more noticeable and it is for sure not much of a walking shoe as Lerato is. For example the “decorative” cord reinforcements around the lace up area are for visual appeal but also are functional as while the laces run through holes for the first 3 eyelets they run through cord loops for the front two. I assume to provide a bit more give where the foot flexes towards the toe off. If you on the other hand are a fairly new runner or exerice runner, Lerato is a completely amazing choice for all of your weekly runs. I am going to use it myself for my long runs regardless if I am cruising or will do pacy stretches during the workout. As it is quite a heavy shoe, it won´t work as a shoe for intervals or racing for me but instead it will certainly be my preferred shoe for long runs thanks to its ultimate comfort, responsiveness and stability. Adam: The Lerato is the best walking shoe I’ve ever tried. It’s incredibly comfortable, loves a nice heel strike + heel to toe transition, and is remarkably plush and bouncy.