HIIT is a very high-intensity form of exercise that involves workouts at maximum capacity and of a larger variety, including many cardio form workouts as you need to keep your heart rate up.
As with every sport and occupation, the right shoes are needed for the job. Your feet need to be well supported and well cushioned for this form of training as there will be much impact on your feet and joints.[1]
Therefore, we recommend training and running shoes that offer good stable support and plenty of lightweight cushioning, that will not hold you down.
New Balance shoes for HIIT training offer high impact shock absorbency with their supportive midsoles, a structural supportive fit, and more rigid soles for this type of training.
HIIT Routines
HIIT stands for High-Intensity Interval Training, a form of training aimed at getting your heart rate up to a maximum rate. HIIT Training exercises can include Sprinting, Jumping, Riding Stationary Bikes, Box Jumps, and Burpees, among other Polymetric exercises, Rowing, Doing a Quick circuit, and sometimes weight lifting.
These forms of exercise get your heart rate up fast and are performed with a very high level of exertion at shorter intervals. Every form of exercise needs to be done at least 90% of your heart rate.
HIIT workouts are simple but very effective, you will push your body to the limits and reap the rewards.
HIIT is also a routine means that because of the high-impact exercise, both of your feet will be on the ground simultaneously, most of the time. It is a high-impact routine with a hard impact on your feet and joints.
Your feet will be the first point of impact every time you hit the ground, so you must ensure that your footwear provides the support features your feet need to help lower the risk of overuse or sudden injuries.
Protecting your feet from the hard impacts by wearing proper training shoes is essential for training at this level of intensity.
Training Shoes for HIIT
You can use lightweight running shoes or proper Cross Training shoes for HIIT training.
Keep in mind that there are various types of Cross training and running shoes on the market. Thus, you will need to look for quite specific features in these shoe models.
- Construction – The Construction and the fit of the shoe is vital. You with a comfortable but supportive and snug fit that will not slip and slide on your feet and heels and ankles securely in place. Traction needs to be durable and able to adapt and withstand a variety of movements.
- Outsole and Midsole – For HIIT Training, you want a firmer and more supportive outsole and midsole that will absorb shock, especially in the midsole, and disperse it evenly. The Midsole should be firm but forgiving, so you want something almost in between. From your outsole, you need good traction that is not too grippy that it holds you down.
- Technology – You will see that much of the technology New Balance uses, such as their mesh and stretchable knit uppers, offers good breathability and structure. Their molded heel and structured TPU materials offer good support.
Features of a Good New Balance Shoe for HIIT Training
- Uppers – I highly recommend the Knit and mesh uppers models from New Balance with a more structured and sock-like fit for HIIT training. However, their Leather and textile Cross training models will be an excellent choice.
- Cushioning – All New Balance shoes come with the softer NB insole or, the firmer PU footbed you can remove and replace with an insole of your choice.
- Midsole – New Balance shoes for HIIT training do offer different midsole options. The Fresh Foam midsole is the thicker and more plush range that offers very high rebound and energizing cushioning. The PU midsole is much harder and firmer, and the REVlite midsole is the softest and most lightweight. Then the ABZORB midsole is a great in-between as it absorbs maximum shock and offers firm but comfortable cushioning. Whereas the Injection Molded EVA, or IMEVA midsole, has firmer and more flexible cushioning.
- Support – New Balance models have a midsole shank for structure and support. Many models have a heel collar, molded heel, or TPU heel clip to support the heel and ankles.
- Outsole – The Ndurance rubber outsole is durable and offers excellent high abrasion resistance, or some models will have regular rubber outsoles.
- Options – New Balance HIIT shoe models are available in more colors, and some do offer wider width options.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Closure | Cushioning (as listed) | Outsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance 1006 V1 | Court Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | Not stated | Non-marking rubber |
| 2 | New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 | Running Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | Fresh Foam | Rubber |
| 3 | New Balance Fresh Foam x | Running Shoe | Knit | Not stated | Fresh Foam x | Rubber |
| 4 | New Balance 840 V5 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Lace-up | ABZORB | Not stated |
| 5 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440 V1 | Running Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | Fresh Foam X | Rubber |
| 6 | New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Lace-up | Fresh Foam | Rubber |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
Reviews: The Best New Balance Shoes for HIIT Training
Below we have reviewed some of the top-rated shoes from New Balance that are ideal for HIIT training;
1
Cushioned Lightweight Court Shoe for Court Play
The New Balance 1006 V1 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this court shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- REVlite midsole delivers incredibly lightweight cushioning, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- Toe drag tip provides exceptional durability in high-wear areas.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
2
Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- Plush Fresh Foam cushioning absorbs impact and delivers a soft, comfortable ride for road runs and everyday wear, which helps keep long stretches of workouts comfortable.
- Targeted heel support provides a secure, locked-in fit that keeps your foot stable and comfortable throughout your run, a feature worth weighing when comparing New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- Ndurance Outsole: durable NDurance rubber outsole technology handles road miles and daily wear while maintaining reliable traction on multiple surfaces, helpful on the surfaces you meet during workouts.
- Bootie Construction: soft, sock-like bootie wraps your foot for a smooth, comfortable feel with no irritating seams against your skin, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- Removable Arch Support: the removable insole with built-in arch support adapts to your unique foot shape for personalized comfort all day.
- Truly Unique: the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav v1 running shoes are the ultimate in casual athletic style.
- Feel like you’re running or walking in the clouds.
3
Cushioned Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam x comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- These womens running shoes feature Fresh Foam X midsole technology for premium cushioning every stride, which helps keep long stretches of workouts comfortable.
- Breathable knit upper provides superior comfort in these New Balance running shoes women love for daily runs, which helps feet stay comfortable through workouts.
- Durable rubber outsole ensures lasting performance in these Fresh Foam running shoes mile after mile, which helps keep long stretches of workouts comfortable.
- Lightweight construction reduces fatigue in these comfortable running shoes women rely on for every workout, so the shoe does not feel heavy during workouts.
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers the brand’s most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort.
- Structured yet breathable upper.
- Due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 6 mm drop are approximate.
4
Cushioned Breathable Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance 840 V5 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- These running shoes have a ABZORB midsole which absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- The brand’s Synthetic and mesh upper running shoes have a stretch for breathability, comfort and a stable fit, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for workouts.
- Adjustable lace closure for customized fit, worth noting if fit is a priority for New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- Due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 12 mm drop are approximate.
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- Synthetic and mesh upper has stretch for breathability, comfort and a stable fit.
5
Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440 V1 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- Fresh Foam X midsole delivers the brand’s most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- Wrapped rubber outsole for a bold look, helpful on the surfaces you meet during workouts.
- Bootie upper construction hugs your foot for a snug, supportive fit, a feature worth weighing when comparing New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- Due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 8 mm drop are approximate.
- These running shoes are made with a knit mesh upper to keep your feet comfortable, which helps feet stay comfortable through workouts.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
6
Mesh Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- Precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning helps deliver a soft, cushioned, lightweight ride, which helps keep long stretches of workouts comfortable.
- Designed for all-day wear and everyday running, this women’s shoe blends soft cushioning with neutral support, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- Breathable Mesh Upper: a mesh upper with no-sew overlays helps create a sleek fit and feel with breathable comfort, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for workouts.
- Durable Rubber Outsole: durable rubber outsole construction supports daily wear, workouts, and everyday athletic activity, a feature worth weighing when comparing New Balance shoes for HIIT training.
- Fresh Foam Midsole: soft Fresh Foam cushioning delivers a responsive, comfortable ride that absorbs impact mile after mile on the road.
- Breathable Mesh Upper: lightweight mesh with suede and knit accents promotes airflow and keeps feet cool during runs and daily wear.
- Smooth no-sew overlays reduce irritation and keep weight down while adding midfoot structure and lasting support.
Index Table: Top Rated New Balance Shoes for HIIT Training
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance® - Cushioned Lightweight Court Shoe for Court Play |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 2 | New Balance® - Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 3 | New Balance® - Cushioned Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 4 | New Balance® - Cushioned Breathable Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 5 | New Balance® - Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 6 | New Balance® - Mesh Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
Sources
General background on foot health and footwear. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Foot Comfort and Safety at Work
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 1006V1 to New Balance 1006 V1
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V2 to New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 623V3 to New Balance Fresh Foam x
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 990V5 to New Balance 840 V5
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance DRFT V1 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440 V1
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance Arishi V3 to New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4
- Jul 2022: First published
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