If you head to any decently sized park in Sydney, or to Bondi Beach especially, there seems to be runners everywhere. Run clubs, fun runs, marathons – the options are never-ending. And for some of us, simply getting started is hard enough so finding the right pair of sneakers can be a bit of a minefield.
Do I go for speed, comfort, distance? Perhaps like me, you had no idea where to start (this writer got into running only about six months ago). How about running just for the joy of it? It’s that kind of run that is what New Balance says inspired the Ellipse. Launched in Australia on 5 March 2026, the Ellipse is the iconic brand’s newest addition to its ‘Fresh Foam’ lineup, sitting neatly between the reliable 880 and the premium 1080 in terms of price and ambition. At $240 AUD, it’s a shoe that makes an argument for running as a feeling, not a metric.
These definitely are your dad’s old trustworthy New Balance sneakers, these are some serious running kit. And having spent several weeks running in them across Sydney’s Inner West, I’d say the brief has been largely met.
Design & First Impressions
Unboxing the Ellipse, the first thing that strikes you is the aesthetic confidence. This doesn’t look like a workhorse runner hiding behind a grey-and-white colour palette. It’s probably the best-looking New Balance sneaker this review has come across with its white base, and streaks of teal, blue and fluro yellow. It’s been engineered from the outset to live across a wide range of colours, and that design intent shows. There’s a retro, lifestyle-inflected vibe with a modern performance undertone, the kind of shoe you’d wear to brunch after a morning long run without feeling underdressed.
The upper is made from a breathable mesh with a cushioned tongue and stretch laces. It feels plush and padded without being overly warm, a genuinely tricky balance to strike. Reflective details are a handy touch for those early morning starts and the tongue is attached to the shoe on both sides, which keeps your foot sitting nice and centred without needing to yank your laces tight. A small detail, but a welcome one on longer efforts. This attachment though tended to rub on the side of the foot while the shoe was being worn in.
Fit
The Ellipse fits true to size, though the upper sits slightly low across the toe box, which can make it feel a touch snug at the front. For runners who are borderline between sizes, or who have a wider forefoot, it’s worth knowing a wide option is available. The area around the heel is nicely padded and provides solid hold. Personally, I found the fit secure without feeling restrictive, and the lacing system allowed for easy adjustments mid-run if needed.
Performance
The heart of the Ellipse is its ‘Fresh Foam X’ midsole, which is meant to be one of the softer versions of this foam New Balance has produced. With a 37.8 mm heel stack and a modest 8 mm drop, there’s genuine protection underfoot without tipping into the awkward, boat-like feel of some max-cushion shoes. The curved, rocker-style sole is one of the shoe’s most quietly impressive features: it’s meant to guide your foot through each step smoothly, reducing strain on the calves and ankle (big claim for a shoe right?). This reviewer found that genuinely, the long distance comfort was a massive upgrade when compared to the existing pair that were pounding the pavement prior to this test.
During a 15 km test run over mixed surfaces, the midsole provided excellent impact protection, particularly in the later kilometres when the legs start to really protest. The true feel is plush without being mushy, and compliant without sacrificing all feeling underfoot; the shoe asks very little of your legs while still moving you forward with purpose.
The outsole rubber coverage is ample, and traction held well on wet Sydney footpaths, a practical concern for any East-coast runner who knows how unpredictable the weather can be. The Ellipse also feels light enough for regular rotation without ever feeling like you’re carrying extra baggage underfoot.
The downsides
No shoe is without compromise, and the Ellipse is no different. The Fresh Foam X midsole, while undeniably soft, can sometimes feel like it doesn’t spring back as quickly as you’d like. It compresses well but doesn’t feel as bouncy, which means this shoe rewards patience rather than pace. Runners looking for a propulsive, energetic sensation, those who love faster workouts or tempo sessions, will want to reach for a different shoe. The Ellipse is built for the easy end of the effort scale, and it’s best when used exactly that way.
This writer also has a personal aversion to white or white-adjacent sneakers as it only takes a few goes before they start to look dirty and tired. That being said, New Balance Ellipse comes in a series of colours including a slick-looking black option.
Verdict
The New Balance Ellipse sits in the middle of the New Balance Range, and at $240 AUD, it’s priced as such when you compare it to the rest of the market and take into account the premium finish as well as usage strengths. While it won’t necessarily make you faster, what it will do, and does remarkably well, is make the kilometres feel friendlier. It’s a shoe that honours the runs between the hard sessions: the recovery jogs, the early morning plods, the midweek easy kilometres that form the backbone of any training plan but so rarely get celebrated.
As someone who runs as much for mental clarity as for fitness, I found the Ellipse a genuinely enjoyable companion. On more than one occasion, I looked down at my watch and realised I’d run further than intended, simply because the shoe made each step feel easy. That, in a single anecdote, might be the most honest review a running shoe can receive. New Balance set out to make a shoe that helps you lose track of time, and on that front, mission accomplished.
For beginners building their first base, recovery runners, or anyone who wants a stylish, all-day-capable shoe that won’t punish the body, the Ellipse is a strong and considered choice. Experienced runners logging serious volume will want it as a rotation shoe rather than a primary trainer, but in that role, it earns its spot in the cupboard without argument.
What We’re Addicted To: Never has a run felt so comfortable; these shoe’s really bring the goods when it comes to build quality, and price. Barely any wear-in required as well.
What We Need To Be More Addicted: Not a huge fan of the more garish colour options. The thickness and spongy-ness of the sole means that lateral movement can be a little unstable, not so great on trail runs.
New Balance Ellipse v1 is available now at newbalance.com.au and New Balance retail locations across Australia. RRP $240 AUD.