Few brands have navigated the tension between style and performance as naturally as New Balance. Being at the right place at the right time, with the right savvy, saw them boom in the ‘80s, as Boston, New Balance's home, became the epicentre of "jogging," as it was called back then. Its universities, pedestrianised riversides and famous marathon offered the perfect breeding ground for running.
Now, running is in its second coming. Running clubs, trail crews, park runs, race events—running culture is booming, and marathon participants are hitting record numbers. Is it the same as its initial revolution? No. Things have gotten way more technical. Style and flex (not just in the outsole) have become prevalent, and beating the personal best is more important than just keeping fit. It’s not just about going the distance. We’re locked into our wearables, obsessing over every detail of our personal effort.
For those who were there during running’s first heyday (New Balance being one), it’s understandable that they’re feeling nostalgia for running’s more innocent days. You couldn’t dissect every minute of your run. You couldn’t even listen to music. You had to lock in mentally.
New Balance is reviving that spirit with the Ellipse, a running shoe designed “to lose track of time.”
And what does this mean? It's a spiritual thing. Ride the wave, connect with your thoughts, feel the vibe, and don’t check your phone. Embrace the simple, meditative, distraction-free rhythm that once defined the sport.
While spiritually still in the ‘80s, the Ellipse’s design is thoroughly modern, featuring Fresh Foam X cushioning for high energy return, lightweight construction, and an engineered mesh upper for breathability and support. Performance expectations are fully met. Yet what resonates most in the current moment is something less measurable, the vibe.
The Ellipse doesn’t shout from the tarmac. It's minimal without feeling sterile, unmistakably athletic yet stylistically versatile. It’s definitely a running shoe. But with its ‘wavey’ pops of neon and aqua, it's equally at home on the feet of Alex Yee or accompanying Gabby Thomas during a warm-down as it is on stage with Action Bronson, or complementing the look of the only dad in the park in full Comme des garçons. In essence, the Ellipse reflects what New Balance has long done best: making a sneaker for elite running that's also for everyone.
In a culture increasingly dominated by metrics and optimisation, the Ellipse offers something refreshingly simple: the chance to run not for data, but for feeling. To disconnect, lose track of time, and as Bronson eloquently puts it, to simply be a f**king vibe.
Shop the Ellipse now here (UK readers), here (German readers) or here (French readers).
