Gear Geek: New Balance Vazee Pace v2
Sep 12, 2016
New Balance Vazee Pace v2
9.5oz Men’s7.8oz Women’s
It's the return of tempo. The first edition of New Balance’s Vazee Pace was one of my favorite shoes in 2015, and its sequel further improves the shoe with subtle updates. Designed as a snappy tempo shoe, the Vazee Pace v2’s firm volume allows you to run long distances without getting bogged down by cushioning. Set as the replacement to the Barringer/Badley 890, the REVlite midsole uses traditional EVA tooling with a 6mm drop to position the foot in an aggressive position for quick-cadence efforts. On paper, the Vazee v2 stands toe-to-toe with the Fresh Foam Zante, but those who lace it up will find it’s a completely different shoe.
Check out full photos of New Balance’s Vazee Pace v2 and get your pair here!
Upper:
It fits snug around the arch and heel, but provides a wide, seamless toe box. Using a new, soft-knit material, the bootie construction and no-sew forefoot provide the same fit as the previous version with a softer touch and smoother look. In addition, the flat ribbon laces are now the appropriate length, so there’s no need to secure them in double or triple loops.
Midsole:
The cosmetic appearance changes from stacked horizontal striations to a dimpled material while maintaining the same volume. The wider forefoot flare, narrow heel, and aggressive toe-spring geometry add to the snappy capabilities of this shoe. By providing more ground contact at toe-off and reducing the bulk of the heel, the Vazee Pace v2 allows for high cadence and aggressive contact.
Outsole:
The thicker blown-rubber pads and new forefoot configuration provide a smoother transition than the previous model, but they also add a bit of weight. Running feels softer during the first 50-60 miles until the shoe gets broken in. Improving the transition from heel to toe, the modular patterns feature cut-out shapes that aid flexibility.
Overall, the Vazee Pace v2 is one of the few versatile lightweight trainers that has emerged in 2016. Ideal for efforts in the 45- to 60-minute range, it’s durable enough for daily training and quick enough for high-quality workouts. A great add to any distance-training collection, it works well when complemented by a racing flat and high-volume shoe to round out your weekly rotation.
