New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Roav V1 Running Shoe vs ASICS Women's Hyper Speed 5 Running Shoes

Design and Style

The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Roav V1 Running Shoe offers a bold, casual athletic style inspired by 90s basketball streetwear, while the ASICS Women's Hyper Speed 5 Running Shoes focus on a sleek, race-ready aesthetic. New Balance emphasizes a timeless classic look with simple and clear lines, making it suitable for both athletic and casual wear. In contrast, ASICS targets quicker training and racing performance with a lightweight mesh upper designed for durability and a snug fit.

New Balance’s design features a unique Ultra Heel that hugs the back of the foot for support and style, whereas ASICS prioritizes fit improvements through a fine-tuned eyelet stay and a racing-specific fit. Both shoes cater to women who value comfort and performance, but New Balance leans more toward casual style with plush cushioning, while ASICS delivers a technical, race-focused silhouette.

Comfort and Cushioning

When it comes to comfort, New Balance’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 stands out with its proprietary Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, engineered to provide an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride described as feeling like "running or walking in the clouds." This cushioning system aims to offer plush comfort for all-day wear. The shoe also features an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, which supports a natural running stride.

The ASICS Hyper Speed 5 uses FLYTEFOAM cushioning, a lightweight midsole foam meant to provide comfortable cushioning during training and racing. It includes an OrthoLite sockliner that not only cushions but also manages moisture to keep feet cooler and drier. While ASICS focuses on a performance-oriented cushioning system, New Balance places slightly more emphasis on plush comfort, making it potentially better suited for casual athletes or those prioritizing daily wear comfort.

Durability and Outsole

For durability, New Balance integrates Ndurance outsole rubber technology in high-wear areas to extend the life of the Fresh Foam Roav V1. This feature is designed to help runners get more mileage out of their shoes by resisting wear and tear.

ASICS employs AHAR LO outsole rubber, a lower-density rubber strategically placed in key outsole areas to maintain reliable grip and traction without compromising durability. This approach balances longevity with performance, particularly in racing or faster training scenarios.

Both shoes offer durable outsole materials, but New Balance’s Ndurance rubber specifically targets durability in high-wear zones, which may appeal to runners seeking longer-lasting casual shoes, while ASICS’s AHAR LO technology focuses on traction and grip alongside durability for race conditions.

Fit and Support

The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 features an Ultra Heel design that snugly hugs the back of the foot, working with a bootie upper to provide a secure and supportive fit. This design supports a neutral running style and aims to keep the foot well-contained for comfort throughout the day.

In comparison, the ASICS Hyper Speed 5 enhances fit and lockdown with a fine-tuned eyelet stay, which improves midfoot lockdown and overall fit. Its repeat mesh upper is lightweight and durable, offering a race-specific fit that prioritizes snugness and foot security during faster-paced runs.

While both shoes offer supportive fits, New Balance’s Ultra Heel focuses on heel support and comfort, whereas ASICS concentrates on midfoot lockdown and a race-oriented fit for speed and agility.

Sustainability and Materials

ASICS clearly leads in sustainability with at least 65% of the Hyper Speed 5’s upper made from recycled materials, contributing to waste reduction and lower carbon emissions. Additionally, the sockliner is produced with a solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by about 33% and carbon emissions by roughly 45%, highlighting a significant environmental commitment.

The ASICS shoe is also vegan-friendly, using no animal-origin materials in its construction, although it is not certified vegan by a third party.

New Balance does not explicitly mention sustainability or recycled materials in the Fresh Foam Roav V1. Therefore, for consumers prioritizing eco-conscious running shoes, ASICS’s Hyper Speed 5 offers more environmentally responsible features.

Weight and Performance

ASICS positions the Hyper Speed 5 as a lightweight shoe tailored for quicker training and racing, with a lightweight repeat mesh upper and FLYTEFOAM cushioning engineered to support faster paces. This emphasis on reduced weight and race-ready fit suggests a performance-oriented design ideal for competitive runners.

The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1, while lightweight, focuses more on plush comfort and casual athletic style rather than outright speed. The 8mm drop supports a natural running stride but lacks specific mentions of weight optimization for racing.

Overall, the Hyper Speed 5 offers features more aligned with performance and speed, while the Fresh Foam Roav V1 prioritizes everyday comfort and style, making it better suited for casual or moderate training.

Price Comparison

The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Roav V1 Running Shoe is priced at C$109.99, making it the more affordable option between the two. This price point may appeal to budget-conscious runners who want a stylish, comfortable shoe without spending a premium.

ASICS Women's Hyper Speed 5 Running Shoes come in at C$129.90, about C$20 more expensive. The higher price reflects its performance-oriented features, sustainability efforts, and race-focused technologies.

For shoppers balancing cost with performance, the Fresh Foam Roav V1 offers good value, while the Hyper Speed 5 justifies its premium through advanced materials and design tailored to faster running.

Which should you buy?

Your choice between the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Roav V1 and the ASICS Women's Hyper Speed 5 depends on your priorities. If you want a running shoe that combines plush comfort, durable outsole technology, and a timeless, casual style at a lower price of C$109.99, the Fresh Foam Roav V1 is a strong pick. Its Fresh Foam cushioning and Ultra Heel design cater well to everyday neutral runners seeking comfort.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a lightweight, race-ready shoe with enhanced fit, moisture-managing sockliner, and sustainability credentials—including 65% recycled upper materials and a lower environmental footprint—the ASICS Hyper Speed 5 at C$129.90 stands out. It’s better suited for quicker training and racing, offering FLYTEFOAM cushioning and a refined eyelet stay for midfoot lockdown.

In summary, choose New Balance for budget-friendly, comfortable daily running and casual style, and ASICS for performance-driven runners who value sustainability and race-specific features.