The New Balance 1400, a legendary running shoe celebrated for its exceptional performance and adored by athletes and enthusiasts, has left a significant void since its discontinuation.
Its legacy was built on a foundation of comfort, speed, and responsiveness, making it a cherished favorite for dedicated runners looking for that fast race-day performance.
However, in the world of athletic footwear, change often brings new opportunities. While the New Balance 1400 is no longer in production, this shift in the sneaker landscape has encouraged us to seek fresh perspectives and explore the latest innovations in running shoe technology.
It’s an exciting time to discover alternatives that not only fill the void left by the 1400 but also introduce us to a new era of running shoe excellence.
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New Balance 1400 Replacement
Hellow fellow runners. My name’s Eric Barber, the guy behind Steadyfoot.com. I’m a non-elite runner but my unwavering dedication to the world of running shoes is truly unparalleled.
It’s a passion that drives me to explore and evaluate the nuances of each shoe with meticulous attention to detail, as I constantly seek the perfect fit and performance to enhance my running experience.
But, is it always a bad idea when a running shoe gets discontinued?
As the saying goes, “Out with the old, in with the new.” In this new landscape, we have the chance to discover exciting alternatives that not only replace the 1400 but also push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of performance and style. The discontinuation of the 1400 may indeed be bittersweet, but it signifies a forward-looking approach to running and sneaker culture, where new perspectives and possibilities await those willing to explore the latest offerings in the world of athletic footwear.
Before we dive into discussing the alternatives to the New Balance 1400, let’s take a moment to refresh your memory about the 1400 itself. This way, you’ll have a clear understanding of the shoe’s features and performance, which will make it easier to appreciate how the new options stack up in comparison.
but if you’re in a hurry, you can jump down to the New Balance 1400 replacement…
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My Experience in the New Balance 1400
I’ve got a strong affinity for the 1400 because it was a shoe that’s seen me through numerous 5k races where I achieved personal records.
The New Balance RC 1400 v6 was that versatile road racing flat that could handle anything from 5k racing to longer tempo workouts. It was a versatile and well-rounded shoe, despite its technical classification as a racing flat. To me, it served as an excellent, affordable option for speedwork.
But it’s worth noting that, while the 1400 was light and responsive, it didn’t quite match the responsiveness I had in models like the Next%. This was because the 1400 was distinctly designed as a racing flat, with a stiffer and more rigid structure to support efficient foot striking.
The RevLite midsole stood out for its exceptional durability and responsiveness, possibly surpassing even Nike’s React foam in this regard.
While the shoe boasted remarkable breathability and a lightweight design, what really set it apart for me was the combination of these features with the FantomFit cage beneath the mesh upper. This blend provided both breathability and security, which I found to be a unique and highly appealing combination.
The tread on the outsole, though somewhat aggressive, proved to be remarkably durable and offered excellent grip on various road surfaces.
When it came to the feel, comfort, and overall ride of the 1400 v6, New Balance truly hit the mark. The shoe managed to strike a balance between responsiveness and just the right amount of cushioning without feeling excessively hard or stiff. It provided the necessary impact protection while enabling me to maintain momentum when picking up speed.
The transition during foot strike was notably satisfying, with a touch of give in the heel cushioning and the midfoot delivering the perfect balance for a springy toe-off.
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Midsole
Continuing to offer the same tooling as its predecessor, the 1400 v6 maintained a responsive RevLite midsole with sufficient cushioning to handle longer distances. RevLite foam was considered their faster and more responsive foam at that time. It’s worth noting that the experience with RevLite varied among different models. In some, it performed admirably, while in others, it left something to be desired.
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Upper
The main update to the v6 was an all-new engineered mesh upper. The upper that achieved an impressive balance between breathability and natural-feeling foot security. While some shoes rely on excessive overlays or external cages to keep your foot in place, the 1400 seamlessly integrated its support within the mesh upper, eliminating the need for any extra fuss. The no-sew design offered a seamless wrap that also maintained a snug and secure midfoot lockdown.
New Balance struck a sweet spot with this design, keeping the shoe simple and functional without unnecessary elements.
The upper’s fit was a pleasant surprise, considering that certain New Balance styles tend to feel somewhat snug. The midfoot was secure without being overly tight, and the toe box offered ample room for a comfortable fit.
The tongue of the 1400v6 was slightly thinner compared to the 1400v5 but had the same tongue construction seen on New Balance track spikes. However, I didn’t experience any irritation or pressure from the laces.
The heel cup provided substantial support, and the presence of padding around the heel enhanced overall comfort.
Overall, for a road racing shoe, the 1400 offered a sleek and streamlined feel that was built for PRs.
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Outsole
The outsole of the 1400 was equipped with blown rubber, and while outsoles on road shoes aren’t usually a standout feature, the traction provided by the 1400 was exceptional on the road. Additionally, extended rubber was strategically placed in high-wear areas of the shoe, ensuring durability.
Surprisingly, despite the significant rubber coverage, the shoe’s weight didn’t seem noticeably affected.
When considering any drawbacks of the shoe, I really had to look closely. The absence of a wide-fitting option meant that those with wider feet might miss out. Also, for those who preferred lower heel-to-toe offset shoes, the 1400 had a higher drop, which might not align with their preferences.
All in all, running fast in the 1400 was an enjoyable experience. Despite its classification as a racing shoe, it excelled in various types of speed work, including track sessions.
It’s essential to remember that the 1400 was purpose-built for racing. But if you needed a speed shoe for regular training or for track sessions when spikes weren’t an option, the 1400 was more than capable of getting the job done.
Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for, the alternative to the one-and-only New Balance 1400…
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New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer (Replacement)
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer proves to be a worthy successor to the New Balance 1400, offering comparable and even enhanced performance features. With an equally responsive and cushioned midsole, the FuelCell SuperComp matches the 1400’s speed and agility while taking comfort to the next level. Its breathable and secure upper design mirrors the 1400’s qualities although the outsole grip offered by the 1400 was out of this world.
This modern iteration strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality, much like its predecessor, making it a fitting choice for both racing and demanding training sessions.
So, if you’re chasing a 5k PR or lining up for the 5th Avenue mile, the SuperComp Pace is a shoe you should definitely get as a replacement for the New Balance 1400.
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How you can use the SuperComp Pacer…
In my overall assessment, I find the Super Comp to be a fantastic match for road milers and those of you who are racing 5Ks, maybe even 10Ks on the road. New Balance suggests that it’s suitable for races all the way up to the half marathon, but personally, I can’t envision running a half marathon in this shoe.
There’s simply not enough foam underfoot to provide the cushioning my feet need and to be fair, I don’t have the sturdiest feet. You might dare to take it for a half marathon, but I’d say this shoe truly shines in 5K races and similar distances.
If you’re considering hitting the track and crave the added boost of carbon while staying close to the ground, the SuperComp would be an excellent choice. It’s the perfect alternative to track spikes, providing that low-slung profile you want without the need to go fully spiked up.
In this regard, I believe the SE Pacer is a spot-on option as well.
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My Experience in the New Balance SuperComp Pacer
Let me share my experience with you – when it comes to easy paces and recovery runs in the SuperComp, it’s, well, less than ideal. The shoe’s low-to-the-ground profile makes it feel like you’re almost bottoming out the FuelCell cushioning at some of those easy paces. But let’s be real, that’s not what this shoe is designed for in the first place.
This isn’t the shoe you pick for your leisurely 10-mile easy run or your 10-mile recovery run; it’s not the shoe’s forte, nor is it its intended purpose. You grab this shoe for a different reason, and you have a different mission in mind.
The SuperComp is your go-to for speed. Personally, I found it incredibly enjoyable when pushing the pace to my 5K speed. It’s one of those shoes that makes you feel like you’re doing most of the work, and the shoe is just there to provide that extra oomph, injecting a bit of excitement into your run.
Yes, it does feel like you’re practically running on pure carbon, almost like you’ve taken a track flat out onto the road. But when you’re hitting those 5K paces, I feel like the FuelCell technology steps in and offers just the right amount of support to ensure your body doesn’t feel completely wrecked after the workout.
So, I feel like the New Balance SC Pacer has truly excelled at stripping away the excess and giving me just what I needed to keep it featherlight, fast, and exhilarating – a minimalistic, high-performance running experience at its finest.
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Midsole
Let me break down what this shoe brings to the table. First, the SuperComp Pacer boasts New Balance’s game-changing FuelCell foam, a crucial component that has been a resounding success in several of their models. It’s the kind of foam that’s both cushy and resilient, and on top of that, it’s incredibly lightweight – the trifecta of attributes you’d want for races, even as short as the mile or the 5K, where you still need a touch of protection from the pavement.
Then there’s the Energy Arc, New Balance’s implementation of carbon fiber plates in the shoe. You can catch a glimpse of it through the outsole window, and it’s visible in the placement between the two layers of FuelCell foam.
It’s intriguing how minimalistic the front of this shoe is, especially considering its featherlight build. There’s that top layer of FuelCell foam and just a slender strip of it beneath the carbon plate. It means there’s hardly anything between you, the carbon plate, and the ground.
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Outsole
They’ve actually covered a good amount of the outsole, so even if your road race happens to be a tad wet, you’re not going to have any traction worries.
You’ll find rubber in the forefoot, and there are also these strategic placements on either side of the Energy Arc channel, ensuring you’ve got a solid grip in the heel area too.
Upper
The upper is as minimalist as it gets, featuring only what’s essential. A single layer of mesh is what you’ll find here, which harks back to a more old-school approach. It’s incredibly soft and flexible, and it actually reminds me of some of my all-time favorite racing shoes in terms of its material and the remarkable ventilation it provides.
Moving on to the tongue, it’s super thin – just a tiny piece of material, just enough to prevent the laces from exerting too much pressure on your foot. And if you peek at the back of the shoe, you’ll notice it’s delightfully floppy – all the qualities you’d hope to find in a racing flat.
This shoe is incredibly lightweight, coming in at a mere 6.7 ounces or 189 grams.
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Fit
The SuperComp came as a pleasant surprise in terms of comfort, and I attribute that to the choice of this single-layer mesh material for the shoe. While my feet felt pretty chilly during winter runs, I was impressed with how well they were securely locked in without any uncomfortable bunching or toe crunching.
Typically, when you’re dealing with a shoe designed for these kinds of paces, you’d expect a sensation of tight confinement, and your toes might be in for a tough time. Surprisingly, I didn’t experience any of that. I appreciated the generous roominess while still enjoying a secure lockdown, even when pushing the pace faster than my usual. It’s a combination that’s certainly worthy of appreciation.
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What shoes to pair the SuperComp with…
When it comes to pairing options with the SuperComp, I’m making an assumption here. If you’re eyeing this shoe, it’s likely because you’re not aiming for road marathons; you’re probably gearing up for something faster and shorter. And that’s where my pairing suggestions come into play.
For your daily training shoe, because the SC Pacer isn’t your go-to for that, I’d recommend sticking within the New Balance brand. You can pair the SC Pacer with the Rebel v3. The Rebel also boasts the FuelCell technology, but there’s more of it compared to the SC Pacer. It strikes a balance and doesn’t overwhelm you with cushioning, maintaining that low-slung, lightweight feel.
I’ve taken the Rebel for runs as long as 20 miles, and I felt fantastic afterward. It covers a pretty wide range of distances and paces, so I believe this combination will serve you well.
Now, let’s consider a different scenario. If you’re looking for a shoe with a maximum cushioned feel, perhaps for those well-deserved recovery days, I’d recommend sticking with New Balance, the SC Trainer. I’ve been using it more as a max cushion shoe, and it features that familiar FuelCell foam you’ve come to appreciate with the SC Pacer. Additionally, it also incorporates the Energy Arc carbon fiber plate, which aligns it nicely with the SC Pacer’s characteristics.
I believe this is another shoe that can pair exceptionally well with the SC Pacer, offering you versatility and comfort when you need a change of pace or a bit more cushioning.
Alright. Let me quickly touch on two other alternatives to the New Balance 1400…
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Adidas Takumi Sen (Alternative)
Now, if you’re still on the fence about the SC Pacer and want to explore alternative options, it’s worth noting that there aren’t many shoes exactly like the SC Pacer. However, one that has really caught my attention is the Takumi Sen 9, which is quite similar to its predecessor, the Takumi Sen 8.
This Adidas offering is designed for 5K and 10K races but can potentially handle the half marathon distance as well. It’s a shoe where you feel a lot of the technology underfoot, providing a different sensation compared to the SC Pacer. These two shoes may not feel alike, but they can be used in similar ways, catering to racing, 5Ks, and workouts at or around the 5K pace, or even faster.
Now, if you’re considering additional alternatives, the Puma Liberate is an option to keep in mind…
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Puma Liberate (Alternative)
The Liberate is a shoe that may not be as commonly seen on the running circuit, but it’s a unique one. With its low-to-the-ground profile and nitro-injected supercritical foam, it brings a level of enjoyment as a track flat.
If you’re in search of a versatile shoe like the 1400 that can handle your road mile or 5K races while seamlessly transitioning to the track for those intense workouts, the Puma Liberate is a spirited choice. It offers an impressive amount of responsiveness despite not having a carbon fiber plate, all while keeping you close to the ground.
And if you’re looking for an even closer match to the SC Pacer, the Puma Liberate Nitro 2 has been slightly firmed up, providing an extra burst of energy when you’re ready to rip through those 200s on the track.
When it comes to price, if you’re looking to save a few bucks while gearing up for your 5Ks, 10Ks, or one-mile races, the Puma Liberate could be an exciting and cost-effective option for you to explore.
That pretty much wraps up this New Balance 1400 replacement article. If you’ve found another good alternative, please let us know in the comments down belwo.
Until then, stay safe and I’ll see you in the next one 🙂
