If you’re like me, you’ve certainly used to rave about the discontinued New Balance Beacon v3 but for good reason.
Its lightweight design and responsive cushioning made it a versatile choice for runners of all levels. The Beacon v3 struck an ideal balance between comfort and performance, providing an enjoyable running experience. Its sleek and modern appearance also appealed to those who appreciated both style and substance in their running shoes.
The Beacon’s affordability made it accessible to a wide range of runners, offering top-notch features without breaking the bank. The Beacon v3 was celebrated for its adaptability, making it a go-to option for daily training, tempo runs, and even races.
As a result, its discontinuation left many runners searching for a suitable replacement that could match its well-rounded performance and value.
But rest assured, below we’re going to introduce you to three fantastic alternatives to the New Balance Beacon. These shoes have been carefully selected to offer the same, or at least a remarkably close level of performance and comfort that you cherished in the Beacon.
Ready to say hello to your next favorite running companion? Let’s dive right in…
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New Balance Beacon Replacement
Hello fellow runners. My name’s Eric Barber and I’m here to give you two great alternatives to the New Balance Beacon.
But first, let me tell you how I’ve been using the Beacon v3…
For me, the Beacon series has been suitable for track speedwork and long 20-mile runs, and this trend continues with the Beacon 3. The Beacon v3 stands out as a superb running shoe—lightweight, breathable, and ideal for racking up summer miles without causing overheating.
The midsole uses Fresh Foam X, initially introduced in the New Balance 1080 v10, known for its maximal cushioning. However, in the Beacon, Fresh Foam X offers a distinct experience. While it lacks the bouncy feel of the 1080, it provides a nimble, lightweight, and graceful running experience.
The Beacon 3 maintains a remarkable connection with the road, offering a heightened sense of nimbleness, grace, and lightweight performance. This shoe effortlessly handles easy paces and transitions seamlessly to marathon or faster speeds, offering a consistent and comfortable experience. This shoe’s ability to deliver the same level of comfort at both marathon and recovery paces sets it apart.
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Outsole & Upper
On the outsole, the shoe features strategic rubber placement in high-wear areas, allowing the majority of your runs to provide direct contact with the foam. This foam incorporates a sophisticated network of channels, lugs, and patterns, greatly enhancing grip, even in wet conditions, ensuring reliable traction.
As you move towards the heel, the Beacon 3 showcases New Balance’s Ultra Heel design, effectively preventing heel slippage and ensuring a secure, comfortable fit.
Overall, I think the New Balance Beacon 3 is just an absolutely fantastic shoe. It is an exceptional daily trainer that effortlessly adapts to faster paces.
Now for the first New Balance Beacon replacement!
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Brooks Hyperion Tempo
The Brooks Hyperion Tempo serves as a compelling option to consider as a replacement for the New Balance Beacon. Its lightweight build and firm cushioning make it an ideal choice for those who appreciated the Beacon’s speed and responsiveness. The DNA Flash midsole material in the Tempo offers a consistent, energetic ride, particularly at faster paces, similar to the Beacon’s performance.
While some might find the lacing system and fit a bit looser, it’s a minor drawback when compared to the Beacon’s retired model. Overall, the Brooks Hyperion Tempo embodies the Beacon’s spirit of being a versatile, fast-paced running shoe, making it a worthy successor for those who cherished the Beacon’s qualities.
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Now, this is how I’ve been using the Brooks Hyperion Tempo…
The Brooks Hyperion Tempo is purpose-built for speed, primarily due to its DNA flash midsole. This midsole material, with its eye-catching ice-blue appearance, is crafted using a nitrogen-infused process to create nitro foam. It’s a foam that absolutely loves speed and offers an impressive blend of cushioning and responsiveness.
When you decide to pick up the pace, whether it’s marathon, half marathon, 10K, or faster, the shoe truly comes into its own. The impact forces with every footstrike, combined with the propulsion, seem to activate the cushioning properties of this midsole material. At slower speeds or light activities, it might not feel as cushioned, but once you push the pace, it transforms.
The Brooks Hyperion Tempo’s firm yet responsive midsole is an exceptional choice for faster runs. I have a soft spot for the DNA flash midsole material, not only in this shoe but also in other Brooks models like the Brooks Catamount and Brooks Hyperion Elite 2, for its consistent performance and versatility.
What’s impressive is that this foam has maintained its consistency throughout my time with the shoe. Despite covering extensive mileage, the shoe has continued to perform similarly.
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Fit
In terms of fit, I find the Hyperion Temp offers a really good fit. However, I must admit I’m not particularly fond of the strange stretchy elastic lace system. It doesn’t provide the level of lockdown I prefer. When I attempt to cinch it down, it tends to tighten more toward the top of the foot, leaving a bit of looseness below.
The heel cup of the shoe comes with a degree of structure and features an Achilles flare, which provides added support. There’s a moderate amount of padding that ensures both comfort and heel security. Areas of the shoe that come into contact with your foot have just the right amount of padding. The tongue, on the other hand, is on the shorter side, which keeps it out of the way during my runs.
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Durability
Brooks claims that you could potentially get up to 400 miles out of this shoe. I initially thought the outsole material might be the weak link in terms of long-term durability. However, upon examining the shoe after a hundred miles, it’s hard to tell that there’s substantial wear on this rubber. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability. So, I wholeheartedly agree with that estimate based on how well it’s held up.
Now for the second New Balance Beacon replacement…
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Hoka Rincon 3
The Hoka Rincon presents itself as an alternative to the New Balance Beacon, but it might not be the perfect replacement for all runners. The Rincon’s lightweight design, ample cushioning, and responsive midsole make it a worthy candidate for those who enjoyed the Beacon’s nimbleness and comfort.
However, it’s important to note that the Rincon comes with a slightly lower drop, which might be an adjustment for Beacon enthusiasts. While it excels in terms of cushioning and lightweight feel, some runners might miss the Beacon’s specific features.
Nevertheless, the Hoka Rincon is a solid choice for those seeking a fast and comfortable running experience, although it may not be an exact Beacon replica in terms of fit and feel.
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Now, how I’ve been using the Rincon 3…
The Rincon 3 is a lightweight do-it-all shoe that has been popular since its initial launch, but the main criticism is that it just doesn’t hold up over the miles.
I’ve been putting the Hoka Rincon to the test as an all-around daily trainer, incorporating it into a variety of my runs. It truly shines when I want to kick up the pace a notch. This shoe is an excellent choice for those runs where you might experience some pace fluctuations. It’s the kind of shoe you’d reach for when you don’t need a carbon-plated racer, but you also don’t want to lug around your heavier daily trainers. It’s a versatile pick, and if you prefer a lightweight daily trainer, the Rincon 3 is right up your alley.
I’ve even taken it through some speed workouts, including running 800-meter intervals at 5k pace, and it performs impressively well. The quick turnover and the sensation of speed while pushing off the toes are notable strengths. For me, it’s a shoe that caters to a wide range, from easy runs to a pace as brisk as mile pace.
Comfort is a key highlight of the Rincon 3, thanks in part to its roomy toe box. This extra space allowed my feet to swell comfortably during longer runs.
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Durability
Addressing concerns about durability, I’m happy to report that the Rincon 3 appears to fare better in this regard compared to its predecessors. It utilizes a compression-molded EVA midsole with strategic rubber placements on the outsole for traction. While compression-molded EVA may lose some of its liveliness over time, the Rincon 3 still manages to provide excellent impact absorption and handles faster paces with ease.
While it might not maintain its midsole longevity as well as some comparable shoes, the Rincon 3 holds up better than its earlier iterations. Part of this improved durability can be attributed to the redesigned outsole, which minimizes direct contact with the midsole foam. Additionally, the altered rubber placement ensures higher-wear areas are better protected.
The soft rubber compound on the outsole aids grip but might wear down a bit faster than some other shoe options. However, the thoughtfully designed rubber pods play a crucial role in preserving the midsole’s integrity.
In essence, the Rincon 3 has made significant strides in terms of durability and longevity, evolving into a lightweight daily trainer suitable for a wide range of running scenarios. This is a development that I find particularly exciting with this shoe.
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Wrap-up
In conclusion, both the Brooks Hyperion Tempo and the Hoka Rincon 3 offer runners compelling alternatives to the discontinued New Balance Beacon. Runners can choose the Hyperion Tempo for its speed-oriented DNA Flash midsole and consistent performance, even though the laces may not provide a perfect fit.
Alternatively, the Hoka Rincon 3 stands out for its versatility and lightweight construction, making it suitable for various running paces, and it offers improved durability.
Whether you prioritize speed or versatility, these options can help you continue your running journey with the same enthusiasm you had for the Beacon.