Cut in Half: Inside the Materials and Cushioning of New Balance's Slimmest Sneaker
Q1: Can I replace the factory insole with custom orthotics?
A1: Yes, the stock insole is lightly glued and pulls out cleanly. However, because the heel collar sits low, high-volume orthotics will push your heel upward, causing significant slippage at the rear counter.
Q2: How durable is the thin outsole over extended street use?
A2: The 82.0 HC rubber compound demonstrated excellent abrasion resistance during high-speed wheel abrasion tests. Expect the sole to easily survive 400 to 500 miles of urban pavement wear before wearing flat.
Q3: Is the New Balance 240L suitable for running or gym workouts?
A3: It works well for low-impact weightlifting thanks to its stable, flat 5.3 mm drop and low center of gravity. It is completely unsuitable for running, as the thin 9.2 mm forefoot lacks sufficient impact dampening for high-energy heel-strikes or push-offs.
