Lost in the Fresh Foam X Multiverse: My Review of the New Balance Kaiha Road

Buying a pair of New Balance shoes these days feels like flipping through a phonebook of foam. There’s Fresh Foam X 1080, 880, 860, 1540… then there’s Hierro, More, Balos, and finally — the one I picked up — Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road. At one point, I wasn’t sure if I was shopping for running shoes or memorizing the periodic table. But after weeks of running, walking, and surviving tropical rainstorms in these Kaiha Road shoes, I finally get it: Fresh Foam X is a family. A big, soft, squishy family.

I stumbled into the Kaiha Road with zero expectations. Honestly, I bought it because I needed a cushioned daily trainer and the name sounded like a cool anime character. But from the first run, something clicked. These weren’t flashy, plated, carbon-infused speed machines — they were reliable. Comfortable. Safe. The kind of shoe that says, “We might not PR today, but we’re definitely not dying either.”

Let’s talk about the midsole — that mysterious Fresh Foam X everyone keeps bragging about. It’s soft without being mushy, supportive without being stiff. Like the tofu of midsoles: takes the shape of your stride, adapts to your mood, and goes with anything. Whether I’m on a slow 5K recovery run or just walking through a mall pretending I’m an athlete, the Kaiha Road feels natural. Like someone massaging your feet while whispering, “You’re doing amazing, sweetie.”

The outsole grip is great for after rain running session

Now here’s the real MVP: the outsole. I don’t know what New Balance used down there, but this grip is Indonesian monsoon-proof. I’ve run over puddles, wet asphalt, slick tiles, even those evil painted lines on Jakarta roads — and never slipped. In a country where rain likes to play jump-scare games, this shoe gave me confidence. It’s like running with four-wheel drive.

Another thing I genuinely appreciate: the design doesn’t scream “I’M A RUNNING SHOE!”. It’s subtle, mature, maybe even a little boring — but in a good way. No wild neon. No lightning bolt logos. I could wear this to a coffee shop, and people wouldn’t know I’m secretly one gel away from a long run. If you’re the kind of person who wants one shoe for running, walking, airport security, and nasi padang takeout, this one fits.

Very comfortable for long run but not recommended for speed session

The Kaiha Road sits somewhere between performance and lifestyle. Could you run a marathon in it? Absolutely. Will it get you a new personal best? Maybe not, unless your competition is a distracted turtle. But it shines in its versatility. You don’t need to run fast in this shoe — you just enjoy the run. And sometimes, that’s more important.

What surprised me most is that the Kaiha Road costs less than the more famous Fresh Foam siblings like the 1080 or More, but delivers 90% of the same experience. It’s like discovering the younger sibling who doesn’t brag but actually helps you move furniture and lends you money. Reliable. Understated. A real gem in the lineup.

It looks casual, you even can wear it as go-to-work shoes

Sure, the Fresh Foam X universe is crowded. Sometimes it feels like New Balance releases a new model every time someone finishes a 10K. But I get the strategy now — they’re just giving different personalities to the same wonderful foam. And Kaiha? Kaiha is the calm, balanced middle child who doesn’t seek attention but delivers every time.

So if you’re overwhelmed by the Fresh Foam family reunion, don’t stress. Just pick one, especially if it’s Kaiha Road. You’ll get cushion, grip, comfort, and dignity — all in one shoe. And if someday New Balance releases a “Fresh Foam X Kaiha V4 MAX Elite Trail Boost Flyknit RC V12,” just smile, wave, and stick to the classic that got you through rainy streets and easy miles.