newBalance

ULD5K Evaluation Review

¥22,000(including tax)
  • Waterproof and breathable knit material upper
    Waterproof treatment makes it less prone to moisture, allowing for安心 long-distance running.
  • Plate with high rebound power second only to NIKE
    The Pebax® plate made of resin excels in lightness, rebound, and durability.
  • Quick foot release running possible with four pins
    Achieves smooth propulsion with effective ground release.
  • Forefoot running style specialized type
    The angle of the sole is large, allowing for smooth ground contact from the toes.
Spike Name
ULD5K
Price
22,000 (including tax)
Weight
116g (one foot, size 26.0cm)
Applicable events
3000m, 5000m, 10000m
Compatible environment
All-weather specific
Spike Pins
7mm×4
Country of Origin
Vietnam
Shoelace type
With string
Upper Material
Synthetic fiber
Sole Material
Synthetic resin sole
Size
22cm ~ 29cm
Competition level
advanced
Recommended for such people
- Recommended for those who want to wear a less common minor spike  
New Balance is still a minor brand in Japan.  
- Recommended for those who use a forefoot running style or have short ground contact with the forefoot  
Due to the inclined sole shape, it is designed for forefoot running, making it suitable for those who want quick ground contact with the forefoot. Conversely, it is not recommended for flat-footed runners who land with the entire foot.  
- Recommended for those who want a snug fit around the ankle  
The shape of the heel opening is different from other spikes, wrapping around the ankle, providing a snug fit around the lower ankle compared to other spikes.

Features

Foot-friendly, breathable knit upper

The upper is made of knit material and is designed to be breathable. The fabric is thicker than that of NIKE or ASICS spikes, providing a solid feel when worn. The absence of a tongue and the tapered entry create a unique NB shape not found in other brands, resulting in a snug fit around the ankle, but some may feel a lack of snugness over the instep, which could cause discomfort. Additionally, the entry is narrow. The ankle area is made of soft material, resulting in a loose fit around the ankle. Furthermore, the laces have a medium firmness, making the hold feel slightly weak when tied. The upper has numerous gaps, allowing for breathability and designed to release "heat," which is a major enemy for long distances.
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Waterproof treated knit upper that is resistant to water

The width is slightly narrow, making it uncomfortable for those with wider feet. The narrowness is the most pronounced among long-distance spikes (the width at the ball of the foot is 8.3cm), followed closely by NIKE's Zoom Victory Elite 2 (8.4cm). Additionally, since the material is knit, it may feel heavier when wet, but due to the treatment, it repels water better than other spikes even when submerged. Unusually for long-distance spikes, the heel counter (the part that snugly fits the heel) is firm, providing a good fit for the heel.
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Sole with a firmness that allows direct feeling of ground force

Comes with 7mm aluminum spikes. The number of spikes is the same as the replaceable 4 spikes of NIKE Matumbo 3. Although the fewer spikes provide less stability upon landing compared to other long-distance spikes, the reduced number allows for a better sense of ground release. The sole features hard, pointed protrusions spread across the entire sole like shark skin. Additionally, the Pebax® plate material is resin-based, making it easier to bend compared to carbon, allowing for smoother and easier propulsion from the push-off. The rebound of the sole is weaker than that of the Mamba V and Matumbo 3, but stronger than that of ASICS's Gunlap 2 and MIZUNO's Geo Splash 7.
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Sole designed for forefoot landing on inclines

The curvature of the sole is almost the same as NIKE's Mamba V and Matumbo 3, with only about a 1° difference in incline. The actual feel when worn leaves a firmness that allows you to feel the curvature of the sole underfoot. This results in a powerful running experience with excellent rebound, receiving solid force from the ground. The midsole features the lightweight and responsive REVLITE RC midsole, providing cushioning even in a rebound-type shoe. However, due to the inclined design, it is assumed that a forefoot landing running style is intended, so it may be best not to expect much cushioning at the rear.
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