New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo vs Salomon Supercross Blast GTX W: Which popular pair will make you run harder?

Want to buy a pair of the best running shoes for women? Hero buys for their brands, we let New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo vs Salomon Supercross Blast GTX W battle it out against each other. Both offer plenty of support and can boost your performance, but knowing which one may work best for you can be confusing. We break it down for you here. 

The New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo are a bestselling pair of running shoes, loved for their Fresh Foam technology, which takes away the impact on joints when running. In contrast, Salomon is a brand best known for their firm running shoes, which are ultra-responsive to the terrain you’re on, and the Supercross Blast GTX W shoes are no exception to that.

In this New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo vs Salomon Supercross Blast GTX W review, we'll look at the highs and lows for both choices, to help you make the best decision. 

Quick comparison

Offset: New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo: 6mm VS Salomon Supercross Blast GTX W: 10mm
Terrain: New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo: Firm VS Salomon Supercross Blast GTX W: Muddy and soft
Waterproof: New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo: No VS Salomon Supercross Blast GTX W: Yes

What’s special about the New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo?

There’s a big reason why these are one of the bestselling New Balance trainers – and it’s not just because they come in the most stylish colourways we have ever seen on a pair of running shoes. Nor the fact that they are exceptionally comfortable from day one and don’t rub or need breaking in first. And it’s not even that they are ultra lightweight to wear.

In fact, the main USP of the New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo is the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning – and it’s this that makes them extra special. It’s so popular with dedicated runners that it's one of the reasons New Balance regularly launches new Fresh Foam styles, all with the same midsole technology that makes this range ultra cushioned to help reduce jolting.

The sole is not super firm, but instead compresses each time your foot hits the floor to help protect against the force of the impact. It makes you think about your gait and form when running and it definitely helps reduce pain – ideal if you are someone who often experiences shin splints when running or has other health concerns when it comes to joints.

What’s special about the Salomon Supercross Blast GTX W?

Off-road runners, rejoice! The main feature that makes the Salomon Supercross Blast GTX W so special is just the thing to help push your exercise routine to the extreme, especially in wet weather, and that’s because the grip on this pair of women’s running shoes is exceptional. This is even the case for treacherous conditions, when you’d usually have to stop in fear of injuring yourself.

That’s because these are almost a mix of running shoes and walking shoes – they have a chunky sole, but they’re still lightweight. In fact, they are just 290g. Everything about them has been considered with ease and speed in mind, even the laces, where traditional ties have been swapped with a one-pull lace system (known as Quicklace), which holds things firmly in place while you’re on the move. 

Another special feature also worth mentioning when it comes to these super-stylish running shoes is the arch support. Feet and ankles feel cushioned and supported throughout the workout, thanks to the high-performance EVA foam.

What is the main difference between them?

Both the New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo and Salomon Supercross Blast GTX W are great running shoes for women, whatever your fitness level, so you won’t be disappointed with either. 

The first main difference between the pair is that the New Balance shoes are not waterproof  – and this may be a big deal for some runners. It means that while they are great for the treadmill or running outside on dry surfaces, you probably wouldn’t want to head out in wet weather and definitely not off-roading on muddy surfaces, either. Yet they are still versatile, as they are great for high-impact fitness classes and dancing.

This leads us to the second big difference between the pair – the grip. The New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo has been designed for hard, dry surfaces. The traction on the bottom of the sole is closer together, so they still grip well, but just not in the same way that the Salomon Supercross Blast GTX W do. These have well-spaced, multi directional lugs, which can really grip in muddy, wet and loose terrain. It’s almost the same as ABS brakes on a car – skidding is no longer an option when wearing these!

Should I buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo or Salomon Supercross Blast GTX W?

This is a tough one, especially as the New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo look so good that they are worth buying even if you don't have any plans to use them for running – ever! 

Both the New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo and Salomon Supercross Blast GTX W are suitable for beginners and more well-versed runners, and being around the same price point, it can be a tricky decision to make.

The bottom line? Both choices are comfortable, stylish and great-quality running shoes that will help boost your performance. The New Balance Foam Fresh Tempo does this by making sure your joints are well protected and you’re comfortable. So, if you’re a pavement pounder and it’s a big concern, these are the best women’s running shoes for you. 

Only like to run outdoors? Then you may want to opt for the Salomon Supercross Blast GTX W. They aid your performance due to the fact that they have such great grip that you don’t have to worry about the terrain or slowing down due to slipping. The technical spec is higher and includes Gore-Tex, to help stay 100% waterproof, and a Contagrip TD sole, making them the better choice if you want to focus on pushing yourself to the limits cross-country.