Grading The New Balance Fresh Foam BB

The New Balance Fresh Foam BB demands the attention of basketball players and fans.

We are just over one month into 2023, and New Balance has not wasted a moment of the new year. The brand has announced major signings and kept the pressure on its competition with a steady release of shoes.

In January, Chicago Bulls forward debuted New Balance's latest performance basketball shoe - the Fresh Foam BB. LaVine's 'Paris' colorway sold out shortly after its launch.

Luckily, FanNation Kicks was able to secure a pair of the shoes in the 'Virtual' colorway. The New Balance Fresh Foam BB 'Virtual' is available now on New Balance's website for $130. Below is everything athletes and sneakerheads must know about the shoes.

Size & Fit

A detailed look at the side of the shoe / New Balance

One of the many reasons consumers trust New Balance is because they know what they are getting from the Boston-based brand. When shopping for New Balance lifestyle or performance sneakers, it's safe to go true to size.

When testing the Fresh Foam BB on the court, a slight bit of heel slippage was noticeable. I untied the shoes and utilized the top eyelets, which immediately made a difference.

After lacing the shoes all the way up to the top, it transformed my experience on the court. I was locked in and gained a true one-to-one fit with the shoe. This may not be the case for everyone, and the shoes are definitely playable without lacing them all the way up. But it now makes sense why the laces are so long.

Grade - A-

Cushion

A detailed look at the back of the shoes / New Balance

The Fresh Foam BB is all about cushion (it's literally in the name). It is the first basketball shoe to utilize New Balance's proprietary technology, and it is worth the hype.

I love the New Balance TWO WXY v3, especially the cushion. How could the brand expect to improve upon that model's FuelCell midsole containing ABZORB cushioning? With every wear, the TWO WXY v3 gets more comfortable - like your favorite sweater that conforms to your body more over time.

Somehow, the New Balance design team at the brand’s state-of-the-art Sports Research Lab outdid themselves. The full-length Fresh Foam X midsole provides a plush, comfortable experience on the hardwood. As a 33-year-old, impact protection is the most important component of any shoe for me. If for no other reason, the Fresh Foam BB will stick in my rotation due to its unparalleled cushion.

Grade - A+

Traction

A detailed look at the shoe's outsole / New Balance

The best feature of any product is when you don't have to think about it. While I noticed the slight fit issue quickly and was amazed by the cushioning, the traction was an afterthought.

In fact, I didn't think about the traction until I was an hour into my first wear. Every hooper can attest that rec center gym floors feel like ice rinks. But traction was never an issue. 

I never had to wipe the outsole or dab the shoe in spit (old-school ballers know what I'm talking about). Well into my first few games, I wiped down the outsole for the first time, and the shoe started biting.

The harmonious squeaks on the hardwood were loud enough to be heard over the chatter in the loud gym. Thanks to the hexagonal spiral outsole pattern and the rubber compound used, athletes don't even have to concern themselves with traction.

Grade - A

Final Thoughts

I was initially skeptical about the Fresh Foam BB due to an unhealthy level of loyalty to the TWO WXY v3. However, after hooping in the Fresh Foam BB, I'm a believer. It's a very stable, mid-cut basketball shoe with premium materials that can contain the most powerful players.

Shoppers on the fence between the two models cannot go wrong either way. It comes down to personal preference and style. But with Kawhi Leonard's third signature shoe hitting shelves, fans of New Balance are going to have a tough time choosing between so many excellent options.

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