New Balance has unveiled the Ellipse, a new performance running shoe that draws on the simplicity of 1980s running culture. The design aims to help runners 'lose track of time' amid modern distractions like wearables. Longtime collaborator Action Bronson features in an 80s-style news report for the launch.
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, released the Ellipse on March 5, 2026, evoking the first running boom of the 1980s. That era saw sharp rises in marathon participation, including the New York City Marathon's expansion in the late 1970s and the London Marathon's start in 1981. Runners relied on local clubs for track nights and hand-timed races, without GPS watches or apps like Strava. The sport emphasized simplicity: no equipment beyond trainers, forward motion, and personal feel, gauging effort by breath and landmarks.
The Ellipse incorporates modern technology while honoring this vibe. It features Fresh Foam X cushioning for energy return, lightweight construction, and an engineered mesh upper for breathability and support. Its minimal design includes 'wavey' pops of neon and aqua, making it versatile for elite athletes like Alex Yee and Gabby Thomas, or casual wearers such as Action Bronson. Bronson, who has designed nine sneakers with New Balance, introduces the shoe in a laid-back, utopian 80s-style news feature, calling it 'a f**king vibe.'
In the 1980s, Boston's marathon—founded in 1897—symbolized commitment, with qualifying signaling seriousness among a dedicated crowd. New Balance then focused on practical trainers with EVA midsoles, multiple widths, and colors like pragmatic grays, costing up to $60. Elites like Steve Jones, who set a marathon record at the 1984 Chicago Marathon, balanced full-time jobs with high mileage logged in paper diaries.
Today, running blends performance with lifestyle, boosted by post-2020 surges in clubs and events. The Ellipse reminds users of the meditative rhythm of that earlier time, prioritizing feeling over metrics.