New Balance Freeze V5 Lacrosse Cleats Review
QUIX rail traction, a mid-cut option and zero break-in. Here's how New Balance's Freeze V5 held up after seven games, and how it stacks up against the Freeze 3.0 and Nike Huarache 9.
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New Balance lacrosse cleats have always been my pick over the Nike Huarache Elite. They're easier on the wallet and give you the best grip in the game.
So when I heard about the Freeze V5's mid-cut design and ankle padding, I added a pair to my collection right away. Here's my New Balance Freeze V5 review.
The New Balance Freeze V5.
New Balance put out a few versions, including a box shoe and a junior cleat. I've worn the V5 for about seven games and have a pretty good feel for them. Let's see if they have the traction, support and fit.
Coach's note: I've played on wet April grass in upstate New York, sticky turf in Virginia Beach summers and the hard indoor floors of Ontario box. The cleat that wins is the one that grips on the plant and doesn't chew up your feet by the fourth quarter. The V5 does both.
Key Features and Specs
Here are the key specs before we get into the review.
- Cut
- Mid (low also available)
- Weight
- About 13 oz
- Outsole
- TPU with QUIX rail
- Fit
- True to size
- Break-in
- None
- Price
- $129.99
- Colors
- White
- Black
- Gray
- Limited edition
- Durable and comfortable
- Great underfoot traction
- Great for warm weather
- Synthetic mesh for ventilation
- TPU outsole with QUIX rail
- No break-in
- No sock liner
- Unusual lace holes
- A little heavy
New Balance Freeze V5 Rating
I rate the New Balance Freeze V5 an 8.8/10.
The Freeze V5 rating breakdown.
Support and Fit
First, they come in white, black, gray and a limited edition colorway. Comfort and support matter more, but I'd have liked more options for juniors.
I got the field cleats in a 10.5 and loved them from the first wear. They felt ready to go, which is rare with new cleats. They're true to size and fit perfectly, with no tightness in the toe box or heel.
The slim tongue and heel setup.
The V5 skips the full-sleeve style a lot of cleats use and goes with a slim tongue and heel setup. The heel cup feels locked in and snug without being too tight. I also liked the back pull tab, a small but appreciated detail that makes them easy to get on.
With a mid and a low version, the V5 gives you a choice of ankle support. The dual lace holes lock the laces in place so they don't loosen mid-game. The result is a secure fit that keeps me stable on sudden pivots and cuts and cuts down on rolled ankles.
Traction
The main selling point of the Freeze line has always been the QUIX rail, the outer rim of teeth on the cleat. It's the same QUIX rail you had on the Freeze 4.0 and the original Freeze, and it gives you exceptional traction on quick changes of direction.
As an offensive player, I love how it grips the turf and keeps me from slipping on quick pivots and acceleration. I did scratch my ankle on it once, though.
The QUIX rail and diamond-shaped studs.
It's not just me. A few buddies who wear the V5 complained about the same thing, so it's good to be aware of.
New Balance improved the stud pattern on the inside and used a molded TPU outsole for even better grip. The diamond-shaped studs in the midsole add excellent traction when I dig in, especially on deeper cuts.
If you play box, go with the V5 box shoe. Its nubbed rubber outsole supports lateral movement on turf and concrete. BattleLax doesn't carry the box version, but the New Balance FreezeLX v5 Turf ($119.99) is a great indoor turf option.
Comfort
Even at 13 ounces, the Freeze V5 is the most comfortable men's cleat I've worn.
It has a two-part upper: a tough synthetic section in the back for structure and breathable mesh up front for flex and airflow. It feels tough but not heavy, with a good balance of stiffness and flexibility.
The two-part upper.
They didn't need any break-in because they're light and well built, and I was impressed by the heavily padded, really soft insole. Usually my feet hurt after the first session in new cleats, and I have to wear them for at least a couple of practices. I wore these straight into a game, and my feet felt fine.
Breathability
Breathability is another highlight. The mesh layer on top gives you better airflow and kept my feet dry even after long summer games. The soft, absorbent inner layer adds comfort and wicks away moisture to prevent blisters and irritation.
It doesn't have a sock liner, but my feet didn't feel sweaty. If you sweat a ton, the Nike Huarache 9 Elite may be a better fit.
The Freeze V5 colorways.
Freeze V5 vs. Freeze 3.0 and Nike Huarache 9 Elite
The Freeze 3.0 was my go-to cleat for a long time at only 11 ounces per cleat. The V5 is a little heavier at 13 ounces but still feels light. It's also heavier than the Nike Huarache 9 Elite at 12 ounces.
| Freeze V5 | Freeze 3.0 | Huarache 9 Elite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | About 13 oz | About 11 oz | About 12 oz |
| Traction | QUIX rail + diamond studs | QUIX rail | 10-stud TPU plate |
| Feel | Supportive mid | Light | Most flexible, most breathable |
Even so, the V5 doesn't feel heavy on the field and still gives strong support and stability. I also like the mid cut for ankle support on quick cuts compared to the low-cut Huarache 9 Elite Low.
The Huarache 9 Elites are more flexible and better for players who like a low-profile fit, and I find them more breathable. Still, I prefer the New Balance for the QUIX rail and the value. See how it compares to the rest in our best lacrosse cleats, newest men's lacrosse cleats and Nike Huarache 9 review.
Shop the Freeze V5 at BattleLax
BattleLax carries the Freeze V5 in mid, low, youth and turf versions, plus a couple of colorways on sale.
| Cleat | Version | Price |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance FreezeLX v5 Mid | Reviewed here | $129.99 |
| New Balance FreezeLX v5 Mid Gray | Gray colorway | $129.99 |
| New Balance FreezeLX v5 Mid Limited Edition | Limited edition (sale) | $89.99 |
| New Balance FreezeLX v5 Mid Hot Mango | Hot Mango (sale) | $99.99 |
| New Balance FreezeLX v5 Low | Low-cut version | $119.99 |
| New Balance FreezeLX v5 Youth | Junior version | $84.99 |
| New Balance FreezeLX v5 Turf | Turf version | $119.99 |
People also ask
What cleats do you wear for lacrosse?
Choose cleats built for lacrosse, with durable studs and strong grip for quick cuts. The New Balance Freeze V5 is a top pick for support and traction.
Are lacrosse cleats OK for soccer?
They aren't ideal. Lacrosse studs are placed for lacrosse movements, while soccer cleats are usually more flexible and lighter.
How long do lacrosse cleats last?
With regular use, most lacrosse cleats last about a season. Well-built cleats like the Freeze V5 can last longer.
Are baseball and lacrosse cleats the same?
No. They have different stud designs and traction. Lacrosse cleats like the Freeze V5 have studs built for stability and quick changes of direction.
When did the New Balance Freeze V5 come out?
The Freeze V5 came out in 2024 with better traction, a mid-cut option for ankle support and a more breathable design.
Final Verdict
These were great to wear. I only planned to wear them for a few games for this review, but I kept going. They've replaced my old go-to cleats for rough games, the Freeze 3.0.
If you want lighter, more flexible cleats, try the Nike Huarache 9 Elite. Otherwise, the Freeze V5 is the grip-first cleat I'd recommend to just about any field player.
