When the 2024 NBA season tips off this fall, Jamal Murray, Dejounte Murray, Aaron Nesmith and Darius Bazley will don the latest effort from New Balance in merging multiple underfoot technologies into one shoe, the Two Wxy v5, to blend various performance attributes into one midsole.

The previous version of the shoe merged the brand’s FuelCell and Fresh Foam cushioning technologies into one sneaker. Refining the combination of the two in the v5, Myles Williams, assistant product manager at New Balance, tells me, was the technological focus for the update.

“We wanted to continue to refine the duality of agility and comfort,” he says. “We wanted to ensure that hoopers have what they need to compete with the best of the best.”

In the updated Two Wxy v5, New Balance positioned FuelCell on the perimeter of the forefoot to allow players responsiveness while on the edges of their feet, all designed to help them cut and change direction efficiently. The Fresh Foam, Williams says, comes in the heel and underneath the ball of the foot to improve impact protection and cushioning with every step.

“This balance allows us to push the boundaries of agility and comfort and provide an enjoyable experience every time you lace up,” Williams says. “At New Balance, we are known for our comfort, so we wanted to bring that experience to the basketball court with intention and purpose.”

The FuelCell chemistry focuses on rebound during rapid moments, while the Fresh Foam makeup provides a softer cushioning experiences. “The combination provides a New Balance feel that is authentic to the performance of the next generation of hoopers,” Williams says.

Along with the focus under the foot, the upper on the Two Wxy v5 offers engineered mesh that also includes breathability and zonal cushioning. “Providing a plush feel in the upper helps bring a wholistic comfort experience to this shoe,” Williams says. “We also implemented wrap-up traction to ensure athletes maintain control and court feel while on the edges of their feet. This addition, along with the FuelCell placement, creates synergy for more dynamic play.”

“The Two Wxy v5 takes direction from our athletes on what refining features would elevate their competitive experience,” Williams adds. “Whether players are creating space or defending in the open floor, our team refined the balance of comfort and control through these dynamic moments.”

The Two Wxy v5 fit within the growing line of New Balance basketball silhouettes squarely in the center of the performance attributes. The Kawhi series features carbon fiber plates for explosiveness and propulsion, the Fresh Foam series focuses on premium cushioning designed for endurance and comfort, while the Hesi Low features full-length FuelCell for quick cutting and shifty guard-play. The Two Wxy, then, offers the “perfect balance of agility and comfort for the games’ most versatile athletes.”