New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4

Review Score
83%
🏅 Highly Rated
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New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4: Review

“A lightweight, versatile shoe for runners seeking a responsive ride.”

Overview


The New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4 is a running shoe that combines a sleek design with a supportive and ultra-lightweight ride. It's part of the New Balance lineup, known for its innovative Fresh Foam technology, which provides a plush yet responsive feel underfoot.

Key Features:

  • Updated Fresh Foam Midsole: Features a new geometric pattern for improved cushioning and firmer footing.
  • Engineered Mesh Upper: Offers enhanced breathability and freedom of movement.
  • HYPOSKIN Technology: Delivers adaptive comfort and support, acting like a second skin around the midfoot.

The New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4 is an ideal choice for runners who value a lightweight shoe for fast-paced running. Its updated midsole and HYPOSKIN technology provide a blend of cushioning and support, suitable for short to long distances on the road.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 83%. This puts it in the highest rated 40% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just above the median price of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4


The New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4 is celebrated for its versatility, serving as both a daily trainer and a race-ready shoe. It's praised for its lightweight nature, which doesn't compromise on cushioning or responsiveness. The updated Fresh Foam midsole offers a firmer yet comfortable ride, while the engineered mesh upper and HYPOSKIN technology ensure breathability and a snug fit. Overall, the Zante v4 is a well-rounded shoe that delivers performance and value, making it a solid choice for a wide range of runners.

Comparable Shoes




The Asics Dynaflyte 2 is a comparable shoe to the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4, offering a similar level of versatility and performance. However, the Dynaflyte 2 comes with a higher price tag and a firmer ride, which may appeal to runners looking for a more substantial feel underfoot.

7 New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4 Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Versatile for both training and racing
Lightweight design with responsive cushioning
Breathable and adaptive upper with HYPOSKIN technology
Durable outsole with good traction

3 Cons

May not provide enough stability for overpronators (those who experience excessive inward rolling of the foot)
Fit may be too snug for runners with wider feet
Cushioning may not be sufficient for ultra-long distances

In Depth


Upper

The New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4 features an engineered mesh upper that provides a comfortable, slipper-like feel, allowing the foot to splay naturally. The introduction of HYPOSKIN technology enhances the midfoot wrap, offering adaptive comfort and support. This combination results in an upper that is both breathable and secure, accommodating a variety of foot shapes.

Midsole

At the heart of the Zante v4 is the updated Fresh Foam midsole, which is pressure-matched to deliver softer to denser cushioning for a responsive ride from heel to toe. The midsole's new geometric pattern improves the overall running experience with a firmer footprint and smoother transitions, catering to runners who prefer a balance between cushioning and ground feel.

Outsole

The outsole of the Zante v4 utilizes blown rubber, a material known for its lightness and responsiveness. This compound ensures that the shoe maintains traction and durability without adding unnecessary weight, making it suitable for a variety of road conditions.

Size/fit

The Zante v4 offers a snug fit, particularly in the midfoot, due to the HYPOSKIN technology. This adaptive fit system ensures a secure feel during runs. However, some runners may find the fit tighter than expected, so trying on the shoe before purchasing is recommended.

Comfort

Comfort in the Zante v4 is achieved through a blend of the soft Fresh Foam midsole and the breathable upper. The shoe's design aims to provide a comfortable ride without sacrificing responsiveness, making it a good option for runners who prioritize a plush yet efficient stride.

Cushioning

The cushioning of the Zante v4 is a standout feature, with the Fresh Foam midsole offering a plush feel that doesn't dampen the shoe's responsiveness. This cushioning is suitable for runners who seek a protective ride during both training and racing.

Breathability

With its engineered mesh upper and HYPOSKIN technology, the Zante v4 offers excellent breathability. The materials used allow for ample airflow, keeping the feet cool and dry during runs, which is especially beneficial in warmer conditions.

Stability

While the Zante v4 is designed as a neutral running shoe, it provides a level of stability through its supportive midfoot wrap and structured outsole. This stability is sufficient for runners with a neutral gait (a type of foot movement that is neither overpronating nor underpronating) but may not be adequate for those who require additional motion control.

Durability

The durability of the Zante v4 is bolstered by its robust outsole and well-constructed upper. The shoe is built to withstand the rigors of regular training while maintaining its performance characteristics over time.

Grip

The blown rubber outsole of the Zante v4 offers reliable grip on road surfaces, ensuring confident footing during runs. The traction provided is effective in various weather conditions, contributing to the shoe's versatility.

Who should buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4?


The New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4 is well-suited for runners seeking a lightweight and versatile shoe that can handle both daily training and race day. It's particularly beneficial for those who appreciate a firm yet cushioned ride and a breathable, adaptive fit. The shoe's responsive nature makes it a good choice for speed workouts and short to medium distance races.

Who should not buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4?


Runners who require a shoe with substantial motion control or those with wider feet may find the Zante v4's fit and stability features insufficient. Additionally, athletes looking for maximal cushioning for ultra-long distances might prefer a shoe with a more plush midsole. For these runners, exploring other models with a focus on high stability or enhanced cushioning would be advisable.

New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4: What's it good for?


The New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4 excels in providing a balanced ride for road running and speed training. Its lightweight design and responsive cushioning make it ideal for speed workouts and competitive racing over short to medium distances. The shoe's grip and durability also make it a reliable option for regular training sessions.

4 New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4 FAQs


Is the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4 suitable for marathon distances?

The Zante v4 can be suitable for marathon distances, especially for efficient runners who prefer a lightweight and responsive shoe. However, runners who require more cushioning for longer distances may want to consider a different model.

How does the HYPOSKIN technology in the Zante v4 improve the fit?

HYPOSKIN technology in the Zante v4 provides a seamless and adaptive fit that wraps around the midfoot, offering support and comfort that feels like a second skin, enhancing the overall fit and feel of the shoe.

What type of runner is the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4 designed for?

The Zante v4 is designed for neutral runners (those who do not overpronate or underpronate) who value a balance between cushioning and responsiveness in a lightweight package. It's ideal for those who engage in daily training and seek a shoe that can also perform well on race day.

Can the Zante v4 handle wet road conditions?

Yes, the Zante v4's blown rubber outsole provides reliable grip on wet road surfaces, making it a versatile choice for running in various weather conditions.

New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4 alternatives

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Similarity
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released
Released
Jan 2018
Mar 2019May 2017Aug 2017Feb 2017Feb 2015
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productAthletes
Pro athlete users

Philipp ReinhardtInaki de la Parra Chris Balestrini

Katrien Verstuyft
Weight
Weight
M: 244 g
W: 213 g
M: 204 g
W: 159 g
M: 238 g
W: 196 g
M: 252 g
W: 204 g
M: 252 g
W: 204 g
M: 218 g
W: 181 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
17 mm
20 mm
M: 12 mm
W: 11 mm
M: 14 mm
W: 13 mm
18 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
6 mm
3 mm
8 mm
10 mm
10 mm
Heel
Heel
23 mm
23 mm
M: 20 mm
W: 19 mm
M: 24 mm
W: 23 mm
28 mm
Usages
Usages
Speed training
Daily runningSpeed trainingSpeed trainingSpeed trainingRacingSpeed trainingDaily runningSpeed training
Brand
Brand
New Balance
New BalanceTopo AthleticASICSASICSNike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Lightweight
LightweightLightweightLow drop
Lightweight
Techs
Techs
New Balance Fresh Foam
Nike Flyknit
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan ⓋVegan Ⓥ
Vegan Ⓥ
0

New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4: what the experts say (2 reviews)

New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4: 5 Expert video reviews

New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainRoad (+1362)
UsagesSpeed training (+302)
BrandNew Balance (+125)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1578)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1115)Heel strike (+1097)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1525)
Shoe TypeLightweight (+409)
TechsNew Balance Fresh Foam (+63)
ColorwaysBlack, Pink Conch Shell Pigment Cp4, Red
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Jan 2018
Measurements
Weight
M: 244 g
W: 213 g
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
Heel
23 mm
Forefoot
17 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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