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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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Now viewing New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v4 | ||||||
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bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
priceBand | Price band | |||||
similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
released | ReleasedJan 2018 | Mar 2019 | May 2017 | Aug 2017 | Feb 2017 | Feb 2015 |
expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | | | | | |
productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
Weight | WeightM: 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 | Forefoot17 mm | 20 mm | M: 12 mm W: 11 mm | M: 14 mm W: 13 mm | 18 mm | |
Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop6 mm | 6 mm | 3 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm |
Heel | Heel23 mm | 23 mm | M: 20 mm W: 19 mm | M: 24 mm W: 23 mm | 28 mm | |
Usages | UsagesSpeed training | Daily runningSpeed training | Speed training | Speed training | RacingSpeed training | Daily runningSpeed training |
Brand | BrandNew Balance | New Balance | Topo Athletic | ASICS | ASICS | Nike |
Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLightweight | Lightweight | LightweightLow drop | Lightweight | ||
Techs | TechsNew Balance Fresh Foam | Nike Flyknit | ||||
Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | ||
Common characteristicsRoadNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh arch |
Characteristics | |
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Sports | Running (+2049) |
Terrain | Road (+1362) |
Usages | Speed training (+302) |
Brand | New Balance (+125) |
Support Type | Neutral (+1603) |
Pronation Type | Neutral pronation (+1578) |
Strike Type | Fore/Midfoot strike (+1115)Heel strike (+1097) |
Arch Type | High arch (+1525) |
Shoe Type | Lightweight (+409) |
Techs | New Balance Fresh Foam (+63) |
Colorways | Black, Pink Conch Shell Pigment Cp4, Red |
Specifications | vs Average | |
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Released | Jan 2018 | |
Measurements | ||
Weight | M: 244 g W: 213 g | |
Heel to toe drop | 6 mm | |
Heel | 23 mm | |
Forefoot | 17 mm |