New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Review: A Solid Daily Trainer?

Quick Verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 is a reliable, no-frills daily trainer that prioritises comfort over flash. The Fresh Foam midsole does exactly what New Balance designed it to do — absorb impact and return a soft, cushioned feel underfoot. The mesh upper breathes well, the shoe weighs less than you'd expect from something this cushioned, and the price sits comfortably in the mid-range bracket. It's not a speed shoe, and serious overpronators will want more structure. But for daily miles, easy runs and everything in between? This one earns its place in your rotation. I'd give it a solid 4.3 out of 5.

What Is the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4?

New Balance built the Arishi line as an accessible daily trainer — the kind of shoe you reach for on any given Tuesday when your schedule says three miles but your legs say "maybe five." The V4 edition keeps the formula simple: a Fresh Foam midsole, a breathable mesh upper, and a clean lace-up closure that doesn't require constant re-adjustment. That's it. No boileplate plates, no carbon fibre, no gimmicks.

I picked up a pair on a rainy Tuesday afternoon — not exactly ideal running weather, but a good test of indoor-vs-outdoor versatility. The Summer Fog colourway I went with looks subtler in person than in the photos, which I actually prefer. More importantly, the moment I laced up and took a few steps around the house, the Fresh Foam underfoot had that familiar cloud-like give without feelingmarshmallow-soft. New Balance has dialled in this cushioning profile across several lines, and it remains one of the most comfortable midsole foams at this price point.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole delivers responsive cushioning with every footstrike
• Mesh upper provides breathable airflow during warmer sessions
• No-sew construction trims weight and minimises interior friction
• Lace-up closure keeps the shoe secure across extended wear
• Designed as a versatile athletic trainer for running and everyday use
• Lightweight build — approximately 255g per shoe in a women's size 8

Hands-On Review

Let's start with what matters most in a daily trainer: how does it feel after five miles? On my first proper run in the Arishi V4, I logged a 5K loop with a mix of pavement and packed dirt. By mile two I had stopped thinking about my feet entirely — which is exactly the compliment you want to pay a shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole absorbs road vibration without deadening ground feel entirely. It's a fine balance, and the Arishi V4 walks it well.

What surprised me was how the mesh upper held up. I expected it to stretch or bag out slightly over a longer run, but after three consecutive runs in the same pair, the upper maintained its shape. No bunching, no hot spots near the toe box. The no-sew construction genuinely helps here — fewer seams means fewer things that can rub wrong after mile three.

By the end of the first week, I'd worn the Arishi V4 to the gym, on a grocery run, and on two morning runs. That's the real test of a versatile trainer. The outsole rubber provides adequate grip on wet pavement — not exceptional, but reliable. I wouldn't take these on a technical trail, but for anything paved or packed, they perform without complaint. The Fresh Foam cushioning didn't compress noticeably even after the heavier sessions, which tells me the foam density is well-calibrated for durability.

Will I keep using them? Probably — with a caveat. If you're a runner chasing personal bests, look elsewhere. But if you want a shoe that disappears on your foot while delivering consistent comfort across daily miles, the Arishi V4 earns its keep. There's a reason New Balance keeps refreshing this line — it works.

Who Should Buy It?

The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 makes sense for several types of buyers:

• Everyday runners logging moderate mileage — If you're building a consistent running habit without chasing speed, the Arishi V4 delivers the comfort and durability you need day after day.
• Beginners and returning runners — The forgiving cushioning and neutral platform are approachable. You don't need to break in the shoe or adjust your gait.
• Women seeking a versatile athletic shoe — Beyond running, the Arishi V4 transitions easily to the gym, casual walks or all-day wear without looking out of place.
• People prioritising foot comfort and breathability — If you've had issues with hot, sweaty feet in heavier trainers, the mesh upper and lightweight build make a noticeable difference.

Skip this shoe if you're a serious runner looking for maximum energy return and a firmer, more responsive ride. Overpronators should also look at New Balance's stability line — the Arishi V4 offers no motion-control features. And if you're buying purely for fashion with zero running intent, you can find more affordable everyday sneakers elsewhere.

Alternatives Worth Considering

Not sure the Arishi V4 is your match? Here are a few other women's running shoes worth evaluating:

• ASICS Gel-Contend 7 — ASICS rearfoot Gel technology provides a different cushioning feel, often firmer at impact. A solid alternative if you prefer ASICS's signature ride and have had success with their sizing.
• Nike React Infinity Run — Nike's React foam is notably bouncier and the wider base offers more stability underfoot. Expect a higher price point and a more substantial shoe feel.
• Brooks Ghost 14 — Brooks delivers excellent cushioning consistency in a highly durable package. The Ghost line has a stronger following among dedicated runners but commands a premium price.

FAQ

Final Verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 is exactly what it promises to be: a comfortable, breathable daily trainer that doesn't overcomplicate things. The Fresh Foam cushioning is reliable across moderate mileage, the mesh upper breathes well in warmer conditions, and the lightweight no-sew build keeps interior irritation to a minimum. It's not built for speed or heavy pronation control, but for everyday running and versatile wear, it performs without fuss. At its price point, it's a fair deal — and New Balance's reputation for durable footwear means you're less likely to be shopping for a replacement in six months.