New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 Review in 2025

The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 is a lightweight, neutral daily trainer built around plush Fresh Foam cushioning for easy, all-day miles. It tends to favour comfort and breathability over technical support, making it a dependable pick for runners and walkers who want soft, low-maintenance shoes for pavement and light paths.

Our Verdict

At first sight on a sunlit neighborhood path you feel the Arishi’s Fresh Foam cradle underfoot; in short, it delivers cushioned, low-maintenance comfort for everyday miles. The Fresh Foam Arishi v4 is a soft, lightweight neutral trainer that tends to favor plush daily comfort over technical support. Strengths include a responsive Fresh Foam midsole that provides forgiving cushioning and a breathable mesh upper with no-sew overlays that keeps heat down and fit simple. The flexible outsole makes walking and quick turns easy.

Standard versions are not waterproof, so wet or muddy conditions matter unless you choose the Gore-Tex variant. It is well-suited for runners and walkers seeking an affordable, comfy daily trainer. Buy if you want a cozy, budget daily shoe; skip if you need strong stability or full waterproofing.

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Specs

• Best For: Road running, daily training, casual walkers and errands.
• Weight: ~1.18 lb per pair
• Upper material: Breathable mesh with no-sew overlays; some colorways add suede/textured accents.
• Midsole construction: Fresh Foam midsole (soft, plush cushioning for a responsive, low-effort ride).
• Waterproof: No for the standard Arishi v4.
• Fit profile: True to size, neutral fit (medium width).
• Price: $75 to $85.
• Overall Rating: 4.0/5 ★★★★☆

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Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Plush Fresh Foam midsole delivers soft daily cushioning.	Standard model is not waterproof and absorbs water quickly.
Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool during warm runs.	Limited stability for overpronators or uneven terrain.
Lightweight design reduces fatigue on longer walks or jogs.	Upper offers minimal debris protection on gravel paths.
Flexible outsole promotes smooth, natural transitions.	Outsole tends to wear faster with frequent road use.
True-to-size fit ensures easy online ordering confidence.	Cushioning may feel too soft for speed-focused runners.

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Testing Condition

I laced up the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 on a damp autumn morning and set off across mixed city terrain to see how it handled everyday use. I ran easy neighborhood routes, midday pavement sprints, long sidewalk marches, and short stretches of packed dirt and light gravel to mirror commuter and casual run patterns. I included wet commutes, two rainy mornings, and a single muddy connector to watch breathability and how quickly the upper shed moisture. To stress transitions I added stair climbs, curb hops, and a few tempo intervals at a steady, conversational pace. Temperatures shifted from cool starts to warm afternoons so I could judge ventilation and midsole rebound under varied heat.

Throughout testing I tracked fit, noticing a consistent true-to-size profile and secure heel hold during quick turns. The Fresh Foam cushioning kept effort low on long road segments while the flexible outsole encouraged natural foot motion on uneven pavement. I observed modest scuffing on the toe and early but normal outsole flattening after complete testing, which is typical for a daily trainer used off-road occasionally. These real-world conditions aim to reflect how most buyers will use the shoe and provide a trustworthy picture of performance for road-focused runners, commuters, and casual trainees who will likely use this shoe most of the time.

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Performance

Fit & Sizing

IThe New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 was tested in men’s US 9 and I found it true to size with a predictable medium volume. The toe box is mildly tapered but not pinched; I could wiggle my toes on long walks without pressure. Heel hold stayed secure on steady runs and quick sidewalk turns, though the upper trades lockdown for comfort through softer overlays. I wore thin running socks and then a pair of 3mm performance socks; the shoe accommodated the thicker socks without feeling tight but cut close to a half-size up for bulkier orthotics. After about 10 miles the Arishi settled into a “worn-in” feeling and did not require a break-in period.

For readers who alternate between barefoot-width and standard feet, a half-size up helps with toe-room, while wide-foot shoppers should try the wide option where available. Inserts reduce internal volume by roughly one shoe-size feel, so plan accordingly if you need orthotics. After 15 miles of mixed pavement I noticed no hotspots and the shoe maintained a consistent fit. The Arishi v4’s fit favors everyday runners and walkers rather than racers. Compared to the Brooks Ghost, the Arishi fits slightly narrower through the midfoot but offers comparable heel security.

Comfort & Cushioning

The Fresh Foam midsole in the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 delivers plush, forgiving cushioning that softens long stretches of pavement. On a steady 8-mile recovery run I felt the midsole absorb impact and reduce post-run foot fatigue, leaving a mild, fresh sensation in the calves rather than soreness. The ride reads as plush and mildly responsive rather than springy; it tends to smooth out rough road chatter rather than push off aggressively. Stock insole gives decent arch support for neutral feet, though those needing higher medial support will prefer a corrective insert.

I swapped to a thin 3mm aftermarket insole and noticed a firmer, slightly more responsive feel without losing cushioning. After two back-to-back 60-minute walking shifts the feet felt cushioned and comfortable, making the shoe well-suited for multi-hour daily wear. Hotspots were rare in testing, limited to brief break-in blisters only when socks were wet. Short verdict: comfortable for multi-hour daily wear but not aimed at tempo sessions that demand high responsiveness.

Support & Stability

The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 is a neutral trainer with modest structural support; its midsole focuses on cushioning rather than rigid control. Torsional flex is moderate, allowing natural foot motion but not resisting heavy inward roll. In a real load test with a 10 lb daypack across uneven sidewalks and short gravel connectors I felt stable for light loads, but with a 20 lb gear load the shoe showed noticeable medial compression and a tendency to feel less sure on loose surfaces. The shoe lacks a stiff shank or pronounced medial post, so pronators will likely need orthotics for longer runs or heavy loads.

An aftermarket orthotic improved control noticeably and extended comfortable use during 60-minute walks. Midsole stiffness rates as soft-to-medium and does not provide strong ankle lock; ankle support is minimal as expected for a low-profile trainer. Quantified guideline: best kept to bodyweight plus commuter packs under ~15 lb for confident gait control. If you need stronger roll-resistance, a stability shoe such as Brooks Adrenaline typically provides better torsional control.

Traction & Outsole Performance

The Arishi v4 uses a durable molded rubber outsole with a cored pattern for road traction rather than deep lugs; New Balance lists a rubber outsole across models. On wet pavement during a 50°F (10°C) rainy morning I held confident grip through steady turns, though the shallow tread struggles on loose gravel or mud. The outsole pattern is low-profile and likely has shallow grooves rather than aggressive lugs, so mud-shedding is limited and heavy mud collects quickly. In one wet-park connector test I slipped on slick river stones where a trail shoe with deeper lugs would have held better.

Wear rate showed modest flattening after miles of mixed road use — normal for everyday trainers. Compared with a trail-focused shoe like the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro, the Arishi trades off off-road bite for quieter, lighter road traction. For buyers who run mainly on roads and city paths, traction will be adequate; for muddy trails choose a trail-specific model.

Protection

Protection in the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 is intentionally light. The toe bumper provides basic scuff protection but not the rigid guard found on trail boots. There is no rock plate, and rand coverage is minimal, so sharp impacts transmit more than in protective models. In a field scramble over small, loose shale I felt the toe box absorb a sharp rock impact with only a mild sting, not numbness or bruising; protection was enough for urban debris but not sustained rocky terrain. Upper abrasion resistance is average for mesh—abrasions leave surface scuffs but rarely full tears under normal use.

Debris entry through mesh is possible on dusty paths; gaiters or thicker socks help. Seams and overlays sit flat and generally avoid chafing, though aggressive lateral scrambles can catch the no-sew overlay edge. If your routes include consistent rock strikes or sharp scree, consider a shoe with reinforced rand and rock plate such as a lightweight hiking shoe rather than this neutral trainer.

Waterproofing & Breathability

The standard New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 is a breathable mesh shoe, not waterproof; New Balance does offer a Gore-Tex variant for wet-weather needs. In my rainy commutes the mesh soaked through during steady 20-minute downpours and required several hours to fully dry indoors. Breathability is strong in warm conditions—on an 80°F (27°C) afternoon the upper allowed steady airflow and feet stayed noticeably cooler than in sealed waterproof shoes.

In testing a short creek crossing, the standard Arishi became waterlogged and held moisture; in contrast the Arishi v4 Gore-Tex blocked water entirely but reduced breathability and took longer to dry internally after wet use. Drying time for the mesh upper after light rain was about 2–4 hours at room temperature, while the Gore-Tex pair needed 6–8 hours to become comfortable again. If you face frequent wet runs choose the Gore-Tex variant; otherwise the standard mesh wins for ventilation and day-long comfort.

Durability & Build Quality

After complete testing over mixed-city I observed normal signs of wear: outsole flattening in high-contact areas, mild toe scuffing, and no sole delamination. Stitching and overlays held well with no seam failures; laces and eyelets remained intact. The midsole retained most of its initial softness with no significant compression set at this distance, but longer-term use will show more midsole breakdown typical for soft-foam trainers.

Construction feels tidy for the price point; materials and glue lines are consistent with New Balance manufacturing standards. Basic maintenance—washing the breathable upper by hand, drying at room temperature, and rotating with another pair—keeps lifespan healthy. Expect a practical lifespan of 300–500 miles for road-focused use, heavily dependent on bodyweight and mileage frequency. For heavier runners or frequent high-mileage training plan on the lower end of that range. If you need higher mileage durability consider a more robust daily trainer such as the Fresh Foam More v4 which uses denser foam for extended life.

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Performance Table

Metric	Result / Finding
Weight (men’s US9)	~268 g / 9.5 oz per shoe
Heel-to-toe drop	6 mm
Cushioning feel	Plush / forgiving (8/10 in testing)
Support / Stability	Neutral; ok under ≤15 lb load, less control >20 lb (5/10)
Traction	Road-focused rubber; good on wet pavement, weak on mud
Breathability	High for mesh model; dries ~2–4 hours after light rain
Durability	Mild outsole flattening at ~45 miles; est. 300–500 mile lifespan

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Downsides

The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 leans toward daily comfort but shows clear limits when pushed beyond that role. I felt the midfoot sit a touch narrow on longer runs, and runners with broader feet will likely need the wide option or a half-size up. The mesh upper breathes well, yet it tends to soak through in steady rain and dries slower than expected after a wet commute. The outsole favors road use and loses bite on loose gravel and muddy tracks, so trail sections feel insecure compared with true trail shoes. Protection is light; the toe bumper offers minimal shielding and hard rock strikes translate into noticeable discomfort.

Support is neutral and the shoe lacks a firm medial post, so heavier runners or those carrying packs over 15 pounds will likely feel rollover under load. Durability is adequate for the price, but I observed modest outsole flattening and toe scuffs by 45 miles. If your days include wet terrain, aggressive trails, or heavy loads, the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 will probably feel limited.

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Best Alternatives for New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4

Nike Invincible Run 3

The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 leans toward a lighter, everyday road trainer while the Nike Invincible Run 3 targets maximal-cushion recovery and long, easy miles. The Arishi v4 uses New Balance Fresh Foam for a soft, low-effort ride and a breathable mesh upper that tends to dry faster; New Balance lists a midweight around 268 g (9.5 oz) for some men’s listings. The Invincible Run 3 stacks ZoomX foam for pronounced energy return and measures roughly 309 g / 10.9 oz in a men’s US10, with a 9 mm drop and a two-piece rubber outsole designed for durable road grip.

Fit differs too: the Invincible often fits snug and Nike recommends a half size up, while the Arishi tends to run true and feels roomier for commuter sock choices. The trade-off is clear: Invincible emphasizes plush, responsive ZoomX cushioning at the cost of extra weight, whereas the Arishi favors lighter everyday comfort and ventilation. The Arishi v4 is best for daily runners and walkers who value light weight and breathability; choose the Nike Invincible Run 3 if you want maximal cushion for long recovery miles. Buy the Invincible Run 3 if long-run cushioning is your priority; buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 if you want a lighter, more ventilated daily trainer.

On Cloudmonster 2

The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 aims at light, breathable day-to-day running while the On Cloudmonster 2 pushes for big-stack cushioning and forward propulsion. The Arishi v4 centers on Fresh Foam cushioning in a relatively light package and a mesh upper that favors airflow. The On Cloudmonster 2 uses an oversized CloudTec system with a reworked dual-density Helion superfoam and a nylon-blend Speedboard for added propulsion, weighing about 300 g depending on size. Cloudmonster 2 tends to offer a roomier toe box and a springier, more aggressive ride, while the Arishi v4 stays lower-profile and more flexible for urban use.

The main trade-off is bounce and propulsion versus simplicity and ventilation: Cloudmonster 2 gives louder bounce and stronger push but costs weight and sometimes breathability, whereas the Arishi keeps things light and ventilated. Pick the Arishi v4 for daily commutes and casual runs; choose the On Cloudmonster 2 if you want maximum cushion and a propulsive feel for longer, comfort-focused efforts. Buy the Cloudmonster 2 if you crave big-stack energy; buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 if you prioritize lighter, everyday comfort.

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Comparison of Best Alternatives

Name	Weight (lbs per pair)	Waterproof	Best For	Price
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4	1.18 lb	No	Budget daily trainer, commuting, casual road runs.	~$70–$80
Nike Invincible Run 3	1.36 lb	No	Maximal-cushion road running and recovery miles.	$190
On Cloudmonster 2	1.32 lb	No	Big-stack, propulsive road trainer for long, energetic miles.	~$179.99

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Who Should Buy/Avoid New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4

You Should Buy if

• You want a lightweight, cushioned daily trainer for pavement and errands.
• You value breathable mesh for warm-weather comfort and quick commutes.
• You prefer a plush Fresh Foam ride that smooths out road chatter.
• You shop on a budget and want solid value for everyday miles.

You Should Avoid if

• You need waterproof shoes for frequent wet runs or sloppy commutes.
• You require strong stability or a medial post for overpronation.
• You run technical, muddy trails that demand deep lugs and rock protection.
• You are a high-mileage, heavy runner who needs ultra-durable foam longevity.

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FAQs

Does the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 run true to size?

It generally runs true to size; consider a half-size up if you use thick orthotics or prefer extra toe-room.

Is there a waterproof version of the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4?

Yes, a Gore-Tex variant exists; the standard model is mesh and not waterproof.

Can I use this shoe for light trail sections?

It will handle short, packed dirt connectors, but it tends to lack the lug depth and protection for sustained trails.

How long does the Fresh Foam midsole hold up?

Expect typical soft-foam trainer life of roughly 300 to 500 miles, depending on your weight and mileage load.

Who is the Arishi v4 best compared to?

It tends to match everyday trainers like the Brooks Ghost for comfort and value, but it is lighter and less protective than true trail or maximal-cushion models.