New Balance messed with the recipe. Usually, when a brand has a cult classic like the Rebel v3—a slim, nimble, "ground-feel" darling—they just tweak the upper and call it a day. Not this time. The Rebel v4 New Balance is a total ground-up rebuild that looks more like its chunky big brother, the SC Trainer, than its own predecessor. It’s wider. It’s taller. It’s louder.
I’ve spent enough time in running shops to know that "v4" is usually the version where companies play it safe. New Balance did the opposite. Honestly, looking at the sharp, geometric angles of the midsole, it looks like something designed in a wind tunnel for a stealth bomber rather than a jog around the park. But does it actually run better? That’s the $140 question.
People are obsessed with plated shoes lately. Everyone wants carbon fiber under their feet just to go buy a bagel. The Rebel v4 is a reminder that you don't need a stiff piece of plastic to go fast. It uses a PEBA/EVA blend that is surprisingly snappy without feeling like you're walking on a diving board. It’s light. Ridiculously light.
The Geometric Shift: What Changed with the Rebel v4 New Balance
The first thing you’ll notice is the width. The platform is significantly broader than the v3. If the old shoe was a scalpel, this is a broadsword. But strangely, it doesn't feel clunky. New Balance used a new version of their FuelCell foam—a blend of PEBA and EVA—which is the same chemical wizardry found in their top-tier racing shoes, just tuned for daily abuse.
- The weight remains under 7.5 ounces for a men's size 9.
- The drop moved from 6mm to 6mm, but the stack height grew.
- The upper is now "FantomFit," which is basically a very thin, breathable mesh that doesn't soak up sweat like a sponge.
The foam is the star here. In previous versions, FuelCell was almost too soft. You’d sink into it, and while it felt like running on marshmallows, it lacked that "pop" when you wanted to pick up the pace. The v4 fixes this. It’s firmer, but not "bricks-under-your-feet" firm. It's stable. Because the base is so wide, you don't feel like you're going to roll an ankle every time you hit a pebble or turn a corner at speed.
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You've probably heard people complain about "bottoming out" in light shoes. That’s when the foam compresses so much your foot hits the hard ground beneath. Thanks to the extra stack height in the Rebel v4 New Balance, that’s basically a non-issue now. You can take these on a 10-mile run and your calves won't feel like they've been beaten with a meat tenderizer.
The Upper: FantomFit or Fantom-Flop?
New Balance went with a very "race-day" feel for the upper. It's translucent. You can see your socks through it. While that's great for breathability on a humid July morning, it means there isn't much structure. If you have a narrow foot, you really have to crank down the laces to feel secure.
The tongue is thin. Very thin. Some runners hate this because if you tie your shoes too tight, the laces bite into the top of your foot. It's a trade-off for the weight savings. I personally like it, but if you’re used to the plush, pillowy tongues of a Brooks Ghost or a Saucony Triumph, this is going to be a shock to the system.
Who Is This Shoe Actually For?
Let's get real. Not everyone needs this shoe. If you are a heavy heel striker who wants maximum cushion for slow recovery crawls, you might find the Rebel a bit too energetic. It wants to go. It rewards a midfoot strike.
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If you're a one-shoe-fits-all kind of person, the Rebel v4 New Balance is a top-tier candidate. It’s comfortable enough for a slow 5k but light enough that you won't feel held back during a track workout. Most "daily trainers" weigh over 9 ounces. When you shave nearly 2 ounces off that, your legs simply feel fresher for longer. It’s basic physics. Less weight to lift with every stride means less metabolic cost.
- The Speedster: Perfect for tempo runs and intervals.
- The Commuter: Stylish enough to wear with jeans, though the neon colorways might scream "I run marathons" at the grocery store.
- The Budget Racer: If you can't justify $250 for the SC Elite, this gets you 80% of the way there for almost half the price.
There’s a misconception that "no plate" means "no speed." That’s just marketing. Real speed comes from the foam's energy return and the shoe's weight. The Rebel v4 proves this. In fact, many physical therapists suggest that training in a non-plated shoe like this is better for long-term foot strength because it doesn't "cheat" the natural movement of your toes as much as a stiff carbon plate does.
Durability Concerns and the Outsole
The one gripe people usually have with New Balance is the outsole wear. In the v4, they’ve put more rubber in high-wear areas, particularly the forefoot. It grips well on wet pavement. I wouldn't take it on a trail—the foam is too exposed and a sharp rock would chew it up in seconds—but for road use, it’s solid.
The longitudinal groove in the middle of the sole helps with the transition from heel to toe. It’s a subtle thing. You don't notice it until you wear a shoe without it and feel how "slappy" the landing is. The Rebel v4 is smooth. Quiet, too. No loud thwack-thwack-thwack as you cruise down the sidewalk.
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How It Compares to the Competition
The market is crowded. You have the Asics Novablast, the Hoka Mach 6, and the Saucony Endorphin Speed. The Novablast is bouncier but heavier. The Mach 6 is firmer and has a tighter fit. The Endorphin Speed has a nylon plate, making it stiffer.
The Rebel v4 New Balance sits in this "Goldilocks" zone. It's wider than the Mach 6, making it more stable for people who might have a bit of late-stage pronation. It's lighter than the Novablast. It feels more "natural" than the Endorphin Speed.
One thing New Balance does better than almost anyone is the "last" or the shape of the shoe. They offer wide widths. In a world where most performance shoes are built for narrow-footed elites, New Balance remembers that normal people have toes that need to splay. The v4 has a generous toe box. Your pinky toe isn't screaming for mercy by mile six.
Final Real-World Verdict
Is it perfect? No. The lacing can be finicky. The look is polarizing—some people think it looks like a LEGO shoe. But in terms of performance per dollar, it’s hard to beat. It’s a fun shoe. That’s the best word for it. Some shoes feel like a chore to run in; the Rebel v4 feels like it’s helping you along.
If you’re training for a half-marathon and want something that can handle your Tuesday intervals and your Saturday long run, this is it. It’s versatile. It’s fast. It’s a significant upgrade over the v3, even if the "vibe" of the shoe has changed from a low-profile racer to a modern, high-stack speedster.
Actionable Next Steps for Runners
- Check your sizing: Because of the new, wider platform and the FantomFit upper, some runners find they can go down half a size compared to the v3. If you can, try them on at a local run shop first.
- Rotate your shoes: Don't wear these every single day. Even though they’re durable, the PEBA-blend foam needs about 24 to 48 hours to fully decompress after a long run to maintain its "pop."
- Watch the laces: Use a "runner's loop" (heel lock) if you feel your foot sliding forward. The thin upper doesn't have the natural grip of a thicker knit, so the lacing technique matters more here.
- Monitor the foam: At around 300 miles, check the exposed foam on the bottom. If you see significant compression lines or "creasing," the foam's energy return is likely starting to fade, and it's time to demote them to walking shoes.
The Rebel v4 New Balance isn't just another iteration. It’s a statement that New Balance is leaning hard into the "super-trainer" category without the "super-trainer" price tag. Whether you’re a pro or a weekend warrior, your feet will probably thank you for the extra width and the snappy response. Go find a pair, lace them up, and see if that geometric foam actually lives up to the hype. Chances are, it will.