Finding a shoe that doesn't cost a fortune but also doesn't fall apart after a month of pavement pounding is, honestly, harder than it should be. Most of us are stuck choosing between $160 elite runners that feel like clouds but drain the bank account, or bargain bin sneakers that leave your arches screaming by noon. That's where the New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Arishi v4 comes in. It sits in that weird, often-overlooked middle ground. It's a "do-it-all" sneaker that New Balance somehow kept affordable without stripping away the tech that actually matters for your joints.
I've seen people use these for everything from 5K training to long shifts at a hospital. It's versatile.
But let’s be real for a second. If you’re training for a sub-3-hour marathon, this isn't your shoe. It doesn’t have a carbon plate. It won’t give you that aggressive "spring" that a $250 super-shoe offers. However, for the guy who needs a reliable daily driver that looks good with jeans and works for a gym session, the Arishi v4 is a bit of a sleeper hit.
What Is Fresh Foam Anyway?
New Balance uses a precision-engineered cushioning system they call Fresh Foam. In the New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Arishi v4, this foam is the star of the show. It's basically a single piece of foam that’s been laser-cut to provide different levels of support and flexibility across the foot. Think of it as a balance. It isn't mushy. It’s firm enough to feel stable but soft enough to absorb the impact when your heel hits the concrete.
The geometry of the midsole is interesting. You’ll notice these little hexagonal shapes on the side. Those aren't just for looks. The concave shapes (the ones that dip in) allow the foam to compress more, giving you softness. The convex shapes (the ones that bulge out) provide more resistance, giving you support.
The Build Quality: Mesh, Synthetic, and Sweat
The upper part of the shoe uses a breathable mesh. It’s light. If you hold it up to the light, you can actually see the perforations. This is a lifesaver if your feet tend to overheat during a workout. New Balance added synthetic overlays in high-wear areas—basically the spots where your foot puts the most pressure—to make sure the mesh doesn't rip after three weeks.
It feels sleek.
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One thing people often miss is the "no-sew" construction. In older shoe designs, you’d have seams and stitching all over the inside. Those seams are exactly what cause blisters when they rub against your toes. The Arishi v4 is mostly seamless inside, which makes it feel much more like a premium shoe than the price tag suggests.
Who Is This Shoe Actually For?
Let's look at the specs. The Arishi v4 has an 8mm drop. For the uninitiated, the "drop" is the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot. An 8mm drop is a sweet spot. It’s not a "zero-drop" shoe that requires a transition period for your calves, but it’s also not a massive wedge that feels unstable.
It’s for the casual runner.
It’s for the guy who walks 10,000 steps a day at work.
It’s for the traveler who only wants to pack one pair of shoes that can handle a museum tour and a hotel gym workout.
If you are a heavy heel striker, you'll appreciate the extra Fresh Foam under the back of the foot. If you're a forefoot runner, you might find it a bit thin in the front. That's the trade-off. It’s a versatile daily trainer, not a specialized racing flat.
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Let's Talk About the Weight
The New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Arishi v4 is incredibly light. We’re talking roughly 250 grams depending on the size. That’s nearly nothing. When you put them on, you barely notice them. This lightweight nature comes from the fact that New Balance didn't overload it with heavy rubber on the outsole.
There is rubber there, specifically in the high-impact zones like the heel and the toe. But the middle section of the sole is exposed foam. This saves weight, but it’s also the one area where the shoe shows its "budget" roots. If you’re hiking on jagged rocks or rough trails, that exposed foam is going to get chewed up pretty fast. Keep these on the road or the treadmill, and they’ll last. Take them into the wilderness, and you’ll be buying a new pair by next month.
Sizing and Fit Realities
New Balance is famous for its widths. If you have wide feet, you probably already know this. The Arishi v4 usually comes in standard (D) and wide (4E) options.
Honestly, the standard D width is a bit snug. If you’re on the fence or if your feet swell throughout the day, go for the wide. The toe box is rounded, not pointed, which gives your toes some room to splay out. It’s a standard "New Balance fit"—reliable and predictable.
Performance on the Road
When you actually start moving, the Arishi v4 feels responsive. It’s "snappy." Because the foam isn't four inches thick, you still have some "ground feel." You know what you’re stepping on. Some people hate that; they want to feel like they’re walking on marshmallows. But if you like a shoe that feels connected to the ground, this is it.
The traction is solid on dry pavement. On wet tile or ice? Be careful. The rubber pods are good, but they aren't miracle workers.
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Why It Beats the Competition
When you compare this to something like the Nike Revolution or the Adidas Duramo, the Arishi v4 usually wins on the "feel" of the foam. Fresh Foam just has a more consistent density than the basic EVA foam used in other entry-level sneakers. It doesn't "bottom out" as quickly. "Bottoming out" is when the foam loses its air and turns into a hard pancake. The Arishi stays bouncy for a surprisingly long time.
Style and Aesthetics
We can't ignore the look. New Balance has pivoted from "dad shoe" to "fashion icon" over the last few years. The Arishi v4 reflects that. It has a clean, modern silhouette. The "N" logo is subtle. You can wear the black-on-black version to an office with a casual dress code and no one will blink. It doesn't look like a neon-colored spaceship, which is a big plus for a lot of guys.
The colorways are usually pretty grounded—blues, greys, blacks. It’s a mature look.
Common Misconceptions
People often assume "Fresh Foam" means "Max Cushion." It doesn't. New Balance has different tiers. The Fresh Foam 1080 is the max cushion king. The Arishi is the "light and fast" version. Don't buy the Arishi v4 expecting a 40mm stack height of foam. Buy it because you want a low-profile shoe that stays out of your way.
Another mistake? Thinking this is a stability shoe. It’s not. It’s a neutral shoe. If you have severe overpronation (your ankles roll inward significantly), you might find the Arishi v4 a bit too flexible. It doesn't have the hard plastic "medial post" that stability shoes use to keep your foot straight.
Sustainability Efforts
It's worth noting that New Balance is moving toward using more recycled content in their Fresh Foam. The Arishi v4 includes bio-based content in the midsole foam, which helps reduce the carbon footprint of production. It’s a small step, but in 2026, it’s something that actually matters to a lot of us.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
- Don't put them in the dryer. The heat will melt the glue holding the sole together.
- If they get muddy, use a soft toothbrush and some mild soap.
- Take the insoles out to dry if they get soaked in a rainstorm.
- Rotate them. If you wear the same pair every single day, the foam doesn't have time to "decompress" back to its original shape.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re looking to pick up a pair of the New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Arishi v4, follow this checklist to make sure you get the right fit and the right value:
- Check your width: If your current shoes feel tight on the sides of your pinky toes, search specifically for the "Wide" or "Extra Wide" version of the Arishi v4. New Balance is one of the few brands that actually does this right.
- Evaluate your mileage: If you are running more than 20 miles a week, consider using the Arishi v4 as a secondary shoe for shorter, faster runs and getting a more cushioned model like the Fresh Foam 880 for your long days.
- Inspect the "v": Make sure you are actually buying the v4. Retailers often keep the v3 on the shelves at a discount. While the v3 is okay, the v4 has a significantly updated mesh upper that is much more durable and breathable.
- Test the "Heel Lock": When you try them on, use the extra eyelet at the top of the laces (the "runner's loop") if you feel your heel slipping. The Arishi v4 has a slightly lower heel collar than some other models, and using that extra hole can provide a much more secure fit.
Ultimately, the Arishi v4 is a workhorse. It’s not flashy, it’s not overpriced, and it doesn't try to be something it’s not. It’s a solid, reliable piece of engineering for your feet. Whether you're heading to the gym or just trying to survive a long day on your feet, it’s a choice that your wallet and your knees will probably thank you for.