New Balance 870 v4

Editor rating: 9.2 / 10

User's rating: based on 62 user ratings

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By Kristin R.

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New Balance 870 v4 Review Facts

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New Balance offers shoes in three different categories: ADAPT (the softest rides like the FRESH Foam line fit here), UNLEASH (which includes responsive, swift kicks like the VAZEE), and COMMIT (encompasses the high mileage daily trainers, AKA NBx Collection). This COMMIT series, or NBx Collection, is where the 870 v4 resides. It’s intended as a daily roadrunner that is relatively lightweight and can go the distance.

New Balance has created a system of defining parameters in their given shoe models. In the 870 series, the 8 in the hundredths place implies a moderate amount of cushioning, while the 70 signifies light stability (just under neutral). This fourth installment of the New Balance 870 is in keeping with this system. While it is still a road runner and encompasses all the features its fans have come to love in its past 3 models, v4 sports a few upgrades. Now featuring a welded seamless TPU overlay in the upper, a lighter underfoot foam, an asymmetrical heel counter, and a different design in the forefoot for more efficient toe-off, the new incarnation just seems to keep improving on the base model. Its improved flexibility and the upper’s now snugger fit lend themselves to a shoe that feels secure and fast letting runners feel confident for daily training like long slow distance runs or even speed work. The New Balance 870 v4 is reported to have accolades for being among the best in the stability training category.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

Markedly improve flexibility
Comes with a lighter weight
Easy on the pocketbook
Available in modern color blends

Cons

Too narrow for comfort
Lacks sufficient arch support

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What are buyers saying?

We have spent 3.0 hours analyzing a total of 610 reviews.

These reviews are then categoried into "Positive" and "Negative" feedback.

Below you will read a summary of them:

Positive

I needed a shoe with superb arch support so i tried these, the arch support is great and this shoe helps me so much with my pronation, the shoe traction is very good on trails, I use this shoe for long walks and running, the shoe has enough felxibility and I love the breath level in the uppers. I'm staying with these for as long as they are made.
I found support to be excellent, the best I have had so far, I tend to pronate and this is exactly the shoe I needed for putting this problem to bed. I have wide toes and bunions and the fit and relief from these shoes has amazed me, I do suggest doing as I did and going half a size higher, the shoe has such a nice supportive fit.
I have bad pronation and resulting bunions, so I needed a shoe that helps with pronation and puts up good arch support, these are great, even better than I expected. I'm out on the trails regularly and love the traction from this shoe.
Best running and walking shoes that I have tried, these are comfortable, bags of arch support fantastic on trails with grippy traction no matter how wet the weather. Stability and cushioning are high standard. I do have heel issues and found the heel area in this shoe more than enough for support.
I found these shoes because I have multiple issues when looking for fit, did have to size up by a half but in return I get super accurate fit, lots of support, very comfortable, nice level of ventilation for my feet and the best arch support ever.
I can say after trying this if you do supponate while running then these are the shoes which will sort out this problem, very supportive in the arch, nice balance, foot width is good, bang on stability and serious grip for trails, highly suggest you try these
Every time I look for shoes I run into width problems ,it get harder and more difficult to find shoes for myself. I also need enough toe box space but not too wide in the heels. These shoes did it for me, lovely fit, lots of strong comfortable support and traction is truly impressive.
I always get a ton of big trouble for finding shoes which fit properly for me because of very big and overly wide feet, so I took a chance and ordered size 11D and when they arrived I was delighted to find that these fit me, total comfort, great support and the arch support truly impressive, fantastic shoe.
What I like is that these do not run smaller, constantly comfortable, the support is the best, arch support for my feet is spot on target, the shoe is light but durable, I use it for all sports, walking and running on trail.
I wanted more stability and so I tried these, got the stability and was amazed how light the shoes are, can run in these for hours and no issues at all, the cushion level works for my feet and the needed support is their all the time.

Negative

The sizing is confusing, it was ok before now it has changed, I ordered, they did not fit, I sent back got a half size up and still the fit is off. I so much wanted to use these shoes because I have pronation but these wont help me out.
Even with the wider options available with this shoe I can’t get a size to Fit, I’m not sure what going on with sizing but it really is confusing. Tried on a few pairs, they have become so narrow. I do over pronate and I want this type of she but can’;t find the size
I got these because of pronation problems, yet, the shoe runs narrow and though the support is perfect the width gives me problems which cause a lot of stopping and resting, the shoe is ok but not for me
I wanted arch support and tried this shoe and I found that arch support was perfect but not the width, I’m looking at other shoes with this brand to try get something wider but still with good arch support.

9.2

Outsole

The outsole of the New Balance 870 v4 benefits from a blown rubber that reduces the weight of the shoe and provides added comfort. This sole creates a wider base with nubs to improve traction and stability. Specialized proprietary N-rubber strategically placed on the lateral side of the shoe from heel to midfoot creates an extra barrier in areas prone to wear and tear.

Midsole

The midsole benefits from the combination of two technologies: REVlite and ABZORB. Both act to create a softer more responsive landing. The REVlite is a lightweight cushioned foam that blankets the ABZORB crash pad that incorporates durable rubber and foam for better shock absorption for comfort and helping to keep injuries at bay. Running from midfoot to heel for added arch support and stability is a medial post in the form of a high-density foam. These components - working together - provide an impressive feel of security, comfort, and responsiveness. And while some feel the cushioning is a firm touch, it still offers shock resistance and performance more than adequately for most.

Upper

One of the updates to the previous installment of the 870 series is the recreation of the upper. Now, the breathable synthetic air mesh upper features TPU no-sew welded overlays for better security of fit. Also featuring the FANTOM FIT interior, the shoe wraps the foot snugly for a solid fit but retains flexibility and comfort. Incorporating an asymmetrical heel counter aims to assist with stability and the Ortholite sockliner creates an antimicrobial shield for feet.

Weight

Considered a lighter weight shoe, the 870 v4 is adeptly suited for less fatigue on those longer runs. The lighter weight tends to be a more unique feature for a shoe for even slight overpronation as many are heavier and filled with stability features. Thankfully, for most, the minimal approach to helping prevent inward rolling is not overwhelming to the overall feel of the shoe. The men's shoes weigh in at 9. oz while the women's is a 7.7oz.

Breathability

One of the updates from the v3 of the 870 is an improved breathable mesh upper in that it's mesh weave is more open and allows for better ventilation. Most wearers are very pleased with how well this upgrade allows air to circulate despite the Fantom Fit underlayer liner inside. The air mesh was deemed to drain well and keep feet fresh.

Comfort

Some find New Balance shoes to run narrow but the company tends to create shoes for various widths. The 870 v4 has been remarked to have considerably narrowed since its inception as well it is available in standard and multiple wider sizes. While some were still unable to wear the 870v4 because of its thinner feel, many were able to find a size that worked for them. Sporting a comfortably padded tongue and collar, the shoe still feels roomy enough in the forefoot with a little more snugness in the heel. The tighter heel fit is also a result of the heel cup meant to lock your foot in place and the asymmetrical heel counter that aims to reduce rolling after heelstrike and improve stability. The Fantom Fit wrap inside the upper also helps anchor the foot in place creating a tighter fit as well. Most appreciated the wider toe box for its more natural toe splay and it also helped with keeping air moving over the toes. Ideal for accommodating larger forefeet and bunions, this was a noted well-like feature. The midsole foam is light and comfortable enough for most to like it but it is considered far from cushy. Interestingly, some felt that the men's shoe had a firmer cushioning base at the heel but that the women's felt soft and well cushioned.

Style

Most are pleased with the overall appearance of the fourth remodel of the 870 series. Not only does it perform well but its modern color blends and the classic styling of the New Balance logo seem to radiate confidence. The men's kicks are available in Grey/Yellow, Blue/Yellow, and Grey/Orange while women can step out in Blue/White, Grey/Purple, Blue/Purple and White/Cerise. The showcased logo is designed with a color gradient making it appear metallic and is in high profile on the sides of the shoe. Reflective detailing makes for added visibility for those pre-dawn or evening runs.

Durability

While receiving mostly positive feedback, there were some wearers that had issues with breakdown of the sole that was not due to usual wear and tear. The blown rubber outsole includes strategic placement of proprietary New Balance rubber to protect against traditional underfoot wear and provide longer life. There were minimal concerns over tearing of the air mesh upper but the majority of reviews are favorable in this area. Overarchingly it seems, many felt this is a shoe that can, not only go through the paces, it can go the distance as well.

Protection

The newest update to the 870 series sports a change to the upper in the form of a TPU welded overlay. This helps protect the foot not only from debris but also because it locks it in place, it helps to reduce the chance of slippage inside the shoe that could cause injury. To the surprise of some, this change really did not create inflexibility as one might have suspected. The synthetic air mesh provides moisture control for feet preventing uncomfortable conditions as well as alleviating concern over chafing or blisters. Underfoot, protection is provided by the durable blown rubber outsole and the asymmetrical heel counter protects the foot from inward roll after impact reducing the chance of injury.

Responsiveness

The New Balance 870 v4 seems to be a good shoe that can handle just about anything moderately well. It's lightweight nature and it's not overwhelming use of stability features helps create a shoe that can react to the road and keep you moving forward. Each heel strike is cushioned by the Abzorb® crash pad and the REVlite midsole offers just the right amount of cushion to allow for good responsiveness. In addition, the forefoot is enhanced with a toe spring as well for a more effective toe-off. These features working in concert allow for a more confident, responsive, and faster feel.

Support

The 870v4 benefits from a durable but modestly cushioned sole unit with an outsole comprised of blown rubber and the midsole incorporating responsive foam cushioining. Some observed that the forefoot of the women's shoe tends to offer a bit more cushion but that both genders will feel supported underfoot. With the Abzorb heel and asymmetrical heel counter the rear of the foot also feels supported. Some felt that the 870 v4 was lacking proper arch support but still others feel that, for a slight overpronator, this support was ideal.

Terrain

The New Balance 870 v4 is intended to be a road runner. Some found it to perform well on crushed stone or gravel as well but where it shines is on a flat surface. most report being pleased with the feel as they moved on these various flat surafces. Be it asphalt, the track, or a treadmill, this shoe will have you accomplishing your running goals in confidence.

Price

Debuting at a reasonable cost compared to other similar shoes, the New Balance 870 v4 seems to take the cake. For all it is good at, its price point appealed to many. With its time on the market and a considerable drop in price, this shoe is a good buy.

Traction

The solid amount of ground contact the 870 v4 provides creates a good basis for traction. Add on to that the flex grooves inserted in the larger rubber pods of the sole unit and most are taken with its grip. It is a road shoe and not intended for trail use or on challenging terrain. And when used on road and flat surfaces mainly, the durable rubber outsole and the areas where N-Rubber is incorporated allow for a smooth and comfortable ride. It does decently in slippery conditions too. Traction is an area that the 870 v4 seems to do "just right" as well.

Flexibility

While it seems to have less flexibility than its predecessor, with an air mesh upper with TPU welded overlays, this shoe retains much flexibility. It features flex grooves in the forefoot of the sole to this end as well. Even the insertion of a medial post for stability and durable blown rubber in the sole unit, runners feel confident in the ability to maneuver on the go.

Stability

Runners who need stability shoes tend to experience shin splints, knee pain, and plantar fasciitis if they are not wearing a shoe that secures the foot properly. The New Balance 870 v4 provides just the right amount of stability for mild to moderate overpronators without being an overwhelming stability shoe. The most notable offering to prevent inward rolling of the foot - is the medial post which is strategically placed cutout for improved flexibility and a more seamless transition. This addition created the effect of being "just under" neutral stability and it seems to please most runners that fall in this category. Providing a good amount ground contact, runners should benefit from a stable and smooth ride. While a narrower shoe, some reported that 870v4 features a slightly wider base for extra stability.

Drop

With a heel at 27mm off the ground and the forefoot at 19 mm (for both men's and women's models), the drop for this shoe measures a moderate 8mm. Most are pleased by how comfortable this shoe feels and find the drop perfectly in keeping with stability. This drop height also alleviated concern over heel or toe pain or injury as it felt evenly balanced and swift.

Key Features

- A road running shoe
- The model is lightweight and responsive
- The shoe is also offered in multiple widths to aim to accommodate all runners
- People were especially pleased with the wider toe box
- Functions well as a daily trainer and can handle speed work as well
- Features stylish upgrade over the 870 v3

Bottom Line

It's been established that the consensus seems to be that the New Balance 870v4 would be Goldilock's ideal shoe. Not too hard or too soft or too heavy or too light, it seems to be "just right" in most regards. With a new lower price tag, and even at its original cost, many would say this is a shoe worth every penny. If your feet find the comfort they need in the width of this shoe, it is a must try.