Shoe Review: New Balance 890v4

I recently wrote a review of the New Balance 890v4 for Gear Institute I wanted to share. 

 

The Good:

- Responsiveness of a lightweight racing shoe with the cushioning of a daily trainer - Extremely lightweight (8.5oz) for the level of cushioning

- Durable – able to withstand higher mileage (400+ miles) before breaking down as compared with other shoes with a similar weight

- Seamless (no-sew) upper fits like a glove, hugging your feet

 

The Bad:

- The low cut around the ankle and over-padded tongue and rear heel support feels odd at first

- Medium toe-box fit may not be suitable for runners with wide feet

- Limit to smooth surfaces – Soft forefoot isn’t suitable for trail or gravel roads

 

The Verdict

This shoe has a place in every runner’s closet. It’s fast, cushioned and durable. Its perfect for recreational runners looking to shed a few ounces in hopes of faster race times yet require more cushioning and support then the typical lightweight-racing shoe (i.e. New Balance 1400). For the experienced runner, the 890v4 is a bit bulky and isn’t light enough for fast intervals or races, but is a perfect shoe for runs ranging from extended tempos to progressive long runs. All runners will appreciate the durability of the 890v4, giving it a longer lifespan then other shoes with similar weight.

 

Full Review

New Balance did a fantastic job with the 890v4. Despite at first the shoe feels and looks a bit awkward, mainly because of its over-padded tongue and heel support and low cut around the ankle, the shoe is quickly becoming a favorite.

 

Classified as a neutral shoe, the 890v4 is somewhat of a hybrid that fits a niche nicely between a daily trainer and a lightweight-racing shoe. New Balance uses their super light and durable REVlight foam to provide enough cushioning for mid-foot and heel strikers while maintaining a fast responsive shoe. At a 8mm heel drop, the 890 v4 will feel best with mid-foot strikers, but is moderate enough for all types of strikers.

 

The shoe rides very soft on the forefoot and cushioned on the heel. New Balance uses their ABZORB crash pad for heel cushioning and support, which may seem a bit bulky for some. While the soft forefoot is responsive its also highly sensitive so you’ll want to limit this shoe to road or smooth surfaces.

 

A few changes from the 890v3 helped upgrade the 890v4, including completely redesigning the upper with New Balance’s FathomFit, a completely seamless upper for a more comfortable feel, especially for sockless runners. Other welcomed changes included widening the toe box (I still wouldn’t recommend this shoe for runners with wide feet) and reducing the weight by 11% to 8.5oz.

 

Overall, I’m very happy. The New Balance 890v4’s can be worn to fulfill numerous purposes; a daily trainer, a lightweight workout shoe or even a more cushioned racing shoe for the recreational runner.

Please reload

About

Take your running to the next level and run faster, stronger and longer. Offering affordable highly customized online running coaching services for all ablities. Our personal attention, guaranteed response times and client improvement rate sets us apart from other running coaches. Learn more

Stay Connected
Top Posts

New Nutrition Timing Guidelines

Do You Really Need to Cross Train?

The Art of Pacing: How to Master It

8 Final Tips for Marathon Day

Strategies to Help You Deal With A Training Setback

Practice Makes Perfect: Nail Your Race-day Fueling

Three Things Your Paper Training Plan Won’t Tell You About Marathon Training

2 Ways To Alter Your Long Run For Better Results

The One Thing Every New Runner Does Wrong. Why Slow Runs Matter

The One Skill to Practice Now for a Stronger Race Day

Why Slow Running Will Help You Faster

Please reload

More Articles

Road to C.I.M - 8 Weeks till Race Day

November 7, 2017

Athlete Profile: Carrie Hines

November 2, 2017

8 Final Tips for Marathon Day

November 2, 2017

Athlete Profile - Bruce Hammond

October 27, 2017

Strategies to Help You Deal With A Training Setback

October 25, 2017

Athlete Profile: Rolando Bonilla

October 21, 2017

Practice Makes Perfect: Nail Your Race-day Fueling

October 21, 2017

Athlete Profile: Kelle Farris

October 21, 2017

Road to C.I.M - 13 Weeks till Race Day

September 12, 2017

Athlete Profile: Chris Lewis

September 8, 2017

How to Practice Your Goal Race Pace Before Race Day

September 5, 2017

Road to C.I.M - Intro

September 5, 2017

Athlete Profile: Yann Le Maitre

August 28, 2017

The One Skill to Practice Now for a Stronger Race Day

August 19, 2017

Athlete Profile - Patty Swanger

February 12, 2018

New Nutrition Timing Guidelines

February 11, 2018

Athlete Profile - Laura Bee

January 15, 2018

Q & A: Featuring Cory Smith, Founder & President of Run Your Personal Best – Part One

January 9, 2018

Do You Really Need to Cross Train?

January 9, 2018

How Find The Perfect Elliptical Machine

December 22, 2017

Athlete Profile: Bill Bailey

December 22, 2017

The Art of Pacing: How to Master It

December 22, 2017

1/4
Please reload

Online Running Coach
Online Running Coach
Online Running Coach
  • HOME

  • ABOUT

  • COACHING

  • RESOURCES

  • ARTICLES

  • CONTACT

  • More

    About

    Articles

    Difference 

    Coach

    Clients

    Coaching Options

    Running Coach, Online Running Coach, Philadelphia Running Coach, Santa Barbara Running Coach, LA Running Coach, Baltimore Running Coach

    Offering affordable daily monitored online running coaching and tailor-made training plans for runners of all abilities. Unlimited contact with full-time coaches and one-to-one personal attention provides accountability for a faster and fitter you.

    Santa Barbara Running Coach, Baltimore Running Coach, LA Running Coach, Philadelphia Running Coach

    2019 Run Your Personal Best, LLC

    Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

    Connect

    Santa Barbara Running Coach, Baltimore Running Coach, LA Running Coach, Philadelphia Running Coach
    Santa Barbara Running Coach, Baltimore Running Coach, LA Running Coach, Philadelphia Running Coach
    Santa Barbara Running Coach, Baltimore Running Coach, LA Running Coach, Philadelphia Running Coach
    Santa Barbara Running Coach, Baltimore Running Coach, LA Running Coach, Philadelphia Running Coach

    Contact