New Balance Rebel v4 Review: Worth the Money or Not?

Let’s be real: finding a running shoe that’s light, fast, and comfy is hard. That’s why we took the New Balance Rebel v4 and ran in them for two months. If you're wondering whether it's worth the $140, you’re in the right place.

Here’s the short answer: New Balance Rebel v4 is great for daily training and speed days. It’s light, bouncy, and breathable. But it’s not perfect — there are some real drawbacks we noticed after 50+ miles.

And we’re sharing them all here, no sugar-coating.

By the end of this New Balance Rebel v4 review, you’ll know exactly who should (and shouldn’t) buy these sneakers.

Key Points

• New Balance Rebel v4 is super lightweight, and it feels like you’re flying on your feet.

• The FuelCell foam is soft but still gives a nice bounce and stability.

• Your feet won’t overheat, thanks to the breezy upper.

• Works for all kinds of runs — from chill jogs to fast sessions.

• Comes in wide sizes, which is a big win for wider feet.

• Probably not the best pick for marathon distances or super long runs.

New Balance Rebel V4 Review: Our Experience

The New Balance Rebel v4 is a lightweight, responsive running shoe built for both speed and daily use. It weighs around 7.5 oz (men’s size 9). It offers soft yet springy cushioning with FuelCell foam. Plus, it breathes well, fits comfortably (even in wide sizes), and is priced fairly.

It’s ideal for runners looking for comfort, speed, and versatility in one shoe.

Here’s the New Balance Rebel v4 review table:

Now, let’s look at all the pros of the New Balance Rebel v4:

Lightweight Design: Feels Like Nothing’s on Your Feet

When a shoe comes in under 8 ounces, that’s a good sign. The Rebel v4 hits around 7.5 oz in men’s size 9, and that’s a big plus. You don’t feel like you’re dragging anything behind you.

We noticed it right away.

On our first run in these, it almost felt like we were running in racing flats. That’s rare. Most shoes this light cut corners on support or comfort, but New Balance nailed the balance here.

We also tested it in a variety of runs: slow warm-ups, interval sessions, and a long 12-miler. In all of them, the shoe felt the same — light and breezy.

If you’re interested in finding out more, this guide is for you: Are New Balance shoes good for running?

Responsive Midsole: That FuelCell Bounce is Real

FuelCell is New Balance’s signature midsole foam, and in the Rebel v4, it got a serious upgrade. They’ve blended PEBA and EVA foams together, and you can feel it. It’s soft when you land.

We took this out for a 5K tempo session, and it just wanted to go. Every step gave us a bit of a spring.

One of our runners used it during a 10K race and said, “It felt like cheating, like I didn’t have to work as hard.” That’s the kind of feedback we love to hear. We also noticed it stayed comfy even after 8+ miles. So it's not just a short-run shoe. It can go long if you want it to.

Wide Platform for Stability: Solid Feel at Every Step

Let’s talk about the base of this shoe: it’s wide, and that’s a good thing. Some lightweight shoes can feel tippy, like your foot might roll if you land wrong. But the Rebel v4 isn’t one of them. The wider platform gives your foot a stable place to land, even at weird angles.

This stability also helps if you’re someone who overpronates a bit or has a less-than-perfect stride (which, honestly, most of us do). Even though this isn’t a “stability shoe,” it still supports you well.

One of our testers has had ankle issues before, and he said this was the first light shoe that didn’t flare things up. That’s huge.

Breathable Upper: No More Overheated Feet

The upper on the Rebel v4 is made of engineered mesh, and it works. Our first run was on a hot day — 82°F with full sun. Normally, our socks would be soaked. But with this shoe, our feet stayed surprisingly cool and dry.

The airflow is real. You can actually feel it during the run. And that matters, especially if you live somewhere warm or do lots of summer training. Wet, sweaty feet cause blisters, but these shoes help prevent that.

Versatile Usage: One Shoe, So Many Runs

The Rebel v4 isn’t just a speed shoe. And it’s not just for recovery runs either. It actually works great for almost anything.

We used it for everything: easy runs, tempo efforts, strides, long runs, and even a half-marathon race. It handled all of them. That’s not common. Most shoes are either too soft for fast stuff or too harsh for long runs. The Rebel v4 is right in the middle.

On recovery days, it felt plush enough that our legs didn’t hate us. The FuelCell foam soaked up the impact. But when we picked up the pace? It came alive. It didn’t feel mushy. It had that bounce.

Available in Wide Sizes: Real Comfort for Wider Feet

Good news: New Balance actually gives you a wide option in the Rebel v4. The wide size isn’t just wider up front. The whole platform feels a bit more roomy, but still locks in well at the heel.

Also, the engineered mesh upper has a little give. It adapts to your foot instead of fighting it.

We’ve tried other shoes that only come in regular widths, and it’s frustrating. So the fact that New Balance gives options here? Big win.

Affordable Price Point: High Tech Without the High Price

Running shoes can get expensive fast. Some go way over $200 now. But the Rebel v4 comes in at around $140, and that’s awesome (especially for what you’re getting).

You’re getting a dual-foam midsole with PEBA, which is used in some of the most elite race shoes. You’re getting a breathable upper that fits like a sock. You’re getting a shoe that can do almost every type of run. All for way less than most “super shoes” or high-end trainers.

Plus, we think it’ll last. After 60 miles in one pair, the outsole barely showed wear. The foam still felt lively, too.

Let’s be honest — $140 isn’t cheap. But in today’s market, it’s a great deal for a shoe this good.

Problems With the New Balance Rebel V4

The New Balance Rebel v4 isn’t perfect. Some runners report heel slippage due to less secure lockdown. Durability can be an issue, especially for heel strikers. It may not have enough cushion for long-distance runs.

That’s not all.

The fit might feel too wide for narrow feet, and the energy return isn’t as sharp as carbon-plated shoes.

Heel Lockdown Issues: The Back Doesn’t Always Hold

The Rebel v4 fits well up front and across the midfoot, but the heel area can feel a bit loose. If you're running easily, it’s not too bad. But when you’re going fast or making sharp turns? It can get annoying.

We tried doubling socks, tightening the laces, and using heel lock lacing — all helped a little. But none of it fully fixed the issue for everyone.

Durability Concerns: Foam Shows Wear Fast

The midsole foam in the Rebel v4 feels amazing underfoot. But that soft feel comes at a price. After around 50 miles, we started noticing visible wear on the outer edges. This is especially true if you're a heel striker.

The thing is — this isn’t a shoe built to be indestructible. It's built to feel light and fast. That tradeoff is common. But if you're spending $140, it’s fair to expect a bit more lifespan.

Less Suitable for Long Distances: Cushion Isn’t Enough

While the FuelCell midsole is fun and bouncy, some of us felt it wasn’t enough for really long runs. We’re talking marathon distance and beyond. Anything over 13 miles started to feel a little flat.

One of our testers did a 20-mile training run in these. The first 10 felt amazing. But after that? He said the cushion just didn’t hold up. His feet started feeling beat up around mile 14, and by the end, his legs felt way more tired than usual.

Fit May Be Too Wide for Some: Not Everyone Loves the Room

We praised the wide fit earlier because it’s great for people with broader feet. But here’s the flip side: it might feel too roomy for runners with narrow or low-volume feet.

One runner on our team has a narrow foot and usually loves snug shoes. He found the Rebel v4 a bit too open, especially in the forefoot. Even with thicker socks and cranking down the laces, he still felt some sliding inside the shoe.

It’s not sloppy, but if you’re used to that tight, race-day fit, this might feel “off.” There’s a bit more space up front, and while that’s comfy for some, it can feel imprecise for others. Especially during speed sessions or sharp turns.

For more info, read: Do New Balance Shoes Fit True to Size?

New Balance Rebel V4 Reviews

If you're wondering whether the New Balance Rebel v4 is actually worth buying, here's the honest answer: it's one of the best lightweight daily trainers out right now. But it’s not perfect, either.

A lot of runners say they love how light it feels. "It’s like wearing a pair of socks with wings," laughs Sarah from New York. "I feel faster every time I put them on."

Comfort is another thing people keep talking about. The upper is soft and breathable, and the toe box feels nice and roomy. "My feet don’t feel cramped at all," says Jason from Seattle. "I finally found a shoe that doesn’t squish my toes."

People are also happy about the price. At around 140 dollars, the Rebel v4 gives you a lot of performance without being too expensive. "I was honestly surprised by how much shoe I got for the money," says Aisha from Boston. "I feel like I’m getting a race-day shoe for daily training."

There are a couple of things runners have mentioned, though. Some people wish the heel felt a bit more secure. "I love the shoe, but the heel feels a little loose sometimes," says Mike, who runs a lot of 5K races. "It’s not a dealbreaker, but just something to know."

A few runners also noticed that the midsole loses some of its bounce after a lot of miles. "It felt great out of the box, but after a few months, it’s not as springy," says Lauren, who uses them for everyday runs.

Overall, runners are excited about the New Balance Rebel v4.

New Balance Rebel V4 vs Others

The Rebel v4 holds up strong, but how does it stack against the rest? Here's a quick look:

Conclusion: So, Should You Get the New Balance Rebel v4?

New Balance Rebel v4 is a great choice for you if you prefer lightweight shoes. It’s light, fast, and fun to run in. It works great for tempo runs, short races, and everyday miles.

However, heel lockdown and long-run comfort could be better. But at $140, it’s honestly a great deal for what you get.

Overall, we think the New Balance Rebel v4 is one of the most exciting daily trainers of 2025.

Let’s be real: finding a running shoe that’s light, fast, and comfy is hard. That’s why we took the New Balance Rebel v4 and ran in them for two months. If you're wondering whether it's worth the $140, you’re in the right place.

Here’s the short answer: New Balance Rebel v4 is great for daily training and speed days. It’s light, bouncy, and breathable. But it’s not perfect — there are some real drawbacks we noticed after 50+ miles.

And we’re sharing them all here, no sugar-coating.

By the end of this New Balance Rebel v4 review, you’ll know exactly who should (and shouldn’t) buy these sneakers.

Key Points

• New Balance Rebel v4 is super lightweight, and it feels like you’re flying on your feet.

• The FuelCell foam is soft but still gives a nice bounce and stability.

• Your feet won’t overheat, thanks to the breezy upper.

• Works for all kinds of runs — from chill jogs to fast sessions.

• Comes in wide sizes, which is a big win for wider feet.

• Probably not the best pick for marathon distances or super long runs.

New Balance Rebel V4 Review: Our Experience

The New Balance Rebel v4 is a lightweight, responsive running shoe built for both speed and daily use. It weighs around 7.5 oz (men’s size 9). It offers soft yet springy cushioning with FuelCell foam. Plus, it breathes well, fits comfortably (even in wide sizes), and is priced fairly.

It’s ideal for runners looking for comfort, speed, and versatility in one shoe.

Here’s the New Balance Rebel v4 review table:

Now, let’s look at all the pros of the New Balance Rebel v4:

Lightweight Design: Feels Like Nothing’s on Your Feet

When a shoe comes in under 8 ounces, that’s a good sign. The Rebel v4 hits around 7.5 oz in men’s size 9, and that’s a big plus. You don’t feel like you’re dragging anything behind you.

We noticed it right away.

On our first run in these, it almost felt like we were running in racing flats. That’s rare. Most shoes this light cut corners on support or comfort, but New Balance nailed the balance here.

We also tested it in a variety of runs: slow warm-ups, interval sessions, and a long 12-miler. In all of them, the shoe felt the same — light and breezy.

If you’re interested in finding out more, this guide is for you: Are New Balance shoes good for running?

Responsive Midsole: That FuelCell Bounce is Real

FuelCell is New Balance’s signature midsole foam, and in the Rebel v4, it got a serious upgrade. They’ve blended PEBA and EVA foams together, and you can feel it. It’s soft when you land.

We took this out for a 5K tempo session, and it just wanted to go. Every step gave us a bit of a spring.

One of our runners used it during a 10K race and said, “It felt like cheating, like I didn’t have to work as hard.” That’s the kind of feedback we love to hear. We also noticed it stayed comfy even after 8+ miles. So it's not just a short-run shoe. It can go long if you want it to.

Wide Platform for Stability: Solid Feel at Every Step

Let’s talk about the base of this shoe: it’s wide, and that’s a good thing. Some lightweight shoes can feel tippy, like your foot might roll if you land wrong. But the Rebel v4 isn’t one of them. The wider platform gives your foot a stable place to land, even at weird angles.

This stability also helps if you’re someone who overpronates a bit or has a less-than-perfect stride (which, honestly, most of us do). Even though this isn’t a “stability shoe,” it still supports you well.

One of our testers has had ankle issues before, and he said this was the first light shoe that didn’t flare things up. That’s huge.

Breathable Upper: No More Overheated Feet

The upper on the Rebel v4 is made of engineered mesh, and it works. Our first run was on a hot day — 82°F with full sun. Normally, our socks would be soaked. But with this shoe, our feet stayed surprisingly cool and dry.

The airflow is real. You can actually feel it during the run. And that matters, especially if you live somewhere warm or do lots of summer training. Wet, sweaty feet cause blisters, but these shoes help prevent that.

Versatile Usage: One Shoe, So Many Runs

The Rebel v4 isn’t just a speed shoe. And it’s not just for recovery runs either. It actually works great for almost anything.

We used it for everything: easy runs, tempo efforts, strides, long runs, and even a half-marathon race. It handled all of them. That’s not common. Most shoes are either too soft for fast stuff or too harsh for long runs. The Rebel v4 is right in the middle.

On recovery days, it felt plush enough that our legs didn’t hate us. The FuelCell foam soaked up the impact. But when we picked up the pace? It came alive. It didn’t feel mushy. It had that bounce.

Available in Wide Sizes: Real Comfort for Wider Feet

Good news: New Balance actually gives you a wide option in the Rebel v4. The wide size isn’t just wider up front. The whole platform feels a bit more roomy, but still locks in well at the heel.

Also, the engineered mesh upper has a little give. It adapts to your foot instead of fighting it.

We’ve tried other shoes that only come in regular widths, and it’s frustrating. So the fact that New Balance gives options here? Big win.

Affordable Price Point: High Tech Without the High Price

Running shoes can get expensive fast. Some go way over $200 now. But the Rebel v4 comes in at around $140, and that’s awesome (especially for what you’re getting).

You’re getting a dual-foam midsole with PEBA, which is used in some of the most elite race shoes. You’re getting a breathable upper that fits like a sock. You’re getting a shoe that can do almost every type of run. All for way less than most “super shoes” or high-end trainers.

Plus, we think it’ll last. After 60 miles in one pair, the outsole barely showed wear. The foam still felt lively, too.

Let’s be honest — $140 isn’t cheap. But in today’s market, it’s a great deal for a shoe this good.

Problems With the New Balance Rebel V4

The New Balance Rebel v4 isn’t perfect. Some runners report heel slippage due to less secure lockdown. Durability can be an issue, especially for heel strikers. It may not have enough cushion for long-distance runs.

That’s not all.

The fit might feel too wide for narrow feet, and the energy return isn’t as sharp as carbon-plated shoes.

Heel Lockdown Issues: The Back Doesn’t Always Hold

The Rebel v4 fits well up front and across the midfoot, but the heel area can feel a bit loose. If you're running easily, it’s not too bad. But when you’re going fast or making sharp turns? It can get annoying.

We tried doubling socks, tightening the laces, and using heel lock lacing — all helped a little. But none of it fully fixed the issue for everyone.

Durability Concerns: Foam Shows Wear Fast

The midsole foam in the Rebel v4 feels amazing underfoot. But that soft feel comes at a price. After around 50 miles, we started noticing visible wear on the outer edges. This is especially true if you're a heel striker.

The thing is — this isn’t a shoe built to be indestructible. It's built to feel light and fast. That tradeoff is common. But if you're spending $140, it’s fair to expect a bit more lifespan.

Less Suitable for Long Distances: Cushion Isn’t Enough

While the FuelCell midsole is fun and bouncy, some of us felt it wasn’t enough for really long runs. We’re talking marathon distance and beyond. Anything over 13 miles started to feel a little flat.

One of our testers did a 20-mile training run in these. The first 10 felt amazing. But after that? He said the cushion just didn’t hold up. His feet started feeling beat up around mile 14, and by the end, his legs felt way more tired than usual.

Fit May Be Too Wide for Some: Not Everyone Loves the Room

We praised the wide fit earlier because it’s great for people with broader feet. But here’s the flip side: it might feel too roomy for runners with narrow or low-volume feet.

One runner on our team has a narrow foot and usually loves snug shoes. He found the Rebel v4 a bit too open, especially in the forefoot. Even with thicker socks and cranking down the laces, he still felt some sliding inside the shoe.

It’s not sloppy, but if you’re used to that tight, race-day fit, this might feel “off.” There’s a bit more space up front, and while that’s comfy for some, it can feel imprecise for others. Especially during speed sessions or sharp turns.

For more info, read: Do New Balance Shoes Fit True to Size?

New Balance Rebel V4 Reviews

If you're wondering whether the New Balance Rebel v4 is actually worth buying, here's the honest answer: it's one of the best lightweight daily trainers out right now. But it’s not perfect, either.

A lot of runners say they love how light it feels. "It’s like wearing a pair of socks with wings," laughs Sarah from New York. "I feel faster every time I put them on."

Comfort is another thing people keep talking about. The upper is soft and breathable, and the toe box feels nice and roomy. "My feet don’t feel cramped at all," says Jason from Seattle. "I finally found a shoe that doesn’t squish my toes."

People are also happy about the price. At around 140 dollars, the Rebel v4 gives you a lot of performance without being too expensive. "I was honestly surprised by how much shoe I got for the money," says Aisha from Boston. "I feel like I’m getting a race-day shoe for daily training."

There are a couple of things runners have mentioned, though. Some people wish the heel felt a bit more secure. "I love the shoe, but the heel feels a little loose sometimes," says Mike, who runs a lot of 5K races. "It’s not a dealbreaker, but just something to know."

A few runners also noticed that the midsole loses some of its bounce after a lot of miles. "It felt great out of the box, but after a few months, it’s not as springy," says Lauren, who uses them for everyday runs.

Overall, runners are excited about the New Balance Rebel v4.

New Balance Rebel V4 vs Others

The Rebel v4 holds up strong, but how does it stack against the rest? Here's a quick look:

Conclusion: So, Should You Get the New Balance Rebel v4?

New Balance Rebel v4 is a great choice for you if you prefer lightweight shoes. It’s light, fast, and fun to run in. It works great for tempo runs, short races, and everyday miles.

However, heel lockdown and long-run comfort could be better. But at $140, it’s honestly a great deal for what you get.

Overall, we think the New Balance Rebel v4 is one of the most exciting daily trainers of 2025.