New Balance 608 v4 review
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all training shoes.
This shoe has a 7% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn moreVerdict from 2 experts & 100+ users
Pros
- Has wide-width variants
- Snug fit
- Sufficient support
- Appealing design
- Lightweight
- Doubles as casual wear
- Sturdy built
Cons
- Durability issues
- Inadequate cushioning
- Lengthy laces














86% say it's true to size.
Rankings
- Top 16% in training shoes
- Top 6% in New Balance training shoes
Comparison to similar training shoes
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Who should buy the New Balance 608 v4
The New Balance 608 v4 is a cross-training shoe designed to deliver stability and comfort. It is a solid choice if:
- You have a wide foot profile.
- You are looking for a shoe suitable for everyday use in addition to gym workouts.
Enhanced outsole traction
The New Balance 608 v4 employs a non-marking outsole that does not leave streaks on gym, studio or indoor court floors. The rubber compound is durable and flexible to accommodate the natural bending of the foot. It extends to the front of the shoe and serves to protect the toe area against abrasions.
Flex grooves are found in the forefoot area. They add flexibility to the sole unit while the tread pattern increases the surface area to enhance traction of the rubber.
Full-length supportive base
The New Balance 608 v4 employs two technologies to deliver cushioning, the IMEVA and the ABZORB. The IMEVA is firm but has enough flexibility to accommodate the natural bending of the metatarsals.
As for the ABZORB, it is a proprietary foam-based polymer that distributes the force from the point of impact and decreases the shock felt by the lower extremities. This full-length material works in conjunction with the IMEVA to deliver a supportive and comfortable base.
The shoe also utilizes an EVA foam footbed. This material serves to cushion the impact as well as keeping the foot comfortable. EVA is lightweight, resilient and durable.
In between the midsole and the footbed is an internal shank. It reinforces the arch area, making sure that the bending occurs in the forefoot area. This structure prevents injuries or pain in the middle of the foot.
Breathable upper
The shoe uses leather as the primary material to deliver structured support in the upper unit. The breathability and heat dissipation are ensured by the perforations and the mesh tongue.
Anti-irritation collar
The collar features two foam structures for different purposes. The foam that comes in contact with the ankle is soft to prevent irritation while the other one is firmer and serves to support the ankle.
Snug lacing system
The traditional lace-up closure uses round laces pass to keep the foot securely inside. The plush tongue has a slot on top of it where the laces are threaded and prevents it from moving out of place while in use.
Lightweight liner
The trainer uses a Phantom Liner to cover the inside of the upper. It is a smooth and lightweight fabric that prevents chafing as it hides the seams of the foot chamber.