Verdict from 1 expert and +100 user reviews
5 reasons to buy
- Runners liked the lightweight build of the New Balance FuelCore Coast v4.
- The width profiles of this model were lauded for being adherent to expectations.
- The price was considered to be affordable.
- People generally liked the aesthetics of this road companion.
- The underfoot cushioning was considered to be responsive and comfortable.
2 reasons not to buy
- The laces of this running shoe apparently ripped through the fabric after only a few weeks of use, some people claimed.
- According to a consumer, the upper was too stretchy to keep the foot in place and prevent in-shoe wobbling.
Bottom line
Most testers were happy with the performance of the New Balance FuelCore Coast v4. For them, this road shoe was able to provide appealing aesthetics in a functional package. The lightness of the materials, the correctness of the fit, and the responsiveness of the midsole were highlighted. On the other hand, some runners didn’t like the upper unit because it was either too stretchy or was easy to rip.
Tip: see the best running shoes.
Good to know
- The New Balance FuelCore Coast v4 is a running shoe that’s made for those who have neutral pronation. It features an up-to-date design that caters to casual shoe enthusiasts and sneaker junkies who want style and functionality in one package.
- The upper unit makes use of breathable mesh and a cleatie construction. These elements work together to hold the foot in place and provide ventilation. The lack of a traditional tongue unit evokes the feeling of merely wearing a one-piece material that embraces the foot.
- Contrary to the design of the FuelCore Coast v3, this iteration doesn’t have a synthetic saddle stitched over the main textile. Instead, it has a stretchy material that is lightly padded.
- Soft cushioning and propelling power are the responsibilities of the full-length foam midsole. The material extends to the ground, working in tandem with rubber layers to provide traction.
Just like the New Balance 990 v4, the FuelCore Coast v4 is true to size. Runners can purchase a pair using their usual sizing preferences. When it comes to width, the available options are D – Medium and 4E – Extra Wide for men, and B – Medium and D – Wide for women. The semi-curved platform and the form-fitting mesh accommodate the natural curvature of the human foot.
Ground-contact ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) makes up the majority of the outsole unit. It has various textures and ridges that encourage surface traction.
Rubber is placed on the forefoot and heel. These add-ons prevent the high-wear sections from succumbing to the debilitating effects of surface contact and continued use.
EVA is the New Balance FuelCore Coast v4’s cushioning unit. It has a dual-density nature that contributes to a more efficient performance on the roads. A soft segment cushions the foot and attenuates impact shock while a firm portion handles forward propulsion.
The NB Response 2.0 is a sockliner that adds a bit more cushioning for the underfoot. It doesn’t sacrifice the weight and flexibility of the platform.
A standard mesh is used for the forefoot section of the upper unit. This flexible textile has visible breathing pores that accommodate air in and through the foot-chamber.
Running from the midfoot to the heel is a stretchy and smooth fabric. Its job is to deliver a form-fitting wrap. It has lightly padded sections that hold the foot in place.
A cleatie construction removes the traditional tongue unit from the instep. A single opening converts this shoe into a slip-on road companion.
Flat laces loop through discrete fabric eyelets. This fit-adjustment system aims to manipulate the tightness or looseness of the in-shoe experience without causing any hot spots or irritation to the instep.
A pull tab at the back portion of the collar helps the runner when it comes to wearing and removing the New Balance FuelCore Coast v4.
