Something new from New Balance rolled in and it looks like a lot like their Zante V4 just with a bit of a haircut, it’s the Fresh Foam Zante Pursuit. This thinned out road shoe is all about performance and this is true as you look across the entire shoe from top to bottom. The real question we had was where does this live in the line-up. As it turns out we found our answer and it was all about… speed.
Construction: Upper
The upper on the Pursuit is a one-piece synthetic engineered mesh (NB calls it Hypoknit). It is very snug on your foot and feels more like a sock than a normal shoe. The heel offers a decent fit, there is very little foam in the collar, the upper then narrows around your mid-foot, and then widens into the toe box. We do take issue here because the toe box is still narrow. Sure the mesh accommodates for wider, but its a little sloppy if your foot is too big. There is a gusseted tongue as well which really helps with your hold.
Construction: Midsole
The midsole on the Pursuit like so many other NB shoes is all about their Fresh Foam. It lists as 24mm with a 6mm drop, but it definitely feels like less. The shoe is super responsive and the rocker shaped toe area makes your strides swifter. No one will describe these as really soft and they most definitely do not feel like a distance shoe, it is firm.
Construction: Outsole
That midsole is finished a by a translucent rubber outsole which does stick pretty well on most environments, wet or dry. It also adds a layer of durability to the shoe.
Style & Aesthetics
The Zante Pursuit comes in 5 colors and you really can’t get a more simple visual profile. This feels modern yet also harkens back to older running shoe styling. Careful on the color choice as well, the lighter colors get dirty very easily.
Run Test
His
Let me be clear by saying that these things feel fast straight out of the gate. They are super light underfoot and they fit like a sock that has been strapped to a piece of rubber. That being said, this is obviously both good and bad. The ride is smooth and quick, but only to a point because after that they stop being comfortable. What that point is will be dependent on the person, but for me, that was just over ten miles. Anything more than that and my feet were screaming and I know other folks could probably handle it, but I really wanted more cushion out of it. Save this for speed days or even for racing.
Hers
So I like the way these feel on my foot, but because I am a little bit wider and that toe box just feels a little sloppy for me. Additionally, even for my speed days, these are almost too aggressive for me. My feet and legs were longing for some additional cushioning in here. I do understand the attraction when I am looking to go faster, but maybe I am just not fast enough for these.
Overall Conclusion
The New Balance Fresh Foam Zante Pursuit is your speed day shoe. Use it in your arsenal for those days when you want a little pop, but aren’t going too long. The cushion won’t handle your marathon runs, but it can really help knock out a 10k and also help you drop time.
Technical Stats, Pricing & Availability
- Weight: 7.3oz (size 9)
- Drop: 6mm heel/toe
- Cushion: 24mm
- Type: Neutral Barefoot (Minimal) Road
- MSRP: $109.99
- Available: Now
