Daily Trainer

New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4

New Balance's cheapest running shoe — one slab of Fresh Foam under a light mesh upper, for someone starting out rather than someone racing.

The Arishi is the cheapest running shoe New Balance sells, and it is built like it: one soft Fresh Foam midsole, a breathable mesh upper assembled without stitching, and a rubber outsole. At 268 g it is light for the money, the drop is a low 6 mm, and New Balance lists the shoe for everyday running and all-day wear in the same breath.

It suits you if you are starting to run, or if you want a cheap second pair to soak up easy miles and the walking either side of them. Nothing about it asks for a decision.

It is not a mileage shoe. There is not much foam underneath you, so the cushioning gives less back the further a run goes. Buy it as a first pair and move up to something like the 880 when your weeks get longer.