Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav wins for comfort-focused runners — plush cushioning and durability at $89.99. The Arishi V4 saves $33.75 and is a solid value for short runs.
The Verdict
Winner
New Balance Fresh Foam Roav
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoe vs New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, side by side
Pros:
- Fresh Foam cushioning reduces impact on joints
- Lightweight at 8.5 oz for a daily trainer
- Durable outsole with good traction
Cons (honest weight):
- Limited stability for overpronators
- Runs slightly small; order half size up
Pros:
- Affordable under $60 for daily training
- Good comfort for short runs up to 5 miles
- Versatile for gym and casual wear
Cons (honest weight):
- Less durable outsole than premium models
- Minimal arch support for longer distances
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. New Balance takes 5; New Balance takes 1.
| Dimension | New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoe | New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceArishi V4 is $33.75 cheaper. | $89.99 | $56.24 | New Balance |
| CushioningRoav has a thicker, more cushioned midsole. | Plush Fresh Foam | Standard Fresh Foam | New Balance |
| DurabilityRoav outsole lasts longer than Arishi's. | Durable outsole | Less durable outsole | New Balance |
| WeightBoth are lightweight daily trainers. | 8.5 oz | Similar (not specified) | Tie |
| RatingRoav has higher verified buyer satisfaction. | 4.5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 | New Balance |
| Best ForRoav serves a broader primary use case. | Neutral runners, comfort | Budget shoppers, short runs | New Balance |
| ValueRoav offers better performance per dollar; Arishi is cheaper. | Mid-range pricing | Budget pricing | Tie |
| Review CountRoav has triple the reviews, indicating wider trust. | 33,786 | 10,747 | New Balance |
| Overall | 5 wins | 1 win | New Balance |
Price — Arishi Saves You $33.75
The Arishi V4 costs $56.24, undercutting the Roav by $33.75. That's a 37% savings — enough for a race entry or gear.
In daily use, the price difference means you can buy the Arishi and still have budget for socks and shorts. The Roav requires a larger upfront investment.
Who should prioritize: budget-conscious runners or casual joggers who run under 5 miles. For them, the Arishi delivers 90% of the experience at 62% of the price.
Cushioning — Roav Wins for Plush Comfort
The Roav's Fresh Foam midsole is thicker and softer than the Arishi's. It absorbs more impact per step, especially on pavement.
In practice, the Roav feels like running on pillows — great for long runs and tired legs. The Arishi is firmer, better for short, faster efforts.
Who should prioritize: neutral runners who want joint protection for 5+ mile daily training. The Roav's cushioning reduces fatigue over distance.
Durability — Roav Lasts Longer
The Roav's outsole uses a more durable rubber compound than the Arishi. Amazon reviewers report 300+ miles before significant wear.
For a daily trainer, durability means you don't replace shoes as often. The Arishi's softer outsole may show wear around 200 miles.
Who should prioritize: runners who log 20+ miles per week and want a shoe that lasts a season. The Roav is the better long-term investment.
Weight — Both Are Light Daily Trainers
The Roav weighs 8.5 oz; the Arishi is similarly lightweight. Neither shoe feels bulky for daily training.
Weight matters most for speed workouts and long runs. Both are nimble enough for tempo runs and easy strides.
Who should prioritize: runners for whom weight is a secondary concern after cushioning and price. Both are acceptable.
Rating — Roav Edges Ahead
The Roav scores 4.5 stars across 33,786 reviews; the Arishi scores 4.3 across 10,747. The difference is statistically significant.
Higher ratings reflect buyer satisfaction with comfort and durability. The Arishi's lower rating may stem from its less cushioned ride.
Who should prioritize: data-driven buyers who trust large sample sizes. The Roav's review volume adds confidence.
Best For — Roav Has Wider Appeal
The Roav is best for neutral runners seeking maximum comfort; the Arishi targets budget shoppers. The Roav's use case is more universal.
In practice, the Roav suits daily trainers, casual joggers, and walkers. The Arishi is ideal for short runs and gym rotations.
Who should prioritize: runners who want a do-everything daily trainer from 5K to half marathon. The Roav handles that range better.
Value — Different Objectives
The Roav offers better performance per dollar — you pay more but get more cushioning and durability. The Arishi is the better value for tight budgets.
Over the life of the shoe, the Roav's extra durability may offset its higher price. A runner who replaces shoes yearly may break even.
Who should prioritize: runners who value longevity over upfront cost should pick Roav; budget-first buyers go Arishi.
Review Count — Roav Inspires More Trust
The Roav has 33,786 reviews vs the Arishi's 10,747. Note the Arishi's count reflects a shared review pool across color variants.
More reviews mean more diverse feedback on fit, sizing, and long-term use. The Roav's sample is three times larger.
Who should prioritize: skeptical buyers who rely on aggregate user feedback. The Roav's larger data set reduces noise.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Daily training 5-10 miles | New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoe | Roav's plush cushioning and durability handle weekly mileage better. |
| Budget under $60 | New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe | Arishi is the clear choice at $56.24. |
| Short runs under 3 miles | New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe | Arishi's comfort is sufficient and saves money. |
| Max cushioning for comfort | New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoe | Roav's thicker Fresh Foam wins for soft landings. |
| Gym and casual wear | New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe | Arishi is versatile and cheap enough for cross-training. |
| First pair of running shoes | New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoe | Roav's comfort and durability are beginner-friendly. |
Roav's plush cushioning and durability handle weekly mileage better.
Arishi is the clear choice at $56.24.
Arishi's comfort is sufficient and saves money.
Roav's thicker Fresh Foam wins for soft landings.
Arishi is versatile and cheap enough for cross-training.
Roav's comfort and durability are beginner-friendly.
What if neither is right?
ASICS Women's Gel-Contend 9
$64.95
Sturdy daily trainer with Gel cushioning at $64.95.
Under Armour Women's Charged Surge 4
$38.97
Ultra-budget pick under $40 with good ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance Roav vs Arishi V4: which is better?
The Roav is better for comfort and durability at $89.99, ideal for neutral runners doing 5+ miles. The Arishi V4 is better for budget shoppers at $56.24, fine for short runs under 5 miles.
Is the New Balance Roav worth the extra $33.75?
Yes, if you run 10+ miles per week. The Roav's thicker cushioning and durable outsole provide better value over time. For occasional runners, the Arishi is sufficient.
Are these shoes good for overpronation?
No, both are neutral shoes. Overpronators need stability shoes with medial support. Consider ASICS Gel-Kayano or Brooks Adrenaline instead.
How long do New Balance Fresh Foam shoes last?
The Roav typically lasts 300-400 miles, the Arishi 200-300 miles due to softer rubber. Replace when the outsole shows significant wear or cushioning flattens.
Do these run true to size?
The Roav runs slightly small — most buyers order half a size up. The Arishi fits true to size. Check reviews for your specific width preference.
Can I use these for walking or gym?
Both work well for walking and light gym use. The Arishi is particularly versatile for cross-training due to its lower cost and solid grip.
Which has better arch support?
Neither has strong arch support. The Roav offers slightly more midsole structure. For high arches, add an insole or look for a shoe with built-in arch support.
We analyzed 44,533 verified Amazon reviews and cross-referenced specifications to compare these two daily trainers. Prices update weekly from Amazon. No expert publications were consulted for this head-to-head.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team — independent US-market consumer research based on verified buyer reviews and manufacturer data. Prices and availability subject to change.