New Balance Rebel v4 Review - Everything I loved & hated!

Honest & unbiased review of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 running shoe
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⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 Intro
0:18 Facts & figures
1:32 Changes between Rebel v4 and v3
2:00 What I liked
4:16 What I didn't like
6:22 Summary
About this video: The New Balance Rebel v4 review is here! An everyday road running shoe for all distances. Super cushioned, lightweight and is said to be one of the best road running shoes of 2024. Follow along today as I give you all my thoughts about the shoe, the differences from the previous version and how it compares to some other models as well.
This video is NOT sponsored. All products mentioned have been bought 100% by Ben and the channel. Our mission here is to help runners of all abilities improve and enjoy running to their full potential. Showcasing the best running tips and advice, while reviewing the latest gear and taking your round some of the best races in the world!

[@TheMajorMicro]

Shout out to Ben for continuing to buy his own shoes! Not much of that left on KZbin these days...

[@Huntelaar13]

Agreed! And surely a better long play too. Continue to build authentic content = more people come = more money.

[@ThatRunnerAaron]

That’s why he’s trusted! So many guys saying good stuff about shoes or gear because they get sent it for free & they don’t want to upset the brands. Ben is a real one

[@kh-jj5nb]

I'd rather Ben gets sent shoes so his channel is more sustainable and he can review more shoes.

[@griffitts7]

Was literally just thinking the same thing. Very respectable. No bias.

[@19JSC92]

​@@Nathaniel49I'd recommend checking out The Run Testers, they're sent shoes and often slate them

[@MrAsthenia]

Thanks for the review Ben. I received a pair of these today, looking forward to giving them a try tomorrow morning 😊

[@chrisbloomfield5375]

I ran Amsterdam Marathon in my NB Rebel V3. Looking forward to getting some V4s 🐱👍

[@FordyRuns]

Fab to get your perspective on the shoe. I’m loving it for pretty much everything.

[@hamoudalnasser]

As a runner with Hobbit feet (well at least a wide forefoot) I''m delighted that this shoe fits me almost perfectly. Almost never happens. I'm in Canada and had the option of ordering the wide version, but didn't even bother. Looking forward to putting more miles on it. Thanks for the review.

[@seeleftyrun]

Really appreciate you buying your own shoes, Ben. I loved the V3 & have 2 in boxes. Darn b/c now I want this.

[@soutarm]

Glad to hear you got the heel rubbing too! Might try the runner's knot too.

[@mleonards]

i love this shoes so much. Done my first run with this shoe, and did my 10K PB. So lightweight, and comfortable on your feet.

[@timbrawdy2249]

I need to see the whole collection of your shoes!

[@ib3948]

I've recently picked these in the same size I run with my other daily trainers (880v13). I've had one run so and it felt fine aside from the lockdown was a bit slack. I have slightly more narrow feet. Hopefully some longer laces and the 'runners loop' help as you mention in the video. I'm also toying with going half a size down but concerned about bashing my toes off the front in longer runs as well. No chaffing so far, but felt good and really pleased it's something so adaptable to distance and pace.

[@SaschaMessner]

As always great review I got a pair of those when the day they released them and was super impressed. Definitely great value and amazing looking shoe. I did some light trails at the end of a long run and no slipping or visible wear on the outsole or foam. I did some hill repeats and it started to rain and the shoulder had some gravel and debris but no issues whatsoever very secure and solid feel. Let’s see how they hold up over time.

[@lukepaulson3428]

I have a narrow foot and didn’t experience any lockdown issues, bunching or Achilles rubbing. I also laced my shoes normally and did not experience any slipping. Shoe is great and runs TTS. Enjoy!

[@FachryZulfikar]

maybe your ankle is slightly bigger, I have a wider forefoot with narrow ankle and every shoes I tried have a heel slippage at various degrees especially on my left foot even with runner's knot.

[@lukepaulson3428]

@@FachryZulfikar I don’t know man. I’m a skinny guy with a narrow foot and I wear the slimmest socks I can find. I did a 90-minute run in them today with no issues at all. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@magnusliang4183]

@@lukepaulson3428its too wide for me too. Anything more than 10k does not work for me. With runners knot or not

[@kenrickhk]

​@@FachryZulfikar I have narrow foot and narrow ankle💀💀💀

[@nordicwilly6650]

So no issues with your foot swimming around in the upper? I also have narrow feet and the upper felt huge. I am thinking about sizing down 1/2 to see if that helps.

[@ericdolby4]

Hey Ben great review. I been huge rebel fan had two pairs of V3s and got heaps of miles out of them. Got the v4s first day they dropped and did long 18km run first up and yeah had slight lockdown issues so did the runners loop thing and perfect. 100+kms later and still loving them. Love the colour way you got. We just got the blue only here in NZ at moment.

[@shaunnz1]

How are you finding them vs the V3? Is the fit similar? Have loved the V2 and V3

[@CSRunner7]

Great video! Sounds like it could be my dream shoe!! Us wide feet crew can’t even get our feet into a lot of more performance brand shoes like Nike, Puma, Adidas etc. still frustrating no wide option in UK which makes no sense! I also don’t like any plate in my shoes for training or races as I’d always wonder how much faster I was purely because of the plate propulsion and of course the injury risk. So this ticks all my boxes!!

[@snowwalker9999]

I’ve had lockdown issues with all NB shoes that I have except the Rebel V3 even though I had to size up. Hoping I won’t have the same experience as you did with the V4 because I know I’m going to get this shoe this year if not anything else.

[@carsons5750]

These are definitely on my short list of shoes to try for my next purchase (it’s always a short list when you have very wide feet). It’ll probably be between these and the Clifton 9 in wide. Glad to see all of the positive press that they are getting.

[@RunAllTheMiles]

I tried getting back into racing last year, just can't get on with carbon shoes anymore(too many fell miles in zero drop I think) they badly hurt my toes, was going to throw in the towel with road racing and just run the fells, but after a handful of runs in the v4 I've decided to give them a go at a race, I doubt I will be quite as fast but will be nice to race without the pain and enjoy it 👍

[@justoutlaw6423]

Maybe to try Superblast.

[@Ekim2411]

I got my pair last week, and I love them! Super lightweight!

[@StMalk]

Just ordered. It tried them at a store and was blown away

[@Pbat23]

I love how the rebel v4s look! But I got a deal to buy the super lasts for 140€, and decided to do that instead. I hope I don’t regret! Great review as always

[@dillongomes8481]

u won’t regret it

[@bobcarrier4732]

Great review Ben! like all of yours I watch I come away with what I feel is some of the most honest reviews out there. Straight and to the point. Thinking of giving these a shot as a new daily to replace the novablast 4 which for me at 300 miles now feels flat. You said easy paces felt good in this one? And pairing with endorphin speed 4 for the faster days? Thoughts?

[@nikoscoulson]

I had exactly the same issue with these shoes and I was really disappointed as I loved the weight and feel. They rubbed my toes up to the point I I could barely walk. The hunt for everyday/tempo shoes continues

[@romanbenedit8190]

Great Video Ben , question. I purchased Rebel V2 when they came out but noticed that this shoe would lose its pop after 7-8 miles. Is the v4 more supportive for 12 + miles

[@RamrodSmothers]

I’m in the US and have very large and wide feet (US 15 EE). The wide version fit perfectly, and with not many options available in my size the Rebel 4 will be my race day shoe for the year. I have 35 miles in my pair and unless there is some sort of catastrophic durability issues I imagine it will be my favorite daily trainer.

[@Dr1bbler]

I had the V3s and loved those, so decided to take a chance on the V4s and so far have yet to find fault in them. I defo needed to use a runner's knot in order to get that lock down, but since then have had a great time in daily useage as well as pushing PBs. A great shoe.

[@sebastianvggemose2238]

Hi Ben Love your reviews, as always! I wonder how many kilometers do you think you have in the Rebel v4 before you have to switch them up? 400 km? 600 km? 800 km? 1.000 km?

[@gary_runs]

Great review Ben, My Novablast 3's are nearly ready to be replaced. 🤔

[@Feanaro5503]

Not tried the V4 yet, but I love the V3 for normal/quick short/medium runs after 30 miles. I also enjoy that it looks fairly normal cause I have a lot of running shoes that don't.

[@TheMassif]

Thanks for the review! Just an unrelated question: what grey socks are you wearing in the video? They look quite thin, which I like a lot!

[@ValhallaGuild]

I bought this and i think this will be the shoe of the year. Bouncy, stable and light

[@StuClifton]

For long stuff? Just done my last pre-Comrades marathon and looking for a training and Comrades shoe. Got wide feet and love a wide toe box. Novablast, 1080 or this?

[@lavenhamphotographic]

I found my tts pair felt a little short on my toes. Half size up was better, but then was even wider (and it's wide enough!). I settled on the half size up, and will just try and crank the laces a bit narrower

[@acwvaleting3291]

Got a pair a few weeks ago. Mainly for GNR this year. At this rate I’ll have to add a second pair before the race!

[@tntr_jensgadgaard]

Hi....normally im running long distance in 1080, how is this 1 compared to the 1080?

[@ronrunsworld]

Will it work as a recovery/easy days shoe? Since it’s impossible to find Nike invincible 1/2 anymore

[@nguyenrichard911]

Thank you for the great review, Ben! How do you compare the Rebel V4 to Hoka Mach 5? Do they produce similar ride?

[@jjjg9968]

Hey dude!! thanks for your videos! I have a question for you, if you have to choose only one running shoe between NB rebel v4, Novablast 4 or Superblast, Which do you choose?? Did you test the Saucony endorphin speed 4?? It´s without carbon plate too (It has a nylon plate) Thanks a lot and kind regards froma Tarifa (Cadiz, Andalucía, Spain)

[@markschoemehl4080]

Hey, I don’t know if you read your comments but do you think this would be a good daily trainer for me. I run cross country and track and I am looking for a shoe to do it all.

[@sherwincolina8684]

What does the 'wide' option mean for this shoe? Is it for wide footers? Thank you.

[@coreyadcock]

Ben i really think the rebels competition is the hoka mach 6. Being a narrow foot as well I wonder if it would work out

[@mrdsbaker]

I had to go a full size up in the v4. It was way to small in my normal uk8 so had to go uk9. Toes were touching front - have had no heel slip or lockdown issues and find it alot nicer to run in than the Nova

[@HILLO319]

Bottom seems wide Would these be okay for someone with slight stability needs?

[@hinayoufaka]

Hey, a question from the Philippines.. What shoe is best to buy? Boston 12 or rebel v4? If you answer this I'll buy it. Thansk

[@benpage8561]

If you could only buy one, would you go for this or the deviate nitro 2?

[@mad8298]

Interesting. I have the sister shoe, SC Elite v.4, and haven't had any of the issues you mentioned about the rubbing. I have a regular to narrow foot and I do notice they are more roomy than the predecessor Elites. I would think the fit with the Rebel (I'm buying them soon) would be the same or largely similar to the SC Elite, which they look just like. Hope you work out the rubbing issue and can't wait to try my own.

[@pickelbarrelofficial1256]

I didn't watch before buying and I love them.

[@harmony-one741]

how is this compared to Pegasus 40? which is now discounted at sub $70.

[@peterandrewchua4672]

I will always support you Mr.Ben and Ms.Sarah.Keep safe and run safe.May God continue to bless you and your family!Shout out from the Philippines.❤❤❤

[@Dinkleburg707]

Did the heel rubbing go away? I’m battling that right now.

[@justinmarchack446]

Please let us know if the characteristics of the midsole changes with time/more mileage

[@sioboy]

I just purchased the NB More V4 for my easy/recovery days. Now I am aiming for a daily/tempo/race day shoe that does not break the bank. Sadly, I do not have the budget for those expensive race day shoes so I am aiming for some super trainers. I was initially going for the Boston 12s but I saw this one last night when I purchased my More V4s and immediately thought "surely Ben Parkes" has a review of this. Lo and behold I'm here! 😂 So, this versus the Boston 12s, which one does Mr. Parkes will recommend for me? 🙏😇

[@stijndeklerk]

Curious what you'll make of the RC Elite v4

[@ABucc]

Might be nice out of the box, but is that bounce going to be the same after 100 miles?

[@roblucas1083]

How does it compare to saucony speed 4 Ben?

[@joedannaoui9802]

Hey Ben. With the heel lock, I’ve had no issues with the shoes

[@AimeeandApollo]

Thanks Ben thus, was, really helpful! I love NB but didn't really want to spend the ££ on a carbon plated super comp elites being an average runner.

[@jbosseur]

In Brazil it actually went down BRL200 in price, but they increased the price of version 3 to much

[@allenpecson7531]

Does the sizing of the v4s and the v3s the same?

[@MR-wh5wp]

That ankle thing happened in the NC SC ELITE V4 for me. I think it's because there is not enough padding

[@QuentenPowers]

Hey Ben, great review! Just wanted to ask what kind of shoe do you think I should purchase for racing 5ks?

[@QuentenPowers]

(Also I'm open to anyone's advice on shoes)

[@Rozenxz]

I'ma go to Japan for 2 weeks would these be good walking shoes?!

[@TW-rd5ub]

Curious to see what the midsole is like in the long run.

[@harmony-one741]

any update on the rear heel issue you had?

[@redcon1716]

How’s the arch? The less the better for me.

[@lecat0235]

I’m a 200 pound runner. Will this shoe bottom out?

[@andrewc9524]

How similar is the fit to the V3?

[@dasnekysnek]

is it that much of an improvement compared to V3?

[@JustThatGuy95]

So no problems with your heel slipping out?

[@jlamn]

Problem with going true to size in v4 is that your big toe hits the toe bumper material. Might need to go up half a size.

[@harrygoldsmith6792]

I'm a 9 in my street shoes (vans, adidas,...). I go a half size up in Kinvaras (9.5) for running shoes. How does the rebel fit? Would I be good with a 9 or 9.5?

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

I went up 1/2 size from my usual street size as well as my usual running shoe size. Despite the generously wide toe box, my toes were too close to the tip in my usual size. All brands and even models within the same brand vary, and then they vary with each iteration. It’s hard to recommend for the general population so your best bet is to try them on in a store if at all possible. But if you’re ordering you can either try 1/2 size up or order 2 and return one (or both) if you don’t have access to a store.

[@grgr6720]

Anyone can recommend a STABLE Marathon shoe? Ran my last marathon in vaporfly 3's but after 30K they completely destroyed my ankles. Last weekend I ran a half marathon in the Adios Pro 3's and they already felt much more stable than the VF3s. Not sure though for the full marathon. Any recommendations will be very much appreciated!

[@justoutlaw6423]

Chek out Tyr Valkyre or mybe NB SC elite V4.

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

I found the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 to be quite stable; likewise w/version 4. Certainly more stable than the Nike or ASICS super race shoes I’ve tested or owned.

[@definit1on119]

Is it a wide felling like the altars? Really have fallen in love with the fed experience

[@andorkish]

Maybe I missed it, but hows the fit?

[@reuchikawa]

Great review!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏🔝🔝🔝🔝but it gets unfair to put Theeee Superblast on the comparative! 😜 it’s pricey… but worth it! Cheers mate!

[@TaterTots1249]

Just got these from TC running

[@OsloVM60-64]

86 k so far in mine. No rubbing at all, but I have a wide foot. Lovely to have a light daily trainer for us with wide feet.

[@ricardocruz3132]

Would you recommend them for someone who’s running about 2 miles a day, eventually looking to up it up to 5 miles a day?

[@OsloVM60-64]

@@ricardocruz3132 I still recommend the shoes. 98 k now and I still enjoy them. Dont think your milage matters at all😊

[@orangeprofilepicture]

Hey Ben, I love the running shots in front of the O2, but it's a very crowded background, I think you should try some more neutral ones

[@flocav6962]

I wonder how it compares to the mach 6

[@adcashmo]

Sounds like a nice shoe. But for me NB have always had hot spots and it's crazy that this issue is still coming up.

[@ncksmmrs]

I had the same issue. Went half a size up and still had heel and toe rubbing, even with heel lock lacing. A shame given the shoe looks and feels amazing to run in otherwise!

[@arweldavies2541]

Seems to be sold out in 12. Same with ASICS. Time of year perhaps?

[@TimGrose]

With the caveat that I do have exceptionally narrow but long feet (UK 13.5 in New Balance) this is possibly the widest shoe have used in over 40 years of running that isn't meant to be wide per se. Maybe I could get both feet in one of the actual wide version ones. My heel is about 6.5cm wide and foot 10 cm at its widest point. The outsole is 10.5 cm at the heel and 13 cm at its widest. As such I had to pull in the laces so much they are virtually touching and sort of feel I would trip up on myself with the other foot when I got going. Didn't have rubbing issues but did feel my ankles were taking a bit of the heat as it were - perhaps trying to compensate for the very wide base. Can't think for one moment I would ever want to race in this when so many actual racing shoes to choose from. That said when did manage to lock my foot down it's not bad for a light weight daily trainer but clearly not made for those with narrow feet.

[@lukepaulson3428]

I have what would be generally considered a narrow foot and have had ZERO issues with this shoe. The measurements you provide for your foot shape are not so outside the realm of “normal” foot shapes. Just return the shoe. Or keep it and comment on the ride/durability alone.

[@TimGrose]

@@lukepaulson3428 good for you but I can only relate how this shoe is for me as indeed Ben asked us to do so.

[@kikiluthra]

I always tie a runners knot while running, no matter the shoe. They feel the best on my feet.

[@giovanbattistafichera8439]

I tried the V2 not long ago... too wobbly. They were fun but definitely unstable laterally.

[@dantwister5106]

Which is the springiest, bounciest shoe for the road in 2024?

[@Running111]

I have had a strong Achilles rubhing on both legs on the first run. Nice shoes but way too expenssive when compared with competition such is Nike, Hoka or Asics. I use them for training since I have lighter shoes for racing. They should cost 220€ or 200£.

[@justoutlaw6423]

Hoka and Asics, ok. Nike? No, nothing worth mentiong other then top racing shoes (Vaporfly and Alphafly).

[@JohnnyG944]

Rebel V4 or hoka Mach 5?

[@nanezferrer3565]

Novablast 4 or Rebel v4 ??????

[@Matt-cp9wh]

Might have the wrong size mate?

[@Neatguyjake]

I don’t understand how they designed the heel cup. It pokes my Achilles with every step and I now have blisters and can’t wear the shoes. Very sad because I loved everything else about them

[@kipponi]

Good shoe should feel like sock. If it feels somewhere tight it is not going better after miles.

[@Neatguyjake]

@@kipponiit’s a shame because it’s not a heel lock issue for me. I don’t understand how anyone wouldn’t have the issue I’m having. They should have kept the swoopy back like the v3

[@MrSilain]

Use CEP socks! Thank me later :).

[@Feanaro5503]

@@Neatguyjake The V3 heel is great

[@davidpearson6011]

Ben does it have a wide toebox

[@rinolagace1298]

Yes it does

[@kramerhollenbach7191]

Am I the only one who felt these were kind of dead feeling? Maybe i've been spoiled by full peba shoes, but just did not feel like I was getting good pop out of these.

[@jorgecastillo8289]

Could I take it for a marathon race?

[@Matt-cp9wh]

Yeah why not, but you should go for something with more stack height for marathon and a carbon plate

[@iberiksoderblom]

Good!

[@Owl365]

I need extra wide, I remember when I didn't!

[@Owl365]

No, my photo is not me, but a friend! 😂

[@deNudge]

Sadly, I have really narrow feet. Sounds so great, but probably the wrong shoe for me... 😥

[@FamousFelix08]

Then get the hoka Mach 6. I had the Mach but it was too narrow for me

[@JaySizz]

Watching you lace up, you don't even start at the bottom of the eyelet chain and tighten going upward from there. You just yanked at the top of the laces and the bottom eyelets were super loose. You need to start at the bottom, and get each set of eyelets to the perfect tension, one by one, working your way up. Surely you know this? Not sure why you filmed yourself tightening up and tying the shoes like this while you talk about the loose sloppy fit.

[@user-jp4rm1dc1j]

oh, yes. plasters.... great review!

[@Filo_Ed]

Hello Ben I had heel slippage in the Invincible Run 3 and found this video really helpful - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYnch2V7eKxmp5Ysi=JGnUopxOL6I9Q5rU Hope this helps.

[@SirSmacxem]

Wear longer socks to negate the rubbing on the heel

[@i.p2088]

Size down half a size problem solved.