New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running vs Topo Athletic Women's Magnifly 5 Comfortable
Updated July 2026 — New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running wins on weight and cushioning, Topo Athletic Women's Magnifly 5 Comfortable wins on sales rank and price.
The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 offers better value and comfort for casual runners, while the Topo Athletic Women's Magnifly 5 excels in responsiveness and specialized design for serious runners.
Why New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running is better
Price
New Balance is 44% cheaper
Popularity
Sales rank of 367 vs 30146
Comfort
Fresh foam midsole provides excellent cushioning
Why Topo Athletic Women's Magnifly 5 Comfortable is better
Responsiveness
ZipFoam midsole enhances performance
Zero-drop design
Promotes a natural running gait
Breathability
Recycled mesh upper for extended wear
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running | Topo Athletic Women's Magnifly 5 Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | New Balance | Topo Athletic |
| Model | Fresh Foam Arishi V4 | Magnifly 5 |
| Drop | 8mm | 0mm |
| Upper | Mesh | Recycled Mesh |
| Midsole | Fresh Foam | ZipFoam |
Dimension comparison
Overview of the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4
The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe is priced at $55.99, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious runners. This shoe features a fresh foam midsole designed to provide responsive cushioning, which is beneficial for both training sessions and casual wear. The no-sew construction enhances durability while reducing weight, ensuring that the shoe remains comfortable over time.
The shoe’s breathable mesh upper promotes airflow, keeping feet dry during intense activities. With a sales rank of 367, the New Balance Arishi V4 is a popular choice among runners, highlighting its appeal and effectiveness in performance and everyday versatility.
Overview of the Topo Athletic Women's Magnifly 5
The Topo Athletic Women's Magnifly 5 is priced at $99.94, making it a more premium option compared to the New Balance Arishi V4. This shoe is designed with a zero-drop platform, which encourages a natural gait and biomechanical efficiency during runs. The midsole features Topo Athletic's ZipFoam formula, providing a lightweight and responsive experience for daily mileage and recovery runs.
Crafted with a recycled mesh upper, the Magnifly 5 emphasizes breathability and comfort, making it suitable for extended wear. With a sales rank of 30,146, it may not be as popular as the Arishi V4, but its unique features cater to specific running needs.
Comfort and Fit
When it comes to comfort, the New Balance Arishi V4 offers a fresh foam midsole that cushions every step, making it ideal for both intense training and casual use. The shoe’s no-sew construction adds to its comfort by minimizing bulk and enhancing durability. The mesh upper also contributes to a dry and breathable environment for your feet.
On the other hand, the Topo Athletic Magnifly 5 prioritizes comfort through its cushioned midsole and breathable recycled mesh upper. The shoe’s zero-drop design promotes a balanced stride, which can be particularly beneficial for long-distance runners. While both shoes focus on comfort, the Arishi V4 may have a slight edge due to its lower price point, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Performance on the Road
In terms of performance, the New Balance Arishi V4 is engineered for versatility, making it suitable for both road running and casual wear. The responsive foam midsole ensures that runners can enjoy a comfortable experience during their runs. The shoe's popularity, reflected in its sales rank of 367, suggests that it meets the demands of many users effectively.
Conversely, the Topo Athletic Magnifly 5 excels in providing a responsive ride, thanks to its innovative ZipFoam midsole. This shoe is particularly effective for daily mileage and recovery runs. The zero-drop design encourages a more efficient running form, which can be advantageous for serious runners looking to improve their performance. However, its higher price may deter some casual users.
Breathability and Temperature Control
Breathability is crucial for running shoes, especially during warmer months. The New Balance Arishi V4 features a mesh upper that promotes superior airflow, keeping feet dry and comfortable during intense sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial for runners who tend to sweat more during their workouts.
Similarly, the Topo Athletic Magnifly 5 is crafted with a breathable recycled mesh upper, ensuring that wearers experience comfort during extended activities. While both shoes prioritize breathability, the Arishi V4's price point makes it a more accessible choice for those who need a reliable, breathable running shoe.
Durability Over Time
Durability is an important factor when selecting running shoes, and both the New Balance Arishi V4 and Topo Athletic Magnifly 5 have features that enhance their longevity. The Arishi V4’s no-sew construction is specifically designed to reduce weight while improving durability, making it suitable for long-term wear.
The Topo Athletic Magnifly 5 also emphasizes durability, with its cushioned midsole and breathable upper designed for extended wear. However, its higher price tag may raise expectations regarding its longevity. With the New Balance Arishi V4 being about 44% cheaper than the Magnifly 5, it offers a more economical choice without sacrificing essential features related to durability.
Style and Aesthetics
Style can be a deciding factor for many runners when choosing their footwear. The New Balance Arishi V4 features a sleek design in a Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic colorway, appealing to those who prefer a subtle yet stylish look. Its versatile design allows it to transition easily from running to casual wear.
On the other hand, the Topo Athletic Magnifly 5 comes in a Charcoal/Black color combination that appeals to those who prefer a more understated aesthetic. Both shoes are visually appealing, but the choice often comes down to personal preference and how they match with running gear or everyday outfits.
Which should you buy?
Ultimately, the choice between the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 and the Topo Athletic Women's Magnifly 5 boils down to your specific needs and budget. The New Balance Arishi V4 is about 44% cheaper at $55.99, making it an excellent value for those looking for comfort, breathability, and durability without breaking the bank. With a solid sales rank of 367, it is also a popular option among users.
Conversely, if you are looking for a shoe that emphasizes responsiveness and a zero-drop design for a more natural running style, the Topo Athletic Magnifly 5 may be worth the investment at $99.94. While it may not have the same popularity, its unique features cater well to serious runners. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you in a running shoe before making your final decision.

