New Balance M 1500 V4 – D BOA shoes review

For triathletes, what are the benefits of a pair of running shoes with a Boa closure system, similar to cycling shoes? New Balance let me choose from the most dynamic shoes in their range. And I did, with the NB M1500 V4 – D BOA.

By Jean-François Tatard – Photos: Jean-François Tatard

A trip through history… New Balance was born in 1906. In Boston. Originally, the brand manufactured arch supports. Then it specialized in running shoes. Today, New Balance is the fourth largest sports shoe brand in the world, across all sports. I was chatting with Nil, the NB representative for the Paris region, among others, and he pointed out that many football clubs were under contract with the brand. And not minor ones: FC Nantes, Dynamo Kyiv, FC Porto, and even Liverpool. But it is also the only brand to manufacture shoes in Europe, in Flimby, England.

“Running” or marketing jackpot? In 1970, sports were booming. The New York Marathon allowed the brand to become known worldwide: almost all participants wore New Balance shoes. Today, the American giant is recognized as THE reference for running shoes.

Look and Aesthetics

It’s off to a good start! It doesn’t take me more than a second to like them. What’s that called again? Love at first sight! As I also had with the Hoka Carbon X and more recently the Asics Meta Racer. But in a different category, nonetheless. And don’t think I’m always so enthusiastic. I also know how to tell you when I don’t like something! And in the case of the NB 1500 V4 Boa, while it’s lightweight, it doesn’t forget comfort with its one-piece, airy mesh bootie upper that wraps the foot for ultimate well-being. But I just love this look!

Go ask Frederic Chocteau, the owner of Boutique Marathon, if aesthetics aren’t important to a running shoe consumer. Zero seams, all in one piece, a colorful look! In fact, for those who have flow or like to have it, and all my color-loving friends, you are welcome in the world of this shoe. They are MA-GNI-FI-CENT! All white, the brand’s claw on the top of the foot, and this sole in a mix of neon, they are unique. They are stylish and the design is striking.

What is Boa lacing?

You can’t miss it… The New Balance 1500 v4 is equipped with the Boa lacing system. Tired of retying your laces? Discover the Boa lacing system!

It consists of three parts and integrates perfectly into running shoes. It’s not a brand concept. It’s found in other equipment manufacturers who have adopted the system. Thus, there are three parts on the top of the foot that are tightened by a disc (or a notched dial, if you prefer that term). This replaces the laces. And even better…

• The Boa system is designed to improve the fit
• It optimizes comfort
• It offers better stability
• It offers more security (no risk of unintentional “unlacing”)
• It can be manipulated very quickly

Other models with a Boa

With this system, I remembered having seen a pair before. It’s not new. I was a teenager and couldn’t afford them. That was in 1995! For those older readers, do you remember the Puma Disc? But as I was writing this article, I looked for other shoes equipped with it in the running world. Even if their use is very different from the 1500, I found 7 others:

• The Asics Gel FujiRado,
• The New Balance FuelCore Sonic,
• The Inov-8 FastLift 370 Boa
• The Under Armour Speedtire Ascent Mid,
• The Mammut MTR201ii,
• The Zoot Ali’i flying Hawaiian
• The Dynafit Transalper

But the patented system is also found in products for cycling, golf, and even in the medical field or safety shoes worn by workers on construction sites.

Shoe Strengths

The Boa lacing system is an undeniable asset. And it may not even be the biggest positive point of the New Balance M 1500 v4. In any case, the Boa system provides excessive speed and power of tightening, very well distributed over the entire foot, including the front. This allows for very easy and quick adaptation as soon as the foot swells during effort. The Boa system is very well integrated into the shoe’s design; it’s easily forgotten. Between this technical system and the shoe, it’s a very, very beautiful fusion!

In practice, you pull the Boa dial to release the lace and then turn the dial again to find the desired tightness. Thus, the contribution of the Boa system is a real plus for precision. The shoe is extremely precise in terms of foot positioning. It’s practically perfect when it comes to support.

Optimized Energy Return

If the ground contact is as stable and precise as the closure, it’s the quality of the midfoot strike that struck me. You feel a very good rebound from the shoe and a rather spectacular energy return. The shoe is firm but with use, it feels like it softens. However, I think it’s not made for runners who strike with their heel. The lack of cushioning should be felt by them.

At first glance, I would have reserved it for triathletes and only for competition. But after this test, I would broaden the target user group. Indeed, yes, it’s a competition shoe. So for use, it remains a Sunday shoe with a bib on your stomach. But beyond the quick closure, which makes it a number one choice for triathlon, the quality, security, and comfort of the lacing deserve that all runners, from 5km to marathon, can wear it. Provided you are relatively light and your stride is fairly neutral to pronated.

And for the rest

The New Balance M 1500 BOA V4, initially designed for triathlon, provides an optimal feeling of comfort. I really liked it. Also, its seamless design reduces irritation from rubbing. I even wore them barefoot several times. As for the RevLite midsole, it ensures optimal cushioning, 30% lighter than traditional foams. They are truly made for speed. Another advantage: the presence of the T-Beam shank which offers quality midfoot support and undeniable flexibility. This helps support the foot in the correct trajectory with each stride. Finally, the airy mesh upper ensures quality breathability and helps prevent overheating during effort.

And finally: durability. This is an assumption. I haven’t taken them to the shoe graveyard next to Père Lachaise, but my experience tells me that as far as durability is concerned, it’s not good! Here, you have to make a choice. You can’t have everything. Most shoes of this type are not made to last.

In conclusion

Honestly? It’s with disappointment that I wonder why I didn’t have this pair of shoes sooner? How could I have run a marathon without them? The quality of the micrometric Boa closure provides a personalized fit that’s as close to the foot as possible. You feel like this shoe is made just for you. Well, let’s just say it’s not for everyone, that you already need to be an experienced runner or triathlete to appreciate their dynamism and to take advantage of the ultra-fast closure and adjustment, but I applaud New Balance for its explosive and high-performance creation.

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=> SEE ALSO: All our Triathlon articles