New Balance Fresh Foam Zante Pursuit - First Run

I unintentionally and very briefly previewed the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante Pursuit a couple days ago, and I didn't think anyone would notice, but you guys have absolute hawkeyes and have been asking me about this shoe already. But I wanted to make sure I got some road miles in the shoe before I gave any even preliminary thoughts. Today, I took the Zante Pursuit out for my run commute, and because of the icy wintry mix we had, this probably wasn't the best idea.

But conditions aside, I was able to get a good first read on the Zante Pursuit, and this is a very exciting shoe. It has that drop off feel in the forefoot, reminiscent of the Nike Zoom Fly, and like that shoe, the Zante Pursuit definitely wants you to be running the moderate to moderate hard efforts. And it certainly rewards you for your efforts, as the shoe really shines when you are forefoot striking. There is a pleasant amount of road feel, and it's not too cushioned where harder efforts might be muddled with too much softness.

For slower paces, I did find the shoe to be uncomfortable. Maybe it's the 6mm heel drop or an intentional lack of cushioning in the heel, but I felt like I was doing something the shoe didn't like when I was running a bit slower.

Overall, with the road feel and the design, the two shoes that the Zante Pursuit reminds me of are the Kinvara 9 and the Epic React. And probably the best way to describe it is to say it is a mixture of the two. I am looking forward to putting some more miles into the Zante Pursuit, and will be reaching for it for my track days or faster tempo runs.

Thanks for watching! Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!

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[michaelpalm]

3 years later and the Zante pusuit is now discontinued /replaced with the Tempo v1 and Tempo V2. Not much has changed, still very breathable, still 6mm drop with not much cushion, still has a slippery outsole, (that wears out quickly.) running in the Tempo V1 currently and found this review and I must congratulate you on your insight. You called this shoe out for what it was 3 years ago.

[jondalgas]

I love the sock-like feel, but they are harsh on my legs! For me as an amateur, I will only use them for intervals or other speed-work.
Thanks for all your valuable thoughts!

[hypnagogue]

you were right about how different fresh foam shoes are designed to give a different feel. the 1080 is super soft and cushioned, the vongo is firm and designed for stability, the zante is tuned for a speedy and responsive ride and the beacon has a unique feel, lightweight but cushioned in a similar way to a hoka shoe.

[guysmith]

I'm so glad you reviewed this shoe. I'm a huge Zante fan, and this shoe really intrigues me. I will definitely pick up a pair! Great video as usual!

[dwheresmymana]

I really love this shoe, and I tend to like New balance shoes anyway. I'm considering getting the Beacon for slower runs, but as of right now I'm only running in the Zante pursuit and I find them really comfortable.

[brunocassettari]

Thanks a lot for the review. I did spot the ZP on your other video, but it was actually the translucent sole that caught my attention and made it clear which shoes you were on hahaha.
Seems that being late on the Beacon made you more aware of NB releases this year hehe. Im surprised with your comparison with the Beacon on their different “bounciness”. The Fresh Foam material on the B is the so called Ground Contact, which puzzles me to be bouncier than the one used on the Pursuit (I thought it would be less bouncier in order to be more resistant with the direct contact, so indeed it could be the outsole that makes a difference there). I only didn’t understand when you said that the Pursuit is more responsive although less bouncy/springy.
Next week is the release of the Zante Solas, which has Fresh Foam without the rubber outsole (not sure if this one has the same Fresh Foam as the Beacon’s GC though), but you raised the curiosity on that one too now, which I was not that interested at first as it seems too light and laking a bit structure on the upper, as they seem to use an even thiner knit.
Thanks a lot for the review, looking forward for the 100miles now hahaha

[dster]

The Zantes are my brother favorite shoes and was excited to see you running in them in a picture from strava.
I just got beacons afew weeks ago thanks to your review and absolutely love them! Gonna try the Zantes soon!!!

[MrTheop]

I agree with you that running slow in zante pursuit can be uncomfortable, but when you pick up the pace the ride is so satisfying.

[pitchmeupscotty]

Thanks for trying out the Zante! Really curious about the new evolutions within this Zante line. Several years ago I actually wanted to buy the Kinvara's and left the running store with the Zante 1. Best buy ever. Everything I read seems to be a question of liking cushioning or not. I loved the Zante for long tempo runs, it's true because of the drop and firmness it didn't like slow... I like a little bit of cushioning for slower stuff, but not for the tempo.

[PaulWaye]

I don't have the zante pursuit, but do have the beacon and zante v4 and one thing i notice is that the fresh foam is really affected by the temperature. in cold conditions the cushioning is impacted severely .. I have ended up putting the shoe on the radiator for ten mins before heading out and it turns into a completely different (and softer) shoe... I will probably skip this version and stick with kinvaras.. the 10 is noticeably more pointy (like you mention in the zante pursuit) in the toe box (consistent with a lot of speed shoes), but the 10 is still very much softer and less impacted by weather

[julialianjosecarrera]

I always run in the Zante, I've had the v3 and the v4, I hope the pursuit are even better. My favourite running shoes ever

[iTzDeyo]

Can we get an update on these shoes? I just bought them and am waiting for them to come in, can't wait!

[selphietilmitt]

I've never worn NB before. Went to the running store for a new pair of shoes. Was expecting to buy cloudflows or buy another pair of kinvaras. I asked the salesman for a random lightweight shoe and he reluctantly gave me a pair of zante pursuits. Told me he wasn't a fan but they were lightweight. Did a quick 10 minute run on the treadmill and instantly bought them. They're my favorite running shoe I've ever owned.

[eddesong]

Was an OG Zante V1 fan. Was chasing that feel ever since and I think the Zoom Fly SP's came close (or felt a little better even). Glad to hear this reminds you of the ZF's! Gonna wait until the end of this year and pick up a pair when they go on sale. Super curious about the Zante Solas as well. Thanks for the review!

[TheFODRunner]

Nice review, I have quite wide feet and NB have never fitted me due to this, never found a wide version to try on!

[blindguardian]

What would be better for a marathon shoe between this and the Beacon (~2:55 pace)? Is the Beacon good at speed or just good training shoe?

[azurecoast]

I'm enjoying these shoes a lot as I get back into running. I picked up a pair of heavier stability shoes initially and then the Pursuits. The Pursuits are just another level of light and springy in comparison to my other pair. Love the ride and the upper is very comfortable. I definitely feel just a hint of support too, which I appreciate, you can see it on the exterior of the midsole as they have slightly more material on the inside (the left side of your left shoe, and vice versa) than the outside. I tried on a pair of Zante V4's in store and found the Pursuit more comfortable. The V4's actually felt a bit smaller than the Pursuits in the same size.

[jsdeac]

Gonna get one: beacon or zante pursuit. Daily training. Best rec?

[angelorodriguez]

You said that its a great alternative for zoom fly flyknit. Which is more comfortable to wear for a long tempo runs, zante pursuit or the zoom fly fk?

[ahmadhafiz]

Hey Kofuzi, between this shoes and NB Fresh Foam Beacon which one do you think is more valuable to buy?