Quick Answer: New Balance discontinued the 940 after the 940v4, and there is no official one-to-one successor. The closest current New Balance option is the Fresh Foam X 1540v4 because it still prioritizes high stability, rearfoot control, walking and running support, orthotic-friendly fit and multiple widths. But it is not a 940v5: the 1540v4 uses Fresh Foam X, ROLLBAR support and a much lower 4 mm drop instead of the 940v4’s 12 mm. For a lighter modern stability shoe, the 860v15 is another strong option.
Replacement confidence: Closest current equivalent. New Balance does not appear to have renamed the 940 or designated a direct successor.
Model dates: The New Balance 940v4 entered the line in late 2019 and continued through later color releases into 2022. It was the final version of the 940 family. The model launched at about $130 and was built as a motion-control shoe for overpronators with a high-density medial post, T-BEAM torsional support, ABZORB cushioning and a 12 mm drop.
See our running shoe replacements hub for other discontinued models and the current shoes that most closely fill their roles.
Still want the old shoe? Check remaining New Balance 940v4 inventory.
What Happened to the New Balance 940v4?
The New Balance 940v4 belonged to a disappearing class of running shoe: the traditional motion-control trainer. It was designed for runners who wanted much more structure than a typical stability shoe, especially people who overpronated heavily or simply preferred a firm, controlled platform underfoot. New Balance used a dense medial post to resist inward roll, a T-BEAM through the midfoot for torsional rigidity and full-length ABZORB cushioning to soften impact.
The shoe was substantial. New Balance listed the men’s version at about 12.9 ounces and the women’s version at about 11 ounces, both with a 12 mm heel-to-toe drop. It also came in multiple widths and used the roomy SL-2 last, which made the 940 popular with runners who needed more interior volume, wider feet or extra space around an orthotic.
That formula worked for a specific group of runners, but the running-shoe market changed. Brands gradually moved away from large medial posts and rigid motion-control systems toward broader bases, geometry, sidewalls and less intrusive support methods. New Balance never released a 940v5. Instead, its modern lineup spread the old 940’s functions across several shoes, with the 1540v4 now the closest choice for people who still want maximum structure and the 860v15 serving runners who want a lighter, more conventional stability trainer.
What Replaced the New Balance 940v4?
There is no official replacement, but the Fresh Foam X 1540v4 is the closest current New Balance match for the 940v4’s most important job: delivering a lot of stability for walking and running. New Balance equips the current 1540v4 with ROLLBAR rearfoot support, a broad supportive platform, Fresh Foam X cushioning, two removable inserts and a wide size range that extends to very wide widths.
The connection is functional rather than historical. The 1540 family existed alongside the 940, so it is not a renamed successor. But it now occupies the closest place in New Balance’s current lineup for someone who previously chose the 940 because ordinary stability shoes did not feel supportive enough. The 1540v4 also remains explicitly positioned for everyday running and walking, which matches how many former 940 users actually used the shoe.
The biggest adjustment is geometry. The 940v4 used a traditional 12 mm drop. The current 1540v4 is listed at 4 mm. That is a major change in how the shoe positions the foot and distributes load, so it should not be treated as a seamless swap. If keeping a 12 mm drop matters more than staying with New Balance, the Brooks Beast GTS 26 is worth considering because it combines maximum support with a 12 mm drop. Check New Balance 1540v4 availability.
New Balance 940v4 Replacement Timeline
The 940v4 arrived at the end of the traditional motion-control era. New Balance catalogs from 2020 describe it specifically as a motion-control shoe for overpronators, with a high-density medial post, T-BEAM technology and a dual-density support system. That design language is much more aggressive than what appears in most current stability trainers.
- Late 2019: New Balance introduces the 940v4, replacing the 940v3.
- 2020-2022: New Balance continues releasing and replenishing 940v4 colorways in men’s and women’s widths.
- After 940v4: No 940v5 joins the regular New Balance lineup.
- Current closest structural equivalent: Fresh Foam X 1540v4, which retains strong rearfoot control, broad sizing and walking/running use.
- Current lighter stability alternative: Fresh Foam X 860v15, for runners who want support without the heavier motion-control feel.
This is why we do not call the 1540v4 a direct replacement. The 940 and 1540 were separate families, and New Balance never announced a formal handoff. What changed is the lineup around them. As old-school motion-control shoes disappeared, the 1540 became the closest current New Balance model for runners who still prioritize substantial control and width options, while the 860 became the mainstream stability choice.
New Balance 940v4 vs. Fresh Foam X 1540v4
The 940v4 and 1540v4 solve a similar problem in very different ways. The 940v4 used a traditional medial-post design and rigid midfoot support. The 1540v4 moves toward a softer, broader modern platform with Fresh Foam X and an enhanced ROLLBAR system. Both are built for people who value stability, but the underfoot feel and geometry are not close enough to expect an identical transition.
Feature | New Balance 940v4 | Fresh Foam X 1540v4 |
|---|---|---|
Status | Discontinued | Current |
Replacement relationship | Original model | Closest current New Balance equivalent |
Primary support system | High-density medial post + T-BEAM | ROLLBAR rearfoot stability system |
Cushioning | Full-length ABZORB | Fresh Foam X |
Midsole drop | 12 mm | 4 mm |
Widths | Multiple widths | Up to 6E men’s and 4E women’s |
Best use | Motion control, overpronation, daily running | High stability, walking, everyday running |
Orthotic friendly | Yes | Yes, with removable inserts |
The biggest reason a former 940 wearer might prefer the 1540v4 is the level of structure. The current 860 line is a very capable stability platform, but it is designed for a broader audience. The 1540 remains more specialized, particularly for people who value rearfoot control, broad sizing and a substantial platform. The biggest reason to hesitate is the 4 mm drop. Runners accustomed to the 940’s high heel offset may notice that change immediately.
Who Should Try the New Balance 1540v4?
Start with the 1540v4 if the reason you wore the 940 was strong control rather than simply mild pronation support. It makes the most sense for walkers and runners who like a broad, planted shoe, need multiple width choices, use an orthotic or feel that lighter stability trainers do not give them enough rearfoot structure. New Balance’s current design also makes the 1540 more cushioned than the old 940, so the ride should feel softer even though the shoe still emphasizes support.
The 1540v4 is less obvious if you loved the 940’s 12 mm drop. Moving to 4 mm changes the relationship between the heel and forefoot and can feel very different through the calf, ankle and Achilles. That does not make the 1540 unsuitable, but it is one reason former 940 users should treat it as a new shoe rather than a continuation of the old one.
Check men’s New Balance 1540v4 availability or check women’s New Balance 1540v4 availability.
Three Alternatives for Former 940v4 Wearers
The 1540v4 is the closest current New Balance match, but the right replacement depends on which part of the 940 mattered most. Some runners want to preserve the high level of support, while others would rather move into a lighter modern stability shoe or primarily need a stable walking shoe.
- New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15: Choose the 860 if you want to stay with New Balance but no longer need a heavy motion-control platform. It is the brand’s mainstream stability running shoe and is a better fit for daily running when you want support without the bulk of the old 940. Read our New Balance 860v15 review or check the latest price.
- Brooks Beast GTS 26: Choose the Beast if you want maximum structured support and want to preserve a 12 mm drop. Brooks positions it for maximum support, orthotics, walking and running, making it one of the closest current non-New Balance options for the old 940 use case. Read our Brooks Beast GTS 26 review or check the latest price.
- New Balance 847v4: Choose the 847v4 if you mainly used the 940 for walking rather than running. It is a stable walking shoe with a firm, controlled feel and may be a more natural direction for all-day use. Read our New Balance 847v4 review or check the latest price.
You can also compare broader support options in our best motion-control running shoes guide and best shoes for overpronation guide.
Can You Still Buy the New Balance 940v4?
Sometimes. Old retail pages and marketplace listings still surface 940v4 pairs, and some specialty stores may have leftover sizes. Availability is uneven, especially in less common widths, because the shoe has been out of normal production for several years.
The age of remaining stock matters. Many 940v4 pairs date from roughly 2020 through 2022. An unworn running shoe can still age in storage as foams, adhesives and rubber change over time. If you plan to use the shoe for regular running, a current model is generally the more practical purchase unless you specifically need the 940’s fit, 12 mm geometry and traditional motion-control construction.
If you find a pair at a steep discount, compare the price with a current 1540v4, 860v15 or Beast GTS 26 before buying. The old 940 may feel familiar, but a current model gives you easier replacement availability and newer materials. Check remaining 940v4 listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The 940v4 was the final version of the New Balance 940 family, and no 940v5 joined the current production lineup.
New Balance does not identify an official direct replacement. The Fresh Foam X 1540v4 is the closest current New Balance option for people who want substantial stability, rearfoot control, wide sizing and support for walking or running.
No. The 1540v4 uses Fresh Foam X and ROLLBAR support and has a 4 mm drop. The 940v4 used ABZORB, a medial post, T-BEAM support and a 12 mm drop.
Not directly. The 860v15 is a lighter mainstream stability running shoe. It is a good option for former 940 users who still need support but do not require the old shoe’s heavy motion-control construction.
The New Balance 940v4 had an approximately 12 mm heel-to-toe drop.
The Brooks Beast GTS 26 is worth considering. It uses a 12 mm drop and is built for maximum structured support, walking, running and orthotic use.
Sometimes. Remaining old stock and marketplace listings still appear, but sizes and widths are inconsistent and buyers should consider how long the shoes may have been stored.
