New Balance Kids' 1440 V1 Lace-up Running Shoe (Style LL4T)

In this review of the New Balance Kids' 1440 V1 Lace-up Running Shoe we look at who will benefit most and why the shoe stands out. Designed for active kids, the shoe's single biggest selling point is its ultra-cushioned yet lightweight ride thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning, which includes approximately 3% bio-based content. The build balances comfort and everyday durability so it works well for playground play, school days, and short running sessions while offering a snug, supportive fit from the bootie upper construction.

Key Features

• Fresh Foam midsole: Delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride that reduces impact during play and short runs.
• Bio-based content: About 3% of the midsole material is made from renewable resources to help reduce carbon footprint.
• Bootie upper construction: Hugs the foot for a snug, supportive fit that keeps the foot secure during active movement.
• TPU heel clip: Provides a bold visual and structural support to stabilize the heel.
• Wrapped rubber outsole: Adds durability in high-wear areas for longer use on playground surfaces.
• Gore band closure: Offers easy on-off access while maintaining a tidy, secure fit.

Who It's For

The 1440 V1 is best suited for children who need a comfortable, supportive everyday athletic shoe for school, playgrounds, and light running. Parents seeking a shoe that combines plush cushioning with a true-to-size fit will appreciate the Fresh Foam midsole and the bootie upper that keeps the foot snug without feeling restrictive.

Kids who require heavy-duty, workboot-level durability or specialized competitive running spikes should look elsewhere, as this model focuses on comfort and everyday athletic use rather than extreme abrasion resistance or track competition performance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable Fresh Foam midsole provides soft cushioning for all-day wear.
• Snug bootie upper construction creates a supportive fit that many reviewers found true to size.
• Accurate color and a modern look make these shoes visually appealing to kids.
• Wrapped rubber outsole improves durability in common wear zones.

Cons

• Durability reports are mixed, so heavy, prolonged rough play may show wear sooner for some users.
• The cushioning contains only a small percentage of bio-based content if buyers expect a large sustainable-material impact.

Specifications

Brand	New Balance
Model	Kids' 1440 V1 Lace-up
Midsole	Fresh Foam with ~3% bio-based content
Upper	Bootie construction with Gore band closure
Heel	TPU heel clip for support
Outsole	Wrapped rubber for added durability

Our Verdict

The New Balance Kids' 1440 V1 is a strong choice for parents seeking a comfortable, supportive shoe that performs well for everyday activities and short runs. Its Fresh Foam cushioning and snug bootie fit deliver reliable comfort and true-to-size fit, offering good value for families who want a modern, well-built athletic shoe despite mixed reports on long-term durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these true to size?
Most customers report the 1440 V1 fits true to size and offers enough room in the toe box for growing feet.

How durable are they?
Durability is mixed: many users find the wrapped rubber outsole holds up well, but some report faster wear under heavy use.

Is any of the shoe made from renewable materials?
The Fresh Foam midsole includes approximately 3% bio-based content derived from renewable resources.