New Balance 860 Review: V14 Fresh Foam, Stability Running Shoes
By Marnie Kunz
NASM-certified trainer, USATF- RRCA-certified run coach
After running in these women’s running shoes for a training season, I wanted to share my New Balance 860 review. The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14 are stability running shoes for runners who have flat feet or, like me, overpronate mildly and need shoes that help with running form. Overpronation is when your feet strike the ground and roll inwards. These shoes have features that reduce excess foot motion to help you run more smoothly. They’re also well-cushioned and comfortable, which I’ve come to expect from New Balance shoes. If you have fleet feet or need stability for everyday runs, these shoes may be an excellent option. Here’s the good, the bad, and the full rundown based on my experience training for a half marathon and running in city streets and occasionally on trails in the New Balance 860v14.
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What’s In New Balance 860V14 Running Shoes? Key Features
Running the Philly Love Half Marathon in my New Balance 860s.
The New Balance 860v14 are moderate stability running shoes designed with comfort in mind. V14 is the latest version of the 860 running shoes from New Balance. Stability shoes offer extra support to control excess foot movement when you’re running.
The shoes combine New Balance’s Fresh Foam X with innovative Stability Plane technology. The Fresh Foam X is dual-density foam with a softer cushion on top and a denser cushion on the bottom for an all-around comfortable feeling in the midfoot. The Stability Plane offers the necessary support for overpronators without compromising the cushioning.
Overall, I found the New Balance 860v14 very comfortable for daily runs, speed workouts, and long runs. The shoes have the signature New Balance comfort and thick cushioning. They come in many width options, from narrow to regular, wide, and extra wide. I have slightly wide feet and am comfortable running in the regular width 860s.
No New Balance 860 review would be complete without discussing the materials and construction of the shoes. The shoe has an engineered mesh upper that is breathable and flexible. The gusseted tongue on the New Balance 860v13 had a flared heel. This has been removed for a more traditional heel in the v14.
Related: When to Change Your Running Shoes
The New Balance 860v14 features a padded and gusseted tongue, which means the tongue is not just attached at the base (near the toes) but is also stitched or connected along its sides to the upper of the shoe. This creates a more integrated and secure fit around the midfoot and prevents the tongue from slipping around on runs.
The New Balance 860v14 outsole primarily utilizes blown rubber. This type of rubber is created by injecting air, making it lighter and more flexible than solid rubber. This contributes to a more responsive and adaptable feel that's ideal for road running. The shoes also have a sturdy heel counter which adds to the durability of the trainers.
The shoe has traction and grip for running on city streets and sidewalks but no extra grips for trail running on uneven terrain. I ran mostly on paved surfaces with my shoes and had no issues. I also hit some well-worn dirt trails, but for more technical trails or trails with muddy conditions, I recommend trail running shoes.
The only drawback I felt with the shoe was their lack of springiness for faster runs like speed workouts. While this is a great daily trainer for base runs and long runs, it may not be the best option for speed training and fast races. Overall, the New Balance 860v14 is a good daily running shoe for people with mild pronation problems and those who want a cushioned running shoe for running on pavement.
New Balance 860 Review: Comfort and Stability
Shoe Type: Road Running Shoes
Shoe Category: Stability
Weight: 245.4 grams (8.7 oz)
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm drop
Stack Height: 36.8 mm (Heel), 27.5 mm (Forefoot)
Widths: Regular, Wide, X-Wide, Narrow
Waterproof: No
Pros:
Roomy toe box
Stability features for runners who overpronate
A comfortable, cushioned midsole for daily training
Good traction and cushioning for road runs.
Comfortable for wide feet
Cons:
Like many road shoes, the New Balance 860v14 has exposed Fresh Foam X in areas of the outsole where rubber coverage is less extensive. This exposed foam can be more susceptible to wear and tear, especially on rougher surfaces like trails so the shoes are best for running on paved surfaces.
Lack of springiness, not the best shoe for speed
Going the Distance on Daily Runs
I did much more than a quick wear test with these shoes for a New Balance 860 review. I generally like New Balance shoes and use these as my regular training and coaching shoes. I ran the Philly Love Half Marathon (here’s my race review) in these shoes and they worked well to keep my feet cushioned and comfortable for 13.1 miles.
I also wore these running shoes for my weekly long run and some speed workout sessions. Overall, the shoes kept my legs and feet well-cushioned. As I mentioned, they don’t have a rolling, springiness to them so they feel a bit slow for speed training. But overall they’re comfortable shoes for a stability trainer for daily runs and long runs.
To conclude my New Balance 860 review, if you’re looking for a solid stability shoe that’s comfortable and cushioned for running on pavement, the 860v14 is a great choice. It offers mild pronation control and a smooth, comfortable ride. It's not the best choice for heavy trail running or a lot of speed work, but it’s a versatile and comfortable running shoe for people with mild pronation issues.
Have you tried the New Balance 860v14s? Follow and tag @Runstreet on Instagram to share your feedback. For more firsthand reviews, training tips, and workouts from a running coach, sign up for our Wellness Wednesday newsletter.
Happy running to you!☺️
Related: Guide to Running on Concrete, Garmin Forerunner 55 Running Watch Review, How to Find the Best Running Shoes
Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.
