The New Balance 860 has long been a favorite with runners looking for a supportive daily trainer. Now in its 13th edition, a few things have changed over the years with the shoe now featuring the signature Fresh Foam X.
Will the latest update be a must-have running shoe for overpronators? Let’s find out if it stacks up against the best running shoes out there.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13 technical details
- Price: £140
- Weight: 243g
- Drop: 10mm
- Technology: Supportive medial post for stability
pros and cons
pros
- Great looking shoe.
- Comfortable shoe with great cushioning.
- Good amount of support.
Cons
Who and what is this shoe for?
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 is a supportive running shoe for runners who tend to overpronate. It features New Balance’s Fresh Foam X for a cushioned, comfortable ride on the road. It would equally suit newer runners as well as those training for longer distances looking for some support on those long runs.
How does it fit?
There are three widths available for this shoe: standard, wide and extra wide. The standard, as you may expect with two additional widths, are on the narrower side which makes for a snug fit around the ankle. I was happy with this, but my feet are on the narrower side. There’s a good amount of room in the toe box and the length was spot on for me in a UK size 6.
Is the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v13 comfortable?
This is a very comfortable shoe. It features New Balances Fresh Foam X midsole foam which gives a good amount of cushioning without too much squish. The gusseted tongue is padded for extra comfort and there is a good amount of padding around the ankle collar too.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v13 run test
Having recently run in the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V3 and being a long-term fan of the New Balance Hierro for trail runs, I was keen to try the 860. New Balance’s Fresh Foam X is always a nice, comfortable foam and I wanted to see how this would work in a support shoe. They didn’t disappoint.
I headed out on my usual 5k route and they were comfortable from the get-go. The fit is snug around the ankle and mid-foot but I always feel this is important in a support or stability shoe as you need to feel you’re locked into it.
The foam felt like it gave more cushioning in the heel (great if you’re a heel-striker) and a little less at the forefoot as my foot rolled through allowing for a good push-off.
Part of my route was a short gravel path and the shoe coped well with the change in terrain. Back on the roads there is a good amount of grip from the rubber outsole. There is also a generous amount of that outsole rubber so they should go the distance and see you through plenty of miles.
Where can I buy them?
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v13 are available from the New Balance website.
