New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13: A Lot of Big Changes
By Chief Editor Matthew Klein
The
concept of how stability is executed in footwear has evolved greatly
over these past few years. Many major companies have taken to
dramatically updating their stability models, many of whom were lagging
behind in development. The 860v13 is one of the models that has seen a
drastic update. The sole, upper, and stability method are updated
completely. Like many of their other performance shoes, New Balance is
showcasing some forward-thinking on stability with the changes to the
860v13. They have successfully integrated both older and newer methods
into this shoe, creating a balanced ride that provides both guidance and
stability.
Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10.9 oz, 309 g (men's size 9), 8.6 oz, 243 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 27mm / 17 mm (not including insole?)
Drop: 10 mm
Classification: Moderate Stability Daily Trainer
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The
New Balance Fresh Foam 860v13 is a moderate stability daily trainer for
those who want a wider fitting, rockered, sturdy shoe for easy miles. A
softer Fresh Foam X midsole sits underfoot, providing balanced
cushioning from heel to toe. Well-designed sidewalls and an integrated
medial post provide integrated and non-obtrusive stability. A wider
fitting, but secure upper sits up top, providing room for those who
either want a wider fit or have wider feet. The 860v13 maintains a
similar weight that keeps it mostly for easy mileage, but the updated
midsole and stability improve comfort in the long run.
SIMILAR SHOES: ASICS Gel-Kayano 29, Brooks Glycerin GTS 20
FIT
The
New Balance Fresh Foam 860v13 fits me true to size in my normal men's
US size 10. The width is definitely on the wider side in the forefoot
and midfoot. The rearfoot fits more normal, although it does have room
that is offset by the solid security. Despite the wider fit, I have not
had any heel slippage and did not have to lace lock the shoe. This is
thanks to a stiff, tall and forward-reaching heel counter that
integrates well with the tall sidewalls. There is only a little heel
collar cushioning, so those with heel sensitivities to rigid heel
counters should approach this shoe with a large amount of caution. Those
who want stiff heel counters will enjoy the design of the counter in
the 860v13.
While I did not have heel slippage, I did have some
sliding side to side while turning. The fit is wider in the midfoot and
forefoot, which required me to tighten down the laces. This did help the
security but those interested should be aware that this shoe does fit
wider up front. The tongue is gusseted in the midfoot and with its
medium thickness, stays secure. The forefoot has extra volume and width
that allows for toe splay. It does feature a stiff toe guard that caused
some chaffing on my 1st toe. This was minor and has gone away but is
one of the major reasons I recommend wearing socks with this shoe.
As
a whole, the fit is secure in the heel with a wider midfoot and
forefoot. The upper is a lighter mesh but has plenty of reinforcement
from the heel counter, logo and toe guard.
PERFORMANCE
The
New Balance Fresh Foam 860v13 is a daily training shoe meant for easy
miles. The updated cushioning is moderate, providing a balance between
firm and soft. There is a 10mm drop in this shoe, which is offset by a
large and well-placed posterior-lateral heel bevel which provides great
heel landings and transitions. The full ground contact and greater width
through the center makes for smooth transitions through the midfoot.
There is a moderate amount of flexibility in the forefoot. This is
combined with a moderate amount of toe-spring/forefoot rocker, makes for
a solid transition off the front. The transitions are not fast; the
moderate cushioning, rockered ride and higher weight make this shoe
better for easier and longer efforts. The shoe has gained size, which
does get in the way of any faster runner. This again makes it best for
slower runs and an excellent choice for walking.
The outsole has
been fairly durable after 35 miles of road running. I am seeing a
normal amount of wear at my usual spot (posterior-lateral heel) so
expect an average number of miles for a daily trainer from the 860v13.
The traction on wet ground is average for a road running shoe and while
it can handle mild trails, I would not use this shoe for technical
terrain. Overall, the 860v13 is a moderately cushioned, rockered shoe
for those who are looking to walk or run in a comfortable easy day shoe.
STABILITY
The
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13 is a moderate stability daily training
shoe. Version 13 maintains the medial post, but elongates and smooths it
out. The medial post integrates with large sidewalls that peak in the
rearfoot and travel into the midfoot. The post is noticeable but not
intrusive. The sidewalls combined with the stiff heel counter do a great
job of providing centered guidance from heel strike through the
midfoot. There is also a decent amount of medial and lateral sole flare
at the heel, which is offset by the well placed posterior-lateral heel
bevel. The sole is full ground contact and the midfoot stays fairly
wide. The forefoot also features decent sole flare and combined with the
wider shape provides more natural guidance.
The New Balance
860v13 provides a moderate to high level of guidance/stability in the
rearfoot and midfoot. It will work best for those who want multiple
methods of stability rather than one that integrate together to
facilitate a smooth forward progression.
Thoughts as a DPT: Center of GravityThe 860v13 does a great job of integrating both new age and older stability methods together. The medial post is lower and longer, providing less of an intrusive push into the foot and more gentle pressure. The sidewalls are the best part, coming up high and providing a high level of unbiased guidance. Integrating these together can be challenging and reminds me of balance in the human body.
By Chief Editor Matt Klein
Regardless of age, balance refers to the ability of an individual to maintain their center of gravity within their base of support. The center of gravity is the point of the human body where the majority of mass is concentrated. A base of support is the outermost area of a body that is in contact with a surface (usually the ground). In the human body, balance is a balance. People that have limbs that are kept too rigid often cannot adjust to changes in their base of support, often resulting in a loss of balance. People that have limbs that are too flexible and do not have enough rigidity are often difficult to control and easily fall outside the base of support. Due to the difficulty controlling the excessive motion, a loss of balance may occur, although for the opposite reason for those who are too stiff. Footwear stability is similar in this regard. For those that need more rigidity for flexibility beyond what they can control, there is an optimal amount. Too rigid of a shoe is often uncomfortable and prevents motion so much things may compensate above the foot. Too flexible of a shoe provides too much motion for those who already have difficulty controlling, causing issues or tissue strain.
A great way to balance this is to use multiple strategies for stability or balance. In individuals with balance issues, a single balance strategy is often use, which limits their ability to adapt. Having multiple balance strategies, such as using compensatory motion at the ankle, knees, hips and trunks integrated together, is optimal for adjusting to whatever situation or force might adjust their center of mass and base of support. Footwear is similar and the 860v13 is a great example of this. Instead of only relying on an extremely rigid medial post, the medial post is longer and less obtrusive than previous. It provides a little less pressure while allowing the high sidewalls, wider sole and solid rocker to work together. These different components form different methods of stability and guidance, yet when integrated together at moderate levels work extremely well without overdoing any one of them. It is for that reason that the 860v13 is a balanced moderate stability shoe.
References
Avers, D., & Wong, R. (2019). Guccione's Geriatric Physical Therapy. Elsevier Health Sciences.
O'Sullivan, S. B., Schmitz, T. J., & Fulk, G. (2019). Physical Rehabilitation. FA Davis.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The
updates to the New Balance Fresh Foam 860v13 have all been positive.
My only recommendation is to consider dropping the weight a little more.
10.9 oz (men's size 9) is now on the heavier side for most shoes. The
majority of stability shoes in this category are now dropping into the
mid to low 10 oz range. The Vongo v5
(v6 is coming soon), which is supposed to be a higher stability shoe
than the 860, is over an ounce lighter. My challenge for New Balance is
to maintain the fantastic improvements while decreasing weight and not
sacrificing any of the gains they have made.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
The
New Balance Fresh Foam 860v13 is for those who want a moderate
stability daily training shoe with a wider fit. The ride is moderately
cushioned, sitting nicely between firm and soft. The fit is on the wider
side, making it best for those who want a wider fit or have wider feet.
The weight is on the heavier side, making it best for slower/easy
miles. The balance between traditional and new-age stability makes for a
great system that feels comfortable. A sturdy, stable and well-rockered
shoe, the 860v13 is not only a solid easy day running shoe, but also an
excellent walking shoe.
GRADING
Matt
Fit: B+ (Wider
fit with stiff heel counter overlay security. Some sliding in the
midfoot/forefoot that requires additional lockdown, but will fit great
for those with wider feet. Toe guard is a little thick though and caused
some chaffing)
Performance: B/B+ (Moderate
cushioning with rockered ride. Heavy and best for easy miles, but
smooth rocker makes weight more manageable at slower paces)
Stability: A (Excellent
multi-source stability from smooth medial post, high sidewalls, wider
platform, wider midfoot and well rockered sole. )
DPT/Footwear Science: A- (Excellent
integration of multiple stability methods while making the shoe softer
and smoother. Everything is balanced well, although weight is still on
the high side. Will work well for runners and walkers)
Personal: B (Comfortable
except for the higher weight. This makes me reach for them more as a
walking shoe than a running shoe, although it can do both well. I see
this shoe doing extremely well for a variety of paces and will be one I
consider clinically. Just not for me since I prefer lighter and faster.)
Overall: B+
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