New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 Review
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10.5 oz, 298 g (men's size 9), 8.9 oz, 252 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 38 mm / 30 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Shoe Purpose: Moderate Stability Daily Training Shoe
Pros: Well-integrated medial stability, comfortable midsole
Cons: Not for lateral stability needs
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 is a moderate stability daily trainer for those who need a medial wedge from the heel to the forefoot. A wider, slightly short upper with a more rounded forefoot provides plenty of room while still being secure. A full-length midsole of Fresh Foam X provides moderately soft cushioning and along with a taller stack height delivers a smooth transition no matter where you land. The most unique aspect, a full-length medial wedge, provides moderate to high medial stability at all three parts of the foot for those who need a shoe that brings the ground up to them. As one of the only full-length wedged stability shoes on the market, the 860 v14 provides something that those who did well with the Vongo v5 and are searching for an upgrade/update will likely do well in.
SIMILAR SHOES: New Balance Vongo v5
PAST MODEL: New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v13
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The New Balance 860 v14 fits me slightly short initially but is mostly true to size in my normal men's US size 10. Those between sizes should consider going up a half size as the toe guard initially made it feel short. However, the engineered mesh does stretch with time and now after 30 miles feels more true to size. The upper is slightly wider throughout particularly in the midfoot. the forefoot fits slightly wide with a normal to slightly higher volume. This helps offset the slightly short fit. The midfoot fits wider with a moderately thick and gusseted tongue. Despite the good gusset, I had to really tighten down the laces to get a secure fit. I did not have any security issues once the laces were tightened. The heel fits normal in width with a moderate to high amount of heel collar cushioning. While there is a ton of padding at the heel, those with heel sensitivities should still approach with caution due to the stiff counter in the rearfoot. The internal aspect of the upper is a little scratchy and combined with the toe guard makes this shoe best to use with socks.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: Saucony Guide 17, ASICS Kayano 30, Hoka Gaviota 5, Saucony Endorphin Elite, Nike Ultrafly
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Saucony Kinvara 14
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Altra Timp 5
Bach: The 860v14 has a very comfortable, slightly wider fit throughout for me. Length-wise it fits just so, but I did find the midfoot to be a little wide for me and felt the need to really lace the midfoot down for running. This did cause a touch of extra pressure on the midfoot. Those who need a slightly wider midfoot will find this a good match. The heel is very secure and features a sturdy heel counter. The forefoot width was fairly good and the volume was just average for me. The shoe reminded me somewhat of the Hoka Gaviota 5's fit which was a touch large for me as well. Those with narrow feet will want to definitely try to shoe on first, and for men who have particularly narrow feet maybe consider also testing the women's model (I do not have confirmation if the lasts are different or the same for men/women, but it is worth a shot to mention). The shoe is decently breathable and I didn't have trouble with hotspots.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Bach well: Nike Pegasus 40, Saucony Guide 17, Mizuno Wave Inspire 19, Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, Nike Structure 25
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Asics Kayano 30, Puma Electrify Nitro, Brooks Hyperion, Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
Shoes that have fit large: Hoka Gaviota 5, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Mildly
How Flexible is the Shoe: Not Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The 860 v14 is a taller stack height daily training shoe. The midsole is made of two full-length layers of Fresh Foam X. This creates a slightly soft but well-cushioned ride underfoot ride. The weight is on the higher side for a trainer (now) but the mild bounciness of the foams offset this slightly. There is an 8mm drop and this is exactly what it feels like. The heel transition is extremely smooth thanks to a large posterior lateral heel bevel. This transitions into a sturdy but smooth midfoot. The forefoot features an early forefoot rocker that rolls forward off the fairly stiff front. The forefoot is fairly stiff due to the thicker sole and EVA film in the midsole. There is some toe spring, so those with mobility issues may have mixed experiences. The ride of the 860 v14 works best for easier and longer runs. The slightly heavier weight and softer foam make this shoe difficult for even uptempo efforts. During consistent easier or long efforts it is great but there are better options for increasing the pace in. The outsole traction is good even on wet but amount of exposed foam makes this shoe better on the road. I have 35 miles on my pair and whiel I have begun to shave down the outsole, it is still present. Thus, I would expect an average number of miles out of these for a daily trainer.
Bach: The 860 v14 is a max cushion trainer that focuses on comfort. The Fresh Foam X midsole comes in two flavors here with a slightly softer top layer above an EVA film and a firmer bottom layer underneath the "film." (more on the film in the stability section) The ride runs just slightly firm for me, but is very protective with the high stack of combined Fresh Foam X. There is a mild early forefoot rocker which does most of the work in facilitating a decently smooth ride from front-to-back. The shoe doesn't particularly have much of a responsive feel. It really relies on the rocker to make transitions and is definitely best at easy and recovery paces. The weight of the shoe doesn't feel as heavy as past versions, but still has some heft which keeps the shoe best for easier work. The 860 v14 is overall for stability runners seeking a durable daily trainer for daily miles and easy long efforts. The outsole traction has been fairly good with no issues on wet road for me. I also took it on dirt roads and the shoe performed okay.
Overall I found the ride to be fairly comfortable and stable, and ultimately not super exciting. The shoe gets the job done with minimal fuss and focuses most on a comfortable landing (more of a "plop" than a "roll and go") with good medial support. Those who may be seeking an energetic ride will not necessarily find that here, but will find a stable, easy-going, comfortable one will do fine here. Those looking also for a good walking shoe will definitely find that here as well. I took the shoe for two long walks and for daily use and it provided solid all-day comfort thanks to its relaxed fit.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 is a moderate to higher-level stability shoe. This stability is full length as the medial wedge design runs from the heel all the way into the forefoot. This is executed through two foam layers. The bottom layer is slightly firmer and is taller on the medial (inner) side of the shoe while the top layer is softer and more significant on the lateral (outer) side of the shoe. This creates a significant lateral bias through the length of the shoe that those with medial stability needs will do well at no matter where they need it. This "height" and stability is greatest in the heel and midfoot and decreases a little in the forefoot but is no less stable up front. This provides noticeable pressure on the medial side of the foot that took me some time to get used to given the fact I haven't worn a wedged shoe in several year. Once I got used to it after walking it felt fine on the run but the stability level is more on the moderate to high side. Those with any lateral ankle instabilities will not do well in this shoe as it does keep you going in that direction. Thus, those with moderate to higher level stability needs along the length of the foot will do well in this shoe. Those who like feeling elevated on the medial side will respond best to the 860 v14.
Bach: The primary stability implementation in the 860 v14 is the dual layer midsole built around New Balance's EVA Film, which also is seen in the recent Vongo. The EVA film is essential a plastic piece that clearly rides higher on the medial side and cuts diagonally down through the lateral side. This causes a distinct cut in the midsole and the wedge design that Matt discusses. The medial side as a result has a much higher amount of firmer bottom layer Fresh Foam X, especially in the heel, but also very noticeably through the forefoot, providing a surprising amount of forefoot medial stability in the shoe. There is as a result a higher amount of softer Fresh Foam X laterally. The wedge causes runners to be pitched laterally as a result, creating a running on the edge feel as you ride the firmer midsole and are gently moved laterally into the softer midsole. Those who supinate will definitely not get benefit out of this shoe as it pushes you laterally. This is definitely a shoe for those who need medial stability. The wedge is well-integrated and fairly not noticeable for me as a midfoot-forward runner compared to the 860v13 which was highly noticeable and bothersome to my flat feet.
Additional to the film, there is a mild amount of sole flaring and generous width which work together well with the New Balance EVA film design to create a higher amount of stability.
The overall stability feels moderately high, and higher than most stability shoes in the forefoot medial stability department. I found the combination of elements to work decently well for my mechanics. The shoe does pitch you laterally for sure, but not as severely as the Vongo v6 does. I had a lot of issues with the Vongo and how much it was shoving me lateral. The 860 is much more gentle in how much it pushes a runner laterally, with the very wide base and sole flaring helping keep things in check. The shoe also didn't irritate my midfoot with its medial support and felt pretty stable on uneven terrain.
Those used to past 860s will find this version to be different overall. Those who need more modest medial stability will potentially find this to be an improvement as the integration will feel smoother, while those who really benefit from a post may have mixed results. There are few if any existing true post options in the market right now though, so in this regard the 860 v14 still remains one of the higher overall stability shoes in the market for pure medially stability.
Thoughts as a DPT: Wedges and Stability
By Matthew Klein
Posting and wedges are two common and more traditional methods of shoe stability and orthotic design. A post is a harder medial (or lateral depending on the purpose) piece of material that acts to slow down the rate of pronation due to the contrast with the softer materials around it. These have been used for years and are still present in several stability shoes. A wedge is a different design where one side of the shoe (or part of the shoe) is higher than the other in the frontal plane or side to side. While a wedge can act similar to a post (sometimes) more aggressively) by resisting motion, it also functions to theoretically keep the foot in a neutral (middle position). If a person has an abnormal developmental or pathologic feature that keeps part of the foot in an excessive direction of motion, the wedge can be used to bring the ground up to match that position. An example of this is an everted (pointing out) calcaneus (heel bone). Because this is the "standard" position for that person, a post would allow the foot to continue rolling inward. A medial wedge would be better at holding the foot in a more neutral position by keeping it in a relatively inverted (inward) position. This concept can be applied to any part of the foot if the standard position of the foot is outside the neutral position of motion normally (not due to weakness). This is what is meant by "bringing the ground up to the foot" in order to support it in a more optimal position for that person.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: Although the 860v14 is a tiny bit aggressive for me stability-wise, I really appreciate what New Balance has done with this shoe. It has differentiated itself from the rest of the market and I personally feel it filled the purpose of what the Vongo v6 did not execute well from v5. The slightly wider fit is good and the slightly short fit does break in well. My only suggestion would be to see if the weight could be dropped. The taller stack height is standard and expected in the industry, so that should not be decreased. I would not modify the shape or cut out sections of the midsole as that might compromise the stability. My suggestions therefore are to see if the upper can be thinned out or if the midsole compound can be tweaked to provide the same level of cushioning. I wonder if adding a more PEBA-based material may be helpful in decreasing weight or if the resilience/compliance change in the midsole would too greatly alter the ride. Overall, the execution of the shoe is great in that it provides a unique, rare design on the market, but I want to encourage the team to push to drop the weight just a bit.
Bach: I think New Balance accomplished what they were trying to do with the shoe. The stability is integrated well on their first effort with the 860 revamp and is an improvement over the Vongo redesign. The shoe is lighter than the past versions and the Fresh Foam X is comfortable. The shoe also comes in at a very reasonable price point for the category. For the upper, I would love to see more structure and ability to lockdown tighter without biting to allow the foot to really get dialed into the shoe without sacrificing volume. The upper is very relaxed currently. Being able to secure the upper a bit more would further contribute to the overall ride and make the sure feel lighter without actually needing to lighten the shoe underneath.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14 is for those who need a shoe that provides medial stability throughout the full length of the sole with a slightly wider fit. The fit is a tiny bit short but breaks in to provide a slightly wider fit with a rounder forefoot and extra room in the midfoot. The ride is smooth thanks to a well designed posterior lateral heel bevel and an early forefoot rocker. The midsole material is softer but not mushy, creating a protective ride that is best for easier paces. The stability is best for those who need a moderate to higher level amount of medial support through a wedge design that elevates the inner side of the foot. A great option for those who did well with the Vongo v5 and want a similar ride. While this amount of stability is a tiny bit aggressive for what I need (I do better in mild stability), I greatly appreciate what New Balance did here in providing a unique product for those with different stability needs. The Puma ForeverRun Nitro is the only other shoe I know of that has a slightly wedged midsole (medial side of the forefoot is elevated slightly) and the 860 v14 is also one of the rare shoes to also feature forefoot stability (along with the ForeverRun and Mount to Coast P1). $140 is a solid price for a shoe that the market desperately needed again after disappearing with the Vongo v5. Not every stability shoe should be like this but it is important to have this option on the market.
Bach: The New Balance 860v14 is a revamped stability trainer that utilizes a more well-integrated form of medial stability than its past-post design. Those who need moderately high medial stability front-to-back will find a lot to like here while those who are used to the post-design and still thrive on that will want to proceed cautiously to see if the shoe matches their needs. The shoe is particularly nice for those who want medial forefoot stability. Despite a fairly significant design change, the 860v14 remains one of the higher stability shoes in the market for those looking for a cushioned medial stability trainer to log daily mileage in. For more evenly-distributed stability, especially for those who need lateral assistance, the recent Asics Kayano or Hoka Gaviota will likely provide better options. Those looking for a combination of good width and medial stability will want to put the 860v14 in their short list.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B+ (Wider fit, especially in the midfoot with normal to slightly higher volume. Slightly short fit that does break in with time)
Performance: B (Smooth transition from slightly softer ride, great heel bevel and rockered forefoot. No speed versatility but great for consistent easy paces)
Stability: A [Moderate to High Stability] (Full-length medial wedge design most significant in heel/midfoot but also in forefoot. Wider midfoot, medial and lateral heel sidewalls also present)
Value: B+/A- (Unique shoe at good price although outsole durability is somewhat average)
Personal: A- (A comfortable, unique stability shoe that the market desperately needs. Although a bit aggressive for me, I appreciate what this shoe will provide for those who need it. Could be lighter though)
Overall Design: B+/A-
Bach
Fit: B+/A- (For runners who need a wider fit, definitely a top contender in the stability market. Narrower foot runners will need to try a few different sizes to see if it works)
Performance: B+ (Focused on daily mileage, the 860 is no frills and gets the job done with a fairly smooth front-to-back ride)
Stability: A- (A major revamp that is executed well, incorporating less invasive but still effective medial support throughout)
Value: A- (A really well-priced shoe for a model that should be fairly durable with the amount of outsole underfoot)
Personal: B/B+ (The shoe for me may be a touch on the wide side which lowers my personal score, but it is a solid offering which I still enjoyed miles in and may continue to have in my arsenal through the rest of the year thanks to its comfortable fit and ride)
Overall Design: B+/A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DOR
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14
Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
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FURTHER READING
A totally revamped storm of cushion and stability.
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Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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