Dating back to 1906, New Balance is one of the oldest and most well-established running shoe brands on the market. With this longstanding history, it likely won’t come as a surprise that New Balance shoes are incredibly trusted and beloved in the running shoe industry.
No matter where you go, New Balance shoes are a staple footwear choice. Between casual walks around town, daily mileage, or the start line of a race, you can always find athletes, runners, and walkers donning the iconic New Balance “N” on their shoes.
The 860 is one of the core New Balance models that helped the brand build this reliable and trusted reputation. This supportive, moderate-cushion model was first released back in 2011. And while the 860 has undergone some major changes over the years, it’s remained a favorite among runners and walkers who prioritize support and cushioning.
The newest version of the 860 – the 860 v15 – saw another major design overhaul. If you’ve worn the shoe before, you may be wondering what changed and if the shoe still delivers the same support and cushioning. If not, you’re likely curious about whether the 860 v15 could be the right fit for you.
Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Our review team took a close look at the New Balance 860 v15 to better understand the newest features and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next running shoe.
Our Review Process
Our mission at Marathon Sports is to find you the shoes and gear you need to move comfortably and work towards your walking, running, or fitness goals. To provide the best possible recommendations, it’s crucial that we know every shoe inside and out and understand who would benefit from each running shoe model.
With every new shoe, we dive into the details, listen to feedback, and conduct our own run tests to gain a better understanding of how it feels and performs. So we laced up the 860 v15 and hit the road, track, treadmill, and more. Across a variety of different runs, we took a close look at every feature, both new and old, to truly understand the ins and outs of the newest 860.
Throughout this review, we’ll share everything we learned, cover all the main features, and summarize our road test findings. We’ll also offer some alternative options for those looking to compare their running shoe choices, so you can make the most informed decision for your feet.
New Balance 860 v15: The Fast Facts
Before we take a more detailed look at all the features the 860 v15 has to offer, let’s start with a quick overview of what you can expect from this new trainer.
- Advertised as a moderate cushion stability daily trainer
- Stack height: 40 mm in the heel, 34 mm in the forefoot
- 6 mm drop
- Weight:11.6 oz (M), 9.2 oz (W)
- Dual-density midsole is made from Fresh Foam X cushioning for soft, reliable comfort
- Stability plane embedded in the midsole provides smooth, effective support for overpronation
- Wide base and raised sidewalls add even more subtle stability
- Rocker profile guides you through each stride for effortless heel-to-toe transitions
- Refined engineered mesh upper maximizes breathability and comfort around the foot
- Blown rubber outsole improves durability and traction during everyday runs
- Available in standard and wide width
- Price: $149.95
New Balance 860 v15: A Deep Dive
Knowing the specs and highlights of a shoe is a good start, but it’s also important to take a look at all the design elements to really understand running shoe models and how they perform. With that in mind, let’s dive into the features that make the 860 v15 a standout in its category.
Fresh Foam X Midsole Foam
Fresh Foam X, New Balance’s proprietary EVA midsole foam, had defined the brand for years, offering unmatched softness and lightweight cushioning. The 860 v15 incorporates an enhanced Fresh Foam X midsole design with dual-layer technology for maximum support and comfort underfoot.
The top layer provides a soft, ultra-plush feel to deliver cloud-like landings. Closer to the ground, the dense Fresh Foam X layer provides more stability and responsiveness for a well-balanced ride.
Not only did New Balance update and refine the Fresh Foam X midsole, but the company also added more cushioning in the 860 v15 than ever before. With 40 mm of foam in the heel and 34 mm in the forefoot, the 860 provides a soft, pillowy bed of cushion that keeps your legs and feet feeling fresh after miles and miles.
Stability Plane Technology
The 860 is a stability shoe, meaning it incorporates support that corrects for overpronation, or excessive inward rolling through the gait cycle. In the 860, this support takes the form of a unique stability plane.
Older models of the 860 used a stiff medial post that supported the arch and pushed your feet into a neutral position. But in recent years, brands have been shifting to more adaptive, less obtrusive forms of support, and New Balance is no exception.
The 860 v14 was the first to replace the medial post with a Stability Plane, a firm, asymmetrical EVA plate in the midsole that reduces overpronation while maintaining a soft, cushiony feel.
This Stability Plane was refined even more in the 860’s 15th iteration. The full-length plate is embedded between the midsole’s two densities, adding consistent and reliable support without the overly rigid feeling associated with traditional medial posts.
New Balance’s new stability technology puts the 860 firmly in the moderate support category. The shoe provides guidance and support, without feeling too aggressive or overcorrective through your natural motion path, making it a great choice for anyone with mild-to-moderate overpronation.
Other Stability and Guidance Elements
The stability plane is the 860’s main method of support – but it isn’t the only supportive element in the shoe.
The 860 v15 has a wide platform, offering inherent sturdiness and stability throughout your runs. The raised sidewalls also help cradle the foot and guide you through your stride without adding any other rigid support elements.
Finally, looking at the shoe, you’ll notice a curved rocker shape in the midsole. This rocker geometry helps guide you forward to reduce impact and promote effortless movement during long runs and recovery days.
Engineered Mesh Upper and Overall Fit
The support continues around the top of the foot with the engineered mesh upper. The mesh is flexible yet structured, offering a secure fit around the heel and midfoot.
New Balance is known for its accommodating fit that works for a huge range of runners, and we’re happy to report that the 860 continues this trend. While the upper provides a secure lockdown, the shoe is wide enough in the toe box to fit all different foot shapes and sizes.
The shoe is also available in a standard and wide width for an even more customizable fit.
Long-Term Durability
Underneath the shoe, you’ll find a lightweight blown rubber outsole. This outsole is grippy enough to provide reliable traction on wet pavement and other slippery surfaces, so you can enjoy more versatile runs in the 860.
And despite not adding much weight or bulk to the shoe, the outsole is incredibly resilient and durable. Given the shoe is advertised as a daily workhorse trainer, you want to be sure it can handle all the miles you throw at it. Luckily, this dependable rubber outsole is up for the challenge, and it has held up well over the miles we’ve put on the 860s so far.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a constant conversation in the running shoe industry, and several brands are working to reduce their carbon footprint and drive more environmentally-conscious manufacturing practices.
New Balance has been working towards more sustainable practices for years, and the newest 860 is just one example of the changes the brand is making. The shoe incorporates recycled foam in the midsole and is made of 3% bio-based materials to reduce waste and take a more sustainable approach to footwear.
The 860 in Action: Road Test Results
When a shoe gets a complete makeover, our review team is always excited to lace up the update and see how the changes feel and compare to the previous iterations. And with all the new upgrades to the 860, we couldn’t wait to see how the shoe performed.
Fresh Foam has been the backbone of New Balance’s running shoes for years, so there weren’t too many surprises with the smooth and reliable underfoot ride the Fresh Foam X provided. Like always, the foam effectively absorbed shock and felt soft and stable underfoot. However, we found that the dual-layered construction did up the shoe’s responsiveness and versatility.
While the soft upper layer provides that reliable Fresh Foam X softness and comfort, the denser bottom layer guarantees unmatched stability and a stiff, supportive base for landings.
We were a big fan of the shift from medial post to Stability Plane technology in the 860 v14, and we were thrilled to see this unique plane technology make a comeback in the v15. The rigid EVA plane embedded in the midsole is a big upgrade to the stiff medial post used in previous iterations, providing effective arch support without feeling too obtrusive and heavy under the arch.
And despite the moderate support being a great choice for overpronators, the members of our review team with a neutral gait also felt that there was plenty to enjoy throughout runs in the new 860. The plane was flexible enough that it didn’t feel oversupportive or uncomfortable, and provided just the right amount of balanced stability throughout long runs and daily miles.
The responsive bottom layer of foam did make the shoe feel bouncy and energetic when we picked up the pace – but some runners may struggle with the amount of foam and extra weight when it comes to speed workouts and uptempo runs.
New Balance upped the stack height to 40/34 mm, bringing this moderate cushioned shoe to a higher stack height than ever before. This whopping amount of plush foam feels great on longer runs, but can be a bit bulky during speed workouts or more uptempo days.
The shoe did balance out this higher stack height with a lower 6 mm drop, which helps maintain a grounded feel despite the large amount of cushioning. But even with this stable feel, the shoe may feel too plush and cushioned for runners who prefer a more minimal ride.
Another area that could use some improvement was in the weight. The 860 v15 went up in weight, bringing it to 11.6 oz for men’s shoes and 9.2 oz for women’s. Stability shoes tend to be heavier all-around than their neutral counterparts, but the 860 is on the heavy end compared to shoes in the same category. This extra weight limits the 860’s versatility, making it a better choice as a designated long run shoe as opposed to an adaptable all-around trainer.
Overall, the 860 v15 pairs a high stack of soft foam with reliable and durable support for everyday runs. The moderate support works best for runners who overpronate and need extra stability in their shoes, but the unique plane technology results in a shoe that doesn’t feel overly corrective underfoot. So if you’re looking for a stable shoe that doesn’t sacrifice soft plush cushioning, the newest 860 could work for you.
Pros and Cons
Throughout a range of test runs, we discovered some upsides and downsides about the 860 v15’s design. Here are just a few to keep in mind when you’re browsing running shoes:
Pros
- Stability Plane technology takes a new approach to support, offering moderate stability for those who overpronate without feeling too stiff or pronounced in the arch
- Fresh Foam X midsole unit is soft yet balanced, using a dual-layer design to blend soft landings and responsive toe-offs
- Engineered mesh upper adds extra support around the foot with a secure, structured lockdown
- Wide base, raised sidewalls, and low drop work together to create stable landings despite the high stack height
Cons
- Increased stack height feels great on long runs, but limits versatility and feels bulky when trying to pick up the pace
- Weight increased from previous iterations
The 860 v15 vs the Competition: How Does it Stack Up?
New Balance has consistently been a leader in the industry when it comes to dependability and comfort. So how does this 860 v15 stack up, and does it live up to the brand’s reputation?
Ultimately, if you’re looking for max comfort, reliable support, and durability, you can’t go wrong with the New Balance 860 v15. It holds up to the brand’s legacy, pairing cushioning with support to provide a stable experience for walkers and runners.
However, more and more brands are stepping it up when it comes to reliable and supportive shoes, and the 860 isn’t the only option worth considering in this stability shoe category.
Throughout our road testing, we found that the 860 v15 had us feeling heavy on our feet during more uptempo paces. If you need some support in your shoes but want something more versatile, try out the Asics GT-2000 14.
As a lighter, more responsive stability shoe, the GT-2000 lets you enjoy support without excess weight and bulk. However, while both shoes have plenty of cushioning, the 860’s higher stack height makes it a great choice for athletes who prioritize max foam and shock absorption during long runs.
Not sure if the lower drop is for you? There are also plenty of supportive options for heel-strikers and anyone who prefers a high drop shoe, such as the Nike Structure 26. Like the 860, the Structure incorporates a midfoot support system, raised sidewalls, and a rocker shape for smooth forward guidance. But with a 10 mm drop as opposed to the 860’s 6mm drop, the Structure is ideal for those who need extra protection in the heel.
Is the 860 v15 Right For You? Final Thoughts
With any major upgrade, the Marathon Sports team is always eager to test it out and see how the brand is innovating and adapting in the modern running shoe market.
The 860 brought in some major updates for the 15th version, from incorporating a dual-layer design to refining the plane technology and adding more all-around foam. These changes helped the shoe shine on long runs, providing plenty of impact absorption and plush cushioning as we built up miles.
But not every shoe is perfect for every runner. And this is particularly true with stability shoes, which could provide too much support and correction for runners who supinate or have a neutral gait.
The best way to find the perfect shoe for you is to swing by your nearest Marathon Sports for a custom gait analysis. The Right Fit process will help us narrow down your options and determine the best choices to help you meet your goals and keep you comfortable and healthy. With the right footwear and gear, you’ll be ready to tackle any runs, walks, gym sessions, and more.
