New Balance is a brand synonymous with comfort and innovation. For over 115 years, this well-established brand has been a staple for runners seeking reliable footwear. Known for its plush cushioning, New Balance’s Fresh Foam line continues to evolve, bringing the brand’s legacy forward. The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 is the latest iteration, promising premium support with a smoother ride and improved fit.
At Marathon Sports, we’re excited about the latest offering in New Balance’s Fresh Foam line. We’ll dig into the New Balance 860 v14’s key features, particularly its revamped Fresh Foam X midsole. We’ll explore whether the v14 continues the legacy of comfort and stability that runners have come to expect from the New Balance 860 series.
Our Review Process
Running is serious business here at Marathon Sports and we want to provide you with all the information you need to help you find the right running shoes. That’s why we put the New Balance 860 v14s to the test, pounding pavement and logging miles on various surfaces. From easy runs to tempo runs, we pushed these shoes hard to give you a New Balance 860 v14 review that will help you make an informed decision about your next pair of running shoes.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 Details and Highlights
Here’s a quick rundown of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14’s key features:
- Women’s weighs 8.6 oz (243.8 g), Men’s weighs 10.8 oz (306.2 g)
- Drop is 8 mm (29 mm to 21 mm), down from the 10 mm of the New Balance 860 v13
- Rocker profile
- Updated dual-density Fresh Foam X material, providing cushioning on top and smooth efficiency on bottom
- Stability plane to keep you stable without compromising comfort
- Designed for all-day wear and daily training
- Designed for road running
- Neutral support
- Medium cushioning
- Medium responsiveness
- No carbon plate
- Breathable, engineered mesh upper
- Wider fit compared to previous versions
- Comes in a regular and wide width
- Price: $140.00
Examining the New Balance 860 v14’s Features:
Calling all stability seekers! The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 is here, building on the trusted legacy of previous New Balance running shoes. This update boasts a plusher Fresh Foam X midsole for ultimate comfort while innovative stability features guide your foot. This shoe is perfect for runners who overpronate (e.g. their feet roll inward while walking or running) and crave a smooth, supportive ride on daily runs.
Fresh Foam for Feel-Good Runs
The Fresh Foam in the New Balance 860 v14 is the star of the show when it comes to comfort. The shoe uses a dual-layer midsole technology featuring soft EVA foam. The softer upper layer acts like a cloud for your feet, absorbing impact and reducing stress on your joints. The firmer bottom layer provides a stable and responsive platform, pushing you forward every step of the way.
New Balance uses this trusted Fresh Foam cushioning in most of their running shoes. This soft, balanced material is formed from small, resilient foam beads intended to cushion without losing energy. Soft and plush, the foam is typically heavier and less responsive than FuelCell, used in performance-focused shoes such as the New Balance SuperComp Trainer v2.
The new iteration of the 860, the v14, improves upon the Fresh Foam experience. The softer top layer is more plush than ever, making long runs easier. The firmer base remains for efficiency. New Balance hasn’t strayed from the Fresh Foam’s core functionality but refined it for a smoother and more comfy ride.
Stability That Counts
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 isn’t just about plush comfort; it’s a champion for stability. This version integrates new stability plane technology strategically placed in the midsole to gently guide your foot through your stride. This new technology effectively corrects for overpronation – the excessive inward rolling of your foot – without feeling too stiff and overbearing throughout long runs.
Overpronation can cause a variety of issues, from fatigue to injuries. By providing this subtle inward support, the 860 v14 promotes a more efficient foot strike and proper alignment, reducing stress on your joints and propelling you forward with a smoother, more controlled feel.
Compared to previous versions, the v14’s EVA film plane is more streamlined, allowing for a softer feel underfoot without sacrificing stability. While the traditional medial post in previous versions of the shoe gave the 860 a stiffer ride, this new technology offers support and guides your foot without compromising on comfort and softness. You get the best of both worlds: a comfortable ride with the support you need to conquer those miles.
Breathable Upper Advantage
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 cradles your foot in a secure, breathable upper. This double jacquard engineered mesh is designed to be stylish, lightweight, and flexible, adapting to various foot shapes without feeling restrictive. Gone are the days of bulky stability shoes; the v14’s upper provides a comfortable, sock-like fit that moves naturally with your foot.
Strategically placed overlays offer targeted support without compromising breathability. This allows for optimal airflow, keeping your feet cool and comfortable on even the most strenuous runs. The wider fit compared to previous versions ensures a more inclusive feel, accommodating a broader range of runners.
Outsole With Flexgrooves
No running shoe review would be complete without discussing the outsole. The shoe features a blown rubber outsole, offering a good balance of durability and traction without adding unnecessary weight or bulk. Blown rubber is created by blowing air or injecting agents into the rubber, creating air bubbles. This makes blown rubber lighter and more flexible than solid rubber, providing runners with more responsiveness and adaptivity to different surfaces.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v 14 features vertical indentations called Flexgrooves that promote a smoother running experience. They allow the outsole to bend and flex along with your foot’s natural movement. Your forefoot can articulate more freely, mimicking your foot’s natural gait.
Because the forefoot can bend more naturally, runners experience a smoother transition from heel strike to toe-off. This improves efficiency while running and reduces stress on joints, allowing runners to train for longer distances. Whether conquering city streets or venturing onto rougher terrain, the New Balance 860 v14 outsole helps you maintain a steady stride.
How Does the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 Fit?
The New Balance 860 v14 features a fit that promotes comfort and support. The lightweight upper, wider platform, and secure and supportive feel ensures a comfortable experience from the first step into the shoes to the end of a long run.
Although the v14 has a wider fit compared to previous iterations, it comes in a wide-width option, which is good news for runners with wider feet or those who prefer a more relaxed and roomy fit. Some competitors, such as the Saucony Ride 17, were slightly roomier than the New Balance 860 v14.
The beauty of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 is that it feels comfortable right out of the box. The breathable mesh upper and plush Fresh Foam midsole conform to your feet, avoiding the need for a break-in period.
The wider fit of the v14 is one of the more significant changes compared to the v13. Runners who found the v13 a bit snug will appreciate the additional room in these shoes. Generally, the overall New Balance fit approach prioritizes a secure and supportive feel.
We found that the 860 v14 runs true to size; however, some runners with wider feet should consider going down a half-size in the wide-width option. The best way to know for sure is to visit one of our stores. We offer The Right Fit™ process to help you ensure the right fit at no charge with no appointment necessary.
If you’re seeking a comfortable, supportive, and stable shoe, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 delivers. You won’t be disappointed if you want out-of-the-box comfort and a smooth transition.
Pounding the Pavement With the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14
Now let’s take a closer look at how the New Balance 860 v14 shoes performed on the road. New Balance made these shoes a go-to for daily training, thanks to the updated Fresh Foam X midsole. Our reviewers loved the plush cushioning of the upper layer of the midsole. It absorbed impact superbly, reducing joint stress. This footwear is optimal for runners who log high mileage regularly as part of their training.
The blown rubber outsole balanced traction and durability. We appreciate how the New Balance 860 v14 performed on multiple surfaces, making it an all-around shoe for training from smooth roads to light trails. Most runners will find they’re grippy enough for confident strides on most daily routes. However, these shoes may come up short for the most challenging terrain.
The 860 v14 shines in its stability. Several of our reviewers loved the shoe’s stability, especially those with overpronating feet. They found that the shoe prevented excessive rolling, keeping the run smoother and more efficient with less rigidity than previous 860 versions.
Some reviewers found the shoe to be noticeably heavier than similar shoes from other brands. Other runners wished for a slightly more responsive feel for tempo runs. If you value a lightweight shoe that’s ultra-responsive for speed, the 860 v14 is not for you. Comfort and stability are the name of the game here. These workhorses are built for extended wear and distance, not speed.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comfortable and stable running experience
- Considered medium weight
- New stability plane technology offers effective support without sacrificing softness
- True to size
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May feel hot
- Considered chunky and clunky for some runners
- Low energy return
- Not the most lightweight running shoe
The Last Word on the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14
Whether you’re an experienced or novice runner, the 860 v14 might be the perfect stability shoe for you. Our reviewers found that it strikes the right balance of comfort, stability, and durability, making it a great option for people who run long distances or want a comfortable and supportive shoe for long days on their feet. The cloud-like cushioning of the updated Fresh Foam X midsole feels plush for distance runs and everyday wear, while the streamlined EVA gently guides your feet, improving alignment and preventing overpronation.
While not the lightest shoe, the v14s are wider than their predecessors, catering to a more diverse range of runners. Comfortable and supportive from the start, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 14 Review is great for runners of any experience level. The Flexgrooves on the blown rubber outsole help to mimic natural movement without sacrificing durability and traction on various road surfaces. For runners that take the slow and steady approach, the New Balance 860 v14 is a great choice.
Hit Your Stride at Marathon Sports
Marathon Sports has been the go-to for New England runners and athletes since 1975. We’re your trusted partner in peak performance, known for expertise and best-in-class gear. Conquering your next distance run is certain with supportive and comfortable New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 shoes. Visit us online or in-store to find your perfect fit and experience a new confidence level with Marathon Sports.
