New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v12 Shoe Review
Dependable Stability Mile After Mile
Likes
- Soft step-in feel
- Comfortable upper
Dislikes
- Older stability technology
- Heavier daily trainer
What's New
New Balance has not made many changes to the Fresh Foam X 860 v12, and it retains most of the same features as its predecessor. That said, the synthetic air mesh upper is all-new, offering a highly comfortable and accommodating fit that will keep feet secure while out on daily training runs. For all those who overpronate, the New Balance 860 will continue to deliver dependable support, soft landings, and an overall fun on-foot experience.
The Bottom Line
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v12 may not be the most innovative or exciting shoe, but it is certainly a reliable and durable daily trainer. The ride of the 860 v12 will not blow anyone away in terms of responsiveness and isn't much different from version 11, but the Fresh Foam X midsole will continue to provide soft landings that will keep runners comfortable throughout all of their daily training runs. The 860's traditional medial posting lacks the contemporary flair seen in some of the other stability shoes currently on the market, but it delivers quality support for minimal-to-moderate pronators and is not intrusive to neutral runners who enjoy additional stability in their running shoes.
The highlight of the 860 v12 is the newly updated synthetic air mesh upper, which is highly adaptable and will cater to almost any runner's foot. The overall fit is a bit roomy, but with this roominess comes a secure lockdown that runners can depend on to keep them comfortably secure day in and day out. Also, it is worth noting that the blown rubber outsole can contend with the best in terms of durability, and runners should have no issues racking up mileage in the 860 v12. Overall, the Fresh Foam X 860 v12 is great for beginner runners and those who like a durable and supportive daily trainer that can handle the weekly grind.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium to wide |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 11.4 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.1 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 34 mm (Heel), 24 mm (Forefoot) |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Moderate Stability |
| Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Matt: "New Balance has created a nice one-two punch with the soft Fresh Foam X topsole and the denser blown-rubber outsole. Overall, this combo creates a smooth experience that absorbs the impact of the road throughout everyday training runs, but it still lacks a 'wow' factor in terms of softness and responsiveness. The 860 v12 has some excellent traditional performance characteristics, but this shoe doesn't feel as soft as the New Balance Vongo or as responsive as the faster, FuelCell-based models."
Ride/Energy Returni
Matt: "The New Balance 860 v12 is designed to help overcome the grind of daily mileage and offers runners traditional protection in a comfortable package. The 860 doesn't deliver much in terms of responsiveness or innovative energy return, but the plush Fresh Foam X midsole is protective. While running, the 860 v12 didn't have an exciting ride, but it played the role of the workhorse daily trainer very well."
Underfoot Protectioni
Matt: "The New Balance 860 v12 fits comfortably and offers a moderate level of foam underfoot. When running, it felt firmer and less protective than I was expecting. I was hoping for this shoe to feel plusher underfoot, and after my longer training runs, my legs didn't feel as recovered as I would have liked. After some break-in time, the foam softened a bit, but compared to other shoes in the stability category, the 860 v12 wasn't as protective."
Flexibilityi
Matt: "The 860 v12 offers natural flexibility, and the flex grooves in the outsole helped me transition smoothly from heel to toe."
Upper Supporti
Matt: "The 860 v12's upper is pleasantly adaptable. It's the type of shoe that every runner can lace up and feel comfortable in, no matter their foot shape. New Balance does offer a slightly wider fit in general, which could be roomy for some, but the lockdown is excellent, and the mesh holds up nicely. Some added overlays provide more structure to the 860, making version 12 a very well-rounded stability option."
Men's New Balance 860 Running Shoes
Women's New Balance 860 Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
The New Balance 860 v12 is a classic stability shoe that gives runners the support and comfort to meet their daily needs without all the extra frills. The combination of FreshFoamX and FuelCell in the midsole is not the most exciting in terms of responsiveness, but it delivers a smooth ride with durability that runners can trust for miles. The 860 is a great shoe to grab for easy runs when I want to keep my legs fresh for the harder efforts later in the week, and it is truly a shoe that I can trust to get the job done.
To complement the 860's workhorse midsole is a synthetic air mesh upper that is sensationally comfortable. It is breathable and adaptable, creating a fit that any runner can enjoy throughout their entire run. The upper also features some extra overlays on the medial and lateral sides of the shoe that supply additional structure, making the 860 an overall well-rounded stability option. All things considered, I think the 860 v12 is a comfortable and supportive shoe that most runners will love for their daily training runs.