New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Running Shoe

Product Information

The 860v13 feels softer and more cushioned than last year’s model,” Caroline says. “While they are cushioned, they do feel moderately firm, but definitely on the more flexible side when it comes to stability shoes.” A slightly softer foam compound in the bottom midsole makes for a smoother step-in feel in the 860v12, but the shoe remains firm enough to provide stability.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12 Review - DOCTORS OF RUNNING New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12 Review - DOCTORS OF RUNNING

With multiple densities of foam (I counted 3), and corrections to roll your stride correctly, it would be difficult to find a super-soft shoe. It’s also definitely softer than more minimal shoes out there. With complaints of dense, stodgy cushioning underfoot in the 860 v11, the v12 now features an updated foam construction. At 11.6oz (329g), this version is slightly heavier than its older sibling, so there’s no improvement there. Like all of the New Balance shoes in the 800 series, the outsole is an extremely durable blown rubber. In addition to its durability, our experience (and that of a lot of others online) was that this outsole handled inclement weather extremely well. From hot, dry pavement to snow and ice, it provided solid traction, and also had the right amount of flexibility for most runners. Dr. David Salas is a 135 lb male with notable PRs ranging from 3:54 in the 1500m to 1:08:36 for half marathon. He typically runs 60 to 70 miles per week and trains from about 7:30 recovery runs to fast shorter efforts at 4:30 pace. He normally prefers neutral shoes with a firmer ride, but is completely open to other types of shoes. He is a footwear enthusiast at heart and will always appreciate a high quality shoe when it comes around. For updates on training or testing, Performance: B ( A consistent riding daily trainer. Ride is pretty consistent with a traditional stability shoe. Nothing flashy overall but protective and consistent.)The bestselling New Balance Fresh Foam 860 has been updated. We carry a full range of colorways and sizes in the New Balance Fresh Foam 860v13. From a durability standpoint the 860 v12 is above average. I have over 50 miles on my pair and only see slight wear in the usual spots. The slightly firmer midsole has not changed, so I would expect at least the normal 300-500 miles if not more. Use wise this shoe is best for daily mileage on roads and well groomed trails. The slightly firmer ride does help for light fartleks or strides, however this shoe is primarily a trainer. The midsole is best as a stable mileage shoe that will give you a consistent ride over longer miles.

Fresh Foam X Shoes - New Balance Fresh Foam X Shoes - New Balance

The New Balance 860v12 is the twelfth version of the 860 model. In addition to focusing on cushioning and stability, New Balance really focuses on the type of ride in this trainer. The 860 model is New Balance's primary stability model, as such, it has all the latest technology and development available. Although the 860v12 is similar to the v11, one of the areas that New Balance did make some changes was to the upper of the shoe. Here the mesh upper was reengineered for extra breathability and comfort. As you know from our comprehensive guide to running shoes for flat feet, a stability shoe often provides a solid choice for runners with flat feet. It can help maximize comfort and minimize the risk of specific types of injuries more common to flat footed runners. Fast Facts About This Offering As you would expect from the New Balance 800 series, there is a lot of cushioning everywhere, including the heel collar and the tongue. This, along with cushioning on the sole, were critical factors for people suffering from foot pain (such as plantar fasciitis). This was part of the reason the 860v12 was one of the our top choices for runners with flat feet and plantar fasciitis together. We also recommend the New Balance 1080 for runners with plantar fasciitis. Conclusion and Final Thoughts It’s topped with a soft double jacquard upper featuring strategic embroidery to enhance this shoe’s supportive feel. A plush heel collar and a soft, padded tongue round out the upper. Extra eyelets allow you to use different lacing techniques to customize the fit of your shoes.I particularly like the embroidered detailing that recreates some of the midsole textures on the upper. The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 keep the lacing simple While the midsole gives the shoe a smooth and cushioned feel, it remains firm enough to feel stable. The New Balance 860 line continues to produce a daily trainer that you can rely on for all distances with its new Fresh FoamX 860v12. The newest version from New Balance has been redesigned for comfort to keep up with the demands of the everyday runner. Photo: Canadian Running If you enjoyed previous versions of the New Balance 860, you’ll likely appreciate this model, too. The biggest difference between the New Balance 860v13 and the v12 is the updated Fresh Foam X midsole, providing a softer and peppier ride.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v12 Review - Running Shoes Guru

As I’ve said though, the 11.6oz (329g) stability shoe is a daily shoe, not meant for races and tempo runs. I actually like it when a brand leans into the purpose of the shoe rather than trying to hit every mark. Conclusion If I were you, I wouldn’t overlook New Balance because they have proven again they can make a solid stability trainer. Fleet Feet reviewers put the shoe to the test on long runs, recovery runs and walks. Here’s everything you need to know about the newest version of the New Balance 860, available September 1. Durability is a strength of the midsole of the 860s. These trainers are built for miles. Mine showed minimal wear after a hundred miles in them. Both the midsole and upper are made with durable materials. The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is a shoe that's ideal specifically for runners who overpronate (heel rolls outward). The 860 is a daily trainer, so better suited for recovery runs or slower-paced training.

A dual-density medial post helps reduce the effects of overpronation, providing stability during every stride. You can feel confident and secure in the New Balance 860v12. The stiffer foam sits on the medial (inside) part of the midsole. Because it’s stiffer, it compresses less under your weight and keeps the shoe from wearing out unevenly, so you get a stable ride through the entire life of the shoe.