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Welcome to my review of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14. If you’re in search of a daily trainer that doubles as a stability running shoe, you’ve come to the right place. This stability shoe is designed to cater to those who suffer from overpronation and even flat feet, providing the support and stability needed to keep your runs smooth and injury-free.
At $140, the New Balance 860 v14 is positioned at the lower end of the price spectrum for high-quality stability shoes. Join me as I jump into the details and see if the 860 v14 lives up to its promises as a supportive running shoe.
Key Specifications
- Price: $140 at Newbalance.com (US) / £140 at Sportsshoes.com (UK)
- Fit: True to size with a medium width – Also available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide
- Upper: Engineered mesh, traditional lacing system with slight stretch, padded collars and heel counter
- Midsole: Fresh Foam X with a plush yet stable ride. Features a ‘Stability plane’ (red line in midsole) for extra stability
- Outsole: Mostly rubber with some Fresh Foam X areas
- Drop: 8mm from heel to toe
- Weight: 10.5 oz (298g) for a size US men’s 9 – my pair.
Fit and Feel
The New Balance 860 v14 fits true to size, with a medium width that offers a bit of extra room in the toe box—perfect for allowing your feet to expand and splay during runs, meaning it promotes good running form/biomechanics.
For those with wider or narrower feet, New Balance also offers various width options to ensure a perfect fit for you. The engineered mesh upper, though not the most breathable, is highly padded and cushioned, providing a plush feel around the tongue and heel counter.
This results in a super comfortable shoe that’s a pleasure to slip on. The traditional lacing system, with its slight stretch, ensures a secure fit that stays put too – bonus!
Performance review
Before i get stuck into how they perform on the run, here’s a quick reminder that you can also watch my video review to get more insights, by tapping the image below – Don’t forget to give the video a like if you enjoy it (that really helps our channel), and subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more reviews of the latest running shoes :).
Now, let’s talk performance (licks lips)! As a daily trainer and stability shoe, the NB 860 v14 excels in providing a stable and supportive ride – I mean I’d be disappointed if it didnt as that’s what it’s designed to do after all.
The Fresh Foam X midsole delivers a cushioned yet responsive feel, making each stride feel enjoyable and comforting.
Although New Balance claims a rocker geometry, it’s not very noticeable, you can see this in my video but also my photos in this review. The ride, however, remains smooth and comfortable, thanks to the plush Fresh Foam X and stability plane embedded in the midsole.
This stability plane, denoted by that red line running through the midsole, effectively reduces lateral roll, making the shoe ideal for overpronators. While it lacks significant arch support, the overall stability and cushioning more than compensate for this, keeping your foot locked in place during runs.
However, if you have high arches, you might want to consider swapping out the insole for one with more arch support – otherwise you’ll start to feel your arch overstretching – and that is not good for you!
The outsole combines rubber and Fresh Foam X, with the rubber placed strategically in high-impact areas for durability. Although the foam areas could wear down faster, they are minimal and not in critical impact zones – especially for overpronators who land more on the edge of the sole.
The shoe’s traction and durability, particularly in the forefoot and heel, have held up well on various surfaces so far.
One downside of the engineered mesh upper is its breathability – running in hot weather, I notice my feet heating up quickly due to limited airflow. This might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, but it’s worth noting if you run in warmer climates. On the flip side however, this makes them great for shoulder seasons or running in cold weather as they’ll help keep your feet a bit warmer.
Now, this next note is a completely personal one, but the 8mm drop is at the higher end of the medium drop range, which might not suit everyone’s running style, myself included. As someone who runs on the forefoot, I find this higher drop noticeable, particularly on longer runs, where it started to impact my knees. However, for daily runs up to 10K, the drop was manageable.
Read my article all about running shoe drops explained, and why they matter to you and your running! I think you may get some ah ha moments whilst reading it!
The 860 v14’s plushness, cushioning and stability combined, are really its most standout features. The Fresh Foam X midsole provides a soft, enjoyable ride, especially for heavier runners who need that extra support without compromising on stability.
If you’ve found other plush shoes to be wobbly, the stability features in the 860 v14 will offer the support you need.
Are the New Balance 860v14 worth buying?
At $140, the New Balance 860 v14 offers excellent value for a stability running shoe. Stability shoes often come at a higher price point, making this an affordable option without sacrificing quality. Its blend of cushioning, support, and comfort makes it a great choice for daily runs, especially for those who need extra stability.
The best alternatives right now
If you’re considering other stability running shoes, here are three excellent alternatives:
➡️ For a comprehensive look at the best stability running shoes, check out my Best Stability Running Shoes roundup on Trail & Kale.
Final thoughts
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 is a reliable and comfortable stability running shoe that stands out in its category. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as breathability and arch support, its overall performance and value make it a worthy contender for your next daily trainer. If you’re looking for a stable, cushioned, and affordable running shoe, the 860 v14 is definitely worth considering.
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