Meet the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14, the stability counterpart to the neutral-based 880v14. Designed for runners and walkers, this shoe combines reliability with stability. The evolved dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole features an extra layer of plush cushioning on top and a firmer bottom layer for a smooth, efficient ride. New EVA technology enhances support, helping to support over-pronation and maintain a natural stride.
Meet the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14, the stability counterpart to the neutral-based 880v14. Designed for runners and walkers, this shoe combines reliability with stability. The evolved dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole features an extra layer of plush cushioning on top and a firmer bottom layer for a smooth, efficient ride. New EVA technology enhances support, helping to support over-pronation and maintain a natural stride.
New Balance Fresh Foam x 860v14 Inkwell Washed Pink (Women's)
Meet the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14, the stability counterpart to the neutral-based 880v14. Designed for runners and walkers, this shoe combines reliability with stability. The evolved dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole features an extra layer of plush cushioning on top and a firmer bottom layer for a smooth, efficient ride. New EVA technology enhances support, helping to support over-pronation and maintain a natural stride.
Meet the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14, the stability counterpart to the neutral-based 880v14. Designed for runners and walkers, this shoe combines reliability with stability. The evolved dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole features an extra layer of plush cushioning on top and a firmer bottom layer for a smooth, efficient ride. New EVA technology enhances support, helping to support over-pronation and maintain a natural stride.
Last updated at 08/22/2025 13:03:33
originally posted on newbalance.com
Absolutely love this shoe! The way the stability plane is implemented is very comfortable and smooth. The stability is there but it's not obtrusive. Maybe it's the EVA film or dual density foam but it feels like there's an extra pep that makes it more enjoyable than the 880v14. If I had to choose one for long runs (~10 miles) I would still choose the 1080v13 but I would absolutely choose the 860v14 for everything else including shorter and faster runs.Compared to other stability shoes, I prefer this much more than the Kayano 30, which is very cumbersome and clunky in the heel compared to the 860v14.For people with wide feet, the extra-wide 860v14 is wider than the Vongo v6 extra-wide. Had to return the Vongo because it was too painful to wear for more than a few ... MoreAbsolutely love this shoe! The way the stability plane is implemented is very comfortable and smooth. The stability is there but it's not obtrusive. Maybe it's the EVA film or dual density foam but it feels like there's an extra pep that makes it more enjoyable than the 880v14. If I had to choose one for long runs (~10 miles) I would still choose the 1080v13 but I would absolutely choose the 860v14 for everything else including shorter and faster runs.Compared to other stability shoes, I prefer this much more than the Kayano 30, which is very cumbersome and clunky in the heel compared to the 860v14.For people with wide feet, the extra-wide 860v14 is wider than the Vongo v6 extra-wide. Had to return the Vongo because it was too painful to wear for more than a few minutes but the 860v14 fits great. It also fits slightly roomier than the 860v13.
originally posted on newbalance.com
My wife and I purchased the Fresh Foam X 860v14. This is the third consecutive generation of the 860 model that we have owned.I generally like the shoe. I find it comfortable and it fits well. I wear a mens size 14 and there is proper room in the toe box and no constriction at the ball of my foot. I wear the shoe five days a week for my exercise regimen. I have worn it consistently for about three weeks now and it seems to be holding up very well, consistent with other New Balance shoes that I have worn. I generally replace shoes every 8 to 12 months.I replaced the standard insole with an a custom arch support orthotic insole and it fit perfectly. I also replaced the laces with stretch laces (helpful for a high instep).- Thick Fresh Foam sole. This adds comfort ... MoreMy wife and I purchased the Fresh Foam X 860v14. This is the third consecutive generation of the 860 model that we have owned.I generally like the shoe. I find it comfortable and it fits well. I wear a mens size 14 and there is proper room in the toe box and no constriction at the ball of my foot. I wear the shoe five days a week for my exercise regimen. I have worn it consistently for about three weeks now and it seems to be holding up very well, consistent with other New Balance shoes that I have worn. I generally replace shoes every 8 to 12 months.I replaced the standard insole with an a custom arch support orthotic insole and it fit perfectly. I also replaced the laces with stretch laces (helpful for a high instep).- Thick Fresh Foam sole. This adds comfort while walking on hard surfaces but there is a trade-off. The added cushioning also makes the shoe feel less stable. I don't know exactly how to describe the sensation but I feel that I make more corrections when walking in order to stay on a straight line.- Heel Tab. The heel tab tends to rub the back of the foot. The prior version of this shoe (v13) had a flared heel tab that curved away from the back of the foot. It's a minor annoyance that does not seem to serve any positive purpose.- Instep. I have a slightly high instep and the v14 model does not seem to have quite as much room in the upper. The stretch laces help.Overall, I am pleased with the 860v14. They make changes to the model each year and each change brings positives and negatives. I don't feel that these are quite as comfortable and stable as the v13 in some respects.Quality is excellent. Comfort is between 3 and 4.
originally posted on newbalance.com
First off, it's great that New Balance provides the X-Wide fit. Thank you! I'm on my feet walking, standing and climbing stairs for 7-8 hours at a stretch. I tried other brands that came highly recommended but I was surprised to find they don;t have X-Wide sizes and their Wide sizes are rather narrow in the toe box, and I ended up with tired and aching feet. I ordered the Fresh Foam X 880v14 and the Fresh Foam X 860v14, both in X-Wide (2E) 8.5. The specifications of both these models are almost identical except that the Fresh Foam X 860v14 has the stability feature, which is probably why it is a little heavier by about 36.4 grams. I couldn't feel this minor difference in weight at all. I ended up keeping the Fresh Foam X 860v14 because I like its stability feature. ... MoreFirst off, it's great that New Balance provides the X-Wide fit. Thank you! I'm on my feet walking, standing and climbing stairs for 7-8 hours at a stretch. I tried other brands that came highly recommended but I was surprised to find they don;t have X-Wide sizes and their Wide sizes are rather narrow in the toe box, and I ended up with tired and aching feet. I ordered the Fresh Foam X 880v14 and the Fresh Foam X 860v14, both in X-Wide (2E) 8.5. The specifications of both these models are almost identical except that the Fresh Foam X 860v14 has the stability feature, which is probably why it is a little heavier by about 36.4 grams. I couldn't feel this minor difference in weight at all. I ended up keeping the Fresh Foam X 860v14 because I like its stability feature. My feet feel very secure and comfortable, the arch support is just what I need, and the "Grey Matter with Copper and Silver Metallic" is a beautiful color!
Absolutely love this shoe! The way the stability plane is implemented is very comfortable and smooth. The stability is there but it's not obtrusive. Maybe it's the EVA film or dual density foam but it feels like there's an extra pep that makes it more enjoyable than the 880v14. If I had to choose one for long runs (~10 miles) I would still choose the 1080v13 but I would absolutely choose the 860v14 for everything else including shorter and faster runs.Compared to other stability shoes, I prefer this much more than the Kayano 30, which is very cumbersome and clunky in the heel compared to the 860v14.For people with wide feet, the extra-wide 860v14 is wider than the Vongo v6 extra-wide. Had to return the Vongo because it was too painful to wear for more than a few ... MoreAbsolutely love this shoe! The way the stability plane is implemented is very comfortable and smooth. The stability is there but it's not obtrusive. Maybe it's the EVA film or dual density foam but it feels like there's an extra pep that makes it more enjoyable than the 880v14. If I had to choose one for long runs (~10 miles) I would still choose the 1080v13 but I would absolutely choose the 860v14 for everything else including shorter and faster runs.Compared to other stability shoes, I prefer this much more than the Kayano 30, which is very cumbersome and clunky in the heel compared to the 860v14.For people with wide feet, the extra-wide 860v14 is wider than the Vongo v6 extra-wide. Had to return the Vongo because it was too painful to wear for more than a few minutes but the 860v14 fits great. It also fits slightly roomier than the 860v13.
My wife and I purchased the Fresh Foam X 860v14. This is the third consecutive generation of the 860 model that we have owned.I generally like the shoe. I find it comfortable and it fits well. I wear a mens size 14 and there is proper room in the toe box and no constriction at the ball of my foot. I wear the shoe five days a week for my exercise regimen. I have worn it consistently for about three weeks now and it seems to be holding up very well, consistent with other New Balance shoes that I have worn. I generally replace shoes every 8 to 12 months.I replaced the standard insole with an a custom arch support orthotic insole and it fit perfectly. I also replaced the laces with stretch laces (helpful for a high instep).- Thick Fresh Foam sole. This adds comfort ... MoreMy wife and I purchased the Fresh Foam X 860v14. This is the third consecutive generation of the 860 model that we have owned.I generally like the shoe. I find it comfortable and it fits well. I wear a mens size 14 and there is proper room in the toe box and no constriction at the ball of my foot. I wear the shoe five days a week for my exercise regimen. I have worn it consistently for about three weeks now and it seems to be holding up very well, consistent with other New Balance shoes that I have worn. I generally replace shoes every 8 to 12 months.I replaced the standard insole with an a custom arch support orthotic insole and it fit perfectly. I also replaced the laces with stretch laces (helpful for a high instep).- Thick Fresh Foam sole. This adds comfort while walking on hard surfaces but there is a trade-off. The added cushioning also makes the shoe feel less stable. I don't know exactly how to describe the sensation but I feel that I make more corrections when walking in order to stay on a straight line.- Heel Tab. The heel tab tends to rub the back of the foot. The prior version of this shoe (v13) had a flared heel tab that curved away from the back of the foot. It's a minor annoyance that does not seem to serve any positive purpose.- Instep. I have a slightly high instep and the v14 model does not seem to have quite as much room in the upper. The stretch laces help.Overall, I am pleased with the 860v14. They make changes to the model each year and each change brings positives and negatives. I don't feel that these are quite as comfortable and stable as the v13 in some respects.Quality is excellent. Comfort is between 3 and 4.
First off, it's great that New Balance provides the X-Wide fit. Thank you! I'm on my feet walking, standing and climbing stairs for 7-8 hours at a stretch. I tried other brands that came highly recommended but I was surprised to find they don;t have X-Wide sizes and their Wide sizes are rather narrow in the toe box, and I ended up with tired and aching feet. I ordered the Fresh Foam X 880v14 and the Fresh Foam X 860v14, both in X-Wide (2E) 8.5. The specifications of both these models are almost identical except that the Fresh Foam X 860v14 has the stability feature, which is probably why it is a little heavier by about 36.4 grams. I couldn't feel this minor difference in weight at all. I ended up keeping the Fresh Foam X 860v14 because I like its stability feature. ... MoreFirst off, it's great that New Balance provides the X-Wide fit. Thank you! I'm on my feet walking, standing and climbing stairs for 7-8 hours at a stretch. I tried other brands that came highly recommended but I was surprised to find they don;t have X-Wide sizes and their Wide sizes are rather narrow in the toe box, and I ended up with tired and aching feet. I ordered the Fresh Foam X 880v14 and the Fresh Foam X 860v14, both in X-Wide (2E) 8.5. The specifications of both these models are almost identical except that the Fresh Foam X 860v14 has the stability feature, which is probably why it is a little heavier by about 36.4 grams. I couldn't feel this minor difference in weight at all. I ended up keeping the Fresh Foam X 860v14 because I like its stability feature. My feet feel very secure and comfortable, the arch support is just what I need, and the "Grey Matter with Copper and Silver Metallic" is a beautiful color!
After ordering the 1080’s, which failed the work-all-day retail test, I decided to try another New Balance model athletic shoe. I’m glad to say these Fresh Foam X 860v14’s are a keeper!! I always wear size 9, usually wide, depending on how generous a toe box area is. I have a large big toe and a wide toe box (bony structure, not fleshy). I ordered the Fresh Foam X 860v14’s in 9W, 9 extra wide and 9 1/2W. The 9W’s weren’t quite wide enough but the length was OK. The 9 1/2W was simply too long. I kept the 9 extra wides, which offered a more generous toe area side to side, however the toe box height is still snug. New Balance needs to add more toe room HEIGHT, even with the stretchy mesh material! (Also, shoe toe ends need to be less rounded/pointed and more square so ... MoreAfter ordering the 1080’s, which failed the work-all-day retail test, I decided to try another New Balance model athletic shoe. I’m glad to say these Fresh Foam X 860v14’s are a keeper!! I always wear size 9, usually wide, depending on how generous a toe box area is. I have a large big toe and a wide toe box (bony structure, not fleshy). I ordered the Fresh Foam X 860v14’s in 9W, 9 extra wide and 9 1/2W. The 9W’s weren’t quite wide enough but the length was OK. The 9 1/2W was simply too long. I kept the 9 extra wides, which offered a more generous toe area side to side, however the toe box height is still snug. New Balance needs to add more toe room HEIGHT, even with the stretchy mesh material! (Also, shoe toe ends need to be less rounded/pointed and more square so the line from heel to big toe is a straight line and not curved inward, which crams toes into an unnatural array!) After a long work day, my ankles, knees and hips don’t hurt anymore, just the bottoms of my feet. This shoe offers wonderful pronation support in conjunction with soft cushioning with each step, however it’d be even better with a more cushioned insert. The tongue band keeps the tongue from shifting around but is on the snug side. It takes some getting used to, but works well. Overall, they work well for me. Hoping for more colors ahead!
I buy the 860s because I have birth defects of my foot and require the stability that the 860 provides. While and generally changes a bit from here to year, this year’s model has two big changes. One are the two elasticized tongue stays that go from the tongue to the foot bed of the shoe on either side of your foot. I’m sure some people appreciate these, but my foot is not only wide from side to side. It’s thick from soul to top of the foot. These elasticized tongue stays are uncomfortable on my foot so I will be snipping them out for more comfortable shoe. The other thing I’m not in love with is the thickness of the soul of the shoe. I have gate issues due to birth defects of my feet and the thicker soul makes me a bit unstable when I walk. The 860 is still my ... MoreI buy the 860s because I have birth defects of my foot and require the stability that the 860 provides. While and generally changes a bit from here to year, this year’s model has two big changes. One are the two elasticized tongue stays that go from the tongue to the foot bed of the shoe on either side of your foot. I’m sure some people appreciate these, but my foot is not only wide from side to side. It’s thick from soul to top of the foot. These elasticized tongue stays are uncomfortable on my foot so I will be snipping them out for more comfortable shoe. The other thing I’m not in love with is the thickness of the soul of the shoe. I have gate issues due to birth defects of my feet and the thicker soul makes me a bit unstable when I walk. The 860 is still my favorite shoe out of the lineup But I would love to have a less thick sole on the shoe Since that’s not something I can easily take care of at home like the elasticized tongue stays. The colors that I got are beautiful, and the quality is what I would expect from New Balance.
I tried on at least four different brands before trying New Balance and discovering this particular model (fresh foam x 860v14), and it’s been by far my favorite.- I need my toes to be able to have some room to spread when I walk and run, and not feel compressed in the toe box or tight in the mid-foot. I’m usually a 10 women’s and opted for the 10 Wide for this reason, and it was perfect. I did try a 10 double wide which were also fantastic in the toe box but my heel was swimming so opted to stick with the 10 Wide.- The cushion for me is ideal - soft enough where the impact is significantly less jarring upon heel strike and still snappy for my liking, but not too soft where I feel unsupported from it being too squishy. My knees and lower back love these shoes as ... MoreI tried on at least four different brands before trying New Balance and discovering this particular model (fresh foam x 860v14), and it’s been by far my favorite.- I need my toes to be able to have some room to spread when I walk and run, and not feel compressed in the toe box or tight in the mid-foot. I’m usually a 10 women’s and opted for the 10 Wide for this reason, and it was perfect. I did try a 10 double wide which were also fantastic in the toe box but my heel was swimming so opted to stick with the 10 Wide.- The cushion for me is ideal - soft enough where the impact is significantly less jarring upon heel strike and still snappy for my liking, but not too soft where I feel unsupported from it being too squishy. My knees and lower back love these shoes as much as my feet do!- My toes aren’t crammed in the toe box - no idea why many shoes in general are still so heavily tapered or narrowed when that’s not the typical shape of a healthy foot - but regardless, these have been my golden ticket!- I do swap out the insoles for my own due to my high arches as I wouldn’t say these offer a ton of built-in arch support; they also have elastics on the interior sides of the tongue which I can feel if I wear thinner socks but those can be cut out if they really bother you, so those minor factors are why I took off a star in terms of comfort category. I’ve already worn them during a full day at work and personally experienced zero discomfort!!- My friends wear the hoka bondis and cliftons which I also tried but those were too narrow in the mid foot even in wide sizing, and these new balances are like a combination between those two models but so much better, I LOVE the way these look and all their options.- I will be repurchasing these for sure!!!! I don’t buy sneakers often since it’s always a lengthy process with how picky I am, so it’s nice to have finally found ones that I love and can come back to buy again and in other colors. Additionally, shipping was extremely fast which was much appreciated! Thanks New Balance for this particular model, you hit it out of the park.
The 860 has been my go to NB sneaker for many years. I've always appreciated the stability underfoot of this particular model. Those days are gone. The update to the shoe itself looks great. I love the fresh white look of the shoe. Asthetically it's a very nice shoe. Quality seems to be fine in terms of construction. Unfortunately that's where good things end.There's no reflective material as one small detail, which is perplexing given that it's a running shoe. Worst aspect is there is no underfoot stability. The foam is squishy and squishy to the point where the outer heel and front foot feel unstable. I could not envision myself training or running in v14, walking is a little bit of a challenge with these. The density of the foam is poor, it is incredibly soft. ... MoreThe 860 has been my go to NB sneaker for many years. I've always appreciated the stability underfoot of this particular model. Those days are gone. The update to the shoe itself looks great. I love the fresh white look of the shoe. Asthetically it's a very nice shoe. Quality seems to be fine in terms of construction. Unfortunately that's where good things end.There's no reflective material as one small detail, which is perplexing given that it's a running shoe. Worst aspect is there is no underfoot stability. The foam is squishy and squishy to the point where the outer heel and front foot feel unstable. I could not envision myself training or running in v14, walking is a little bit of a challenge with these. The density of the foam is poor, it is incredibly soft. Maybe some of you like that. For those seeking stability, and a soft yet firm slab of foam under your feet, look elsewhere. Very disappointing update to a shoe that's been mostly sensational through the years. NB needs to relabel these, because they are NOT a stability shoe. There are neutral shoes with more support and that's pretty sad.
This review is for the 860, I believe 13. These shoes were fitted correctly to my feet from the Shoes That Fit store in Modesto, CA. The shoes are incredibly comfortable. BUT! As with the other NB shoes I bought before this, the part where the 'netting' starts on the top of the shoe gets a hole in it. My toenails are kept short; there's no reason for this. The part of the shoe that goes around the netting is far superior in durability. I get that the netting is for breathability, but the 'pointy' look of the netting is incorrect. It should be more of a round line. As much as I like the fit and comfort, I won't be buying any more of the NB shoes as they wear a hole in the toe area on any of the NB shoes I've bought, and they are the correct size and fit....AND this ... MoreThis review is for the 860, I believe 13. These shoes were fitted correctly to my feet from the Shoes That Fit store in Modesto, CA. The shoes are incredibly comfortable. BUT! As with the other NB shoes I bought before this, the part where the 'netting' starts on the top of the shoe gets a hole in it. My toenails are kept short; there's no reason for this. The part of the shoe that goes around the netting is far superior in durability. I get that the netting is for breathability, but the 'pointy' look of the netting is incorrect. It should be more of a round line. As much as I like the fit and comfort, I won't be buying any more of the NB shoes as they wear a hole in the toe area on any of the NB shoes I've bought, and they are the correct size and fit....AND this happens before these shoes are even broken in well. This cannot be a coincidence. This is a problem that can EASILY be fixed. I would send a picture, but the optional 'Add pictures" doesn't seem to be working.
I am a long-time stability-shoe runner with pancake-flat feet - currently only running ~ 10 mi / wk these days usually at conversational pace. My usual go-to's typically are Saucony Guide, Brooks Adrenaline, Asics Gel Kayano -- in over 20 years of running, I had never tried any New Balance shoes before. I got the chance to try a pair of NB 860v14 thanks to a giveaway through Endorphins Running .. I went for 3 runs (3-5 mi each). I was immediately blown away by the comfort of these shoes! Definitely quite comfy without being too heavy. After a few miles in, the soles did start to feel a little chunky / bulky scraping my inner ankles (particularly compared to my Asics) , but I think it's something I can get used to. My finicky feet tend to be sensitive to trying new ... MoreI am a long-time stability-shoe runner with pancake-flat feet - currently only running ~ 10 mi / wk these days usually at conversational pace. My usual go-to's typically are Saucony Guide, Brooks Adrenaline, Asics Gel Kayano -- in over 20 years of running, I had never tried any New Balance shoes before. I got the chance to try a pair of NB 860v14 thanks to a giveaway through Endorphins Running .. I went for 3 runs (3-5 mi each). I was immediately blown away by the comfort of these shoes! Definitely quite comfy without being too heavy. After a few miles in, the soles did start to feel a little chunky / bulky scraping my inner ankles (particularly compared to my Asics) , but I think it's something I can get used to. My finicky feet tend to be sensitive to trying new shoes but no problems with these :)I do wish the tongue was just a little longer-- but that's just a minor nitpick. I do like how breathable they feel, and the fit was great. Very happy to add a new shoe to my rotation!
I'm a flat footed runner who needs stability shoes to go the distance. I've run in the Asics Gel-Kayanos for a number of years and wanted to try a different brand out for my training rotation.The Fresh Foam X 860v14's are a solid pair of stability shoes, but they might not be for everybody. After a couple of long easy runs, my feet could still feel the miles in my soles and my knees. While the shoes are light and breathable, they aren't as supportive for my feet as I would have liked.The other thing I noticed about these shoes is that they're fine as a trainer, but they won't help you go fast. I found my running form and paces affected -> I wanted to go faster, but I had to put in way more effort with these shoes than I otherwise would.Stability shoes are ... MoreI'm a flat footed runner who needs stability shoes to go the distance. I've run in the Asics Gel-Kayanos for a number of years and wanted to try a different brand out for my training rotation.The Fresh Foam X 860v14's are a solid pair of stability shoes, but they might not be for everybody. After a couple of long easy runs, my feet could still feel the miles in my soles and my knees. While the shoes are light and breathable, they aren't as supportive for my feet as I would have liked.The other thing I noticed about these shoes is that they're fine as a trainer, but they won't help you go fast. I found my running form and paces affected -> I wanted to go faster, but I had to put in way more effort with these shoes than I otherwise would.Stability shoes are extremely personalized to every runner. It doesn't mean you shouldn't go for this shoe, but it does mean if you're used to another brand, you should test these out to see if they'll actually work for you.
