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

Product Information

The New Balance 860 is known for providing stable, reliable support and this latest version is no different.

New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 review - RunRepeat New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 review - RunRepeat

That much is all good. But on the run, the new-school foams clashed with old-school stability tech, a dense medial post. It does the job to slow down pronation forces, but the extra weight slows the shoe’s ride, too. More than anything I prefer the firmer ride. The foam actually makes for a super-consistent ride, I found myself taking these out more frequently than most shoes that I review because they’re so capable over long distances. 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.Willems, T. M., Ley, C., Goetghebeur, E., Theisen, D., & Malisoux, L. (2021). Motion-Control Shoes Reduce the Risk of Pronation-Related Pathologies in Recreational Runners: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. J ournal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy , 51 (3), 135-143. Performance: B ( A consistent riding daily trainer. Ride is pretty consistent with a traditional stability shoe. Nothing flashy overall but protective and consistent.)

Fresh FoamX 860v12 SHOE REVIEW: New Balance Fresh FoamX 860v12

Performance: B ( Solid shoe for getting mileage in. Rides on the firmer side Heel a little clunky, but forefoot is very smooth)

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.” 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.