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. Fit: A ( Very well done. Dimensions are dialed in and the creative usage of overlays really help with stability.)

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

Refined materials in the upper create a more secure fit than the previous model, adding another layer of stability. The 860v12 also sports an updated heel collar that’s softer than the Ultra Heel featured in the 860v11. Overall, the roomy toe box and padded heel collar make the latest model more accommodating for different foot shapes. The two-part midsole underfoot features soft FreshFoamX cushioning for a responsive ride. What makes up the two-part midsole is the combination of Fresh Foam X and FuelCell midsole, which amps up the energy return. This blend combines softness and performance, which is great for high-mileage efforts and easy runs. Something that has remained the same from its predecessors is the stiff medial posting inside the shoe. You will be able to count on this shoe to give the maximum support on each step. The outsole The New Balance Fresh Foam 860v12 offers the same reliable stability runners have come to love with a refreshed upper and a slightly softer midsole. Fresh colorways and refined materials give the shoe a sleek, modern look. 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. 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.

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What do a Honda Civic and the New Balance 860 have in common? They’re both simple, dependable choices that offer the same consistent experience year after year, according to Fleet Feet reviewer Mandy.

Shoe Review: New Balance 860v13 | Fleet Feet

What’s more, the 860 is no longer narrow. With previous versions, my feet (which are quite narrow) felt claustrophobic in the upper and I can imagine it being worse for wider footed runners. 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.The midsole made from both FuelCell and Fresh Foam X provides a comfortable stable ride. The dual-density medial post provided stability without being noticeable. The midsole absorbed impact nicely along with giving a small energy return. The FuelCell provides a solid foundation while the Fresh Foam X added a needed bounce. 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. Extra ventilation in the toe box ensures your feet stay cool and dry, while reflective accents around the midfoot and heel add visibility. The upper material is made with at least 50 percent recycled materials, part of New Balance’s green leaf standard to increase sustainability. An internal gusseted tongue ensures a secure fit. 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 I wish there was more Fresh Foam X because around mile 8 the feeling of the midsole became firmer. This was especially true in the heel portion of the shoe and caused a slight discomfort.

Fresh Foam 860 V12 - idealo New Balance Fresh Foam 860 V12 - idealo

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 foam has a durometer (hardness) of 32.3 HA, still above the average of 24.1HA, but much less than the v11’s 41.8HA. After 20minutes in the lab freezer that durometer increased to 40.2HA, which is a difference of 24.4%. The cushion in the 860v13 feels energetic and engaging underfoot,” Caroline says. “It’s got that familiar bounce and pep that I noticed in the 880.”On Cloudstratus 2.0 Review- On Running revamps their maximal neutral trainer with a redialed midsole and new sustainable upper 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 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. 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.

Fresh Foam X 860v12 Review - Shoe Guide New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12 Review - Shoe Guide

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. A soft, TPU-clipped heel collar slightly flares away from your heel, decreasing blistering and chafing while providing an accommodating fit for different heel shapes. Long, textured laces combined with an extra eyelet make it easy to try different lacing techniques, like the marathon loop.

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There are a few noticeable differences when you compare the New Balance Fresh Foam 860v12 and 860v11 side by side. Both shoes offer the same lightweight support, but the new model sports a fresh new upper and a slightly softer midsole. 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 The first thing that caught our attention when we put them on was how responsive and firm the cushioning on these shoes is. The toe box is also relatively wide and deep which is an important feature for many runners. These provide a really firm and responsive ride. The Sole of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12 Pronation related injuries include posterior tibialis injuries (tendinis/tendinosis/muscle strains), Achilles problems (tendinopathies), plantar fasciitis/iopathy, patellar tendon problems and anterior tibialis/medial tibial stress syndrome (Willems et al., 2021). However, other running related injuries are likely to not be influence by stability methods, so if you have anything besides the above, being prescribed stability shoes to prevent them is questionable advice. HOWEVER, if you find stability shoes comfortable and they make running more enjoyable, that is a great reason to use them as we know how important comfort is when choosing shoes (Nigg et al., 2015). If you find stability shoes uncomfortable and don't have any of the above, then the same logic applies. Find what works for your body and remember that if you do need stability, there are many different types of stability in footwear now. So find the type that works best for you if you need any and remember that a little variety also helps. The RW Takeaway: A reliable daily workhorse that offers moderate-to-high support, fairly firm and very durable cushioning, and an accommodating fit that still feels secure. It’s classic vanilla stability, in the best way possible.