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New Balance has been a rock-solid name in the running world, delivering reliable shoes that keep runners coming back year after year. The New Balance 860 has always been a favorite for those who need a stability shoe that works just as well for long runs as it does for daily walks.
This year, New Balance decided to take the beloved 860 and give it a little refresh. Think of it as the 860v13 you know and love but with a bit of a glow-up.
The big question: can an already well loved shoe get even better? We put the New Balance 860v14 to the test to see if it lives up to the hype!
Who Is It Good For?
Who is New Balance 860v14 a good fit for? Let’s break it down with some common categories:
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- Wide Feet: has a wider fit from previous models, you may even want to size down in width!
- Heavier Runners: Will help if you overpronate but does not have as much cushioning as other stability shoes.
- Long Runs: A shoe that will definitely be your long run companion.
- Front of the Pack: Not meant for speed but will be great for training runs!
This stability shoe is great for anyone needing just that light support and shoe that’s going to last many miles. If you overpronate or need support for high arches, this is going to be a great option for you.
New Balance 860v14 Review
If you’re familiar with the 860 series, you already know it’s a great stability shoe. The New Balance 860v14 takes everything that made the previous model amazing but turns it up just a notch. I mean, is that even possible? Let’s see how they did it.
One of the biggest upgrades is the Fresh Foam X midsole providing more cushioning than before. With 38mm in the heel and 30mm in the forefoot (up from 35mm and 25mm in the v13), it feels softer underfoot while still maintaining the firmness needed for stability.
They also lowered the heel-to-toe drop reducing it from 10mm to 8mm, giving a slightly flatter, more stable base that feels great for long runs and walks.
Another big change is the full length medial wedge, which is just a fancier way of describing the extra layer of firmer foam along the inner part or arch of the shoe.
This is there to ever so subtly tilt your foot outward, making it a game changer if you overpronate providing extra support.
I’ve taken it for runs on the treadmill and outside even with some icy and slushy spots from the recent snowfall here in Colorado and I have to say this is one of the most consistent feeling shoes.
Compared to other stability shoes, like the Asics Gel Kayano, the New Balance 860v14 feels a little firmer. The heel has more structure, which keeps you feeling supported, while the forefoot cushioning is softer and more responsive, making for a smooth ride whether you’re running, walking, or on your feet all day.
It strikes the perfect balance between firmness and comfort, so you don’t feel like you’re sinking into the shoe, but you still get that nice shock absorption where you need it.
I’m extremely picky when it comes to running shoes, mostly because I’ve dealt with plantar fasciitis over the years, and I was honestly surprised at how good my feet felt after running in these. This is thanks to the extra support in the arch from that wedged midsole.
This is going to be great as a daily trainer. But if you’re looking for a speed shoe, this isn’t it.
The New Balance 860v14 is a great light stability option for easy and long runs, but not for speed.
New Balance 860v14 Specs
Let’s look at some of the details:
- Weight: 10.8 oz Men’s, 8.7 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Stack Height: 38mm
- Usage: Stability trainer
- Available in core and seasonal colors
- Available in narrow, wide and extra wide (in limited colors)
- Available on Newbalance.com for $140
I have to admit, New Balance isn’t my usual go to brand but they have thrown in some fun colors for this shoe that caught my eye. I could see myself wearing the 860s for some solid long run miles or as a go-to walking shoe to hit those daily step goals or simply running errands.
Just remember, you should have a different pair of shoes for walking and a different pair of running. Not only will your body thank but your wallet as well!
New Balance 860v14 Feel
I have been running in A LOT of super cushioned shoes lately so it was a shocking but nice change when I first put on the 860s.
Usually, I need to go on a handful of runs before I can get a good idea if I am going to like a shoe but that wasn’t the case here.
One of the first things I noticed while running in the New Balance 860v14 was how smooth it felt. I had the song “smooth like butter” as I ran- cheesy, but accurate.
The Fresh Foam X midsole absorbs impact without making you feel like you’re sinking in quicksand, it’s just the right mix of cushion and support.
While the Fresh Foam X midsole gives the 860v14 a plusher feel than previous models, a full-length medial wedge provides stability for runners who overpronate or have flexible arches.
I think that this was one of my favorite parts of this shoe because I am guilty of overpronating, especially when I start to get tired and my form begins to fall apart. I didn’t have to catch myself and adjust my stride because the shoe naturally encouraged me to do so!
If you want plush, we’re partial to the beautiful cushioned feel of the NB 1080. But of course it’s not a stability shoe.
New Balance 860v14 Fit
The fit of the 860v14 was where the big upgrades happened and right away to me it felt snug and secure in all of the right places.
New Balance widened the toe box, giving more room for your toes to move naturally, especially when they swell during longer runs.
I haven’t run in the previous model, but other reviewers said that the New Balance 860 had a much better fit for those with wider feet. Some even suggested sizing down in width to help with a better fit!
The shoe has been created in four width options- narrow, standard, wide, and extra wide, making it a great pick for almost any foot shape.
Add that to the list of reasons why the brand continues to be a fan favorite!
The upper is made with a plush, breathable mesh that hugs your foot in all the right places without feeling restrictive, and the added padding around the heel makes for an ultra-comfy fit. Think of it like a hug for your foot!
I was worried about the tongue rubbing because it comes up a little higher but that wasn’t the case. Since it’s attached to the sides of the shoe, it stays in place, so that there is no annoying rubbing or shifting around.
The only ever-so-tiny complaint is that the laces are on the short side. Not a deal-breaker, but if you like using a heel lock lacing, you might find it a little limiting.
The outsole is pretty standard, with grippy pods that handled wet pavements and crushed gravel just fine. Nothing flashy, but it gets the job done especially on melting snow where I swore I was going to go sliding but the traction from the pods kept me running upright.
Similar Shoes to the New Balance 860v14
What’s out there to compete against this stability shoe? We’ve tested a few shoes that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:
Well, that’s our first thoughts on the updated New Balance 860. As you can tell, it’s still a fan favorite in our book.
Ready to run? Check it out on Newbalance.com for $140
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