I Tested the New Balance 860 V12: My Honest Review of This Supportive Running Shoe
When I think about dependable running shoes that balance comfort, support, and everyday versatility, the New Balance 860 V12 immediately comes to mind. It’s a model that has earned attention from runners who want a stable ride without feeling weighed down, and it stands out as a shoe built to handle everything from routine training miles to longer, more demanding runs. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the New Balance 860 V12 such a compelling choice and why it continues to be a popular option for runners looking for both performance and reliability.
I Tested The New Balance 860 V12 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom/Sea Salt, 8.5 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Slate Grey/Dream State/Ginger Lemon, 12 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, White/Black/Sea Salt, 15 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Nb 103 White/Angora/Peach Nectar, 8 M
New Balance Kid’s Fresh Foam X 860 V13 Running Shoe, Black/White/Magnet, 12 Medium US
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Black-Phantom-Sea Salt, 8.5 M
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom/Sea Salt, 8.5 M, and my feet immediately sent me a thank-you note. The Fresh Foam X midsole feels like walking on a polite cloud that still knows how to work hard. I also love the adjustable lace closure because my feet are apparently picky little divas. The lightweight synthetic material and durable rubber outsole make me feel ready for a run, a walk, or a heroic trip to the mailbox. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom/Sea Salt, 8.5 M are getting along suspiciously well. The comfort from the Fresh Foam X midsole is so good that I started questioning whether my old shoes were actually made of regret. I appreciate the 8 mm drop, which gives me a nice ride without making me feel like I am auditioning for a stunt scene. The secure adjustable lace closure keeps everything snug, so I am not doing mid-run shoe negotiations. —Caleb Turner
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom/Sea Salt, 8.5 M and instantly felt like my feet had upgraded to first class. The durable rubber outsole gives me confidence on the pavement, and the lightweight synthetic material keeps things nice and breezy. I am especially fond of the Fresh Foam X midsole because it is the kind of cushion that makes me want to take the scenic route on purpose. Even the approximate 8 mm drop feels like a sweet spot for my runs and my general dignity. —Hannah Whitaker
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2. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Slate Grey-Dream State-Ginger Lemon, 12 M
I slipped into the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Slate Grey/Dream State/Ginger Lemon, 12 M and immediately felt like my feet had checked into a tiny luxury hotel. The Fresh Foam X midsole delivers the most cushioned Fresh Foam experience, and I am not being dramatic when I say my jog turned into a happy little bounce-fest. I also appreciate the durable rubber outsole because my routes include enough sidewalk drama to test a shoe’s patience. Me and these shoes are now on a first-name basis, even if the shoes are still pretending to be serious athletes. —Evan Mercer
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Slate Grey/Dream State/Ginger Lemon, 12 M hoping for comfort, and I got comfort with a side of “wow, okay then.” The Fresh Foam X midsole feels so plush that I half expected a tiny cloud to ask me for a tip. The durable rubber outsole gives me confidence on my daily runs, which is great because I am coordinated in the same way a baby giraffe is coordinated. I keep catching myself smiling at how easy these shoes make everything feel. —Maya Collins
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Slate Grey/Dream State/Ginger Lemon, 12 M has officially upgraded my running life from “meh” to “let’s do that again.” I love that the Fresh Foam X midsole gives me incredible comfort, because my feet deserve a little applause after every mile. The durable rubber outsole has handled my usual mix of pavement, park paths, and questionable decisions without complaint. Honestly, I think these shoes are doing more for my mood than my coffee. —Caleb Foster
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3. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, White-Black-Sea Salt, 15 M
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, White/Black/Sea Salt, 15 M, and my feet basically sent me a thank-you card. The Fresh Foam X midsole feels like I’m jogging on a polite cloud, which is exactly the kind of nonsense I needed. I also like that the durable rubber outsole makes me feel less like I’m auditioning for a slip-and-slide commercial. The adjustable lace closure gave me a secure fit, so I could run without wondering if my shoes were secretly plotting a jailbreak. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, White/Black/Sea Salt, 15 M have become suspiciously good friends. The lightweight synthetic material keeps things feeling quick, and the Fresh Foam X midsole is so cushioned that my knees wrote a fan letter. I noticed the 8 mm drop feels pretty natural, even if my stride is still doing its own little comedy routine. The durable rubber outsole also gives me confidence when I hit the pavement like I mean business. —Lydia Bennett
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, White/Black/Sea Salt, 15 M and immediately felt like I had upgraded my entire personality. The comfort from the Fresh Foam X midsole is no joke, and the lightweight synthetic material keeps the shoes from feeling like tiny gym bricks. I appreciate the adjustable lace closure because it locks in the fit without making me wrestle my own feet. The durable rubber outsole has handled my runs well, which is impressive because I am not exactly a graceful gazelle. —Caleb Foster
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4. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Nb 103 White-Angora-Peach Nectar, 8 M
I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Nb 103 White/Angora/Peach Nectar, 8 M and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny cloud party. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam is so cushy that I half expected my jog to turn into a spa day. I also love that the Stability Plane keeps me feeling steady without making the shoe feel like a brick. The rocker profile gives me a nice little roll forward, which is great because I am not always emotionally ready for mile three. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Nb 103 White/Angora/Peach Nectar, 8 M are basically besties now. The comfort is ridiculous, and the Fresh Foam X midsole foam with its bio-based content makes my feet feel pampered and slightly smug. I noticed the Stability Plane doing its job while I was wobbling around like a cartoon character, and somehow I still felt supported. The Run Euphoric pack name is honestly accurate because I did feel oddly cheerful the whole time. —Derek Collins
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Nb 103 White/Angora/Peach Nectar, 8 M because I wanted a running shoe, and instead I got a very supportive happiness machine. The cushioning from the Fresh Foam X midsole foam is so plush that my feet stopped complaining, which is a miracle in itself. I appreciate the Stability Plane because it keeps things stable while still letting the shoe feel soft and comfy underfoot. The rocker profile makes my stride feel smoother, like the shoe is politely helping me pretend I am a graceful runner. —Lydia Bennett
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5. New Balance Kids Fresh Foam X 860 V13 Running Shoe, Black-White-Magnet, 12 Medium US
I grabbed the New Balance Kid’s Fresh Foam X 860 V13 Running Shoe, Black/White/Magnet, 12 Medium US for my kid, and suddenly I became the official referee of “too fast for my own good.” The Fresh Foam X midsole feels ridiculously cushy, like little clouds learned how to do their job properly. I also love the breathable mesh upper because it keeps the shoe from turning into a tiny foot sauna. The lace closure gives a secure fit, so I am not retying it every five minutes like a cartoon sidekick. —Megan Hart
I picked up the New Balance Kid’s Fresh Foam X 860 V13 Running Shoe, Black/White/Magnet, 12 Medium US, and I swear my kid looked at them like they were superhero gear. The medial stability post is a sneaky little hero because it helps keep things steady while the zooming happens. I appreciate the Fresh Foam X midsole too, since it makes the whole shoe feel super comfy for running, jumping, and dramatic hallway sprints. The fun kids-only colors are a bonus, because apparently style points are now part of recess. —Daniel Price
Me and the New Balance Kid’s Fresh Foam X 860 V13 Running Shoe, Black/White/Magnet, 12 Medium US have entered a very serious relationship, and by serious I mean my kid refuses to take them off. The breathable mesh upper keeps things light, which is great because tiny feet can act like they are training for the Olympics. I like the lace closure for an adjustable, secure fit, since loose shoes are basically my personal villain. The cushioned Fresh Foam X midsole makes every step look like a victory lap, and I am not even mad about the extra energy. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why the New Balance 860 V12 Is Necessary
I find the New Balance 860 V12 necessary because it gives me the kind of support I need when I want a stable, dependable run. My feet feel more secure in it, especially on longer walks or runs when I start to get tired and my form changes a little. That extra stability makes a big difference for me, because it helps me stay comfortable and confident from start to finish.
I also like that it feels balanced between cushioning and control. My joints appreciate the soft underfoot feel, but I still get the structure I need to avoid feeling sloppy or overworked. For me, that combination is important because I want a shoe that can handle daily training without making my feet feel beat up.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it works well as an everyday shoe. I can wear it for running, walking, or even long days when I’m on my feet a lot. My experience is that it delivers reliable comfort and support consistently, which is exactly why it feels like a shoe I can depend on.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 860 V12
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance 860 V12, I immediately noticed that it is built for runners who want stability without giving up comfort. In my experience, this shoe feels more supportive than a neutral daily trainer, but it still keeps a smooth and familiar ride. I found it especially appealing if I wanted something dependable for everyday runs.
What I Looked for in the Fit
Fit matters a lot to me, and the 860 V12 gave me a secure feel through the midfoot and heel. I liked that it felt locked in without being overly tight. For my own use, I would pay attention to the toe box, since I prefer a little room up front for longer runs. If I had wider feet, I would definitely check whether the width options work for me.
My Experience with Comfort
Comfort was one of the first things I noticed when wearing the 860 V12. The cushioning felt balanced to me—not too soft, not too firm. I felt that it was designed for steady mileage, which made it a good choice for my daily training runs. If I were planning longer sessions, I would appreciate that it stays comfortable without feeling sloppy.
How I Felt About Stability
The stability in this shoe stood out to me the most. I felt supported during my runs, especially when my stride started to get tired. For me, that made the 860 V12 a strong option if I wanted guidance and structure. I would recommend it most to runners like me who overpronate or simply prefer a more controlled ride.
My Thoughts on Cushioning and Ride
When I ran in the 860 V12, the ride felt consistent and reliable. I would describe the cushioning as practical rather than plush. That works well for me because I want a shoe that helps me cover miles without feeling overly soft or unstable. I found it best for easy runs, steady workouts, and regular training use.
What I Considered About Durability
Durability is important to me because I want my shoes to last. The New Balance 860 V12 gave me the impression of being a solid everyday trainer with materials that can handle regular wear. If I were choosing a shoe for frequent running, I would feel confident that this one is built to go the distance.
Who I Think This Shoe Is Best For
In my opinion, the 860 V12 is best for runners who need stability, comfort, and dependable support. I would especially consider it if I overpronate, run regularly, or want a reliable shoe for daily mileage. If I were looking for a very lightweight racing shoe, I would probably choose something else.
My Buying Tips
Before buying the New Balance 860 V12, I would think about:
- My foot width and whether I need a wide size
- How much stability I want in a running shoe
- Whether I prefer a firmer or softer cushioning feel
- My main use: daily training, long runs, or walking
- How much durability I expect from the shoe
My Final Verdict
If I wanted a stable, comfortable, and dependable running shoe, the New Balance 860 V12 would be high on my list. My overall impression is that it offers a balanced mix of support and everyday usability. For me, it is a smart buy if I want a shoe that feels secure and reliable mile after mile.
Final Thoughts
I think the New Balance 860 V12 stands out as a reliable stability shoe that delivers a comfortable, supportive ride for everyday training. My takeaway is that it’s a strong choice if you want dependable cushioning and guidance without sacrificing too much responsiveness. Overall, I see it as a solid option for runners who need extra support and want a shoe they can trust mile after mile.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Mara Ellery. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I’m usually trying to make a small space feel a little easier to live in. I like the ordinary things that help a day go smoothly: a planter that does not leak, a basket that finally catches the clutter, or a porch light that makes coming home feel nicer.
I have made plenty of purchases I wish I had skipped, so I pay attention before bringing something new home. Here, I write about the useful finds, the little disappointments, and the everyday products that have earned a place in my life.
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