New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 Introduction
New Balance has established a tradition of rebuilding their shoe, the 860. The evolution of the 860 has changed with the last few editions. With the 14th edition they continued the rebuild started with the 13th. Does the rebuild improve an already solid stability trainer?
New Balance’s stability lineup has two offerings the 860 and the Vongo. The 860 is the moderate stability offering while the Vongo is the max. The 860 retails for 140 dollars and competes with Saucony Guide, Hoka Arahi, and the ASICS GT 2000. The ride of the 860 is most similar to the ASICS Kayano. Both provide a plush stable ride.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 First Impressions
New Balance trainers don’t turn heads with their design and the 860 is no different. I used the term “dad shoes” last year and the term still applies to this edition. The “gray” colorway looks more white in person, the accents of yellow and black add visual interest.
The level of comfort has increased for the 860v14. While previous editions leaned to the responsive side this one is plush. The level of comfort has increased. Another difference you immediately notice is a rounded fit and more space for your feet.
The maiden voyage of the 860v14 was a 5k. There was bounce, comfort and stability to these from the first step. They also were taken on a zoo day where many miles were walked and my feet enjoyed them.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 Upper
In the last edition of the 860s the mesh was changed to an engineered mesh. It was an improvement from the air mesh.
This edition possesses the same engineered mesh. It provides the trainer with an ideal amount of structure. It’s both breathable and flexible and provides enough space. This aids in the stability the 860 provides.
They made a change to the heel portion of the shoe. They removed the flared heel collar. This didn’t affect the performance of the trainer because the rest of the heel counter is similar to last year’s with an internal heel counter and ideal amount of cushioning.
The simple lacing system is easy and effective in providing a comfortable fit every time. The gusseted tongue adds to the comfort of the upper. The tongue is longer in this edition alleviating one of the drawbacks from last year’s.
The N’s found on both sides of the upper are reflective, giving you another point of visibility if you run when it is dark outside, like myself. Overall, the upper of the New Balance 860 is the strength of the trainer.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 Sole Unit
Let’s start from the ground up. The New Balance 860v14 has a blown rubber outsole. It is a thinner/lighter rubber this year. The thickness of the rubber varies based on the area it is covering. It still maintains its durability and traction. It handled both wet and dry conditions with ease. It also has a wider base compared to the last edition.
The midsole received a renovation with the 14th edition. Fresh foam X continues to be the material used for the midsole. It is dual density foam with one on the top and bottom, the softer on the top and denser on the bottom.
Sandwiched in between the two foam pieces is a EVA film technology. Basically, this is a lightweight plate that runs from heel to toe. It is molded to provide stability and is inherently stable because of how it is designed. It looks like an ocean wave with it rising where a medial post would be.
They have added a couple of mm to the stack height with the evolved Fresh Foam X compound. This has been a trend with runner trainers for the last couple of years.
The heel to toe drop has been lowered from 10 to 8 mm. Lower drops help with the transition from impact to toe offs. The line between the Vongo and 860 midsoles is blurring with this new edition, which is a great thing.
The 860, like the Vongo, provides a rocker motion as you run, propelling you foot forward. This all adds up to make the ride of the New Balance 860 stable and enjoyable.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 Conclusions
The rebuilding of the New Balance 860 continued this year. Could the momentum of rebuilding continue this year? Based on the miles I ran in these, I would say yes.
The midsole underwent a transformation this year to provide a plushier ride. The new “sandwich” like constructed midsole is softer. The plate along with a wider base is effective at providing stability when you need it.
It is a smooth ride from impact to toe offs. The level of comfort has increased along with stack height. To counteract this they have lowered the drop to 8 mm. The only drawback to the midsole is that it can feel bulky occasionally.
The upper of the 860 underwent a few small changes. The removal of the flared heel collar along with a longer tongue improved the upper.
It is a simple upper that is flexible, durable and comfortable. Its rounded fit worked better than the previous editions I’ve reviewed. The upper both held my feet while also giving it room to splay out.
The line between the Vongo and 860 are blurring with this edition. Much of the running technology in the Vongo now appears in the 860. This isn’t a drawback for me because the Vongo 5 was one of my favorites for the year it came out.
Last year I asked “How do you take a dependable trainer and keep it fresh while also maintaining its dependability?” in my review. This question carried over to this year with the 860.
They have continued to rebuild resulting in one of the best stability trainers out there.
The 860 provides exceptionally smooth, stable and comfortable rides every time they are slipped on.
