SHOE REVIEW: New Balance Fresh FoamX 860v12
New Balance has redesigned the upper for outstanding comfort for the everyday runner
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Canadian Running
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.
The shoe itself is intended for runners who overpronate, featuring light and supportive characteristics, which keep runners coming back year after year. When the shoe was designed, New Balance wanted to focus on a comfort-oriented model to generate reliable performance.
Category: Stability
Available: Now
Drop: 10 mm
Weight: 324 grams (men’s size 9)
MSRP: $179.99
The upper
The comfort of the New Balance 860v12 starts in the upper, which features an engineered mesh with lighter ventilation than the previous model. The upper wraps around your foot, offering plenty of space for all widths. The tongue is fastened to the upper to prevent it from sliding around while you run. The 860v12 also features embroidered elements to boost the security of your foot in the shoe.
The midsole
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
They have now rolled with the same outsole for the three iterations, which is covered in full-blown Ndurance rubber. There is only a slight difference in the pattern of the rubber. The outsole has been built to last.
The verdict
If you don’t mind a stability shoe with strong medial posting, the New Balance Fresh FoamX 860v12 is in your wheelhouse. This shoe is a simple daily trainer that offers both firm stability and superior cushioning. After testing this shoe out on a few runs, I quickly noticed its smooth ride and a very comfortable upper, appealing to runners who overpronate.
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