New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Running Shoe Review
Running is not just a sport; it’s a commitment that demands not only your time but also the right gear. The New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Running Shoe, available in a striking Mountain Teal/Sulphur Yellow colorway, has been designed for the dedicated runner who seeks both comfort and stability over long distances.
This shoe combines advanced technology and innovative design to cater to the needs of every day runners. With an emphasis on support and cushioning, the 860v12 may just become your new go-to running companion.
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Features
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered for an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride.
- Engineered mesh upper with strategic embroidery ensures added support.
- Medial post provides enhanced control, helping to manage pronation.
- Blown rubber outsole at the forefoot enhances rebound and responsiveness.
- Light-catching reflective accents for improved visibility during low-light conditions.
Pros
- Exceptional cushioning that adapts to various terrains.
- Stability features help reduce the risk of injuries related to overpronation.
- Breathable materials keep your feet cool during runs.
- Durable construction extends the lifespan of the shoe.
- Available in visually appealing colors that enhance style.
Cons
- May feel slightly heavier compared to minimalist running shoes.
- Requires a break-in period for optimal comfort.
- Can be on the pricier side compared to other brands.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 V12 | Asics Gel-Kayano 28 | Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | Fresh Foam Midsole | GEL Technology | DNA Loft Cushioning |
| Support | Medial Post | DYNAMIC DUOMAX | GuideRails Support |
| Weight | Moderate | Moderate | Lightweight |
| Terrain Suitability | Road/Light Trail | Road | Road |
Detailed Review
The New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Running Shoe excels in multiple areas that are crucial for runners. Firstly, let’s talk about cushioning. The Fresh Foam midsole technology delivers an incredibly plush experience, absorbing impact while providing a responsive feel. This is particularly beneficial for long-distance training sessions or races where comfort is paramount.
Next up is stability. The medial post feature works effectively to control excessive pronation, making these shoes an excellent choice for runners with flat feet or those who have had issues with stability in the past. If you find yourself needing a bit more support, this could be a game-changer.
Additionally, the engineered mesh upper offers breathability and support without adding unnecessary weight. On warmer days, this will ensure your feet stay fresh, thus enhancing your overall running experience. The reflective accents are an added bonus for evening runs, keeping you visible to others.
While the shoe does require a break-in period which can vary from person to person, most users report ultimate comfort once acclimated. However, some may find the shoe feels a tad bulkier compared to more minimalist designs; thus, it may not cater to everyone's preferences. Still, for what it aims to accomplish, it performs exceptionally well.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | 9/10 | Outstanding cushioning that absorbs shocks effectively. |
| Stability | 8/10 | Medial post helps maintain good posture during runs. |
| Comfort | 8/10 | Initial break-in may be needed but excellent after. |
| Durability | 9/10 | High-quality materials ensure longevity. |
| Style | 7/10 | Aesthetically pleasing with a variety of colors. |
User Reviews
First, I’ve had horrible feet for a good portion of my life, and it’s always challenging to find comfortable shoes. In 2018 I had surgery to correct a huge bunion and four hammertoes, all on my left foot. Now I’m developing tailors bunions on the opposite foot. I’m a mess. When my old shoes started showing evidence of impending failure I started looking for a new pair. These were mentioned in a few customer reviews as being very comfortable and still offering a good amount of stability, and they definitely check both boxes! From the first moment I put them on I noticed that A: They were VERY comfortable, like “Worn and broken in for a few weeks” comfortable, right out of the box…and B: I noticed a definite increase in the stability around my ankles. Now, I DO have to admit that this particular color scheme does make me look like a tourist when coupled with my cargo pants and white socks but I’m more interested in my feet and their comfort than what my shoes look like to random strangers. On THAT level these shoes score a home run! And, I forgot to mention, these were $139.00 shoes on sale for $67.99. BIG SCORE!!!
I am a plus size woman with wide feet. I needed sneakers that were comfortable and supportive for walking. These are great, I was having really bad foot pains with my other sneakers as I had been sedentary and getting back into daily walks was had on my feet. These have practically eliminated the pain, I started out with 15min walks and now can go up to an hour without foot pain. I bought a second pair in black so I can wear to work. I highly recommend these to women with wide feet that need some extra cushioning. So happy I found these.
I've been wearing Hoka Mach 4s and 5s on my runs and they're great except they tend to wear out fairly quickly. I got these based on a few online reviews. Initially felt they were a bit stiffer than the Hokas but by my 2nd run, these felt really good. I wear them for longer, slower runs (10ks).
Bought these to add a stability shoe to my rotation since I have issues with my knee due to a very old surgery.BLUF: Good shoe but not working for mePros:- Well constructed, should last many miles (500+) with the rubber and thick cushioning- Comfortable and well padded around the collar.- Fits as expected. I got the wide, which is a primary reason why I buy New Balance. Gave me plenty of room in my toe box.- I was able to keep my normal pace with these even though they are a lot heavier than my older shoesCons:- Heavier than I am used to at this point. I have run in the Rebel v2 for the past year, so this was 50%+ heavier than that... of course weight is relative to what you are used to.- Cushioning felt stiff. Again, I am used to a very soft landing with the Rebels, so between the harder Freshfoam and thicker rubber, I just wasn't looking forward to running in them.Conclusion: I will try them out again when it gets warm to see if that softens and breaks in the cushion, but right now, I just struggle to run in them. At this point, I will go with the new Rebel v3 even if it isn't as stable as this shoe mainly because I am so used to the soft cushion of Fuelcell foam now.
I have flat feet and the New Balance 860 model has been my go-to proven shoe for many years. I have various versions and all of them provide comfort, support and good looks that I want in a shoe. Not to mention, that they really last a long while. Thank you seller for sending me the perfect pair. Will order again soon.
I have a pair of Asics that are a little larger (and work well),but ordered these in the size I'm actually measured to wear and the ALSO work well. Took a while to find wide shoes in anything but black, and these blue ones were my ideal color. They felt a bit hard at first, so I decided to wear them golfing and walked more than 6 miles. By the end of the round, they were broken in and when I put them on the next day they were perfect for my flat feet (especially my over-pronating extremely flat left food). I'd buy them again in a heartbeat!
I fell in love with New Balance because they were one of the few shoes that supported American workers and had some style. I am very disappointed that New Balance is shifting away from American workers in favor of the cheaper labor, while prices continue to rise anyway. I rather pay more money to support the American worker where the quality will be better and they can support their families. If New Balance does not shift back to supporting the worker, they will lose me as a customer. And New Balance is the only shoe I buy. With that being said, I bought Hoka shoes that I heard were really great for standing for long periods of time. I work in surgery so we are on our feet the whole time. I just had foot surgery and have had major spine surgery a few times. I was looking for comfort no matter the cost. Hoka let me done. So, I decided to go back to New Balance. As soon as I saw this shoe and the color, not to mention being about 40% off, I was sold. The shoe came earlier then expected. I had comfort right away. Had several compliments from my co-workers. I ended up getting orthotics because of my surgery and achy feet. The orthotics went right in the shoe with no problem. I just had to take out the fresh foam insert. Other then being made in another country so they can make boat loads of profit instead of hiring and supporting American workers, I am pleased with the comfort and looks of the shoe. The Hokas which were twice as expensive do not live up to the comfort this shoe provides. I will let you know how long the durability last.