New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13

The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13 features an updated upper made from engineered mesh, which provides a secure and comfortable fit. The material balances structure and flexibility, ensuring breathability and warmth during runs. The shoe's design includes embroidered lines on the medial midfoot for added stability, working in conjunction with the medial post to prevent overpronation. The molded heel counter and flared heel collar contribute to a secure fit and support the Achilles, while the gusseted tongue's design could be improved to prevent potential irritation.

The midsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13 is constructed with Fresh Foam X, offering a soft and cushioned ride. The absence of fuel cell cushioning from previous models is noted, with the Fresh Foam X providing a responsive yet bouncy feel. The midsole includes a dual-density medial post for stability, which is less noticeable in this edition, allowing for a more natural running experience. The inclusion of bio-based content also reflects New Balance's commitment to sustainability.

The outsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13 is made from blown rubber, providing an aggressive and durable layer that ensures longevity. The varied thickness across the outsole and the presence of flex grooves contribute to the shoe's flexibility and traction, although improvements could be made for better grip in wet conditions.

The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13 offers a fit similar to Altra's FootShape, with a secure heel and a widening towards the forefoot without being overly spacious. The medium toe box provides an ideal amount of room for natural toe splay and comfort during runs. The fit is true to size, accommodating a range of foot shapes and sizes.

Runners can expect a high level of comfort from the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13, thanks to its blend of plush cushioning and responsive midsole. The shoe's upper and midsole work together to provide a comfortable and secure fit, while the cushioning delivers a medium-firm feel reminiscent of a mattress with a pillow top.

The cushioning of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13 is a standout feature, with the Fresh Foam X midsole offering a soft underfoot feel. The shoe provides a bouncy energy return, making it suitable for a variety of running distances. However, some runners may desire more protection in the forefoot for longer runs.

The engineered mesh upper of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13 ensures breathability, keeping feet cool and dry during runs. The material is designed to provide warmth in colder conditions without compromising on ventilation.

Stability is a key aspect of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13, with the shoe featuring a dual-density medial post and built-up sidewalls for added support. The reconfigured midsole geometry allows for smooth transitions, making it a reliable option for runners with overpronation issues.

Durability is a strong suit of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13, with its thick rubber outsole designed for long-lasting wear. The shoe is built with premium materials, ensuring it can handle high mileage and provide moderate stability for both walking and running.

The grip of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13 is generally good, with the rubber outsole providing reliable traction on roads. However, the shoe could benefit from improvements in traction for wet conditions, as some runners have noted it is not the best in these scenarios.

The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13 features an updated midsole with more Fresh Foam X for increased cushioning, particularly in the rear part of the shoe. The medial support has been reconfigured for improved stability, and the upper has been enhanced for a better fit and support. Additionally, the midsole now contains more bio-based content, contributing to sustainability efforts.

Yes, the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13 is designed with a dual-density medial post that provides stability and support for runners with overpronation. It helps control the inward rolling of the foot, making it a suitable choice for those with this pronation type.

While the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13 offers reliable traction on roads, some runners have noted that the grip could be improved in wet conditions. The shoe's outsole provides good coverage but may not offer the best traction on slick surfaces.

The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v13 offers a soft underfoot feel with its Fresh Foam X midsole, providing a bouncy energy return. The cushioning is designed to deliver comfort and responsiveness, suitable for a variety of running distances.