New Balance 860v14 Review – Fresh Foam or a Step Too Far?

Fit

The fit of the new 860v14 is true to size in terms of other New Balance models, but as always, for those in the UK, remember that the brand uses just a half-size differential between US and UK sizes.

In most brands, a US10 would be a UK9, with New Balance a US10 becomes a UK9.5.

In terms of width, the shoe is true to size and here, the newly engineered mesh upper provides a rather forgiving fit with a small degree of stretch which accommodates various foot ‘shapes’ well.

Technology

Fresh Foam X Cushioning

Fresh Foam X is the proprietary foam cushioning material from New Balance. The 860v14 uses this foam running the full length of the shoe. The drop of the midsole is now reduced by 2mm, down to 8mm compared to the 10mm drop of the previous version.

At the same time, the overall stack of cushioning is increased by 2mm, so we have a deeper stack with a lower drop, resulting in a softer feeling and more cushioned shoe.

Stability Plane

Support in the 860v14 comes from the stability plane rather than the medial posting used in all previous versions of this shoe.

The stability plane is a thin plastic plate that runs the full length of the shoe on the medial side and across the width of the shoe in the heel area.

The plane is sandwiched by two layers of Fresh Foam X cushioning, with the bottom layer being a little firmer density than the top layer. The firmer foam layer is also a little thicker on the medial side of the shoe resulting in a ‘wedge’ running the length of the shoe to help control over-pronation.

Rocker Profile

The deeper cushioning facilitates a more rockered shape from heel to toe resulting in a smooth-running feel.

860v13 vs 860v14

Both the v13 and v14 versions of the New Balance 860 feature Fresh Foam cushioning, so while you’d expect the overall feel of the shoe to be quite similar it is surprisingly different.

The v14 model feels softer and I think this sensation comes down to the removal of the medial post and replacing it with the new Stability Plane system.

Any posting in a running shoe is simply a firmer section of material. This said you could have two very soft midsole foams, with one being just a little firmer to affect the pronation of the foot. It’s often the proprioception we experience that makes the difference.

In the new 860v14, there is more of the softer cushioning, while the removal of the post results in a much softer feeling shoe.

The support in the new model is a little more subtle than in the previous shoe and as a result, I think it isn’t quite as strong of a support shoe as the former version.

Of course, every individual is different in both the function of their feet and the manner in which a shoe controls pronation but having been selling the shoe for a few months now, it isn’t quite as supportive as the 860v13.

The 860v14 does offer support and works reasonably well, but the level of the support is perhaps only around 80% of the 860v13.

Performance

From pulling the shoe, it feels soft and plush around the foot. The new upper design is slightly padded and feels just a touch broader in the forefoot. It immediately feels like a nice place to be.

Once you stand up in the shoe the difference in the cushioning is obvious. The shoe feels much softer than the previous model. The rocker is also obvious, with the soft heel cushioning rocking the foot back a little when standing still.

On the move, the forefoot rocker feels good and efficiently rolls the foot forward in a smooth and controlled manner.

The cushioning is plush and despite this being a ‘non-superfoam’- it does have a little spring to it.

The foot ‘sinks’ into the heel cushioning and the stability plane aims to control excessive overpronation. I found the plane did a reasonable job in controlling my foot, but as mentioned earlier, when testing other runners in the shoe it hasn’t been as effective as the previous model.

General Feedback

My findings have been echoed by several users who have left reviews on the brand’s website. Around 20% of those leaving reviews stated the support isn’t as ‘good’ (by that I take it to mean as ‘effective’, as the previous model).

It’s still a great shoe and I’ve sold it very well; it just isn’t as strong of a support shoe as others.

Comparisons

Saucony Guide 17

By comparison, the Saucony Guide 17 is another model that has done away with a medial support totally and yet has become a better shoe for it.

The Guide 17 uses a deep stack of midsole foam and relies entirely on its geometry to control over-pronation. It features a straighter medial edge to the shoe, a deep rocker and a contoured heel to guide the foot through the gait cycle.

The Guide 17 seems to be a more effective shoe at controlling overpronation in most of the runners I have seen wearing the two models.

Mizuno Wave Inspire

Mizuno’s Wave Inspire 20 is another big brand model that’s been around for many years and has a loyal family of fans.

Like the 860v14 and Guide 17, the Mizuno Inspire is a support category shoe designed for everyday training miles.

The latest version features a layer of the brand’s ‘premium’ foam, Enerzy, which adds a responsive ‘pop’ to the ride. The familiar Wave Plate provides support and works in the same manner as previous versions.

The Mizuno Inspire works well in controlling pronation and I have found that it’s also a great choice for those suffering from Plantar Fasciitis. Many runners that I recommend the shoe to suffering from Plantar Fasciitis tell me that they simply feel the structured shape midsole supports the arch well and helps with the condition.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is one of the most popular shoes in this category and at a similar price point to the New Balance 860v14. Largely unchanged for the last few generations, Brooks makes gentle updates rather than dramatic changes. After all, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it!

The Adrenaline provides great all-around control and support and simply works very well for a wide range of runners requiring support and control.

My Verdict

In summary, I feel I must be clear that the New Balance 860v14 is a very good shoe indeed. It’s just a little different to the 860v13.

The shoe does provide support and has a great, soft, cushioned feel. This feel overrides the feeling of support, so the shoe feels very natural and smooth. You do cruise along the road very easily in the shoe.

For mild over-pronators it’s a great option, it’s just not as strong a support shoe as the last version.

All this said, don’t be put off at all by my views. As always, I think the best method of finding out if a shoe works well for you is to try it for yourself. If you can, visit a specialist running store and take the shoes for a spin on their treadmill.