Fashion & Footwear › Running Shoes
860v13
Model timeline
Men's cushioned neutral running shoes
Budget · bottom third of running shoes
Quick take
In short: what each side says
Reviewers · Buyers · Brand claims — each opened up in full further down ↓
A well-built stability workhorse with a softer, more refined ride than its predecessor, though it lacks the spark of some competitors and fits snugger than other New Balance models.
Owners love the comfort, support, and fit options, but durability and build quality issues—excess glue, ripped seams, and premature heel breakdown—significantly divide satisfaction.
The marketing's comfort and support claims hold up well against owner and expert feedback, with the Fresh Foam X and stability features genuinely delivering as described. However, the pitch overstates the shoe's market position as a top stability option and glosses over significant build quality and durability problems that divide buyer satisfaction—excess glue, ripped seams, and premature wear are real issues that undercut the premium positioning.
All sides but one land high — Holds up — with one check: One reviewer found it lacking excitement compared to the Saucony Tempest, while others praised the improved liveliness….
Quick read · who it’s for
Main competitors
Top rivals in Running Shoes.
The verdict
What the panel makes of it.
The 860v13 ranks third for flat-foot running shoes and delivers a stable, cushioned daily trainer with excellent width options, though its snug fit and build quality issues—excess glue and premature wear—create a gap between buyer enthusiasm and reviewer caution. Best suited for pronators seeking durable support, it requires sizing up and tolerates less responsive competition.
Act one
What the machines think.
Several AI models read the category and place this product — model by model, list by list, over time.
Rank trajectory?
Weeks of movement.
Act two · ★ new
What the people say.
The same product, judged by the owners who bought and filmed it — what they praise, what they knock, who it's for.
Video reviews?
What reviewers actually say.
AI summary of 5 reviews · as of Jun 2026
A well-built stability workhorse with a softer, more refined ride than its predecessor, though it lacks the spark of some competitors and fits snugger than other New Balance models.
What they praise
- Triple-density midsole with Fresh Foam X plus a bouncier top layer delivers softer, more responsive cushioning than previous versions
- Medial post and raised foam sidewalls provide stable, locked-in feel without feeling clunky or intrusive
- Extremely accommodating sizing available in many widths and extended sizes
- Durable blown rubber outsole holds up well and grips wet surfaces effectively
- Versatile daily trainer suitable for everything from all-day walking to marathon running
What they knock
- Fits noticeably snugger than other New Balance models like the 1080, often requiring a half-size or full-size up
- Build quality shows excess glue and rough finishing, feeling cheap for the construction
- Heavier than some competing stability shoes and slightly heavier than the previous version
- Medial post remains somewhat noticeable underfoot and may not suit supinators
Who reviewers think this product is — and isn’t — for
For you if
Look elsewhere if
In their own words
“this top layer of blue foam which is a different compound than fresh film X it has a little bit more bounce to it and I think it did change the overall experience”
— Ryan's Running Reviews
“it's been very comfortable you've got that soft uh Fresh Foam X foam in there it's kind of a a sof to firm feel”
— The Run Testers
“I think the Tempest is better I really do mild stability go for the tempers from Saucony it's just a little bit more fun it's a little bit more exciting”
— FORDY RUNS
Synthesised from: Ryan's Running Reviews · The Run Testers · Run Moore · FORDY RUNS · Road Runner Sports
Is the new midsole actually good? | New Balance 860 v13 Review | Stability Shoe | Fresh Foam X
Ryan's Running Reviews
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v13 Review: Another New Balance stability shoe great?
The Run Testers
New Balance 860 V13 Review | Release Date Fall of 2022 | Mid Cushion Stability Shoe
Run Moore
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13 REVIEW - Best stability shoe?
FORDY RUNS
New Balance 860v13 Shoe Review: Firm Cushion with a Soft Landing
Road Runner Sports
What buyers say?
What Google knows about it.
Beyond the video critics, Google pools 695 buyer ratings of the 860v13 from across retailers — a far wider, if blunter, jury. Here’s the shape of that opinion.
695 ratings · 7 written
across 5 retailers
What owners single out
Buyers' weakest aspect (build quality & durability at 2.0) directly overlaps video reviewers' knock on excess glue and rough finishing feeling cheap for the construction.
In their words
“I really like the New Balance 860 shoe very much. The Athletes Foot people put me onto it about 10 years ago, and I've got the new version each year since then (although I've learned to wait for the sales and buy the previous version to save quite a few dollars).”
Pugs · verified purchase · ewavedemo.com
“These shoes are super comfortable and light. They are perfect as running or walking shoes. They do have a snug fit though. In adidas I usually wear normal size 11 but with these I had to get the 4E extra wide. Biggest disappointment is the lack of quality control. My shoes had what looks like glue on the seams.”
Zer0rez · verified purchase · newbalance.com
as of June 5 · 695 buyer ratings?
Claim check?
Promise vs. proof.
We lifted New Balance’s headline product-page claims and checked each against what owners and expert reviewers actually report.
The marketing's comfort and support claims hold up well against owner and expert feedback, with the Fresh Foam X and stability features genuinely delivering as described. However, the pitch overstates the shoe's market position as a top stability option and glosses over significant build quality and durability problems that divide buyer satisfaction—excess glue, ripped seams, and premature wear are real issues that undercut the premium positioning.
“one of the best stability shoes on the market”
Strong but not best-in-class stability
The shoe delivers strong stability with medial post and raised foam sidewalls, but expert reviewers note it lacks the spark of some competitors and is heavier than some rival stability shoes.
“I think the Tempest is better I really do mild stability go for the tempers from Saucony it's just a little bit more fun it's a little bit more exciting”
VideoFORDY RUNS
Midsole Comfort“New Balance's softest and most comfortable Fresh Foam X underfoot”Holds up
Owners and expert reviewers consistently praise the Fresh Foam X midsole as soft and comfortable, with the triple-density construction delivering a notably softer ride than the previous version.
“it's been very comfortable you've got that soft uh Fresh Foam X foam in there it's kind of a a sof to firm feel”
VideoThe Run Testers
Forefoot Responsiveness“More responsive midsole foam is then placed under the forefoot for energetic toe-offs”Holds up
Expert reviewers confirm that the bouncier top foam layer over Fresh Foam X provides more responsive cushioning and energetic toe-offs compared to the predecessor.
“this top layer of blue foam which is a different compound than fresh film X it has a little bit more bounce to it and I think it did change the overall experience”
VideoRyan's Running Reviews
Support Features“provides support and stability with its medial post, reshaped midsole geometry and secure upper”Holds up
The medial post, reshaped midsole geometry, and secure upper all deliver measurable support and stability, with owners rating support 4.2/5 and reviewers praising the locked-in feel.
Upper Material“A structured and breathable engineered mesh upper”Mixed
The engineered mesh upper is breathable and accommodating in multiple widths, but build quality issues including excess glue and rough finishing undercut the 'structured' claim.
“These shoes are super comfortable and light. They are perfect as running or walking shoes. They do have a snug fit though. In adidas I usually wear normal size 11 but with these I had to get the 4E extra wide.”
OwnerZer0rez
Find your situation?
Made for some — wrong for others.
Who reviewers think this product is — and isn’t — for
For you if
Look elsewhere if
You want a stable daily trainer that won't break the bank but delivers real cushioning and durability.
Street price of $65–90 is low-to-mid with a solid 4.3/5 rating; triple-density midsole and durable outsole cover the essentials without premium markup, though tighter fit and QC issues slightly…
You've worn New Balance for years and want a proven stability shoe with broad consensus backing.
695 ratings show strong consensus; New Balance is an established brand; 860v13 is a mature model with settled design, though QC concerns and tighter-than-expected fit introduce minor risk.
You need a shoe that works straight out of the box for daily running and walking without fussing.
Described as versatile daily trainer suitable for all-day walking to marathons; medial post is noticeable but not intrusive; main friction is sizing confusion (snugger fit requires upsizing), which…
You demand top-of-class execution with no compromises in build or design.
Strong cushioning and stability ratings offset by clear quality-control issues (excess glue, rough finishing) and heavier weight than some competitors; not best-in-class overall.
Grounded in our buyer-review, reviewer-video, price and successor signals — a poor fit names a closer pick · as of Jul 28.
Frequently asked
What buyers want to know.
Is the New Balance 860 good for walking?
Yes. Reviewers say it works as a versatile daily trainer suitable for all-day walking as well as running. The cushioning is soft and responsive, and it grips wet surfaces effectively.
Is the New Balance 860 a good shoe?
It is a well-built stability workhorse with a softer, more refined ride than its predecessor. Reviewers note it delivers excellent durability and works well for runners or walkers who pronate, though it fits snugger than other New Balance models and may lack the responsiveness some competitors offer.
What should I know about the fit?
The shoe fits noticeably snugger than other New Balance models. Many people need to size up by a half-size or full-size. It is extremely accommodating in terms of width options and extended sizes once you find your right size.
Who is this shoe best for?
It is designed for runners or walkers who pronate and want a stable, cushioned daily trainer with excellent durability. It is not a good fit for supinators or neutral runners seeking maximum responsiveness.
How does the cushioning compare to the previous version?
Reviewers say the cushioning is softer and more responsive than the previous version. It uses a triple-density midsole with Fresh Foam X plus a bouncier top layer, which delivers improved liveliness compared to earlier models.
What are the durability concerns?
The blown rubber outsole holds up well and grips effectively. However, reviewers note the build shows excess glue and rough finishing, which can feel cheap for the construction. The shoe is also heavier than some competing stability shoes.
The recap
Where it stands today.
- MakerBy New Balance — see how it ranks across other intents on its brand profile.