Should you buy it??
Check closely
based on 3 of 5 signals
Quick take
In short: what each side says
AI · critics · 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 juries are split — worth a closer look before you commit.
The verdict
What the panel makes of it.
The New Balance 860v13 is a stability running shoe made by New Balance. Released in 2023, it was designed in the United States. The shoe uses a dual-density midsole to control pronation. Runners with flat feet buy it to prevent injury and discomfort. AI assistants currently rank it third for best running shoes for flat feet.
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.
Where reviewers disagree: One reviewer found it lacking excitement compared to the Saucony Tempest, while others praised the improved liveliness from the dual-foam setup; Fit opinions split: some found the standard width spacious and accommodating, others needed to size up significantly; The lateral sidewall support drew mixed reactions—one reviewer appreciated the dual-sided stability innovation, another found it less relevant
Reviewers splitWhat 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). I do a lot of walking (about 3000km a year on roads and footpaths) and the NB 860 helps support my foot and keeps me going without any p”
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. I did the best I could to get it off the shoe so I didn’t have to ship them back for an”
Zer0rez · verified purchase · newbalance.com
as of June 5 · 695 buyer ratings?
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.
- Reviewer verdict★Check closely — 3.5 / 5 across 5 videos, positive sentiment. Reviewers are more measured than the AI.
- MakerBy New Balance — see how it ranks across other intents on its brand profile.