New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Review

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 V12 represents a significant evolution in stability running shoes, balancing robust support with enhanced cushioning. This premium offering maintains New Balance's reputation for quality construction while addressing overpronation with its medial post system, yet delivers notably improved comfort compared to previous iterations thanks to its Fresh Foam X midsole technology.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.0/5 based on 107 customer reviews
Best For: Runners with overpronation, healthcare workers, and anyone needing arch support
Key Strengths: Excellent stability, improved cushioning, wide toe box, versatile for multiple activities
Notable Limitations: Sizing inconsistencies, short shoelaces, occasional quality control issues

What Makes New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Stand Out?

The Fresh Foam X 860 V12 holds a distinctive position in the stability running shoe market by successfully balancing two often competing qualities: cushioning and support. While many stability shoes feel rigid and inflexible, the 860 V12 incorporates New Balance's Fresh Foam X technology to provide a more cushioned ride without sacrificing the medial support needed by overpronators.

Part of New Balance's premium line with a domestic value of 70% or more, the 860 V12 continues the legacy of the iconic 990 series that began in 1978 with the mission to create "the very best running shoe, regardless of the time it takes or the money it costs." This heritage is evident in the thoughtful design upgrades from previous versions, particularly the return to a traditional heel collar that many users find more comfortable than the curved heel cup of the V11.

What truly distinguishes this shoe is its versatility. While primarily marketed as a stability running shoe, users consistently report excellent experiences across various activities. As one healthcare worker noted, "Very comfy, great color, and lots of compliments. I spend most of my 12-hour shift standing and walking, and they are one of the best pair of shoes I've used over my career." This adaptability makes the 860 V12 a standout option for those seeking a single shoe that can transition from running to all-day wear.

Real Customer Experiences

With 71% of reviews rating the shoe 4-5 stars, most users express high satisfaction with the 860 V12. The stability features particularly impress those with specific foot conditions. One user with severe overpronation shared, "With other brands, my ankles turn inward when I walk. These shoes support my ankles and keep them straight. Best shoes I've ever owned!"

Healthcare professionals consistently praise the shoe's comfort during long shifts. A customer working 12-hour days reported, "Off the bat these were extremely comfortable to walk in and stand for a 12-hour shift. I love them." Similarly, a user with flat feet enthused, "As someone who is severely flat-footed, these are hands down one of the best pairs of sneakers I've ever owned! Ready to buy them in every color available."

However, negative experiences cluster around sizing issues and quality control. Several customers received shoes that appeared used, with one stating, "Beware! These running shoes came in a generic box and have been worn! Tiny pebbles in the treads of both sneakers." Sizing inconsistencies also caused frustration, with numerous recommendations to size up half a size. One long-time 860 wearer observed, "It feels like the toe box is wider but the overall shoe is slightly shorter (in length) than previously."

Design and Build Quality

The 860 V12 showcases thoughtful engineering with its medial post design integrated seamlessly into the midsole to provide pronation control without feeling intrusive. The engineered mesh upper incorporates strategic embroidery that enhances support while maintaining flexibility. One owner appreciated that "the material comes clean every time" despite initially worrying about the light blue fabric's maintenance.

The return to a traditional heel collar design from the V11's curved heel cup received widespread approval. A longtime 860 wearer commented, "The redesigned heel collar is so much more comfortable than the previous curved heel cup that irritated my Achilles."

New Balance has maintained practical design elements like reflective accents for visibility during low-light conditions. The blown rubber outsole at the forefoot offers good rebound and traction, though some users mention it tends to collect small pebbles in the grooves.

Notable design criticisms include the surprisingly short shoelaces that many users find inadequate. One customer noted, "The shoe strings are short...I always like to double knot and can't do it with these." Several users also reported that the tongue tends to slide to the side during wear, requiring frequent readjustment.

Comfort and Fit

The Fresh Foam X midsole represents a significant improvement in the 860 line's comfort without compromising stability. A physical therapist-recommended wearer shared, "Very comfortable and I had no foot pain. I'm also pretty heavy so that makes it harder to get comfortable shoes but these were very good for me."

The wide toe box accommodates various foot shapes and has been particularly appreciated by those with broader feet. "I've got a wide foot, so finding a running shoe that doesn't squeeze my foot is very hard. These are great shoes," explained one satisfied customer.

However, sizing inconsistencies remain the most common comfort complaint. Multiple reviewers recommend sizing up at least half a size from your typical New Balance measurement. As one customer advised, "These do run small but once I got the right size I've been really happy!"

Some users report specific comfort issues with the interior construction. Several mentioned scratchy seams that cause discomfort without socks, and a small percentage find the arch support too aggressive. "The arch support can feel too aggressive for some foot types," noted one user, while another mentioned that "the interior seams can cause discomfort without socks."

Style and Versatility

The 860 V12 successfully balances athletic functionality with everyday style. The light teal colorway receives frequent compliments, with one owner stating, "I love these shoes and the color, it's like a light teal. Perfect for the gym, or just going anywhere."

This versatility extends to functionality across various activities. Users report excellent performance during running workouts, HIIT training, resistance training, and everyday walking. A cross-trainer explained, "I've been using these shoes for indoor workouts for about a year. Great for Peloton riding, treadmill running, and general weightlifting."

Healthcare workers consistently praise these shoes for all-day comfort. One professional commented, "Very comfy, great color, and lots of compliments. I spend most of my 12-hour shift standing and walking, and they are one of the best pair of shoes I've used over my career."

The shoe's styling hits the sweet spot between technical running shoe and casual sneaker, making it appropriate for multiple settings. While primarily functional, the aesthetic appeal broadens its versatility beyond pure performance use.

Quality and Durability

The overall construction quality of the 860 V12 is generally well-received, but experiences vary regarding longevity. The engineered mesh upper with strategic support provides good ventilation and flexibility, while the medial post system maintains its support functions effectively over time.

Most users report satisfactory durability, but some mention concerns about specific wear points. One customer observed, "I have tried to step down to a less expensive NB but they must outsource that to the cheapest manufacturer. They hurt my feet and collapse even faster. You are stuck with a shoe that's reaching $180 to $200; it just makes me sick to know it won't last a year."

The Fresh Foam X midsole generally maintains its cushioning properties well over the lifespan of the shoe. The blown rubber outsole at the forefoot provides good durability and rebound, though several users mention it tends to collect small rocks and debris in the grooves.

Quality control appears inconsistent, with multiple reports of receiving shoes that appeared used or came without original packaging. One disappointed customer shared, "I would like to say that I usually don't pay $170.00 for tennis shoes but I knew New Balance was a good shoe. I love the color, but when I received them, the box was crushed so bad that the box was being held together with a rubber band! The shoes had been worn!"

Value for Money

The Fresh Foam X 860 V12 positions itself in the premium stability running shoe category with a price ranging from approximately $90-140 depending on colorway and sales. This places it in the upper-mid range of the stability running shoe market.

For users with specific foot support needs, the value proposition is strong. A customer with plantar fasciitis shared, "I've had plantar fasciitis in the past and was worried that all the walking on my vacation would cause a flare-up. I bought these specifically for the trip and I'm so glad I did."

Healthcare professionals consistently rate these shoes as worth the investment. One worker noted, "I work a job that puts 12,000+ steps on my feet every day. Being over 50 with newly developed plantar fasciitis, I could barely walk after work... These gave me better results and were less expensive [than competitor shoes]!"

However, casual users without specific stability needs might question the premium price point. "These shoes are fine! I love New Balance. This pair came from Fleet Feet and there is a very questionable stain on the top of the shoe. Except for this stain, the shoes look brand new," reported one customer who clearly expected better quality control at this price point.