The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is a popular running shoe that has been designed to provide a comfortable, cushioned ride for runners. It is the twelfth version of the Fresh Foam 860 line of running shoes from New Balance, which has been a popular choice for runners for many years.
Fresh Foam 860 v12 - Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12:
Pros
Cons
Design
The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 has a sleek design that is both stylish and functional. The shoe features a breathable mesh upper that is designed to keep your feet cool and dry during your run. It also has a secure lace-up closure system that ensures a snug fit.
The shoe comes in a variety of color options, including black, white, and blue, so you can choose the color that best suits your style.
Upper
The upper design of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is a key feature of the shoe that contributes to its overall comfort and performance. The shoe's upper is made from a breathable mesh material that helps to keep your feet cool and dry during your run. The mesh material allows air to flow freely in and out of the shoe, which helps to regulate the temperature inside the shoe and prevent your feet from overheating.
The upper of the shoe also features a no-sew construction, which means that the upper is made without any traditional stitching or seams. This helps to reduce the weight of the shoe and eliminates any potential hot spots or irritation that may occur from traditional stitching.
The shoe also has a padded collar and tongue that helps to cushion and support the ankle and lower leg. The collar and tongue are made from a soft, pliable material that conforms to the shape of your foot and helps to prevent the shoe from rubbing or chafing against your skin.
The lace-up closure system of the shoe allows you to adjust the fit of the shoe to your liking. The laces are made from a durable material that is easy to tie and untie, and they stay in place during your run.
Midsole
The midsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is a significant feature of the shoe, contributing to its overall cushioning and support. The midsole is made from New Balance's proprietary Fresh Foam technology, which is a high-quality foam that provides superior cushioning and responsiveness.
The Fresh Foam midsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is designed to be soft and plush, providing a comfortable ride that can absorb shock and impact during your runs. The foam is also highly responsive, which means that it quickly springs back to its original shape after each footstrike, providing a bouncy and energetic feel during your runs.
The midsole also has a structured design that helps to support the foot and promote proper gait. The shoe's midsole has a medial post that helps to correct overpronation and keep your foot in a neutral position, reducing the risk of injury and improving your running form. The post is made from a firmer material than the rest of the midsole, which helps to provide additional support and stability where it is needed most.
The midsole also has a beveled heel that helps to promote a smooth and natural transition from heel to toe during your stride. The beveled design helps to reduce stress on the foot and promote a more efficient stride, reducing the risk of injury and allowing you to run for longer periods.
Outsole
The outsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is designed to provide excellent traction and durability. The outsole is made from a high-quality rubber material that is both flexible and sturdy, providing good grip and protection on a variety of surfaces.
The outsole of the shoe is designed with a pattern of multi-directional treads that help to provide excellent traction and grip, even on wet or slippery surfaces. The treads are strategically placed to provide maximum grip during your stride, helping you to stay stable and secure during your runs.
The outsole also has a full ground contact design, which means that the entire outsole comes into contact with the ground during your stride. This helps to distribute the force of impact more evenly across the foot, reducing stress on any one particular area and providing a smoother and more comfortable ride.
The outsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is also designed to be durable and long-lasting. The rubber material is resistant to wear and tear, and the outsole is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use without breaking down or losing its grip.
Fit and Comfort:
The fit and comfort of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is highly praised by runners who have worn the shoe. Many users found the shoe to be true to size and well-fitted to their foot shape. However, some users found the toe box to be a little narrow, which may not be suitable for people with wider feet.
The Fresh Foam midsole of the shoe provides a comfortable, cushioned ride for runners. The shoe also has a padded collar and tongue that enhances the overall comfort of the shoe.
Support and Stability:
The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 provides good support and stability for runners. The shoe features a medial post that provides added support to the arch of your foot, which is particularly useful for runners who overpronate.
The shoe also has a sturdy heel counter that provides added stability for your foot, which can prevent your foot from rolling inward or outward during your run.
Cushioning and Responsiveness
The Fresh Foam midsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 provides excellent cushioning and responsiveness for runners. The midsole is designed to absorb shock and provide a comfortable, cushioned ride for runners.
Many users found the shoe to be responsive, which means that it returns energy to your foot with each stride, giving you a more efficient and comfortable run.
Durability
The durability of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is another area where the shoe excels. Many users reported that the shoe held up well even after months of use. The outsole of the shoe is made from a durable rubber compound that provides good traction and grip, even on wet or slippery surfaces.
Breathability:
The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 features a breathable mesh upper that allows air to circulate around your foot, keeping your feet cool and dry during your run. Many users found the shoe to be highly breathable, which can be particularly important for runners who run in hot and humid conditions.
Traction:
The outsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is made from a durable rubber compound that provides good traction and grip on a variety of surfaces. The shoe also has a patterned outsole that provides added grip on wet or slippery surfaces.
Price
The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is priced competitively with other running shoes in its category. It is not the most expensive running shoe on the market, but it is also not the cheapest. However, considering the high level of comfort, support, and durability that the shoe provides, many runners find it to be a good value for the price.
Who is New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 Best For
The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is best suited for runners who need a shoe with a high level of support and stability.
This shoe is designed to help correct overpronation and keep the foot in a neutral position, reducing the risk of injury and improving running form. This makes it an ideal choice for runners with flat feet, low arches, or a tendency to overpronate.
The shoe is also a good choice for runners who want a high level of cushioning and comfort. The Fresh Foam midsole is designed to provide superior cushioning and responsiveness, which can help to absorb shock and impact during your runs, reducing fatigue and discomfort.
The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is also suitable for runners who need a durable and reliable shoe that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The high-quality rubber outsole and sturdy construction of the shoe ensure that it can withstand regular wear and tear, providing a long-lasting and dependable shoe for your running needs.
New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 vs Other Shoes
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS is another popular stability shoe that provides a high level of support and cushioning. The Adrenaline GTS 22 features Brooks' proprietary GuideRails technology, which helps to keep the foot in a natural alignment and reduce the risk of injury.
In comparison, the Fresh Foam 860 v12 features a medial post that helps to correct overpronation and promote proper gait.
Both shoes provide a high level of cushioning and support, but the Fresh Foam 860 v12 has a slightly softer feel due to its Fresh Foam midsole.
ASICS Gel-Kayano
The ASICS Gel-Kayano is another popular stability shoe that provides a high level of cushioning and support. The Gel-Kayano 29 features ASICS' proprietary GEL technology, which helps to absorb shock and reduce impact during your runs.
In comparison, the Fresh Foam 860 v12 features a Fresh Foam midsole that provides similar levels of cushioning and responsiveness.
However, the Gel-Kayano 28 has a more structured design, with a Trusstic System that helps to reduce the weight of the shoe and provide additional support.
Nike Air Zoom Structure 24
The Nike Air Zoom Structure 24 is another popular stability shoe that provides a high level of support and cushioning.
The Air Zoom Structure 24 features Nike's proprietary Zoom Air technology, which provides a responsive and bouncy feel during your runs.
In comparison, the Fresh Foam 860 v12 features a Fresh Foam midsole that also provides a responsive and bouncy feel.
However, the Air Zoom Structure 24 has a more minimalist design, with a lightweight mesh upper that provides a comfortable and breathable fit.
Overall
Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is a highly recommended running shoe that is suitable for runners of all levels. The shoe provides good support, stability, and cushioning, making it an ideal choice for runners who want a comfortable and responsive ride.
In conclusion, the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v12 is a well-rounded running shoe that is suitable for a variety of runners. Its cushioned midsole, sturdy outsole, and breathable upper make it a reliable and comfortable choice for long-distance running, training, or casual wear.
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