New Balance  Fresh Foam X 860v15 Road-Running Shoes - Women's

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I was super excited to try the Fresh Foam X 860v15! I enjoyed the soft cushion and fabric all around, while feeling extra supported on the treadmill, the road and the trails. It's true to size and it's a locked-in fit. With a weight of 9.2oz it's a little bit on the heavier side. All in all a great, stylish running shoe though for everyday!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Received these shoes through our running club, and though I usually run in Brooks Adrenaline for an everyday trainer, I can very much see incorporating these into the rotation. I loved running in them! They felt great for the duration of the run and even a few end-of-run pickups. Really have enjoyed them for walking as well. The impact feels soft and cushiony without feeling unstable from too much height/foam. And they were additionally comfy/snug without being too tight. Other reviews suggest the 860s can vary a lot model to model but I really liked v15, thought it was a great shoe.

I have worn 860s for 8 years. They provided perfect stability, fit comfortably, and had a nicely cushioned sole. The updates over the years seemed to improve the cushioning and comfort, while keeping the fit the consistent. So consistent, in fact, that I usually just call my local store to see if they have my preferred color in stock or have them order it. I never had to try them on to be sure they worked for me. This changed with the v15, however. The upper is so drastically changed that they literally hurt the top of my feet. They are totally unwearable. Please fix the uppers for v16. I really want to love New Balance shoes again.

When these first arrived and I put them on I was a bit nervous. I've bought 860s for years now because I need the added stability. These felt different - almost like they curve on the bottom and have this almost rocking feel. I tried them running and boy did that make a difference! I ran a full mile per hour faster than I am used to. And I did it a few times so it wasn't just a good day. I know I probably can't say it's all the shoes but something about the way they are constructed helps with propelling me forward without compromising agility. Anyway, I'm thrilled.

Super comfortable for running & walking!! Love them. Feels like clouds

I’ve been a loyal 860 wearing for v13 and v14, but this new version is unwearable. I got my usual size (as I have for years), and my big toe presses right into the shoe. I might try a larger size, but I’m not sure if a half size up and/or a wider size would help or if it would be worth the hassle. The foam on the v15 is so huge that I truly don’t think it would be comfortable even with a better fit. I’m truly disappointed, because I was so excited when I found the v13 years ago. I have metatarsalgia and arthritis, and the 860s were the only shoes I could wear without any pain. Now it seems like I’m back to searching for an acceptable replacement.

I’ve had at least 2 pairs of 860s since v7 and so had no worries purchasing these as my go to road shoe. I generally run around 4 times a week and have never had any issues when wearing from new. The v15s have not felt good from the first wear and wearing them for the 5th time to do a half marathon at the weekend has totally destroyed my big toe. It was agony from mile 7 and I finished with a bloody toe and damaged nail bed. It looks like this is the end of my NB journey as I will need to find a new shoe

Dear New Balance Designers, I have been happily wearing this model 860 STABILITY shoe for years, it is one of the few stability walking/running shoes you make in my required size and width. I read the other bad reviews of this year’s new model and thought the reviewers were just complainers. But then I purchased this new model — and I agree with all the complaints. People who search out a stability shoe generally like stability…and this model has so much foam and rocking action that, much to my astonishment, I actually feel unsteady on my feet. I am just hoping my last years models can hold up until you manage to fix the disaster that is this year’s version.

I have owned at least 6 pairs of 860s over the years and was extremely disappointed with my v14s. I came to the website to see if NB had gone back to the version where you can actually feel the ground under your feet instead of walking on thick foam. I tried Hokas and hated them and now NB has decided to imitate them. Many orthopedist & podiatrist have stated so much foam is not good for you overall. I was sadly disappointed that v15 is stated in many reviews to be even worse than v14 so I am currently looking for another brand. Hope NB will eventually realize their faux pas and return to what attracted most long term customers in the first place but I won't count on it.

New Balance clearly cares more about profits than their long-time customers or they would abandon this fresh foam crap and return to the original stability bar. I am only guessing, but based on the weight of the v15 they attempted to correct the lack of stability in the v14 due to loss of the stability bar by increasing the fresh foam. Abject failure. The only customers who are going to like these are those who have no history with the previous versions of the 860. I rejected the v14 and I now reject the v15. I sourced a different manufacturer for my last pairs of shoes waiting for the v15 hoping NB would get back with the program but NB has officially lost me as a customer.