Summary
We spent 9.1 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:
5 reasons to buy
- Offers nice aesthetics with cool highlights and bright colors.
- A comfortable running shoe that keeps the runners' feet dry and cool while running, according to several testers.
- The upper mesh of the New Balance 860 v6 perfectly molds the foot that result in a snug-like fit.
- With the presence of the ABZORB crash pad, a higher-density EVA foam and ACTEVA lite, this road running shoe provides great shock-absorbing features.
- Some runners love the 6th version of the New Balance 860 for long mileage.
3 reasons not to buy
- The New Balance 860 v6 is a bulky running shoe, which may not look good in runners who have slender feet.
- A couple of runners experience having blisters with this shoe during their first few uses.
- According to many runners, they had issues with the shoe's sizing.
Bottom line
The New Balance 860 v6 is a stability running shoe that casual runners can consider, especially those with moderate overpronation. This shoe is designed for terrains such as roads, and works extremely well as a sturdy training partner.
Facts
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DiscontinuedUpdate: New Balance 860 v9
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Terrain
Road
Shoes best for road, track and light gravel. See the best road shoes.
Trail
Shoes best for trail, off road, mountains and other unstable surfaces. See the best trail shoes.
Good to know
As long as you stick to the road or path, and if you want just one running shoe, buy a road running shoe.
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Arch support
Neutral / cushion / high arch
Shoes for runners who do not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with normal, high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.
Stability / overpronation / normal arch
Shoes for runners who need mild to moderate arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a low arch. See the best stability shoes.
Motion control / severe overpronation / flat feet
Shoes for runners who needs a lot of arch support. Best for runners with flat feet. See the best motion control shoes.
Good to know
- Rule of thumb: If in doubt, buy neutral shoes to avoid injuries.
- More about arch support in this video.
- Find your arch type by following steps from this video. -
Use
Daily running
Cushioned shoes for your daily easy running. Great comfort. See best shoes for daily running.
Competition
Lightweight shoes good for races, interval training, tempo runs and fartlek. Here are the best competition running shoes.
Good to know
If you want just one pair of shoes, buy a shoe for daily running.
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Price$120
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WeightMen: 10.2ozWomen: 8.7oz
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Heel to toe dropMen: 12mmWomen: 12mm
The height difference from the heel to the forefoot, also known as heel drop, toe spring, heel to toe spring or simply drop.
There are many opinions about what a good heel drop is. We do not recommend any in particular. Lean more in this video.
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Heel heightMen: 28mmWomen: 28mm
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Forefoot heightMen: 16mmWomen: 16mm
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WidthMen: normal, wideWomen: normal, wide
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Release dateUnknown
Rankings
Expert Reviews
Experts are runners, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
Are you an expert? Apply to contribute here.
85 / 100 based on 6 expert reviews
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My New Balance 860 V6 after 300 miles
Do you have a low arch, flat feet or overpronate?
If unsure, visit your local running store, fitness trainer, or podiatrist to gain knowledge. If you're like me and require extra support, New Balance 860 V6 will help conquer your running, regardless of how far you run!
Arch
Take a close look and check out their extra build-up in the arch. What an incredible design, but more importantly is how these running shoes feel.
I can usually tell if the shoes meet my demands because if they don't, I want to take them off as soon as possible. With this pair, however, I just want to keep on running because they feel so good!
Cushioning
Not only are they lightweight at 10.2 ounces, but they are cushiony and super comfy.
Perhaps, the number one reason I highly recommend New Balance because I've experienced no blisters and breaking them in was effortless.It's always a great feeling when you "WANT" to lace up because you absolutely love your running shoes.
However, it's taken me years to find true running shoe satisfaction. Either it's in our nature to try different brands, or the advertising industry does a great job persuading us!
Plus we all know how us runners are just super picky when it comes to our shoes. Whichever the case may be, I've learned the hard way, and hope to save you a lot of aggravation, time, and money.
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Once you find New Balance's stability works best for your foot, REMAIN LOYAL! Otherwise, you'll be disappointed and return to New Balance in the end anyway.
I know, this picture is a whole lot of purple! It did take a while to feel confident walking around the gym, but truthfully it wasn't because of the color, it was because of the brand. Now I'm not a name brand queen, but I see how other runners check out my shoes and visa versa.
So, who the heck wears New Balance? Older people for sure, right? Not sure where my stereotyping came from, but bam there it was staring me in the face, trying to decide between two brands at the running store.
Oftentimes, it feels like a toss-up, and we buy the wrong brand. Money down the drain and I so hate it when that happens!
Support & Stability
I confidently purchased New Balance based strictly on comfort, support, stability, and feel. I knew our local podiatrist recommended New Balance, so cha-ching ring me up!
It was Mother's Day and these running shoes were a gift to myself. I remember, the look on my son's face when I proudly debuted my new shoes!
Oh well, I'm doing my own thing just like he taught me to run my own race.
Performance
Alter 307 miles of hitting the hard pavement I have no regrets. In fact, these 860 v6's almost feel brand new except for the outer heels running down.
Unfortunately, I do this with all my running shoes. Regardless, these shoes are definitely standing the test of time.
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Padding & Lining
The inside padding and lining aren't fraying one tiny bit. In fact, the material still looks and feels new and super cushiony. This includes the entire tongue portion too!
Toe Box
Some say the toe box is narrow, but I say it's perfect. I always order a size 9 even though I normally wear a 7-1/2 dress shoe. This extra room allows for movement, flexibility, and foot swelling and I've never lost a toenail. YET!!!
My toes haven't poked through the toe box and the mesh is strong and durable without feeling heavy and bulky. I run half marathons and marathons in them because I am way too attached to trade in for a racing flat.
Trust me, during long runs, these shoes feel amazingly lightweight without compromising arch support or foot stability.
There's nothing worse than rolling out on one side of your running shoe. So ditch hard orthotics or insoles and feel the love! Aaaaaaaa, feels so good!
Why New Balance?
After blowing through many shoe brands and discussing running shoes with way too many people, I always go back to the best advise girls track coach said, "Running shoes should fit like a glove!"
WALA! When you slip your foot into the New Balance 860's this is exactly how they feel!So guess which brand I proudly displayed to my son yesterday? Yup! New Balance 860 V7 debuting with a whole lot of aqua!
Stay tuned for a 860 V7. Until then, Happy RUNNING!
This expert has been verified by RunRepeat. Reviews are neutral, unbiased and based on extensive testing.
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The New Balance 860, on its 6th version, has discovered that cushioning does not have to sacrifice support or stability.
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It offers support yet is lightweight and durable.
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However, if durability and a more secure fit is also on your wish list and you are a heel-striker, then the New Balance 860v6 might suit you better than the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 16.
Updates to New Balance 860 v6
- The 6th version of the New Balance 860 features an updated upper. It comes with an improved padded neoprene tongue that holds the lace in place while giving addition support and comfort. The midfoot and forefoot is a lot wider, giving a roomy toe box.
- The forefoot was also enhanced to increase toe spring. It also has added cushioning and improved dual density post for stability and support in the early stages of the running gait.
New Balance 860 v6 size and fit
The New Balance 860 v6 has a standard running shoe length. The midfoot, heel and forefoot are of standard measurements. This shoe is also available in both narrow and extra wide widths, accommodating a wide range of feet.
Outsole
The outsole unit utilizes the brand’s Ndurance Carbon Rubber technology that delivers reliable traction on both wet and dry surfaces while giving added cushioning and responsiveness. This carbon rubber is highly reliable and offers optimal durability in high wear areas.
Midsole
This shoe uses the ACTEVA LITE midsole foam that is extended to the entire midsole, giving a durable underfoot cushioning. This works impressively well with the shoe’s Medial Post that is strategically placed in the midfoot to correct overpronation.
The ABZORB Crash Pad is another midsole foam that delivers great durability and additional cushioning needed during heel strike. It efficiently absorbs impact for a more stable ride.
Upper
The upper of the New Balance 860 v6 uses an open mesh that is breathable and lightweight. It performs efficiently together with the TPU Skin Upper that gives second-skin fit while securing the foot for a much better performance.
The shoe uses the traditional sockliner that gives more underfoot cushioning while the Asymmetrical Heel Counter offers heel lockdown and aids in addressing overpronation.