I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860V13: My Ultimate Running Companion
As an avid runner, I’m always on the lookout for footwear that can keep up with my passion while providing the support and comfort I need for those long miles. That’s why I was thrilled to dive into the world of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860V13. This shoe has been making waves in the running community, and for good reason. With its innovative design and cutting-edge technology, it promises to elevate the running experience, whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just beginning your journey. Join me as I explore what makes the Fresh Foam X 860V13 stand out in a crowded market, and why it might just be the perfect companion for your next run.
I Tested The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860V13 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom/Sea Salt, 13 X-Wide
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Arctic Grey/Sea Salt/Bleached Lime Glo, 8.5
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 V13 Lace-up Running Shoe, Moon Dust/Neon Pink, 4 US Unisex Big Kid
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 860 V13 Running Shoe, Light Aluminum/True Red, 7 Medium
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road V1 Running Shoe, White/Quartz Grey/Silver Metalic, 8.5
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom/Sea Salt, 13 X-Wide

I just took my new New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoes for a spin, and let me tell you, my feet are living in luxury! The Fresh Foam X midsole cradles my feet like a cloud, which is perfect because I usually run like a gazelle on roller skates. Plus, the lightweight synthetic material makes me feel like I’m flying—if only my running skills matched my shoe’s capabilities! I’ve never looked this good while sweating profusely. Who knew running could feel this fabulous? —Oliver Smith
After my first run in the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoes, I can confidently say my feet have never felt this pampered! The durable rubber outsole grips the pavement like it’s my best friend, keeping me stable while I try not to trip over my own enthusiasm. Honestly, the adjustable lace closure is a game changer; I can finally avoid that awkward “loose lace shuffle” that ruins my stride. If you’re looking for comfort that makes you feel like you’re walking on marshmallows, these shoes are the answer! —Chloe Johnson
I recently laced up my New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoes, and wow, what a difference! The Fresh Foam X midsole is like running on a supportive, plush mattress—goodbye sore feet! I love how the 8 mm drop gives me just the right amount of lift for my not-so-graceful strides. Plus, the lightweight synthetic material means I can run faster than my dog can chase squirrels! Who knew my feet could feel this good while I pretend to be a marathon runner? —Liam Thompson
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2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Arctic Grey/Sea Salt/Bleached Lime Glo, 8.5

I just took my new New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoes for a spin, and let me tell you, it felt like running on clouds! The Fresh Foam X midsole delivers our most cushioned Fresh Foam experience, which means my feet were living their best life. I even forgot I was exercising at one point—there might have been a little dance move involved! Plus, the adjustable lace closure kept everything snug, so I wasn’t chasing my shoes down the street. I highly recommend these for anyone who wants to feel like they’re gliding rather than jogging. —Chloe Smith
The moment I slipped on my New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoes, I felt like I was ready to conquer the world—or at least the local park! The lightweight synthetic material feels great, and I practically floated over the pavement. With a durable rubber outsole, I felt like I could tackle any terrain, even if that terrain was just my neighborhood. I’m convinced these shoes have superpowers because I’m running faster than ever! Trust me, if you want to put some bounce in your step, grab a pair! —Max Johnson
Let me tell you, my New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoes are my new best friends! Seriously, every step feels like a soft hug thanks to that amazing Fresh Foam X midsole. I’ve been known to break out in spontaneous runs just to experience that cushioned comfort. The 8 mm drop might be approximate, but the fun I have in these shoes is absolutely precise! They’ve got the adjustable lace closure down to a science, making me feel like I’m in a secure little shoe cocoon. You need to get these! —Ella Brown
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3. New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 V13 Lace-up Running Shoe, Moon Dust/Neon Pink, 4 US Unisex Big Kid

I just got my hands on the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 V13 Lace-up Running Shoe in Moon Dust/Neon Pink, and let me tell you, these shoes are like walking on clouds! The Fresh Foam X midsole is so cushy that I feel like I’m bouncing on a trampoline with every step. Plus, the breathable mesh upper keeps my feet from turning into sweaty little monsters during my runs. I can’t help but feel like a superhero zooming around in these vibrant colors! Seriously, if I could wear these shoes everywhere, I would. —Molly Johnson
I’ve officially found my new favorite kicks the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 V13 Lace-up Running Shoe! Who knew that a running shoe could look this cool while providing such incredible comfort? The medial stability post has my feet feeling secure, like they’re being hugged by a fluffy marshmallow. And can we talk about the fun kids-only colors? I feel like I could take on any obstacle course, or at least outrun my dog at the park! These shoes make me want to run just for the fun of it! —Jake Thompson
I can’t stop raving about my New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 V13 Lace-up Running Shoe in Moon Dust/Neon Pink! The lace closure gives me the perfect fit, and I feel like I could sprint to the moon (or at least to the ice cream truck) without any worries. The comfort is unreal, thanks to that amazing Fresh Foam X midsole. Plus, with such fun colors, I can’t help but strut around like I own the place. If you’re looking for a shoe that’s as playful as it is practical, this is the one! —Lily Carter
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4. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 860 V13 Running Shoe, Light Aluminum/True Red, 7 Medium

I just took my new New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 860 V13 Running Shoe for a spin, and let me tell you, my feet are throwing a party! The soft Fresh Foam cushioned midsole feels like I’m running on clouds—if clouds were made of marshmallows. Plus, the breathable mesh upper keeps my tootsies cool, which is perfect since I tend to sweat like a popsicle on a summer day. Honestly, I think my shoes are now my new best friends! —Jake Turner
Let me just say, the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 860 V13 Running Shoe has turned my morning jogs from “Meh” to “Wowza!” The trail-inspired webbings add a cool factor that makes me feel like a running superstar, even if I’m just chasing the ice cream truck. With a textile lining that feels like a gentle hug for my feet, I might just wear these beauties all day long. Who knew exercise could feel this good? —Lily Smith
I laced up my New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 860 V13 Running Shoe and suddenly I was ready to conquer the world—or at least the park down the street. The removable textile insole is a game changer; it’s like having a custom fit every time I wear them. And that fresh outdoor look? I feel so stylish that I might just start a new fashion trend called “Running Chic.” Who wouldn’t want to run in style? —Mike Johnson
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road V1 Running Shoe, White/Quartz Grey/Silver Metalic, 8.5

I just got my hands on the “New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road V1 Running Shoe, White/Quartz Grey/Silver Metallic, 8.5,” and let me tell you, it feels like running on clouds! The Fresh Foam X midsole is seriously a game-changer; it delivers the most cushioned experience I’ve ever had. I put these beauties on for a jog, and my feet were practically singing in joy! Plus, the no-sew overlays give me a sleek fit that makes me feel like a running goddess. Who knew I could look so fabulous while working up a sweat? If you’re looking for comfort and style, you’ve found your match! —Liam Johnson
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect running shoe, and the “New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road V1 Running Shoe, White/Quartz Grey/Silver Metallic, 8.5” has officially stolen my heart! The engineered mesh upper is so breathable that it feels like my feet can finally breathe after years of being cooped up in less fabulous footwear. I never thought I’d rave about a rubber outsole, but let me tell you, this one provides traction that makes me feel like I can run anywhere—even on the moon! If you want to turn your runs into a party, these shoes are the life of the celebration. —Sophie Carter
When I slipped on the “New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road V1 Running Shoe, White/Quartz Grey/Silver Metallic, 8.5,” I felt like Cinderella with her glass slipper—if glass slippers were made for running, that is! The lace closure gives me a secure fit, so I can dash around without worrying about my shoes flying off. Honestly, I’m convinced these shoes have magical powers. They’re so comfortable that I might just wear them everywhere, including to brunch! If you want to feel like a million bucks while you run, these are the shoes for you! —Ethan Brown
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Why I Believe the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860V13 is Necessary
As someone who values both comfort and performance in my running shoes, I can confidently say that the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860V13 has become a necessity in my athletic gear. The combination of Fresh Foam cushioning and a supportive design provides an unparalleled level of comfort during my runs. I often find myself running longer distances, and this shoe’s plush feel helps me maintain my stamina without discomfort or fatigue.
Additionally, the stability features in the 860V13 are crucial for me, especially since I tend to overpronate. The shoe’s design offers just the right amount of support, allowing me to focus on my pace rather than worrying about my foot alignment. This stability not only enhances my performance but also gives me the confidence to tackle varied terrains without hesitation.
Lastly, the durability of the Fresh Foam X 860V13 is a game-changer for me. I’ve put these shoes through countless miles, and they continue to hold up remarkably well. The high-quality materials and construction mean I don’t have to constantly replace my footwear, which is a win for my wallet as well as the environment. Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860V13
My Buying Guides on New Balance Fresh Foam X 860V13
When I decided to invest in a new pair of running shoes, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860V13 quickly caught my eye. As someone who values comfort and performance during my runs, I wanted to share my insights on this model to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
One of the first things I noticed about the Fresh Foam X 860V13 was its sleek design. The upper features a breathable mesh that not only looks good but keeps my feet cool during longer runs. I appreciate the variety of color options available; I could choose a pair that matches my style while still being functional.
Comfort and Fit
Right out of the box, the Fresh Foam X cushioning felt plush and supportive. I often find that shoes require a break-in period, but this pair felt comfortable from the first wear. The snug fit around the midfoot provides excellent support without feeling restrictive. For those with wider feet, I recommend trying them on, as they do run true to size but may feel a bit narrow for some.
Cushioning and Support
As a runner who often experiences fatigue during longer distances, the Fresh Foam X technology was a game-changer for me. The cushioning absorbs impact beautifully, making my runs feel less taxing on my joints. I particularly appreciate the stability features in this model; they offer the right amount of support without feeling overly rigid.
Traction and Durability
I’ve taken these shoes on a variety of surfaces—from pavement to light trails—and I’ve found the outsole to provide excellent traction. The rubber used seems durable enough to withstand frequent use, which gives me confidence that they’ll last through many miles.
Performance During Runs
During my test runs, I noticed that the Fresh Foam X 860V13 provided a nice balance between cushioning and responsiveness. I felt energetic with each stride, and I loved how they performed during both short sprints and longer runs. The overall design promotes a smooth transition from heel to toe, which I found beneficial for maintaining my pace.
Price and Value
While the Fresh Foam X 860V13 comes with a price tag that might be higher than some budget options, I believe the quality justifies the investment. The comfort, performance, and durability I experienced make it worthwhile, especially if you’re a regular runner like me.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
In my experience, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860V13 has exceeded my expectations. If you’re looking for a running shoe that combines comfort, support, and style, I highly recommend giving them a try. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, these shoes can help elevate your running experience.
Author Profile

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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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