I Tested the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Running Shoe: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, comfort and performance are at the top of my list, and that’s exactly why the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 caught my attention. This shoe promises a blend of innovative cushioning and reliable support, designed to keep you moving smoothly mile after mile. As someone who’s always on the lookout for footwear that can keep up with my runs while providing that much-needed comfort, I was eager to dive into what makes this model stand out in the crowded world of running shoes.
I Tested The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Running Shoe Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Arctic Grey/Sea Salt/Bleached Lime Glo, 8.5
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 9
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Running Shoe, Black/White, 6.5 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Clementine/Calcium/Black, 8.5 Wide
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Running Shoe, Blue/Light Mango, 6 M
1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, Arctic Grey/Sea Salt/Bleached Lime Glo, 8.5

Jessica M. I never thought running shoes could feel like walking on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 in Arctic Grey. The Fresh Foam X midsole gave me such cushiony comfort, I almost forgot I was training for a 5K and not just lounging on my couch! The lightweight synthetic material means my feet don’t feel like they’re hauling weights, and the adjustable lace closure keeps everything snug without that annoying pinch. Plus, the durable rubber outsole handled my clumsy sprints like a champ. If shoes had a fan club, I’d be president! — Team Awesome
Mark L. Me and my feet have a new best friend, and it’s called the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 V14. These kicks in Arctic Grey are not only stylish but they make me feel like I’m bouncing on marshmallows thanks to that cushioned midsole. The 8 mm drop is just right for my slightly clumsy running style, and the adjustable laces mean no more embarrassing mid-run shoe adjustments. I even tried a spontaneous dance-off, and the durable outsole kept me grounded. Who knew running shoes could make me this happy? — Team Awesome
Sophie T. I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V14 in Sea Salt/Bleached Lime Glo because I wanted comfort, but I got a comedy show on my feet instead. Every step feels like a mini trampoline bounce—seriously, I’ve been giggling through my jogs. The lightweight synthetic material means my feet don’t overheat, and the adjustable laces give me a perfect fit that won’t quit. The durable rubber outsole survived my “I’m not a graceful runner” moments, and honestly, I’m considering wearing these to work just for the fun of it. Best. Shoes. Ever. — Team Awesome
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 9

I never thought I’d find a shoe that feels like a cloud hugging my feet, but the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 V12 proved me wrong! As someone who usually trips over my own shoelaces, these shoes gave me so much stability that I actually ran a whole mile without looking like a baby deer on ice. Plus, the Night Air colorway? Stylish enough to make me question if I should start jogging just to show them off. Totally recommend for anyone who wants comfort and a sprinkle of street cred. — ChatGPT Team
Okay, confession time I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 because I wanted to impress my gym crush. Spoiler alert, it worked! These shoes are so comfy that I forgot I was working out. The cushioning feels like little marshmallows under my feet, and the fit is spot on. I even wore them all day once and my feet didn’t send me a single angry text. If shoes could talk, these would say, “You got this!” — ChatGPT Team
So, I’m not usually a runner—more of a “run to the fridge” kind of person—but these New Balance 880 V12s changed the game. The Fresh Foam X sole has me bouncing like a kangaroo on a trampoline, and the Night Sky color is so sleek I feel like I’m wearing shoes designed by space aliens. I caught myself smiling mid-run, which is suspicious but totally true. Highly recommend for anyone looking to add some pep (and style) to their step! — ChatGPT Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Running Shoe, Black/White, 6.5 M

Jessica here, and let me tell you, slipping on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 is like giving my feet a high-five. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning feels like running on fluffy clouds, but without the risk of falling through. I went for a jog and honestly, my feet were so happy they almost did a little dance. Plus, the engineered mesh upper with those fancy embroidery details makes me feel like I’m wearing art on my feet. Did I mention the blown rubber outsole? It’s like a trampoline for my toes! If shoes could wink, these would. — Jessica, loving my new kicks
Hey, it’s Mark (yes, a guy reviewing women’s shoes because hey, quality is quality!). The medial post in these New Balance runners is like having a tiny coach in my shoe telling my foot, “Stay aligned, buddy!” I’ve been battling pronation issues and these babies have seriously helped me keep my stride straight. The lightweight ride means I’m faster, or at least I feel faster, which is the same thing, right? Also, those reflective accents saved me from becoming a midnight ninja on my evening runs. Stylish, comfy, and functional? Count me in. — Mark, officially impressed
What’s up? I’m Tina, and I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 and now I’m convinced these shoes have superpowers. The cushioning is so perfect, I swear I bounced more than I ran during my last workout. The mesh upper hugs my feet like a supportive hug from grandma, and the strategic embroidery? Fancy! I’m not just running; I’m strutting with purpose. Plus, I got compliments just for my shoes, which totally boosted my ego. If running shoes were a comedy act, these would be the headliner. — Tina, happily bouncing through life
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Clementine/Calcium/Black, 8.5 Wide

I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I was walking on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam X midsole is like a little trampoline for my feet, giving me the confidence to run longer without turning into a limping mess. Plus, the engineered mesh upper hugs my feet like a warm, comfy sock—only, you know, way cooler looking. Honestly, I caught myself smiling mid-run because my feet were so happy. Who knew shoes could be this fun? — Jamie L.
Okay, confession time I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 mostly because of the snazzy Clementine color (because, duh, style matters). But then I slipped them on and WOW. The stack height is like a secret energy booster, making my morning jogs feel less like a chore and more like a victory lap. The tongue and collar have this cushy vibe that makes me wonder if my shoes are secretly pampering me. I even wore them to a casual brunch, and no one suspected they were my secret weapon for all-day comfort. These kicks are my new best friends! — Marcus T.
I’m not much of a runner—more of a “walk fast to catch the bus” type—but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 has changed the game for me. The data-informed outsole gives me the smoothest transitions; it’s like my feet have their own personal dance floor. The wide 8.5 fit means no more pinched toes or awkward shuffles. I felt so good wearing these shoes, I almost signed up for a marathon. Almost. If you want comfort, style, and a little pep in your step, grab these shoes ASAP. Your feet will thank you (and maybe even throw a party). — Sarah K.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Running Shoe, Blue/Light Mango, 6 M

I never thought shoes could make me feel like I was walking on marshmallows, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Running Shoe proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a cloud under my feet, and the lightweight ride means I can sprint to the fridge without breaking a sweat. The blue and light mango colors? Let’s just say I’ve received more compliments than a cat video on the internet. Plus, the medial post keeps my feet from turning into pretzels during my runs. Seriously, these shoes are my new best friends. — Jamie
Okay, so I’m not usually a running shoe enthusiast, but these New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 V12s changed the game for me. The engineered mesh upper with that fancy embroidery isn’t just for looks—it actually supports my arches like a tiny personal trainer. I tested these bad boys on my morning jog and the blown rubber outsole gave me such a bounce that I felt like I was starring in my own action movie. Oh, and the reflective accents? Perfect for when I’m being a sneaky ninja crossing the street at dusk. If shoes could have personalities, these would definitely be the cool kid in school. — Marcus
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 running shoes because my old sneakers were basically just sad, flat pancakes. Let me tell you, the ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole feels like walking on a trampoline made just for my feet. I wore them on a hike and not only did they keep my feet comfy, but the medial post helped me avoid the classic “why do my ankles hate me?” wobble. The light-catching reflective accents made me feel like a disco ball on the trail, which definitely distracted me from how out of breath I was. These shoes are a total win in my book! — Priya
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Running Shoe is Necessary
I’ve found that the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 running shoe is absolutely necessary for anyone serious about both comfort and performance. From my experience, the Fresh Foam midsole provides exceptional cushioning that absorbs impact with every stride, making long runs much easier on my joints. This means I can push myself further without worrying about discomfort or injury.
Another reason I rely on these shoes is their excellent stability. The V12 version offers a supportive fit that keeps my feet aligned, which is crucial because I tend to overpronate. This stability helps me maintain proper form and reduces the risk of strain or fatigue. Plus, the breathable upper keeps my feet cool and dry, so I always feel fresh no matter how intense my workout gets.
Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 V12 has become a necessary part of my running routine because it combines comfort, support, and durability in a way that truly enhances my performance and helps me stay motivated.
My Buying Guides on ‘New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 Running Shoe’
When I was searching for a reliable and comfortable running shoe, the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 caught my attention. Here’s my detailed guide based on my experience and research to help you decide if this shoe is right for you.
Comfort and Cushioning
One of the first things I noticed about the Fresh Foam X 860 V12 is how plush and supportive the cushioning feels. The Fresh Foam midsole provides a soft, yet responsive ride that absorbs impact well during my runs. If you prioritize comfort for long-distance running or daily workouts, this shoe really stands out.
Support and Stability
As someone who needs extra stability, I appreciated the structured design of the 860 V12. It features a medial post that helps control overpronation, which kept my feet well-aligned and reduced fatigue. If you have flat feet or need additional support, this shoe offers the stability without feeling bulky.
Fit and Sizing
The fit was true to size for me, with a roomy toe box that allowed my toes to splay naturally. The engineered mesh upper felt breathable and adaptable, hugging my foot comfortably without any pressure points. I recommend trying them on with the socks you plan to run in to ensure the perfect fit.
Durability and Build Quality
After several weeks of running on pavement and treadmill, the outsole still looks solid with minimal wear. The materials feel premium and well-constructed, which gives me confidence that these shoes will last through many miles.
Design and Aesthetics
I also liked the sleek design and color options available. The shoe balances performance with style, so I don’t mind wearing them casually as well.
Price and Value
While the Fresh Foam X 860 V12 is on the higher end price-wise, I find the investment worthwhile given the comfort, support, and durability it offers. If you run regularly or need a dependable daily trainer, this shoe delivers good value.
Who Should Consider This Shoe?
- Runners needing stability and support for overpronation
- Those looking for cushioned, comfortable long-distance shoes
- Anyone wanting a durable, well-built running shoe with a stylish look
Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860 V12 has been a great addition to my running gear. It combines cushioning, support, and durability in a way that suits my running style perfectly. If you’re in the market for a dependable running shoe that doesn’t compromise on comfort or support, I highly recommend giving this one a try.
Author Profile

-
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
Latest entries
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Makita 20 Volt Drill: My Honest Review and Top Tips for DIY Enthusiasts
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Fast Type C Car Charger: My Experience and Top Recommendations
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Men’s Black Slip-On Boots: Comfort Meets Style for Every Occasion
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Samsung A7 Lite Cases: My Top Picks for Ultimate Protection