New Balance
Fresh Foam X 860v13 Running Shoe – Women's
$109.95
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The Grivet Take
The 860v13 is the older generation of New Balance's stability daily trainer, still a strong pick for runners who want a traditional 10 mm drop, a dual-density medial post, and a wide stable platform at a discounted price. The Fresh Foam X midsole reads balanced — neither pillowy nor harsh — with enough bounce for daily efforts and enough structure to feel planted from heel to toe-off. Compared with the newer v14, the v13 keeps the 10 mm drop and the more visible medial post; runners who prefer that traditional stability feel are well served here. Two trade-offs to flag: the toe box reads moderate rather than roomy, and many customers report sizing up a half size for fit; and the foam is not built for tempo work, so this is a daily-mileage shoe rather than a fast workout option.
Fit & Feel snapshot
Fit
LengthHow the shoe fits compared with true-to-size expectations.
Runs long
Toe box widthHow much side-to-side room the shoe has across the front of the foot.4 of 5
NarrowWide
Toe box volumeHow much vertical room the shoe has above the toes.3 of 5
LowHigh
MidfootHow snug or roomy the shoe feels through the arch and laces.4 of 5
SnugRoomy
Heel holdHow securely the back of the shoe holds the heel.4 of 5
LooseLocked
Ride
CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.3 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.3 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.3 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.3 of 5
DeadBouncy
Support
Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral
Stability
Motion Control
Guided stability
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
Wider, steadier base
How it fits
Many customers find the 860v13 runs slightly short and snug for the size, and sizing up by a half size is a common adjustment. The toe box is moderate in width with reasonable vertical volume; the midfoot is accommodating; the heel hold is secure thanks to a molded counter and flared collar. Women's sizing is offered in B (standard), D (wide), and 2E (extra wide), which is broader than most peer stability daily trainers. Runners with very narrow heels may want to try the lockdown before committing; the collar is flared rather than aggressively cinched.
How it feels
The Fresh Foam X midsole reads balanced — softer at the heel than the forefoot, with the dual-density medial post sitting under the arch to slow rearfoot motion. Cushion feel is medium rather than plush, with a touch of bounce and a smooth, centered roll forward. There is no rocker; the shoe transitions through a traditional gait rather than rolling on geometry. Responsiveness is moderate — enough for daily mileage and long easy runs, but not snappy enough for tempo or interval work. NDurance rubber on the outsole grips dry pavement reliably and wears slowly even at high weekly mileage.
Quick specs
- Category
- Daily trainer
- Surface
- Pavement · Treadmill · Road plus light trail
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 30.0 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 20.0 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 10.0 mm
- Weight (women's 8)
- 8.7 oz · 247 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 3 / 5
- Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
- Stability
- PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
- Wider, steadier base
- Midsole
- Fresh Foam X (dual density)
- Outsole
- Endurance rubber
- PlateA stiff layer, usually carbon, nylon, or TPU, built into some shoes to add structure, snap, or propulsion.
- No
- WidthsThe width options this shoe is made in. Actual availability depends on current inventory.
- B · D · 2E
Tech, translated
Fresh Foam X is New Balance's primary EVA-based cushioning compound, tuned for plush step-in feel and consistent ride over hundreds of miles. The v13 was the first 860 to run the full Fresh Foam X stack after the v12 retired FuelCell, and it shifted the line's character from firmer-traditional to softer-balanced.
The dual-density medial post is a firmer foam wedge along the medial side of the midsole, paired with softer foam on top so the post does not interrupt the cushion feel. It is the traditional approach to stability — a firmer foam region that resists compression where the foot tends to roll inward — and v13 customers describe it as effective without feeling intrusive.
NDurance rubber is the harder-wearing compound NB uses on the 860 line for outsole coverage; thickness varies across high- and low-wear zones rather than running uniform.
What changed from the previous version
The v13 swapped the v12's air mesh upper for an engineered mesh, retired FuelCell cushioning in favor of full Fresh Foam X in the midsole, and varied outsole rubber thickness in high-wear zones where v12 used uniform coverage. The medial post is dual-density and somewhat less visually obvious than v12 but still functionally there. Net effect: a slightly bouncier, more comfortable Fresh Foam X ride with the same stability character; v12 fans coming back will recognize the shoe.
Frequently asked
Does the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13 run true to size?
The 860v13 runs slightly short and snug for many customers; sizing up by a half size is a common adjustment, especially for wide-footed runners using the 2E. The toe box is moderate in width with reasonable vertical volume, and midfoot lockdown is secure. Heel hold is strong thanks to a molded counter and flared collar. Women's sizing is offered in B (standard), D (wide), and 2E (extra wide).
What changed from the New Balance 860v12 to the v13?
The v13 swapped the v12's air mesh upper for an engineered mesh, replaced the v12's FuelCell midsole with a full-length Fresh Foam X stack, and varied the outsole rubber thickness across high- and low-wear zones rather than running uniform coverage. The dual-density medial post stayed in place but is less visually prominent on the v13. The ride reads slightly bouncier and more comfortable than the v12 with the same moderate stability character; v12 fans coming back will recognize the shoe.
How does the New Balance 860v13 compare to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25?
Both are moderate-stability daily trainers built for everyday miles and long runs. The 860v13 uses a traditional dual-density medial post on the medial side with a higher 10 mm drop, and reads firmer and more grounded. The Adrenaline GTS 25 uses Brooks's GuideRails along the sides at a lower 10 mm drop with a softer step-in and a bouncier DNA Loft v3 midsole. Pick the 860v13 for a traditional structured stability feel; pick the Adrenaline for a modern guide-rail approach with more cushion.
Is the New Balance 860v13 firm or soft underfoot?
The 860v13 lands on the balanced side — neither pillowy soft nor harshly firm. The Fresh Foam X midsole compresses with a touch of bounce and a medium-cushioned step-in, and the dual-density medial post adds firmness only where the foot tends to roll inward. Runners looking for a plusher max-cushion stability ride should consider the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 instead.
Is the New Balance 860v13 good for wide feet?
Yes. Women's sizing is offered in B (standard), D (wide), and 2E (extra wide), which is broader than most peer stability daily trainers. The standard B-width toe box is moderate, and many wide-footed customers do best moving to D rather than sizing up half a size in B. Runners needing the very widest fit should consider a different model.
Is the New Balance 860v13 good for treadmill running?
Yes. The balanced Fresh Foam X cushioning, the wide stable platform, and the durable NDurance rubber outsole all suit the steady cadence of treadmill sessions. The 10 mm drop and traditional gait transition feel familiar at treadmill paces. Runners using the treadmill primarily for faster intervals should consider a lighter, more responsive shoe.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Choose the 860v13 for a traditional medial-post stability feel with a 10 mm drop and a balanced Fresh Foam X ride. Choose the Adrenaline GTS 25 for Brooks's GuideRails along the sides with a lower-drop, softer step-in feel.
Compare Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 →
ASICS Gel-Kayano 32
Choose the 860v13 for a firmer, more grounded daily trainer at a discounted price. Choose the Gel-Kayano 32 for a plusher max-cushion stability ride with a more modern frame-based approach.
Compare ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 →
Saucony Guide 17
Choose the 860v13 for a traditional medial-post stability shoe with a higher 10 mm drop. Choose the Guide 17 for Saucony's modern center-path frame geometry and a softer, more balanced ride.
Compare Saucony Guide 17 →
Hoka Arahi 8
Choose the 860v13 for a traditional medial-post structure with a higher 10 mm drop and a familiar gait transition. Choose the Arahi 8 for Hoka's aggressive rocker and a lighter, more rolling stability feel.
Compare Hoka Arahi 8 →
Buyer's guide
Read our stability vs neutral guide
How to tell which one you need, what's changed in modern stability design, and the brands that do each best.
Read the guide