New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v15

New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v15 review: what runners say

Fit

Generous fit, especially in the forefoot and midfoot. The heel is more centered compared to the v14, with a stiff heel counter that needs a few miles of break-in for runners with sensitive heels.

Feel

Max stack with a dual-layer foam: the top layer is surprisingly responsive for the shoe's weight. The heel transition is initially stiff and softens around 15 miles in; forefoot is smooth.

Durability

Outsole shows good wear resistance: no visible wear through the first 30 miles. The v14 showed breakdown by 40 miles; the v15 is off to a better start, but the available mileage sample is still limited.

Best for

Runners needing full-length stability for daily training at moderate paces. Max stack and high weight (354 g in US10) rule it out for faster work; suited for those wanting medial guidance without the lateral drift of the v14.

Weak points

Heel counter is stiff and lightly padded at the lower edge — problematic for runners with Haglund's deformity or sensitive heels. Stated weight is high; perceived as slightly less on the run, but still noticeable.

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