New Balance 860 Sale 2025: Best Deals & Buying Guide
Anyone who has shopped for stability running shoes knows the search often leads back to one reliable name: the New Balance 860, a workhorse for runners needing motion control, and with clearance events in Ireland popping up, picking up the latest version at a discount is more tempting than ever. Backed by podiatrist insights and real-world testing, here’s how to find the right 860 deal for your foot type.
Latest Model: New Balance 860 v15 ·
Shoe Type: Stability Running Shoe ·
Midsole Technology: Fresh Foam X + Stability Plane ·
Weight (Men’s size 9): 12.1 oz ·
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm ·
Retail Price: €140
Quick snapshot
- Stability shoe designed for overpronation (New Balance Ireland – official pronation guide)
- Latest version v15 uses Stability Plane technology instead of a rigid medial post (PR Run & Walk – running retailer review)
- Available in narrow, regular, wide, and extra wide widths (YouTube – 860 v14 review)
- Exact sale prices vary widely by retailer and region – no single “best price” benchmark exists
- Whether previous versions (v13, v14) are still available new in Ireland is retailer-dependent
- Long-term durability of the new Stability Plane design compared to traditional medial posts has limited independent data
- End-of-season clearance (January, July) and Black Friday are prime windows for New Balance 860 discounts in Ireland
- New Balance outlet stores and third-party retailers like Sports Direct and Flannels often discount older versions
- Release cycle: New Balance typically refreshes the 860 series every 12–18 months
- No official announcement for v16 yet, but expect a refresh in late 2025 or early 2026 (Doctors of Running – podiatrist-run publication)
- Increased competition from New Balance’s own Vongo line, which offers a more cushioned stability option (Doctors of Running – podiatrist-run publication)
- Sale prices on v15 may drop further once the next version launches (Doctors of Running – podiatrist-run publication)
The table below summarises the key specifications for the New Balance 860 v15.
| Specification | New Balance 860 v15 |
|---|---|
| Released | 2024 |
| Category | Stability / motion-control running shoe |
| Midsole | Fresh Foam X with Stability Plane |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm (down from 8 mm in v14) – PR Run & Walk |
| Stack height | 32 mm – PR Run & Walk |
| Weight (men’s size 9) | 12.1 oz (343 g) – PR Run & Walk |
| Width options | Narrow (2A), Regular (D), Wide (2E), Extra Wide (4E) – YouTube review |
| Upper | Engineered mesh with structural overlays |
| Outsole | Blown rubber with flex grooves |
| Retail price | €140 (New Balance Ireland) |
What is New Balance 860 good for?
Best for overpronation and stability
- The New Balance 860 is specifically built for runners whose feet roll inward excessively during the gait cycle (New Balance Ireland pronation guide).
- The v15 uses “Stability Plane” technology—a wider, denser foam platform—rather than a traditional rigid medial post, providing what the brand calls “gentle stability” (PR Run & Walk review).
- Doctors of Running, a specialist publication run by podiatrists, describes the 860 as New Balance’s “classic medial-posted stability shoe” and recommends it for moderate overpronators (Doctors of Running buyer’s guide).
Suitable for running and walking
The 860’s ample cushioning (32 mm stack) and stable platform make it a viable choice for both daily training runs and long walks. The PR Run & Walk review notes the shoe is designed for “runners and walkers” whose feet roll inward. However, the higher weight (12.1 oz for men’s 9) means it’s not built for speed work—its comfort zone is steady-paced mileage.
Ideal for moderate to severe overpronators
New Balance Ireland categorises the 860 under “stability motion-control,” a class intended for runners who need more than basic support. The Vongo model, by contrast, offers a softer, more cushioned stability ride (Doctors of Running). For mild overpronators, a neutral shoe with a stability insert may suffice—the 860 is overkill.
The implication: for runners who overpronate, this is a proven choice, but neutral runners should look elsewhere.
Is New Balance 860 or 880 better?
Key differences: stability vs neutral
- The 860 is a stability shoe with built-in motion control; the 880 is a neutral cushioned shoe with no medial post or stability plane (YouTube side-by-side comparison).
- Both use Fresh Foam X midsole, but the 860’s foam is firmer under the arch to resist pronation.
- Weight: the 860 v15 is approximately 1.5 oz heavier than the 880 v14 due to the stability elements.
If you need motion control, choose 860
Doctors of Running explicitly directs runners interested in stability to the 860, neutral runners to the 880 (Doctors of Running buyer’s guide). The trade-off is straightforward: the 860 offers support at the cost of weight and firmness; the 880 gives plush neutrality but zero pronation control.
Five key differences across three dimensions:
| Feature | New Balance 860 | New Balance 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Foot type target | Overpronators | Neutral gait |
| Stability tech | Stability Plane (v15) / medial post (v13, v14) | None – neutral platform |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm (v15) | 8 mm (v14) |
| Weight (men’s size 9) | 12.1 oz | ~10.6 oz |
| Best use case | Daily training, long runs, walking | Versatile neutral daily trainer |
For Irish buyers with neutral gait, the 880 offers more flexibility and less weight for the same €140 price. But if you overpronate, the 860’s stability is worth the extra ounces—skipping it could lead to knee, hip, or ankle issues down the road.
The catch: the right choice depends entirely on your gait, not on price or popularity.
Do podiatrists recommend New Balance?
Podiatrist-approved stability shoes
- Doctors of Running, a resource created by practicing podiatrists, includes the New Balance 860 in its curated list of best New Balance running shoes. They call it “the classic medial-posted stability shoe” and recommend it for runners who need structured support (Doctors of Running).
- PR Run & Walk (a specialist retailer with a gait-analysis service) recommends the 860 for “runners and walkers whose feet roll inward,” noting that the v15’s Stability Plane makes the ride smoother while still controlling pronation.
New Balance 860 in clinical recommendations
The podiatrist-run team at Doctors of Running emphasises that stability shoes like the 860 should not be chosen blindly: “If you overpronate, you need support – but not all stability shoes fit the same.” They advise trying the 860 alongside the Vongo to see which medial-post feel works best with your arch (Doctors of Running).
The pattern: podiatrists don’t universally endorse any single brand, but they consistently rank New Balance’s stability lineup, especially the 860, as a solid first-line option for overpronators. The catch: fit and individual gait analysis matter more than any model name.
What is the newest version of New Balance 860?
New Balance 860 v15 features
- The current iteration is the Fresh Foam X 860 v15, released in 2024. It replaces the v14 and introduces the Stability Plane technology (PR Run & Walk).
- Key update: heel-to-toe drop reduced from 8 mm to 6 mm, and weight increased from 10.8 oz (v14) to 12.1 oz (v15).
- Upper uses a new engineered mesh with strategic overlays for a more secure lockdown.
What changed from v12 to v13 to v14 to v15
The evolution of the 860 series is outlined below.
| Version | Year | Key change |
|---|---|---|
| v12 | 2021 | Fresh Foam (not X), 10 mm drop, traditional medial post |
| v13 | 2023 | Switch to Fresh Foam X, 10 mm drop retained, medial post still present |
| v14 | 2024 | Fresh Foam X continued, drop lowered to 8 mm, softer ride |
| v15 | Late 2024 | Stability Plane replaces medial post, drop 6 mm, stack 32 mm, weight 12.1 oz |
Where to buy v15 on sale in Ireland
- New Balance Ireland official site: full price €140, occasional outlet sales.
- Sports Direct: frequently discounts previous versions (v13, v14) during clearance events.
- Flannels: stock limited sizes at reduced prices when new models launch.
- Amazon IE / Amazon UK: prices fluctuate; set a price tracker alert.
The v15 is noticeably heavier than the v14. For runners in Ireland who prioritise a lighter stability shoe, the v14 (if still available on sale) may be the smarter buy. The v15’s Stability Plane is smoother but not necessarily more supportive—try both if you can.
What this means: try both versions if possible to decide which feels better for your stride.
Is the New Balance 860 good for plantar fasciitis?
Support and cushioning benefits
- The 860 offers a firm arch area and a 32 mm stack of Fresh Foam X, which can help reduce strain on the plantar fascia during walking and running.
- PR Run & Walk’s review highlights that the shoe is designed for overpronators who often also suffer from arch-related issues.
- Doctors of Running notes that stability shoes with a medial post (or Stability Plane) can offload tension from the plantar fascia by controlling foot motion.
Arch support and heel stability
Podiatrists typically recommend shoes with a firm heel counter and good arch support for plantar fasciitis. The 860 includes a structured heel cradle and a wide base. However, it is not a “plantar fasciitis shoe” in the orthopaedic sense—it’s a running shoe that happens to provide the kind of support many sufferers need.
The implication: If you have plantar fasciitis and overpronate, the 860 is a sensible choice. If you have a neutral foot type with plantar fasciitis, a neutral shoe with a custom orthotic may be better. A podiatrist assessment is the safest route.
Upsides
- Excellent motion control for overpronation
- Available in multiple widths – rare for stability shoes
- Fresh Foam X provides plush cushioning without sacrificing stability
- Consistent performance across wet and dry conditions (decent outsole grip)
- Strong podiatrist reputation – frequently recommended
Downsides
- Heavier than many competitors (12.1 oz)
- Stiff feel – not suitable for speed work
- v15 drop reduction (6 mm) may feel strange for heel-strikers used to 8-10 mm
- Limited colour options in clearance sales
- Price rarely drops below €100 even on sale
The pattern: the 860’s support helps many plantar fasciitis sufferers, but individual fitting is essential.
What podiatrists and reviewers say about the New Balance 860
“The New Balance 860 is the brand’s classic medial-posted stability shoe. For runners who need structured support, it’s a top pick.”
– Doctors of Running (podiatrist-run shoe review site)
“The 860v15 is a moderate stability shoe designed for runners and walkers whose feet roll inward during stride. The Stability Plane provides a smoother, less intrusive support than a traditional post.”
– PR Run & Walk (specialist running retailer with gait analysis)
“Fresh Foam X 860 v14 offers plush cushioning, gentle stability, and a flexible ride – our top New Balance stability shoe.”
Editor’s note: The quotes above represent the consensus across multiple independent sources. The clinical perspective from Doctors of Running carries the most weight for foot-health decisions; the PR Run & Walk review adds practical wear-test data.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy New Balance 860 on sale in Ireland?
Check New Balance Ireland’s outlet section, Sports Direct, Flannels, and online marketplaces like Amazon IE. Sales typically occur during seasonal clearance (January, July) and Black Friday. Older versions (v13, v14) are often heavily discounted.
Does New Balance 860 run true to size?
Most reviewers find the 860 fits true to length but snug in the forefoot for wide feet. New Balance offers the shoe in narrow (2A), regular (D), wide (2E), and extra wide (4E) – sizing up half a width is safer than going up a full size (YouTube review).
Is New Balance 860 good for marathon training?
Yes, if you overpronate and need stability. The 860’s cushioning (32 mm stack) and support make it suitable for long runs, but the weight (12.1 oz) may feel heavy for race pace. Many runners use it for training and switch to a lighter shoe for race day.
What is the difference between New Balance 860 and 870?
The New Balance 870 was a lightweight stability shoe now largely succeeded by the Vongo line. The 860 remains the more structured, traditional stability option. The 870 is discontinued; if you find it on clearance, be aware that support technology is outdated compared to the current 860.
How often does New Balance release a new version of 860?
New Balance updates the 860 series approximately every 12–18 months. v13 dropped in 2023, v14 in early 2024, v15 in late 2024. Expect v16 in mid-2025 to early 2026.
Can I use New Balance 860 for casual walking?
Absolutely. The stability features and cushioned midsole make it a comfortable walking shoe, especially if you have flat feet or overpronate. Many users buy it for all-day wear. Just be aware it’s heavier than typical walking shoes.
Does New Balance 860 have a warranty?
New Balance offers a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects for original purchasers. Check the specific retailer’s return policy for sale items – clearance purchases may have shorter return windows.
Final verdict: For Irish runners with overpronation, the New Balance 860 on sale offers proven stability at a reasonable price.
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