The New Balance 860 V15 isn’t just a small update — it’s a completely different shoe.
It’s higher, heavier, stiffer… but also more cushioned and seriously comfortable. And that raises an interesting question:
Is this now one of the best stability shoes available?
After testing both the V14 and V15, there are some very clear changes — and they’ll suit some people much better than others.
What’s Changed in the 860 V15?
The biggest difference is the size of the shoe.
You’re going from a stack height of 38/30 up to 43/35, which means there’s a lot more cushioning and protection underfoot. The drop stays at 8mm, but overall it just feels like a much bigger shoe.
Weight has also increased — from 364g to 392g in a size 12 US — and you do notice that straight away.
But the real difference isn’t just in the numbers. It’s in how the shoe is built.
A More Stable, Guided Feel
Everything about the 860 V15 is designed to make it feel more stable and controlled.
You’ve got a wider platform, especially through the heel, which increases how much of the shoe is in contact with the ground. Straight away, that gives you a more stable base to stand on.
The heel is also more centrally positioned, so when your foot hits the ground it feels smoother and more balanced compared to the previous version.
Through the midsole, New Balance have kept that classic medial support — with slightly denser foam on the inside of the shoe. This creates a gentle “tilt” that helps guide your foot.
In the V15, this has been updated into what they call a stability plane, and it feels noticeably firmer than the previous design. The result is a shoe that’s stiffer overall, particularly through the forefoot.
You don’t feel that medial support as much at the front of the shoe anymore, but you do feel it more clearly through the heel.
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Fit: A Big Improvement
One of the best updates in the 860 V15 is the fit.
There’s now:
- More width in the toe box
- More volume in the forefoot
- Slightly more room through the midfoot
This makes it a much more accommodating shoe, especially if you have wider feet or conditions like bunions.
The heel counter is slightly shallower than before. For most people, this won’t be an issue, but if you struggled with heel lockdown in previous models, it’s something to be aware of.
Overall, compared to the V14, this is just a more comfortable and forgiving fit.
How Does It Feel?
Walking
This is where the 860 V15 really stands out.
You still get that soft Fresh Foam X cushioning, but it doesn’t feel overly soft or mushy. The added stiffness keeps you feeling supported and stable, rather than sinking into the shoe.
For walking or long days on your feet, it’s a really comfortable option.
Running
Running feels quite different compared to the V14.
It’s:
- Slightly bouncier
- More responsive
- A bit more “fun” underfoot
But it’s still not an uptempo shoe. The extra weight and stiffness mean it’s best suited to easy runs and steady miles, rather than faster efforts.
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Who Is the 860 V15 Good For?
From a clinical perspective, this shoe works really well for:
- Flatter feet or lower arches
- People who need medial support
- Bunions
- Hallux rigidus
- Wider feet
The stiff forefoot rocker can be particularly helpful if you’ve got limited movement through your big toe.
Who Should Probably Avoid It?
Despite the improvements, this shoe won’t suit everyone.
It may not be ideal if you:
- Have a history of peroneal tendon issues
- Have lateral ankle instability or frequent ankle sprains
Because of the way the shoe guides your foot, it can shift load slightly towards the outside, which may aggravate those issues.
860 V15 vs ASICS GT-2000 14
A really natural comparison for the 860 V15 is the ASICS GT-2000 14.
On paper, they’re both stability shoes. But once you get them on foot, they feel quite different.
The 860 V15 is the more cushioned and structured option. It’s built to feel stable from the moment you put it on, with a wider base and a more guided ride. You’ve also got more space through the toe box, which makes it a better choice if you prefer a roomier fit or tend to feel cramped in standard-width shoes.
The GT-2000, on the other hand, feels lighter and more natural underfoot. It’s more flexible through the forefoot, and the cushioning has a bit more bounce and snap to it. That’s largely down to the FF Blast Max foam, which gives it a more responsive feel compared to the softer, more controlled ride of the 860.
Where you really notice the difference is in how you use them day to day.
If you’re mainly walking, standing for long periods, or just want something that feels supportive and comfortable straight away, the 860 V15 is probably the better option. It’s more protective underfoot and does more of the work for you.
If you’re doing more running, especially if you want something that can handle a bit of pace, the GT-2000 stands out. It’s quicker, more versatile, and just feels a bit more alive when you pick up the speed.
So it really comes down to what you want from the shoe:
- 860 V15 → more cushioning, more support, better for walking and longer days
- GT-2000 14 → lighter, more responsive, better for running and mixed use
Both are excellent — they just suit slightly different types of people and different types of use.
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Final Verdict
The New Balance 860 V15 is a big step forward — but also a big shift in direction.
It’s no longer just a traditional stability shoe. It’s now a more structured, cushioned, and guided option that’s especially good for walking and easy miles.
If you want comfort, support, and a wider fit, this is one of the best stability shoes available right now.
But if you want something lighter, more flexible, and better suited to running at pace, there are better options out there.
