It was early morning when I stepped onto the sun-kissed sands of Aksa Beach, Mumbai, a tranquil stretch of coastline that seemed like the perfect place to test a pair of stability running shoes in a real-world setting. The air was heavy with humidity, the sky a soft pastel, and the tide was just beginning to crawl back into the Arabian Sea. I laced up the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14, a shoe I had read plenty about but never experienced underfoot until now.
Upon first wear, the shoe felt plush, yet structured. The step-in comfort was evident, thanks to the dual-layer Fresh Foam X midsole. But comfort alone wasn’t going to cut it. I was here to push the 860 v14 to its limits, through soft sand, compact beach paths, and the occasional rocky outcrop. Aksa Beach, with its mix of textures, was about to become my natural running lab.
Technical Specifications: A Quick Look
All specifications mentioned are sourced from New Balance’s official site for dependable and accurate information.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | New Balance |
| Model | Fresh Foam X 860 v14 |
| Weight (Men’s) | 10.4 oz / 295g |
| Drop | 9.3 mm |
| Heel Stack Height | 36.8 mm |
| Forefoot Stack Height | 27.5 mm |
| Midsole Material | Dual-layer Fresh Foam X |
| Secondary Foam Hardness | 23.8 HA |
| Primary Foam Hardness | 10.9 HA |
| Outsole Thickness | 3.5 mm |
| Traction Score | 0.50 (SATRA TM144) |
| Torsional Rigidity | 3/5 |
| Heel Counter Stiffness | 4/5 |
| Breathability | 3/5 |
| Durability (Toebox) | 2/5 |
| Durability (Heel Padding) | 1/5 |
| Price | ₹16,490 |
Sand, Sweat, and Stability: Performance on Aksa Beach
Running on sand is no joke. It’s a brutal test of a shoe’s stability, responsiveness, and energy return. As I began my run along the waterline, where the sand was firm but uneven, the Fresh Foam X 860 v14 immediately showed its strengths. The shoe’s dual-layer midsole combined with the EVA film plate offered the kind of support you rarely find in traditional daily trainers.
The plush upper foam absorbed impact wonderfully, especially when my footstrike was less than perfect due to the shifting terrain. The firmer rear foam, which forms part of the stability system, helped keep my stride aligned. I could feel the shoe subtly guiding my foot back to a neutral position every time I began to pronate, a small but noticeable nudge that felt natural, not forced.
What stood out most was how the shoe navigated the variability of Aksa Beach. On compact sand, it felt smooth and balanced. On looser sections, where many shoes would lose traction, the 860 v14 held steady. The outsole, while not a full-length rubber slab, had enough grip and strategic coverage to prevent slipping even on damp surfaces. I didn’t find myself sliding or losing control once, which speaks volumes about the outsole design and traction.
Cushioning That Goes the Distance
After a few kilometers, the midsole cushioning really began to shine. The Fresh Foam X technology, particularly the softer top layer, delivered a cloud-like experience without feeling mushy. The heel stack height of 36.8 mm gave me substantial rearfoot protection, which I appreciated on the longer stretches of harder-packed beach path.
New Balance’s decision to go with a softer 10.9 HA foam on top, with a firmer 23.8 HA layer underneath, results in a dual-density platform that offers both comfort and structure. This is further enhanced by the EVA film plate embedded in the rear and medial portions of the shoe. It doesn’t add stiffness like a carbon plate would. Instead, it subtly shifts your weight to prevent overpronation, especially helpful when the terrain gets unpredictable.
Despite its comfort, the shoe maintains a grounded feel. The forefoot stack height of 27.5 mm keeps you close enough to the ground for responsive toe-offs, which I noticed particularly during strides near the rocky southern end of the beach.
Fit, Feel, and the Mumbai Heat
One of my concerns going into this test was breathability. Aksa Beach can get hot fast, even in the early hours. While running, I could feel the heat rising through the sand, and my feet weren’t entirely spared. The engineered mesh upper, though soft and accommodating, didn’t offer the best ventilation.
New Balance rated the breathability at 3/5, and I’d say that’s fair. The upper features a dual-layer mesh that’s great for comfort but lacks sufficient airflow. I could feel the heat building up, especially in the midfoot area. Still, it wasn’t unbearable, and the plush interior made up for it in comfort.
In terms of fit, the shoe runs slightly small. I wear a US 10 in most brands and had to go half a size up in the 860 v14. Once dialed in, the semi-gusseted tongue and flat laces provided a secure lockdown. The heel counter is notably stiff, scoring a 4/5, which added to the shoe’s overall stability.
Durability: A Mixed Bag
After about 15 kilometers on Aksa Beach, including multiple intervals across wet and dry sand, the shoe’s outsole showed minimal wear. This was impressive given the abrasive nature of sand. The outsole rubber is 3.5 mm thick, which explains its durability.
However, the same can’t be said about the upper. The toebox, despite its cozy fit, had visible signs of stress. The heel padding also felt less robust than I’d expect from a stability trainer. Lab tests have rated the heel padding durability a dismal 1/5, and I can see why. If New Balance wants this shoe to truly shine in the long run, especially for high-mileage runners, these are areas that need reinforcement.
The EVA Film Plate: A Genius Stroke of Stability
What makes the 860 v14 different from many other stability shoes is the inclusion of the EVA film plate. This isn’t a stiff racing plate; rather, it’s a flexible support layer that runs through the rear and medial midfoot. It doesn’t interfere with the shoe’s natural flex, which is a big plus for comfort.
During my runs across uneven patches of beach, I could feel the plate working subtly, never intrusive, always supportive. It’s a smart, modern take on stability that doesn’t rely on bulky medial posts or stiff plastic shanks. Instead, it allows runners who overpronate to enjoy a natural, comfortable ride.
Conclusion: A Capable Daily Trainer with a Beach-Tested Seal
After my time with the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 on Aksa Beach, I walked away impressed. It’s not perfect, the breathability and upper durability could use some work, but in terms of stability, cushioning, and fit, it excels.
The dual-density midsole and EVA film plate create a harmonious blend of comfort and control. It’s a shoe that doesn’t scream “stability,” but gently and effectively offers it. Whether you’re a heel striker tackling daily mileage or someone looking for a shoe that can handle both roads and the occasional soft terrain like beach paths, the 860 v14 delivers.
It’s not a featherweight, but it’s not clunky either. It’s not flashy, but it’s thoughtfully engineered. And most importantly, it’s not just a lab-tested shoe, it’s now a beach-tested one.
For ₹16,490, you’re getting a lot of shoe. And if your runs ever take you to places as dynamic as Aksa Beach, you’ll be glad you’re wearing something that can keep up, with your feet, your stride, and your adventures.
