As someone with a recurring bout of plantar fasciitis, I know that a walking shoe with firm support can do wonders for reducing my pain. However, most arch support shoes I’ve tried lack the necessary comfort, shock absorption, and cushion I crave. They can also be too rigid, bulky, or heavy—things that make my foot pain even worse.
When it comes to stability and comfort, podiatrists regularly recommend New Balance’s Fresh Foam walking and running shoes—especially for those with plantar fasciitis. Our podiatrists previously named them as one of our best shoes with arch support, calling them “one of the most lightweight shoes with excellent ability for shock absorption,” noting that they “offer a medial post that allows for firm support of the medial arch and stability of the great toe to prevent excessive pronation.”
So, four months ago, when my plantar fasciitis sprung up again out of nowhere (likely a symptom of testing so many walking shoes of different types, to be honest!), I decided to give the New Balance Fresh Foam x 860 pair a try, and I was shocked that after just a few weeks of adding it into my walking shoe rotation, my plantar fasciitis started to fade. Curious if it could work for you, too? I break it down further below.
| Sizes | 5-13 |
| Widths | Narrow, Medium, Wide, Extra-Wide |
| Weight | 9.4 oz |
| Colors | 9 options |
The Fresh Foam line from New Balance is the brand’s most cushioned, but the 860s combine that ultra-plush feel with a Stability Plane, which gives firm support (especially in the midsole where the arch is), to give additional stability without compromising comfort. This dual-density ride is ideal for those with plantar fasciitis, weak ankles, or overpronators.
How I tested
I have worn the New Balance Fresh Foam x 860s for the last four months, especially on days when I need additional support or have recurrent arch pain. I wore them on long walks (most notably during the Pride parade), on a family vacation chasing around toddlers for a week, and on long errand days. They have seen a lot of rain, puddles, and slippery subway platforms, too.
Fit and design
The fit of these shoes is pretty true to size. I wear a 9.5 in most athletic shoes (a half size up from my dress shoe size), and it fit me really well. My feet run slightly narrow, but I have come to love a really spacious toe box. These were probably a medium-spacious toe box—not quite as roomy as my Hoka Cliftons but not as narrow as my Brooks. A few reviewers complained that this new iteration of the shoe is narrower than the last, but as this was my first pair of 860s, I found them to be totally normal with enough room to splay my toes naturally. The shape tapered in at the midfoot and provided almost a hug-like feeling that felt secure without feeling too tight.
My favorite part of the fit, though, was the engineered mesh upper. The last pair of Fresh Foam shoes I tried had a very stretchy upper that left me feeling a bit wobbly on my feet. This upper, however, was only moderately stretchy (while still being extremely breathable and ventilated), making it feel structured while still being soft and comfortable.
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Cushion and feel
The 860s utilize New Balance’s Fresh Foam cushion for a soft and lightweight ride. And I found it extremely comfortable. Its updated midsole offers a firmer dual foam that makes them still feel cushioned without any of the mushy, sinking-in feeling that some of the other shoes in line are plagued by. But unlike the more traditional stability shoes I’ve worn before, the support is way more forgiving underfoot. It actually helps absorb impact and compresses enough to be comfortable during long walks and long hours on my feet.
I wore them to an insanely long day at the Pride parade last month and was genuinely shocked at how little my arches hurt, and how little my entire body hurt the following day. I chose them because I had dealt with a recent flare-up of arch pain and knew I needed some extra support and couldn’t believe how comfortable they were after a 15-hour day of standing. It definitely helps reduce foot fatigue, and for that reason I would recommend them to people who have jobs that require them to be on their feet all day like nurses, for long travel days, for long-distance walks, as well as just everyday wear for those who need some arch support.
Support and performance
As I was told, support is where these shoes really shine. Rather than relying on a rigid sole to provide support, though, the 860s use New Balance’s patented Stability Plane technology, a firmer layer buried between layers of cushion to help add support while not compromising comfort. The natural shape of the plane help provide several benefits beyond just arch support, though. It also helps reduce overpronating or rolling ankles and promotes a more natural and smoother stride. Overpronating is generally what causes my plantar fasciitis, and I have found that it tends to recur when my muscles are at their most exhausted and I keep pushing through. Even on my most exhausted days, my foot fatigue was reduced enough and supported enough that I actively felt a reduction in arch pain.
I also felt that the tapered heel offered a large amount of stability in addition to the feel of the midsole. Surrounded by a cushioned collar, the heel counter provides a secure and firm hold that remained comfortable around my foot with zero slippage. I felt much more balanced and stable on my feet.
The final verdict
If you’ve avoided stability shoes in the past because they felt stiff or bulky, I can’t recommend the New Balance Fresh Foam x 860v15 more. Not only does it offer a smoother, more comfortable alternative, but it stands up to long-distance walks and long hours on your feet. The balance between comfort and control is unmatched, as far as I am concerned, and I will continue to wear them and fend off foot pain whenever it should arise. They are a game-changing addition to my walking shoe wardrobe.
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