Our verdict
New Balance tossed up the almost forgotten silhouette of 860 v2 and revived it through a series of collaborations - and it worked! With its mesh and synthetic upper, the kicks offer a very light and breathable ride that is reminiscent of its OG roots. Matched with the responsive Abzorb soles, the 860 v2 cemented its legacy as one New Balance running sneaker to watch out for.
Pros
- Nostalgic comfort
- Practically weightless
- Responsive soles
- Supportive
- Great for everyday use
- Eye-catching aesthetic
- Superbly breathable
- Some collaborations come with extra laces and dust bag
Cons
- zapatillas de running New Balance amortiguación media talla 51 baratas menos de 60
- Mesh upper is not durable
Who should buy New Balance 860 v2
New Balance 2002R Good Vibes Pack GreenM2002RGZ:
- Shoppers seeking lightweight running-inspired kicks.
- Those who are looking for a superbly comfy and breathable everyday sneaker.
- Fans of the responsive Abzorb soles for all-day support.
New Balance NB Mint Cream & Orange
New Balance 2002R Good Vibes Pack GreenM2002RGZ offers a true-to-size fit and heavy-duty upper. You can also check out the 990 v4 for a Features-foot-friendly alternative. Its mesh-and-suede upper is highly durable too.
Fall in love with the familiar comfort
The first thing that most testers noticed about the 860 v2 is the comfort it provides. One sneaker reviewer described it to have a “nice traditional running sneaker feel” to it. Another tester pointed out that the kicks provide great heel comfort, thanks to its decently padded collar. “This is a model I can wear for hours and hours on end,” said one expert.
New Balance Femme 500 Classic en Bleu Beige
According to several reviewers, the running sneakers are a bit on the narrow side. “Love my pair but man do they run small!” exclaimed one tester. Another sneakerhead explained that the kicks are more slim-looking shoes compared to the 1906R with its lower ankle collar and midfoot design. That is why the sneakers are a little snug and going half a size up is recommended.
Other reviewers also mentioned that the NB 860 v2 fits pretty much the same as the narrow-fitting 2002R model. Know more about New Balance shoe sizing by reading this guide.
Жіночі кросівки new balance 574 сірі зима хутро smb
The upper of the sneaker is made mainly of mesh Cream topped with synthetic weaves and overlays. This made the upper “very lightweight, breathable, and airy,” according to an expert. Despite the absence of leather or suede, there is “so much flash, so much detail” going on, noted one tester. One reviewer said that the “super breathable” mesh looks so much better complemented by the reflective overlays. However, the mesh upper is not very durable as reported by a few testers.
No additional baggage
Initially released as a running sneaker in 2011, New Balance 860 v2 has now become a legend of lifestyle wear. Staying true to its running heritage, the kicks are so light on foot. One sneaker nerd even retorted that the kicks are significantly lighter than the 1906R.
New Balance 2002R Good Vibes Pack GreenM2002RGZ | The iconic soles started with NB 860 v2
Many testers pointed out that the soles of the sneakers are awfully familiar to that of 1906R. The answer lies in the fact that NB 860 v2 takes precedence over the former. When 1906R was released in 2022, it borrowed the sole of the 860 v2, which has been a dormant model for quite some time.
But now that New Balance has un-vaulted the model, the sneaker once again sits on the OG Abzorb soles that helped in impact protection and shock absorption, according to an expert. The midsoles also sport the New Balance N-ergy technology that has the right balance of softness and squishiness with the foam midsole. “But it’s not going to be an overly stacked overly soft and mushy feeling,” said an expert tester. According to another, the combination of the tech on the soles and the midsole is going to “make you feel pretty well supported throughout the day.”
Aime Leon Dore x New Balance 550 "Brown"
“These aren’t just any everyday sneakers,” one tester remarked. “These are everyday sneakers that really pop, they really grab your attention,” they added. Many reviewers agreed noting that the metallic details on the sneaker make it stand out. The plastic toecap looks like patent leather, “it’s subtle but it really adds a lot to the shoe,” said another tester.
New Balance Trail Löparskor Fuelcell Summit Unknown V3
A sneakerhead described the sneaker to be a “cult favorite” for having enduring popularity among a niche of sneakerheads. Thankfully, New Balance revived the model through a series of collaborations in the 2020s, almost a decade after its release.
Aimé Leon Dore
One of the hottest collaborations of NB with ADL is the revival of 860 v2 in red, green, and blue colorways. After Teddy Santis posted a sneak peek of the collab on Instagram on February of 2023, the sneaker took the internet by storm. The NBxADL collaboration comes with a premium-quality dust bag and two extra pair of laces. Aimé Leon Dore put their twist on the silhouette with the distinct copper-colored toecap. One expert sneakerhead noted that the result is a “very techy running shoe look.”
Dime
In August 2020, the Montreal-based skate shop, Dime, put its own spin on the 860 v2’s silhouette by making it more street-style with a new color blocking. The sneaker was released in two colorways and retailed for $165.
thisisneverthat
South Korean brand thisisneverthat also had a collab with New Balance, producing a leather-paneled version of the 860 v2. The sneaker was released on February 2022.
