Editor rating:
7/10 on
KRISTIN LASSEN
User's rating:

PROS

  • Very stable
  • Solid shoe all around in quality construction and function
  • Pleasant cushion throughout, especially noted in forefoot
  • Fun decorative design details on the midsole and upper, where they're also functional Pro 5 Snug wrap around the midfoot

CONS

  • Heavier than competing stability shoes
  • Clunky, hard to keep light, quick step

OUR VERDICT

The NEW BALANCE® 1260v6 is a dependable workhorse as opposed to a derby winner. It has a solid foundation and a very pleasant -yet firm enough- cushion throughout. While overall it's a bit clunky, the ride is smooth rather than stiff, and New Balance did take almost half an ounce off the shoe from the previous model in this line.
SHOE INFO
Brand
1260 v6
Model
Type
11.50 oz. (326 gr.)
Weight
149.99 US$
MSRP
8 mm
Heel Drop
WHO IS IT FOR
I recommend this shoe to the runner who values high support and cushion over a light, quick step.

At first this shoe reminded me the most of the Supernova Sequence 9, but in back to back testing they’re really pretty different. What’s similar is a nice forefoot cushion.

The 1260 is more structured and less padded throughout, however, the midsole cushioning still impressed me.

A definite plus for the 1260v6 is that after a 52 mile week followed by 18 the next day, my forefoot felt ok versus feeling a little beaten and bruised the day after running 20 miles in Kayano 23.

(As much as I love Kayano, I think it’s the increased drop height in the women’s shoe that places more compounded pressure on my forefoot, when attempting a midfoot strike.)

New Balance 1260 v6 General Info

Upon unboxing, I first noticed the unique design features of the upper and midsole. The look of sunbeams rising into a space-like design on the lateral side and the seemingly henna-inspired print along the medial midsole is inspiring!

New Balance 1260 v6 - Lateral Side

New Balance 1260 v6 – Lateral Side

The NEW BALANCE® 1260v6 follows the 5th version of the 1260 and maintains the shoe’s signature stability while offering a lighter ride (by .4 oz. per foot) in this newest edition.

Based on running in this shoe, I now see why the ASICS Gel-Kayano and adidas’ Supernova Sequence 9 are termed “moderate stability,” as I get a feeling of “high stability” from the 1260, due in part to the 1260’s forefoot sole unit being 1/4″ wider than that of both of the aforementioned.

This puts it in a category to compete most closely with Brooks Adrenaline GTS 16.

New Balance 1260 v6 Sole Unit

New Balance 1260 v6 - Sole

New Balance 1260 v6 – Sole

The key strength of this shoe is found in it’s full length ABZORB midsole which provides pleasant cushion in the forefoot and a smoothly solid base throughout.

An N2 pod in the heel is good news for heavy heel-strikers as it helps to absorb some of that impact, and the inclusion of REVlite foam makes the shoe both lighter and more springy in toe-off than the previous version.

The uniquely-designed midsole is coupled with a similarly intriging outsole. Its blown-rubber platform is made up of 6 quartered pods under the forefoot, and a similarly-shaped design covers the rest of the surface.

Like its closest competitor, the Adrenaline GTS 16, the 1260v6’s forefoot sole is wider than the upper above it, enhancing stability.

A space under the heel has held onto some larger rocks for me a couple of times, kind-of annoying, but it does take some unneeded weight out of the sole unit.

The sole maintains its T-Beam feature from previous models: a lightweight TPU shank that provides torsional stability in the shoe along with arch support.

New Balance 1260 v6 Upper Info

This shoe’s no-sew synthetic upper wraps around the midfoot with a snug fit and is interspersed with oblong spaces to offer breathability with its support.

My heel does slip just a little, and the shoe’s toe box offers a fit that’s about half way between Kayano’s snugness and Sequence 9’s roominess.

New Balance 1260 v6 - Top

New Balance 1260 v6 – Top

The Adrenaline GTS 16 is said to fit small, so if that’s an issue for you, the 1260v6 might be a viable alternative that still allows you to stay in your same size (length) of shoe as it feels moderately roomy in the forefoot for my medium-width foot. If you’ve tried them both, let us know in the comments!

New Balance 1260 v6 Conclusions

New Balance has some positives in the 1260v6, most notably its cushioned ride and high stability. The drawbacks come with that territory by it being heavy and a bit clunky.

For me, I prefer a shoe that aids my attempt to keep a light, quick step, but I’ll still choose the 1260 at times to mix up the forces applied to my foot.

New Balance 1260 v6 - Heel

New Balance 1260 v6 – Heel

Saying it’s a “solid” shoe is perhaps the best way to describe it, both in features offered and in feel while running.

We thank the nice people at New Balance for sending us a pair of 1260 v6 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.

New Balance 1260 v6 Price Comparison

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