Editor rating:
9/10 on
TRAVIS TRAMPE
User's rating:

PROS

  • Stability for those that overpronate
  • Upgraded cushioning for a more smooth ride
  • Versatile trainer or racer for low or high mileage
  • Overall styling and colors

CONS

  • Price

OUR VERDICT

The New Balance 1260 v4 is a solid running shoe offering superior stability for those runners that overpronate while delivering ample cushioning from heel-to-toe allowing for a smooth ride and quick transition.
SHOE INFO
Brand
1260 v4
Model
Type
11.1 oz. (315 gr.)
Weight
145 US$
MSRP
WHO IS IT FOR
The New Balance 1260 v4 is excellent for those runners who overpronate and are looking for stability with the added bonus of plenty of cushioning for a gentle ride.

New Balance 1260 v4 General Info:

The New Balance 1260 v4 looked and felt like a stylish and fast everyday trainer the moment I took it out of the box for the first run.

The 1260 v4 is meant for the runner looking for a reliable stability shoe to help with overpronation yet does not sacrifice the cushioning needed for a shoe capable of higher mileage.

The New Balance 1260 v4 continues to build on the tradition of its predecessors through enhancements to the stability in the midsole and changes to the cushioning throughout.

These changes allow the shoe to offer dependable stability and ample cushioning. The 1260 v4 remains the flagship stability shoe in the New Balance collection.

The 1260 v4 had a comfortable fit as the heel and midsole felt secure throughout the entire stride while there was adequate room in the toe box.

The added stability came via changes in design to the medial post and New Balance “T-Beam shank” in the midsole and the improved cushioning was thanks to an overhaul of the materials used from the front to back giving the shoe a smooth and gentle ride.

New Balance 1260 v4 Sole Unit:

The New Balance 1260 v4 remains the company’s primary go-to stability shoe and this version’s enhancements to the sole gave the shoe more stability and cushioning without sacrificing durability or overall fit and comfort allowing for even smooth transition and ride throughout the entire stride.

For increased stability, the changes were made via increasing or lengthening the medial post which goes deeper and is free of the midsole as well as improving the “T-BEAM shank” which is very light-weight.

These changes offer the runner increased stability for overpronation allowing for smooth feel for those runners logging higher mileage.

The 1260 v4 benefited from changes to the material used in the sole which allows it to have a nice blend of stability and cushioning. The outsole is made of blown rubber while the main changes come through use of New Balance’s N2 Cushioning Technology throughout the shoe which gives the shoe more cushioning while not sacrificing support and control.

The forefoot from the midsole to toe uses “ACTEVA LITE” that is a much more light form and the heel now uses the “ABZORB Crash Pad” which gives the runner a comfortable mix of stability and cushioning during foot strike.

This version comes with the same 8mm offset as the previous model and similar to those of its competitors. This lower offset along with a simple tread design allows the runner to have more control throughout foot strike and transition.

New Balance 1260 v4 Upper:

The New Balance 1260 v4 upper is simple and is very lightweight, breathable and secures the foot in place from the very first run. The 1260 v4 is designed with the company’s new FantomFit which is a combination of a breathable mesh that covers most of the upper with thin overlays placed to add stability from the forefoot to the midsole area.

There is plenty of room in the toe box and the heel is held securely in place providing the runner with gentle smooth foot strike.

The 1260 v4 has a “no frills” approach to the upper so there is no cumbersome saddle or fancy lacing system that is starting to show up on other shoes trying to give the runner that customized fit.

This version gives the runner a comfortable, secure and smooth ride through sticking to the basics via the seamless mesh throughout the shoe and overlays which provide that customized feel without taking about from the stability and experience.

The changes made to the upper via the FantomFit allow for a simple, lightweight upper that provides a secure and comfortable fit and adds to the smooth and comfortable ride that the 1260 v4 gives the runner from the moment they go for the first run.

New Balance 1260 v4 Conclusions:

The New Balance 1260 v4 remains a premium stability shoe. The enhancements made by adding more stability throughout the midsole give it a more secure and comfortable fit along with the increased cushioning to the sole unit allowing the 1260 v4 to be a stability shoe that feels like an everyday trainer.

The 1260 v4 is a versatile shoe which offers a nice blend of increased stability and cushioning offering the runner a solid daily trainer capable of fast transitions or a shoe that can handle higher miles while giving the experience of a stable and smooth ride.

The updates to the New Balance 1260 v4 were sufficient to make a good stability shoe even better. This version is definitely a shoe that those runners who overpronate will want to add to their rotation as it delivers a secure fit and stability while providing a lightweight feel with plenty of cushioning for those looking for speed or to log longer miles.

We thank the nice people at New Balance for sending us a pair of 1260 v4 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.

New Balance 1260 v4 Price Comparison

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