The 860v14 has been updated with a Fresh Foam X midsole for a softer underfoot feel. It costs $140.
The GT 2000 (12) is a staple daily trainer which also has a medial posting for stability. The GT 2000 has a brand new midsole and a softer ride. It costs $140.
Which of these mid-tier stability options is the right choice for you?
The 860 has an EVA foam midsole called Fresh Foam X which is one of New Balance’s premium midsole foams. It ‘s dual-density so it has softer Fresh Foam X on the top layer with firmer Fresh Foam X on the bottom. In between these two layers is a lightweight EVA film for stability.
The GT 2000 has a midsole made from FlyteFoam and FF Blast which has organic fibres embedded into it to provide lightweight structure and durability. The GT 2000 also has rearfoot and forefoot gel in its midsole for extra cushioning and shock absorption. There is a firmer medial post in the GT 2000.
The GT 2000 with its gel and FF Blast cushioning rides softer than the 860. The GT 2000 is better suited to short runs due to its lighter weight and snug-fitting upper. The 860 has a heavier weight and more accommodating upper, making it better for longer runs.
The outsole of the 860 is full contact and made from blown rubber. It has a small cutout under the centre of the heel which is not covered by rubber to allow the heel to compress when loaded.
The outsole of the GT 2000 is made of durable AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber). Under the midfoot, you find a Guidance LiteTruss System which is a plastic shank that provides midfoot support and structure. This plastic shank makes the GT 2000 more.
Transitions in the 860 feel smoother than in the GT 2000 because of the full contact outsole on the 860. When running in the GT 2000, the midfoot shank floats above the ground so only the forefoot and rearfoot make ground contact.
Stability is better in the 860 as a result of its firmer midsole. There is no gel in it and no lean bias.
Overall durability of the GT 2000 is better than the 860 because of its more durable outsole and its FlyteFoam midsole which loses less cushioning over time than regular EVA.
The upper of the 860 is made of sandwich mesh in the forefoot and midfoot which is very breathable thanks to the many holes punched into its upper. It has a generously padded tongue which isn’t gusseted. The 860 has an accommodating fit with a toe box that has plenty of room. It comes in standard, narrow, wide and extra wide versions.
The GT 2000 is made from a light engineered mesh which isn’t as breathable as the upper of the 860. It has a narrow fit so you need to go up a half size or get the wide version if you don’t have very narrow feet. The GT 2000 doesn’t have a heel clutch but it does exceptionally well at holding the heel in place. You get a padded heel counter and tongue which is also not gusseted. The GT 2000 comes in regular, wide (2E) and extra wide (4E) versions.
If you’re a runner looking for a stability shoe with a snug fit better suited to shorter distances, get the GT 2000. The GT 2000 an upper with great foot lockdown and no heel slippage. It has a softer midsole with gel inserts for extra cushioning. The outsole of the GT 2000 is exceptionally durable and the Guidance LiteTruss System provides superior midfoot support.
If you want a stability shoe for longer distances and don’t mind the extra weight, get the 860. The 860 has a more breathable upper than the GT 2000 and it has smoother ride transitions thanks to its full contact outsole.
