New Balance 1260 V4 Review

by solereview

New_Balance_1260_V4_rating

New_Balance_1260_V4_score

Color: Grey/Orange/Lime green.

New Balance's marketing pitch: Stability with a smooth and comfortable ride

Surfaces tested on: Road, 18° C/64° F

Upper: Spacer mesh, synthetic leather and 'Fantomfit' welded overlays.

Midsole: Quad density EVA foam, 8mm heel drop. T-Beam midfoot shank, Ortholite insole.

Outsole: Hard rubber in heel, blown rubber in forefoot.

Weight: 355 gms/ 12.5 Oz for a half pair of US 11/ UK10.5/EUR 45/29 CM (NB sizing).

Widths available: Standard 'D' (reviewed), B (narrow), 2E(wide), 4E(extra wide) in select colors.

Great mix of cushioning and stability, with neither traits infringing on other's territory. Lovely upper fit, relatively lightweight and top notch materials.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 14/15, Saucony Guide 7/8, Nike Structure 18
Smooth transition, fit consistency, cushioning, outsole grip
Night time reflectivity could be better, tongue slide
New_Balance_1260_V4

If you’re a running shoe collector, the made in USA New Balance 1260 V4 might be something to consider.

The New Balance 1260 V4 is the Massachusetts based brand’s top tier stability shoe, and it also happens to be assembled in the United States using a mix of local and imported components. This has long been New Balance’s talking point, since they are the only athletic footwear brand to make a good part (around one fourth) of their production in the US. Naturally, not all of these are performance running shoes, as this also includes products from other categories. This approach, in addition to being their USP, also helps New Balance aspire for what can potentially be big business – kitting out the US military. Allow us the digression that follows below.

There is a little known statute called the Berry Amendment’, which mandates that the Department of Defence (DoD) must buy boots and uniform which are 100% made in the USA. It can make exceptions where US manufacturers don’t have the capability for doing so; athletic footwear being case in point. But companies like NB and Wolverine Inc. are trying to change that, and NB recently pitched the 950 V2 prototype to lawmakers earlier this fall, a shoe made 100% of US sourced materials . They have strong support from people like Maine Congressman Mike Michaud, who made NB’s case stronger by pushing the House of Representatives to pass the Michaud Amendment. This required any footwear provided to the armed forces recruits (upon initial entry) be made in USA.

Considering that DoD gives new recruits a cash allowance of $65-70 to buy a pair of trainers, this business has long term potential for suppliers, apart from generating great PR and jobs in the US. Wolverine Inc. is also in the running for this, and the obvious thing for them to do is to supply boots (Bates), long part of their core business. In that context, Wolverine’s acquisition of Saucony in 2012 is fortuitously well timed; can this open up the possibility of made in USA Saucony shoes?

Notwithstanding the DoD contract, other brands are toying with the idea of producing shoes closer home to the world’s biggest athletic footwear market. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Nike CEO Mark Parker mentioned that the brand was open to making shoes domestically.

New_Balance_1260_V4

This might end being a more common sight in the future.

Patriotic fervour isn’t the only reason. Contrary to popular perception, making shoes in far east isn’t cheap anymore. Footwear manufacturing hubs which were once desolate outposts now generate GDP’s greater than many smaller countries, significantly elevating the cost of doing business there. That leaves countries like Vietnam and India.

Vietnam remains the last bastion of athletic footwear production, its contribution steadily rising when it comes to overseas footwear sourcing. India has long being an apparel sourcing hub, but remains unpromising for footwear. Hurdles like shoddy infrastructure, labor issues and lack of material suppliers make complex footwear manufacturing unviable. Adidas and Nike suppliers have a factory there, but we’re yet to see many shoes with a ‘Made in India’ tongue label. The only ones we’ve seen on the shelves so far are the low-tech, cupsole models like the Adidas Stansmith or Superstar.

High labor cost has been a major obstacle as far as Made in USA shoes are concerned. But recent advancements in design like no-sew uppers reduce complexity, also with the end result of offsetting higher manpower costs. So Nike’s remark on Made in USA products wasn’t just a casual mention; shoes like the minimal Flyknit are harbingers of what may follow.

New_Balance_1260_V4

Construction elements like welded overlays help offset labor costs and material wastage. The 1260 names its upper Fantomfit, which seems a straight lift from the DC Comics universe.

This essence of manufacturing frugality can be seen on the New Balance 1260 V4’s upper, which features the no-sew ‘Fantomfit’ overlays. And with the lengthy, sourcing preface done and dealt with, we can starting addressing the finer aspects of this stability shoe.

New_Balance_1260_V4

The well fitting 1260 V4 skillfully juggles cushioning with stability.

This is our second New Balance review, and we’re starting to get mightily impressed by the quality of New Balance’s upper fit. Agreed, the Fresh Foam 980 did not live up to its promise of superior cushioning, but had an upper which pleased in many ways. The 1260 V4 is no exception, and has an upper fit worthy of its stability nomenclature. For this is something we, as shoe reviewers, strongly believe in: a stability midsole is only as good as a well fitting upper.

New_Balance_1260_V4

Upper is dual layered mesh, with 3D printed overlays and some amount of synthetic leather.

Many bits and pieces combine together on the 1260’s upper and result in multiple functional benefits. The upper mesh has two layers; the top part being a single layer breathable fabric, backed by a second layer of lining. The lining is foam enriched, and squeezing that between your fingers yields some amount of squish. This lining is also what makes the interior appear near-seamless, and also smoothens any bumps resulting from other upper components sandwiched in between.

New_Balance_1260_V4

Most of the toe box is mesh, unburdened with overlays.

New_Balance_1260_V4

The Fantomfit layer curves out into an umbrella over the big toe.

External upper has this appliqué called the Fantomfit, which are 3D screen printed overlays. This extends right from the toe box to rearfoot, replacing most of what would have been traditionally stitched-on overlays. It is a combination of support structures and openings, depending on the location. The toe box is an open area, while oval perforations are located throughout the midfoot area.

New_Balance_1260_V4

These have only faint reflectivity.

The ’N’ logos are also printed as part of the upper. These have night time visibility, but only with mild effectiveness; they lack the full shineback of stitched-on reflective bits.

New_Balance_1260_V4

The florscent eyelet panels might seem like small pieces attached to the upper edge…

New_Balance_1260_V4

…but they extend downwards, between two mesh layers to form functional inner straps. That’s the green section underneath.

Lace eyelets are reinforced holes on florscent synthetic leather panels which appear to be tiny bits attached to the Fantomfit upper. But take a closer look through the oval holes, and you’ll see the leather pieces extending downwards to the upper base, sandwiched between mesh layers. This is saying that all the eyelet loops form a part of underlying support straps, placed to functionally enhance the quality of fit.

New_Balance_1260_V4

Tongue is plush and padded.

New_Balance_1260_V4

There’s also an area of stretch right in the front. Helps spread the tongue out when pulled on it

Tongue has generous foam padding, its top mesh being the same used on rest of the upper, and a lining which feels luxuriously soft. It also comes with a separate section upfront which lends the component some elasticity when you pull it towards your direction. The neoprene like material near the toe-box has in-built stretch, and helps spread the tongue nicely over foot once you pull on its end after lacing up.

New_Balance_1260_V4

Might be plush and foam filled, but no gusset attachments means instant tongue slide.

The lack of side attachments however, has the tongue sliding quickly to one side a few minutes into a run. Not sure why New Balance decided to leave this part ungusseted; the second layer of lining could have served perfectly well as a place to seamlessly attach the tongue. This is the only lacuna in upper fit we think worth mentioning.

New_Balance_1260_V4

Collar material has a rich hand feel, with soft Achilles area.

New_Balance_1260_V4

The foam padding inside is spread wide instead of being concentrated in the upper reaches.

Collar is extremely comfortable. The mesh used is plush, yes, but the foam is spread wide over the collar, reaching into lower parts of rearfoot. This design produces a snug feel which few will find any reason to complain about. A higher level of grip can be brought upon by using the last lace eyelet.

New_Balance_1260_V4

The heel area says ‘Asym counter’. What is it?

New_Balance_1260_V4

It implies that the internal heel stiffener has lower walls on lateral (outer) side, and higher walls on medial side. (next picture)

New_Balance_1260_V4

A higher stiffener wall on medial side is designed to help control inward roll, along with the firmer medial midsole. At least that is the intent.

The outer heel area is constructed using glossy synthetic leather overlays, and the 1260 has an ‘Asym Counter’ callout on its medial (inner) face. Nothing seems out of place visually, so what does asymmetrical stand for? It refers to the design of the internal heel stiffener designed to provide heel rigidity. Most shoes will use a stiffener of near symmetrical medial and lateral heights, and it is here where the 1260 differs. The outer (lateral) wall of stiffener is much lower than that on medial side, and the pictures above visually explain the difference. When you fold the upper over the rigid walls, variation in stiffener height is clearly discernible. Why so? The 1260 V4 being a motion control shoe, New Balance feels that a higher medial side will help control foot-roll when combined with the multi-density midsole.

Does it work? Whether an asymmetrical counter actually controls foot roll is certainly debatable, but what we can certainly tell is that the heel counter does feel supportive. In that sense, this design feature does a measure of good, whatever level it might be of.

New_Balance_1260_V4

Uniform, even spread of upper fit is a positive of the 1260 v4.

Upper fit has excellent uniformity of wrap around the foot, feeling even from collar to toe box. Snug would be an appropriate word to use, and the internal synthetic leather straps, foam padded lining and Fantomfit effectively combine to making the upper feel secure. For runners who do not find the ‘D’ fit ideal, know that New Balance offers four widths in the 1260 V4, ranging from B (narrow) to 4E (extra wide). That alone should address any potential fit needs people might seek of the 1260. Lacing is wide, consistent and well distanced, and no part of it burrows into the foot.

New_Balance_1260_V4

Irritation-free insides, which means you can wear the 1260 V4 without socks and still be happy.

The real test of a comfortable upper is when you wear it without socks. Here, the 1260 V4 passed with flying colors, its smooth insides feeling comfortable over bare skin. Doing so opens up some more room, a natural byproduct of socks being removed from the equation.

Sizing runs slightly larger, not unlike the previously reviewed NB 980. We feel that the 1260 V4 runs borderline true to size, and some might feel the need to go half size down, depending on personal fit preferences.

New_Balance_1260_V4

What seems like a huge medial post is actually a small part of the midsole.

The 1260 V4 is a far cry from the time when a stability or motion control classification automatically translated into an ultra firm ride. The 1260 midsole has all the usual trappings of a support shoe – harder medial post, plastic shank and all that. But the level of cushioning is pleasantly surprising, which will extend the shoe’s appeal to runners other than those just seeking a pronation control shoe.

New_Balance_1260_V4

Bulk of the midsole material is this compression molded EVA called Abzorb.

New_Balance_1260_V4

N2 is a low profile cushioning material which lets the heel trampoline on it during footstrikes.

Most of the midsole is made of New Balance’s ‘Abzorb’, a compression molded EVA foam. On the medial side, there’s a harder section of EVA placed as a support feature. But what you can’t see upfront are three things. The first is that area under heel is neither Abzorb nor the firm medial post, but a low profile sheet of rubbery foam called N2. This is visible when you turn the shoe over, and also if you are brave enough to cut the strobel layer open. The N2 layer behaves like a trampoline with each footstrike, allowing the weight to sink in. This helps increase cushioning levels.

New_Balance_1260_V4

When seen from the heel, Abzorb EVA covers does most of the cushioning. The harder EVA wedge is situated late medial stage.

New_Balance_1260_V4

Usage of EVA wedge on inner midsole face is confined to a small area.

New_Balance_1260_V4

The foam beneath midfoot is softer Abzorb, no overlap from harder foam.

Secondly, the medial post might seem huge outside, but in actuality only forms a small part of the overall midsole volume. It is restricted to an extremely medial position, and has little influence in reducing the amount of compression every time you rear-foot strike. Let’s look at the heel view of the 1260; you’ll notice that the regular, softer Abzorb foam extends right upto the medial side, with the firmer EVA located only in a small area. Lift the removable sockliner, and a circular cutout is visible inside. The material beneath that is Abzorb foam, with no part of medial post causing an overlap.

New_Balance_1260_V4

There’s supposed to be another layer of EVA insert beneath the strobel.

And lastly, New Balance mentions use of ActiEva Lite in forefoot as another element of cushioning. This is likely an embedded piece, as it is not visible externally.

New_Balance_1260_V4

The densely cushioned Ortholite insole tops things off.

New_Balance_1260_V4

It comes molded and proves to be a nice fill layer inside.

New_Balance_1260_V4

Open celled foam structure, the texture of which resembles memory foam – without being one.

When you piece all these parts together, it makes the 1260 a well cushioned and smooth shoe to run in. There’s also the deep side groove on the lateral midsole wall to consider; it eases compression during foot strikes, giving the shoe a bit of a lateral bias. The finishing touch to cushioning feel is brought upon by the removable insole, which New Balance sources from Ortholite, another Massachusetts based company. The Ortholite insole is evenly spongy, and identical to what’s fitted in the Fresh Foam 980.

New_Balance_1260_V4

The deep, lateral groove running in center from heel to toe is another element which increases cushioning feel.

We performed the same Fresh Foam 980 experiment on the 1260; which was to replace the plush Ortholite with a thinner Hoka insole. But unlike the 980 where that resulted in an instant deprivation of cushioned feel, the 1260 managed to keep its Mojo unscathed. The midsole still felt cushioned, and any reduction in softness was commensurate to the insole’s contribution in the overall scheme of things.

New_Balance_1260_V4

A thermoplastic T-beam insert does duty as midfoot stiffener.

With all that said, none of the cushioned feel comes at the cost of stability. The heel and forefoot feels well planted, and midfoot rigidity comes from a novel shaped insert called the ‘T-beam’. The slightly raised midsole walls of heel also keeps the foot centered; there’s a visible (and functional) outwards midsole flare in the forefoot which keeps the shoe stable.

New_Balance_1260_V4

Generously rubber clad outsole, and forefoot flex grooves makes the area easier to bend.

New_Balance_1260_V4

Rear section is hard rubber. The heel crash pad is half-isolated by a ridge.

Outsole has great grip, and durability appears to be solid. Four separate pieces join together to form the outsole. The forefoot has soft blown rubber which sticks to the road well, and two harder pieces run along lateral and medial rearfoot. The heel crash pad has a small angle of curve, and a flex groove creates a gap between either sides of rearfoot. This helps transition, as well as cushioning. Speaking of transition, while the overall ride is reasonably smooth, it could have been better by making the outsole a full contact one. In the 1260, the midfoot area is recessed inwards, creating what is a small transition vacuum.

While not exactly featherweight, the 1260 V4 comes in at a comfortable 355 grams or 12.5 Oz (US 11), which is decent for a shoe which looks this bulky. A few years earlier, this weight would have earned it a slot under the lightweight category, but given the shift in design and material trends, that ship has sailed a while ago. The shoe also performs well on flexibility; deep forefoot grooves work together with pliable ‘Abzorb’ foam to allow obstacle free bending.

The $145 New Balance 1260 V4 is part of the growing tribe of running shoes where the line between neutral and stability shoes is becoming blurrier by the day. The new breed of crossover includes shoes such as the Guide 7, Adrenaline GTS 14, all of which work well for both neutral and stability seekers. The Kayano 21? That is a different story altogether.

Oh, and one last thing. With radical designs and bright colors to match in many of their newer models, New Balance is trying hard to move away from its staid, un-sexy white and grey trainer image. The Fresh Foam 980, and even the 1260 v4 with its graduated midsole colors, are an attempt to move away from the brand’s equivalent of a goofy, high school yearbook picture.

Comedian Zach Galifianakis does not think so – yet, as evident from his SNL parody of New Balance. But at least the brand’s trying hard enough, you have to give it that.

(Disclaimer: Solereview paid full US retail price for the shoe reviewed)

Other reviews and buyer's guides

33 comments

Charles November 22, 2014 - 10:12 am

Great review as always! It would be interesting to know how the chushioning and stability compares to the Brooks GTS 14 and Kayano 21. Could a neutral mid- to forefoot runner (with an overpronating heel) have fun with these shoes? I´m a little concerned they might intensify my supinating tendencies in the forefoot…

thx,
charles

solereview November 24, 2014 - 6:02 am

Thanks! This is how it flows for cushioning, in order from soft to firm – Kayano, 1260, Adrenaline. Within that, we felt the 1260 to be most responsive.

Stability would have 1260 at the highest level, followed by GTS 14 and Kayano.

The 1260 v4 will do great for forefoot strikers, with neutral cushioning and lots of surface area underneath. Though what you mentioned is interesting; a pronating heel and a supinating forefoot – what does the gait capture look like?

Charles November 27, 2014 - 4:52 am

Thanks for the additional information. There is some late stage overpronation going on with my right foot and my left foot is a hardcore supinator (guess my hips are causing that). The overpronation in my right foot is only visible during heel strike – if I run mid- to forefoot you would only see a slight supination (more on the left side). Right one has an average arch that tends to collapse a little when I pronate – and the left one is very high arched and doesn´t pronate / collapse in any way. My left instep is much higher too.

Sometimes I get a little nostalgic with stability shoes bc I startet running in them (the shoe rep did a video analysis and you could see it very pronounced in my right foot). Needless to say that I started as a heel striker in the most stable shoes I could buy (early Kayanos and New Balance “boots”).
Till then I was fine with normal sneakers (some adidas I wore in high school – but wasn´t much of a runner – I was a swimmer instead) and never had heared about pronation or anything – but now I learned that my flawed gait had to be corrected and so I wore stability shoes.
Long story short: I ran many years in stability shoes, got injured (strangely more often in my right knee) , kept running, got better, worked on my form, got lighter shoes (Brooks GTS 7 were the first stability shoes that I liked), became a midfoot/forefoot runner, realized that I didn´t need stability shoes, got lighter ones – and everything turned out well. I´m still tinkering with my running form, I now want decrease the supination in my left foot – and always look for proper posture, muscle strengthening etc. Turns out that “running” is by no means anything simple.

Although I just ordered today the Nike Kiger 2 (hope it fits). I´m just curious about the new stability models – NB 1260v4 in 4e should fit very well and if it´s cushioned and durable, it could be the right shoe for long runs. But I don´t want to mess up my knees or something – I am now injury free for such a long time (maybe it´s time for a proper runner´s knee ;)…

solereview December 1, 2014 - 2:57 am

Appreciate the breakdown. Informative to read, and a new thing learnt for the day.

Stan November 24, 2014 - 7:25 am

Great review, I have been following you for a while now and have found your reviews very insightful and full of great points.
As a fan of New Balance I was wondering if you were planning on doing anything on the 880v4 or the 860v5.
I have a wide foot and have found New Balance works best for me and I have tried a lot of shoes, I mean a lot.
I am a big guy looking not only for support but for cushion, I currently use the New Balance 860v4 and I am looking into the Structure 18 but not ready to pull the trigger on those yet.
Thanks for the great work and I look forward to the Brooks GTS Adrenaline 15 review.
Stan

solereview November 24, 2014 - 7:31 am

Thank you Stan!

Funny you mentioned the 860 V5, we just gave the shoe a review slot in December :) See our tentative ‘upcoming reviews’ calendar to get a sense of dates. Will also try and wrap up the GTS 15 the same month.

So many shoes, and so little time (and money)!

parasailing November 24, 2014 - 11:42 pm

I also have been reading your reviews and find them very detailed and informative. Which should would you recommend for someone who is sad to see Brooks no longer making the Trance 12?

Also looking at possibly the Hoka One Clifton to transition from a heal striker to a midfoot striker? Would the Brooks Transcend be a better option?

Can I also suggest you add a forum section so we can post and ask questions?

solereview November 26, 2014 - 8:12 am

Thank you for the comment. The closest Brooks shoe to Trance 12 would be the Adrenaline GTS 14. Not the same, but it will feel familiar.

The Clifton and Transcend are great shoes, but no shoe will help you transition to early stage forefoot striking purely on their merit. Footstrike change is something which only you can affect, which means you can do that in most running shoes. The most which rocker shaped shoes (Skecher GoRun, Hoka) can do will make you land rear-foot instead of heel.

We had a forum long time ago, but deleted it as we were short on resources. All interactions happen on review pages; this way, it stays on topic and focused.

Miguel Sousa December 15, 2014 - 9:45 am

Hello!!!
I discovered this website yesterday, and i very pleased in reading your great reviews.
I bought this shoe in early November and it feels great. I´m caming back from injury and using this shoe was perfect.
However, after a few runs (30 KM) i noticed that the collar material had a quick degradation so i went to the shop and i changed my new NB 1260 V4 for another brand (in this case for the Kayano 21).
As any add the same experience?
As NB had some feed back, for similar cases.

Thanks to your great job!!

solereview January 18, 2015 - 5:32 pm

Can’t believe we missed replying to this comment, but better late than never!

Not sure why the collar went south on the 1260 – how is the new Kayano 21 treating you – it has been a month, hasn’t it?

Daniellaw January 15, 2015 - 6:20 am

Hi, Nice review. I am looking to get either NB 1260 v4 or Brooks GTS 15. I am currently using Kayano 20, but i am always having problem on my left knee. My left foot actually overpronate while my right foot underpronate. I was told by local running to shop to get a better stability shoes than Kayano 20, which most of them recommending Brooks GTS15. Between 3 of the shoes, which one is more stable? And in term of responsiveness, which will be the best?
Thanks in advance

solereview January 18, 2015 - 5:29 pm

Between the three, GTS 15 is the most stable. In cushioning responsiveness, that would be the 1260V4.

Aldo February 6, 2015 - 7:37 am

Hi, I’m looking to get new stability shoes and leaning towards NB because I have slightly wide feet. I did try and fit a Saucony Guide 7 and a Lunarglide 6 and they both felt a bit too snug. I’m coming from and retiring an old Brooks Ravenna 3 which served me well. I typically just run a 5k 2-3 times a week and a 10k like 4 times in a year. I do a lot of biking in between. Anyway, how does this NB1260v4 compare to the NB1500v1? And the NB860v5 and NB870v3? I believe they’re all stability shoes and I’m quite interested in the 1500v1 because of the very low weight.

solereview February 8, 2015 - 7:30 am

Hi, we haven’t tested the 1500 V1 yet. It is on our schedule, and will have some insights (vs the 1260) in a couple of weeks.

We don’t have any experience with the 870 V3 either, so can’t offer an opinion vs the 860.

Paula February 9, 2015 - 3:17 pm

I was running in the 1260v4 and found my ankles bothered me a little laterally My right ankle rolls in mildly and left foot fine When I tried the kayano 21 they ep were great until extreme left heel pain- maybe heel toe drop of 13mm? What shoe do you recommend
I always wear stability plus 165lbs– years ago I wore brooks trance but today I don’t think I could wear if available as I need the CUSHION too
Thank you

solereview February 11, 2015 - 3:16 am

Not sure why the heel pains, and won’t hazard a guess.

If you liked the fit and feel of Brooks, the Brooks Transcend and Adrenaline GTS 14 are worth trying.These are cushioned, support shoes.

Stufish February 24, 2015 - 9:29 pm

Hi, great site and excellent reviews! I’m new to this game but have been guided twice now by your reviews. Firstly the Asics GT2000 2 and just yesterday the 1260v4! I’m not a serious runner, more boxing and circuit training but find the right shoe does make all the difference.

I just wanted to point out that the 1260v4 are not solely made in the USA, I’m currently holidaying in Thailand and picked a pair up from the NB store and they are labelled “made in China”, yes they are genuine. For some reason they were also offering this particular colourway only at 50% off (note: full retail was $200!)

I also tried the 860v5 and found them to be chalk and cheese! The 860v5 felt very sloppy and unsupportive in comparison and that thing with the tongue folding over made them feel like a non premium shoe. Quite disappointing after reading your promising review. It just shows that there is no substitute for trying them on first.

solereview March 1, 2015 - 1:55 am

Thanks for the comment and the insight. It is not uncommon for footwear brands to outsource the same model to different factories due to capacity issues. So totally possible for a Chinese 1260 V4. Specs should be the same, and hence quality should be consistent.

Agree, nothing compares against getting oneself fitted at the store. Our reviews try to lay out the objective facts along with some subjective opinion so that people can make an informed choice.

MickyC February 26, 2015 - 6:09 pm

Hi solereview. Thank you so much for continuing to provide in-depth and detailed reviews of running shoes. Really love your website when it comes to deciding which running shoes to buy.

I’m a medium over-pronator when it comes to gait motion and am currently wearing the Brooks Trance 12 for arch support and stability. For me the Trance 12 is a great shoe and I love it. At the moment I’m looking for another shoe with similar trait. The following are ones which I may be interested in purchasing: NB 1260v4, Kayano 20, Brooks GTS 14 and Adidas Supernova Sequence 7 Boost. I’m a light jogger but work requires me to walk/stand for 3~4hrs/day, 5 days/wk.

I guess my questions would be:

1) Which of the 4 shoes would you recommend?
2) Are there other alternatives I should be looking at?
3) Would now be a good time to buy or should I wait a bit as there might be updated versions coming up (maybe even the new Brooks Trance)?

Thanks in advance :)

solereview March 5, 2015 - 2:38 am

Hi Micky, thank you for the comment. It is motivating to hear that you find the reviews on this website useful.

Here’s what we think:
1) Brooks GTS 14 is what we see as the closest match.
2) Fit try the asics GT 2000 3 too, in addition to the Kayano 20.
3) We’d suggest picking up the GTS 14 for cheap. As far as we know, there is no Brooks Trance anymore, only Transcend (now in its 2nd year) – which happens to be an entirely different shoe.

If nothing works, the Trance 12 is still available on sites like Amazon.

IGNACIO ALCOCER May 8, 2015 - 3:15 pm

Hello solereview , this is by far the best running shoe review site in the world !!

I enjoy every review you guys do, and hope stay here for many many years.

Recently buy a pair of 1260v4 (decision take after your review of course) and im very happy with them , this year im gonna do my second 26.2 miles race and im looking for a second pair of shoes.

Im 1.70 cm tall , and 84 KG weight , moderate pronation.

What would be your suggestion for me ?

Thanks in advance

Ignacio.

solereview May 8, 2015 - 7:20 pm

Thank you for your comment, Ignacio.

Not exactly sure what you’re looking for in your second shoe. But if you like how the 1260 combines cushioning and motion control, then the Saucony Hurriance ISO, Brooks Ravenna 6, Asics GT 2000 3 and adidas Sequence 7 Boost are shoes you should fit try and assess.

Steve July 1, 2015 - 9:14 am

after recommending Nike vomero 10(bought,great fit, great shoe no problems) and Adidas SGB7 for me with knee problems on feet all day (carer and out and about) and being big guy 245lb and 6ft 5in would these be any good as an alternative. just curious as i have found them at a great sale price.great review guys so indepth
thanks guys

solereview July 3, 2015 - 5:40 am

If you’ve got the Vomero 10, don’t buy the 1260. Similar cushioning in some ways.

Lucky July 20, 2015 - 1:09 pm

Hello Solereview, Please can you confirm best running shoe for over pronation (flat feet) – Nike lunarglide 6 or new balance 1260 v4. Currently i was using puma and reebok for running but it is hurting my knees. My shoe size is Euro 45/UK 10.5/US 11, I m 178 cms and 88 kgs.

Nike don’t have wide shoes like new balance E size ( extra wide), should i take one number bigger if nike Lunar glide 6 is better than New Balance 1260 v4

Do i need to buy separate shoe for weight training and running indoor in gymnasium and above stated shoes are good for both or only best for running

Please could you suggest best shoes for running and cross training for me ?

Thanks in advance
Cheers
Lucky

Kidmanee August 10, 2015 - 11:28 am

Hello! I’m using NB1260v4 and NB860v4. I always get hurt in my knees when I run more than 10k with speed average 5.30min/km. I’m a overpronation and my running style landed on heels. I tried to ran 21k with NB860v4 on pavement. After I ran finished I was super hurt in my knees, so I had to rest for a week, then I could put and ran again.

I’m going to ran a half marathon next month. You guys think NB1260v4 and NB860v4 which one is good for long distance? If both are not good, which one you would recommend? Thank you I advanced.

solereview August 12, 2015 - 3:59 am

Hello Kidmanee,

It is quite possible that your pain is a result of overuse (too much running, which might require more strength training and conditioning) and not because of the shoes.

The best thing would be to talk to a physiotherapist/running coach who will suggest a recovery schedule based on your requirements.

The 1260V4 and 860 are great shoes, don’t think you need to worry about them.

Kidmanee August 12, 2015 - 10:00 am

Thank you for your Solereview. It’s very good. I just recorded a vdo while I was running. The I could see that I ran not correct at all. I tried to land on my middle foot but still landed on my heels. With my bad running skill and increased too much distance and probably not enough strength training, those make my knees hurt all the time after I ran. ?

I’m thinking about to buy a five fingers to help me running and land on my middle-foot. What do you think it will help?

solereview August 15, 2015 - 11:05 pm

If you ask us, going from a 1260/860 to a Vibram without correction in running form will make things worse.

It is a better idea to consult a running coach, who can improve your form without having to necessarily change footwear.

DePrator DePrator September 12, 2015 - 7:14 pm

I described my metatarsi pain and tingling toes to my PT. She said breaking in the sneakers before long runs helps if it’s the right fit. Imagine how much further I would be ahead in training if my shoes were good construction. Try the breaking in phase. She said, it feels slow for a week, yet, worth it. I have been training in my walking sandals to alternate with my HOKA’s, that seem to really be working. Good luck !

DePrator DePrator September 8, 2015 - 9:25 am

Good Morning, I am preparing for a the Avon39 in October and needed a Stability, bouncy shoe. After about 20 pairs of everything, the NB1260 v4 was the closest to all the parts being addressed by the Sales consultant-patient soul. Now I have them and after 3hrs out on a training walk, my Metatarsal was being pressured by what felt like a bar and my toes were tingling. What do you think may be the issue(s)? the rest of the shoe felt great. Alternatives?

solereview September 10, 2015 - 11:58 pm

Hi!

Can’t say what is causing the pressure on your Met head – foot anatomy varies by runner to runner. What other shoes did you try? Did you fit test the adidas Sequence Boost 7/8, and Vomero 10?

And while we haven’t tested the adidas Adistar Boost, that also seems worth a try.

DePrator DePrator September 12, 2015 - 7:01 pm

Good Morning, Thanks for the suggestions. Firstly, I bought the unglamorous HOKA, and by contrast, they went on and introduced themselves quite well. While, they haven’t been on the 8mile walk with them, the fit is really bouncy and smooth. After that float, I put the 1260v4 on again, to see if it was just the road. With fresh feet, I walked and felt a lump in the right insole.. A slope in the left insole probably produced the twist on the top of the shoe.I took them to a NB store and they said the cut was too wide to effectively used the extra hole to prevent sliding; that adding or changing the inserts wouldn’t make a diff. So, I would say I have a defective pair. Still have to get a second pair for the Marathon and a half (AVON39.ORG-Please donate for me-D. DePrator #572142). Will try the recommended Gotta hurry to get my 2nd. pair JIC.

Comments are closed.