Fresh Foam X 860 14

Yes, for most runners the 860 v14 fits true to size, so your usual New Balance size is the right starting point. The heel and midfoot lock in securely and the standard-width toe box is medium, roomy enough for daily running without feeling loose. New Balance offers narrow, standard, wide and extra-wide versions, so choose the width that matches your foot. If you run long in warm weather or sit between sizes, consider going up a half size.

It is better as a marathon training shoe than a race-day shoe. At 309g it is on the heavy side, and the firm, supportive ride is tuned for steady mileage rather than speed, so it will feel sluggish at goal race pace. For the long base runs and steady efforts of a marathon build-up it is excellent: stable, protective and durable. On race day, most runners chasing a time will prefer a lighter shoe, and a plated racer like the New Balance SC Elite 4 or Nike Vaporfly 4 will return far more energy.

Yes, it is a strong beginner choice. The steady, supportive ride and wide, planted base give newer runners a secure, forgiving platform, and the gentle stability suits the mild overpronation many beginners have without forcing a corrective feel. It is also durable and comfortable straight out of the box, so it will handle the stop-start mileage of building a running habit. The main caveat is weight; if a beginner wants something livelier, a neutral daily trainer may feel friendlier, but for support and reliability the 860 is hard to beat.

Both are moderate stability daily trainers built for support and mileage, so they compete directly. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 uses GuideRails that gently limit excess motion, while the 860 relies on a wide platform and midsole geometry for a more natural-feeling guidance. The New Balance tends to offer more width options, which matters if standard fits do not suit you. Ride feel is close: both are steady and secure rather than bouncy. Try both if you can, as fit and the feel of the support system usually decide it.

Durability is one of the shoe's strengths. The hard-wearing upper and generous rubber outsole coverage are built to survive a full training block and beyond, which is exactly what you want from a supportive daily trainer. Most runners can expect the typical 500 to 800 km from a pair, often at the upper end given the sturdy build. That longevity is a big part of why the 860 makes sense as a single dependable pair for high-mileage weeks rather than a shoe you rotate lightly.