Head-to-head · Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 vs Saucony Guide 18

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

Saucony Guide 18 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about overpronators seeking affordable stability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #9 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14

4.1

5 sources$121.73as of Aug 1

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 is a stability daily trainer that leans plush. Its five reviews cluster tightly, with RunRepeat at 85 out of 100, Road Trail Run 8.4, WearTesters 8.2, Shoe Expert 8.1 and Find My Footwear 8 out of 10, and they agree on the shape of it: a dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole with a full-length medial wedge, a 38 mm stack and an 8 mm drop. It is comfortable, it is heavy at 10.5 oz, and the upper runs warm.

Strengths

— Dual-layer Fresh Foam X midsole provides plush cushioning and stable ride
— Comfortable round fit with more space for feet compared to previous editions
— Durable blown rubber outsole with good traction in wet and dry conditions

Watch-outs

— Upper mesh lacks durability and breathability according to reviewers
— Shoe feels slightly bulky and heavier than expected at 10.5 oz
— Limited appeal for runners who prefer simpler stability designs

$121.73 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Saucony Guide 18

4.4

8 sources$97.73as of Aug 1

Stability and pronation control are the Saucony Guide 18's job, and Tom's Guide calls it a 'solid choice for stability seekers.' RunRepeat praised the breathable upper and the cushioning on long runs while noting the outsole leaves too much foam exposed, which raises durability questions. Reviewers liked the wide platform and secure lockdown, though the midsole is firm and short on energy return next to modern foams. It fits runners who want a stable, supportive daily trainer at a reasonable price; anyone chasing a more responsive ride should consider the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21.

Strengths

— Ultra-breathable upper design improves comfort and ventilation
— Excellent pronation control and stable ride for overpronators
— Cushioned enough for long runs and comfortable for walking

Watch-outs

— Too much exposed foam on outsole raises durability concerns
— Midsole feels a bit firm and lacks energy return
— Outsole design doesn't provide sufficient rubber coverage for heavy strikers

$97.73 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 offers more plush cushioning than the Saucony Tempus 2 and better durability than the Hoka Arahi 8, but it's heavier and less breathable than the Saucony Hurricane 25. It's also less stable than the ASICS GT-2000 14 and lacks the energy return of the Saucony Guide 18.

Saucony Guide 18

The Saucony Guide 18 provides better breathability than the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 and more pronation control than the Hoka Arahi 8, but it's less cushioned than the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and lacks the energy return of the Saucony Hurricane 25. It's also less stable than the Hoka Gaviota 6.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14	Saucony Guide 18
Weight	10.5 oz	9.63 oz
Stack Height	38 mm	36.0 mm
Drop	8 mm	8mm
Midsole	Fresh Foam X	PWRRUN PB
Stability	Medial post	Guidance Rail
Arch Support	Moderate	Stability
Upper	Engineered mesh	Engineered mesh
Outsole	Blown rubber	XT-900 rubber
Tech	—	CenterPath stability

← See the full ranking of best running shoes for flat feet