About me...40-something, over pronator, 25-35 mpw, midfoot striker, training for my third marathon. I bought these once the Mizuno Wave Inspire 9 became hard to find, and slotted the NB 870v3 into my program for runs under 8 miles. Out of the box, they are quite striking in appearance, are definitely lightweight and break in rather easily. I would rate their breathability as average for today's shoes. Traction is good in the wet, and the pronation control does its job. In wet conditions, I never hesitated to lean on them while cornering. Those are the good points. The bad? They wear out in a flash because the sole compound is just too soft. Right now, I have 278 miles on this pair, and they are in trouble. The forefoot treads are completely flat spotted and worn smooth. The heel corners lost their tread a while ago. By the looks of things, they will be lucky to make the 350 mile mark before I give them a kiss and throw them in a dumpster. By comparison, my last pair of Mizuno Wave Inspire 9's lasted an impressive 672 miles under the same conditions and running program. The bottom line: a decent shoe for the task, but it is important to know their limitations when it comes to durability. If you are used to worthy battlers like Mizuno and Brooks running shoes, you might be disappointed in the end.

Handsome Carl

Sydney Australia

The first thing I noticed was that this shoe is much lighter than the New Balance 1260v2 from which I'd come. While still listed as a "stability" shoe, the 870v3's pronation control is not blatantly obvious to the wearer - it's on the subtle side. I fit them with Road Runner Sports' Cushion insoles. The material in the upper is quite different from any running shoe I've used before - I suspect this is where some of the weight savings comes from. While initially skeptical, I noticed no difference in flexibility or breathability. The upper material did start to fray and crack along the outside of both shoes, right at the high-stress bending point above the toe joint, by 350 miles or so. It hadn't gotten any worse when I retired them at 410 miles, so perhaps it's not a big deal; I've never had a running shoe's upper begin to outright come apart that soon, though. Still, I really like the shoe, and bought another pair as a replacement.

Brad D

Long Beach, CA

I bought these after the V2 was discontinued.The fit is the same and though the specs of the V2 and V3 are similar, this shoe feels a little lighter.I weigh about 195 lbs. and I am 5-11.I run about 25 - 30 miles per week and run mostly 10k or half-marathons. I find these especially good on longer runs.I rotate 3 pairs with the third pair only for racing, so durability has not been a problem. The fit is 1 size up from my normal regular shoe and a 1/2 up from my normal running shoes. The widths are accurate to sizing. I have a normal width. Be sure to purchase the stretchy shoe laces as the shoe laces that come with the shoe are tight if you like to run in a looser feeling shoe across your forefoot.

DCarroll

Savannah, Ga.

I have been looking for a lightweight shoe with some stability to put in my rotation for some time. Never had much luck with NB till now, great mid foot wrap, just enough cushioning for fast runs, just a touch of stability with good transition and flexibility. Toe box very comfortable without being too wide, excellent heel fit. Having a pair of old feet (flat) it is hard to find a lightweight shoe that gives adequate support. My main shoe is the Mizuno Inspire 9 another great shoe, but these will go into rotation for my faster runs, this is best shoe I have found from NB and are worth a try.

Paul

Northern New Jersey

I use these shoes mostly for road running and the occasional dirt road or hard pack trail. I bought them 4.5 months ago and have very, very low miles on them (2 months of no running - 10-20 miles/wk when running during the other 2.5 months). The shoes are extremely comfortable and seemed to encourage me to be more of a mid-foot striker. My complaint: The soles wore very fast and have started peeling on one foot. For this reason alone, I would not recommend. I have Mizuno's that have hundreds of miles on them in the same conditions and they never started to come apart like this. Time to try something else.

Dale R

Williamsburg, VA

I have been wearing the Nike Zoom Structure +16 and +18 for the last 2 years for day to day training and long runs and they are Stability type shoes like the NB 870. I do 45-55 miles a week, usually 7 days a week and wear this type of shoe 3-4 times per week with good results. I've been wearing NB shoes for racing (NB 5000 and NB Minimus) and for fast workouts (NB 1400) with very good results so decided to try the 870's for my day to day running and will probably stick with these and it's eventual successor for the time being.

dctrainer

Littleton, CO

First time in New Balance in many years. I really like the light weight, flexibility, and support. I use Superfeet Orange, and the combo provides good support and a quick feel. Not unlike Asics DS Trainer, but with more height in the toe box. I was starting to get some tightness/pain in my heel (starting PF?) in my old shoes, and that is clearing up with the shift to these in combo with the SF. I've only had them a couple of weeks, so can't speak to durability.

Runs like a swimmer

Seattle, WA

I'm 6', 215 lbs, have always like the Beast, but this newest model is a disappointment. My usual size is with the Beast is 12.5D, but that size was WAY too small the this one. The toe box is very cramped and my feet started hurting after only a few miles. Tried a 12.5EE, but that was still too short, went up to a 13 and that was too long - it felt like I was sliding around in it. I'm sorry to give up the beast, but this is a waste - I'm finding another model and brand.

RCB

NYC

I want to love these shoes, but....I have been running in Mizuno Inspire 3-9 and wanted to change things up. For a stability shoe these bad boys are light and fast. The 8mm drop takes a bit to get used to. First run 7 miles and legs were energized the entire time. The con is NB shoes are always to narrow. I got the EE, but I still felt me feet being pinched in too much. Going to swap them for 4e and see if that works.

Cincinnati Bryan

Cincinnati

I'm a heavy runner, 210 lbs. I've forever worn the New Balance 1260's with great success, but these were on sale and thought I'd give them a try. Nice shoe. Good looking shoe, and I wear them regularly to the gym & to town, but I just feel they do not provide enough cushion for my hard strikes. Especially on distance runs. I like them and will use them, but just not for distance running.

Phil the runner

Northern Indiana

Really have enjoyed the comfort of these shoes. I'm recovering from and extended struggle with feet issues. Can't point only to these shoes and I've tried enough to know it is not just coincidence, but my feet are feeling WAY better. Previous shoes did not make a difference. Bummer is that the black part of the traction wore fast.

jj

Bend Oregon

Wore the product around the house and gym. Good all-around shoes. Love the light weight, stability and design of this shoe. because it is super light, sometimes I feel like the manufacturer skimp on product or quality. I would recommend this product.

Dan S.

Aliso Viejo, CA

This update of the 870v2 runs narrow. I ordered a D width and had to exchange for a 2E. Once they came everything was ok. This is a good update of the 870. It feels light and fast and givesgood chshoning and support.

Maui Proffesor

Maui,Hi.

I can wear neutral or stability but I am training for a marathon and prefer the cushioning of a stability shoe. With the 870v3 I get that in a very lightweight design. They fit great and don't take any getting used to, very natural feel.

Darryl

Jacksonville, NC

I am a 45-55 mile a week guy alternate with 2 pairs other shoes I wear similar would be brooks ravena and asics ds trainer I like that it works well for toe hitters and forefoot runners like I am.

Super Theo

portland oregon

Run 3-4 times per week for conditioning. Roughly 15 miles total. Mostly on pavement. Am an older runner. I prefer cushioned, comfortable shoes. I bought a 2nd pair within 1.5 months. Will buy more in the future.

Dave

McKinney, TX

wore around house for several hours. Very sore feet. it feels like the arch support is to far towards the heel. returned this AM. These are not the shoe for me, maybe for somewone else, but not me.

Ranger

Northern Minnesota

YOU GOTTA BREAK THEM IN, THEN ONCE THEY MOLD TO YOUR FOOT. BAMMM, YOUR ON FIRE LIKE THE ROAD RUNNER RUNNING THROUGH THE DESSERT. FIRECRACKER. YAH!!!!!!!

JAY

Escondido, CA

Just love the lightweight and wide toebox. New Balance was the first to offer widths and their shoes excel like no others I've tried. Shoes are very comfortable.

Marathonman

Honolulu, HI

The heels felt like I was stepping on something on the side of my heel.

Les

Greenville, SC

I use them to train with and so far I am really pleased with them.

Dave98Z3

Richmond, VA

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tucson az