New Balance 1865v1 Review

Last Reviewed on 12 March 2019 - Minor Update - 12 December 2018 - Content Update

by Curtis

New Balance 1865v1

New Balance Men's MW1865v1
$129.95 (USD)
(As of: Nov 3, 1:40 am UTC) - Details
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Amazon product page at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
UK USA CA AUS Flags
View at Your Local Amazon
New Balance Shoes
91
Overall

Pros

  • Good for narrow feet
  • Lightweight
  • Good sole endurance
  • Removable Insoles for orthotics
  • Good fitting uppers should not rub
  • Good color choices for women
  • 5 Star Walking Shoe

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Upsize 1/2
  • Limited cushioning

This is one of the lightest walking shoes from New Balance.  People with normal pronation and no persisting foot problems will love this shoe. Removable insoles allow orthotics though.  The New Balance 1865v1 comes in various color combinations for women but men’s versions a variation on grey.  I love their design, you can even wear them as a sporty casual shoe!


Never worry about foot pain ever again by ordering the New Balance 1865. Or at least that is what the manufacturer advertises.

The truth lies somewhere in the middle. Customer ratings vary with some raving about comfort and others complaining about the narrowness of the shoe.

That is why I recommend that you buy a half size bigger than normal and a width fitting wider than you might normally go for. If you have very narrow feet then the narrow fitting will probably be OK. But if your feet are just 'on the narrow side', then pick the regular fit.

In this unbiased New Balance 1865 review I'll look at both positive and negative aspects of this model.

After reading the conclusion, you will be able to decide for yourself if this is the right shoe for your needs.

Links Disclosure: Some links on this page go to affiliate partners where, without cost to you, we may receive a small commission should you make a purchase.

Overall Design Feel

The New Balance 1865 shoes look extremely good, there is no doubt about that. You can choose from black/red or black/grey (with blue and yellow stripes).

The rubber sole looks sturdy enough, and the entire feel of the nylon exterior is great.

Overall, these shoes deserve high rating for the innovative design and high-quality materials.

Fit

The problem with 1865 is the fit.

You need to buy at least 1/2 size bigger, because the shoes are extremely tight - possibly as they are made in Asia.

Most customers were very disappointed with the fit and gave low rating because of that. I think the show is fine, just cut on a rather skinny cutting template common in Asian made shoes.

Conversely, many other people were happy with the fit and were extremely thankful for the adjustable lacing.

One of the great aspects of this model is that it has been specially crafted to support all types of arch.

With over 100 years of experience in the industry, New Balance has worked with numerous athletes and specialists, which gave them the expertize to create a shoe designed for all type of people, with medium, low and high arches.

For the fit, I think it's fine if you adjust the size you order to account for the tight cutting template as I have explained above.

Pros

  • Perfect fit for any type of foot arch
  • Sole with rapid rebound to improve walking
  • Supportive SBS stabilizer nylon for a seamless fit
  • Width adjustable thanks to lacing
  • Made by a reputable company with over a century of experience in this industry
  • A good selection of colors for the girls, with the men's colours more restrained
  • Appealing, yet simple and practical design
  • Light and comfortable if you get the right size and width fitting
  • Available for both men and women

Cons

  • May have problems with fit
  • Quite difficult to get the ideal size after the first order: fit as expected only 54%
  • Low rating on Amazon because of the fit
  • Quite highly priced

Conclusion

Overall, the New Balance 1865v1 are a really good buy for people who work out regularly or love to fitness walk every week.

Once you figure out the ideal size for you. The shoes wear very well which is at least a partial counterbalance to the slightly high price because they should last a good while.

These shoes could easily become your favorite pair of shoes and last for years.

I believe that this model should get 4.5 stars out of 5, especially due to the sturdy construction and innovative technology that absorbs shock.  I think the fit issues are unfairly knocking customer ratings down lower than they should be.

Now it’s your turn to buy the New Balance 1865 shoes and leave a review.

Wherever you buy them make sure that the shop has a good returns policy like Amazon.

New Balance Men's MW1865v1
$129.95 (USD)
(As of: Nov 3, 1:40 am UTC) - Details
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Amazon product page at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
UK USA CA AUS Flags
View at Your Local Amazon
NB 1865v1
5/5 (1 Review)