HOKA Arahi 9 vs New Balance 860v15

Arahi 9 or Fresh Foam X 860v15? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want stable support that doesn’t feel rigid? Get the Arahi 9.

Want plush comfort with gentle support? Get the Fresh Foam X 860v15.

Get the Arahi 9 if

• You’d like a little less squish underfoot
• You like a less rigid forefoot
• You want the lighter shoe, by about 1.7 oz
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 6mm)

Get the Fresh Foam X 860v15 if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You want more bounce and energy back
• You need a roomier fit
• You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward

On the run

Arahi 9: Stable, steady and built to last. Stable without feeling rigid. The broad base and HOKA’s H-Frame keep you steady, and the heel-to-toe roll is smooth. Soft enough for easy miles, but there’s little bounce.

Fresh Foam X 860v15: Plush comfort with subtle support. Cloud-soft, comfort-first cushioning from a two-foam midsole with a plate and a smooth heel rocker. The support is subtle, so it feels more like a soft neutral shoe than a classic stability shoe.

Specs side by side

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Arahi 9. True to size with a secure fit on a wide platform. The toebox is a little narrower than the Arahi 8’s, and the heel collar is kind to sensitive heels. Wide and extra-wide available.

Fresh Foam X 860v15. Runs about a half size short, so go up a half. A secure fit with a roomy toebox. Narrow through extra-wide.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the Arahi 9 · Shop the Fresh Foam X 860v15 · Compare other running shoes