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

Hoka Arahi 8 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14

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

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The short answer

Hoka Arahi 8 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about heel strikers wanting mild stability and cushioning — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Hoka Arahi 8

4.5

4 sources1 derived$109.99as of Jun 7

RunRepeat says the Hoka Arahi 8 finally feels modern again after a long-awaited refresh. Reviewers praised the softer foam, wider fit, tall stack, and higher drop, all of which help heel strikers. It now borrows the H-Frame stability system from the Gaviota for steady support. RunRepeat also noted a small price increase and poor breathability in hot weather. Jordan Levy from Prevention.com found the Arahi 8 supportive, comfortable, and stable, though the rocker design makes it awkward for walking. Runners who want mild stability and cushioning are the fit; anyone training in hot climates or needing superior traction should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Impressively lightweight for its size
— Strong shock absorption with 138 SA in heel compared to 106 SA in previous version
— Wider fit than previous versions

Watch-outs

— Very poor breathability
— Grip needs to improve, especially on wet surfaces

$109.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

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 →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Hoka Arahi 8

The Hoka Arahi 8 is more lightweight than the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 and offers better stability than the Saucony Guide 18, but it suffers from poor breathability compared to the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14. Unlike the Hoka Gaviota 6, it provides better shock absorption but lacks the roomy fit of the Gaviota.

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.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Hoka Arahi 8	New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14
Weight	9.1 oz	10.5 oz
Stack Height	39.4 mm	38 mm
Drop	5 mm	8 mm
Midsole	CMEVA	Fresh Foam X
Stability	H-Frame	Medial post
Arch Support	J-Frame Stability	Moderate
Upper	Jacquard mesh	Engineered mesh
Outsole	Durabrasion rubber	Blown rubber

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