New Balance has made big changes to the 880, with updates that make it unrecognizable from previous editions. But, does the significant gain in midsole foam put the pair on par with the higher-priced 1080? Find out, in this New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15 review.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15 Review
| STACK HEIGHT | WEIGHT | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| 40.5/34.5 mm (6 mm drop) | M9.5: 10.7 oz/304g W8: 8.4 oz/238g | $140 |
Midsole
Ok, I think it’s safe to say, the max cushion shoe trend has now jumped the shark. The Fresh Foam X 880 was always considered a moderately cushioned, run-of-the-mill daily trainer with no frills. You’d never confuse it for an exciting shoe, always taking a backseat to its younger, hotter, more cushioned sibling: the Fresh Foam X 1080.
And at a budget-friendly $140, the 880 is a great pair for beginner runners…and those who have sex strictly in missionary position.
But now, up is down, left is right, and black is white, because the Fresh Foam X 880v15 added a whopping 7.5 mm in the heel and 9.5 mm in the forefoot, sitting comfortably in the Max Cushion Club™ at 40.5 in the heel and 34.5 in the forefoot, and changing from an 8 to a 6 mm drop. (For reference, the 880v14 measured in at 33/25 mm.)
It’s official: the 880 has been “promoted” over the Fresh Foam X 1080 (38/32 mm) in the stack height department. The older sibling can finally claim it’s taller. You’d be forgiven if you no longer recognize the 880. It’s grown up (literally) and is now “tall enough” to ride the roads with the big boys.
Ride
The Fresh Foam 880 has always been the firmer pair compared to the 1080, and that trait continues this year. Yet, it’s still got decently soft underfoot landings, and I wouldn’t consider it a firm-feeling shoe. But with considerably more cushioning and a noticeably heavier weight, the pair loses a bit of its versatility from previous versions.
The 880 also feels less responsive than the 1080, despite both pairs consisting of a Fresh Foam X midsole. It’s not clear what the difference is between them. I experience more bounce in the 1080, which, paired with a softer midsole feel, ultimately make it a more fun ride than the 880.
For me, the 880 serves best as an easy day shoe. There are far better, more enjoyable options for a daily trainer and for long runs. Which isn’t too surprising, given the 880’s lower price tag of $140: New Balance isn’t trying to position the pair as something it’s not. Which is great, because there’s nothing I hate more than posers. Except for carnies.
Upper
The engineered mesh upper isn’t the most breathable but it sure is comfy. There’s a gusseted tongue with extra padding which helps support my feet, keeping them in place without having to tie the laces too tightly. It feels quite similar to the upper on the 1080 and I’d be hard pressed to tell them apart if I were blindfolded. Then again, there are many things I wouldn’t be able to tell apart while wearing a blindfold. Whoa, is it just me, or did things start to get really kinky all of a sudden?
Outsole
Good news and bad news here. First, the Good: The new outsole design appears to have less rubber underfoot which contributes to a smoother ride. Now, the bad: The loss of some rubber may lead to durability issues, although I haven’t experienced any wear and tear through 60 miles. Rest assured, there’s still good traction in wet conditions.
Weight
As is typical for pairs lounging around in the Max Cushion Club™, the 880 tacked on some weight. Just like in the 1080v14, the 880 gained at least an ounce, now sitting at 10.7 ounces for a men’s size 9.5 and 8.4 oz for women’s size 8. This weight gain wouldn’t be that big of an issue if the midsole foam was livelier, like in the 1080. While it’s not as heavy as other max cushion pairs, the significant weight gain may come as an unwelcome surprise to fans of the previous, lighter 880. It will also provide fodder for shoe body shamers to do what they do best: shoe body shame.
Aesthetics
Blah. Not “blah, blah, blah,” as in, I could go on and on. “Blah,” as in, it’s an extremely boring-looking shoe that would never be found on the feet of anyone fortunate enough to be invited to sit at the “cool table” in school. Or in prison. Do they have a cool table in prison?
Price
$140 is a solid price for this shoe, and a great option for those not willing to spend an additional $20 for a better pair (or $25 for the 1080v14). Then again, it is only $20 more…why not fork over just an additional $20 and choose from a variety of better, more fun, sexier options hanging out in the Max Cushion Club™? The economy has never been better! Never! Everything is reasonably priced and all goods and services are extremely affordable no matter your life situation!
Conclusion
A pair that fits its price point, the 880 is a solid, no frills daily trainer for less experienced runners and a nice easy day shoe for others. But with such an overcrowded Max Cushion Club™ that’s already at capacity, it makes me wonder why New Balance felt the need to increase the stack height so dramatically in the 880 while using the same midsole foam as the superior Fresh Foam X 1080 and Fresh Foam X MORE.
I suppose it serves as a less expensive max cushion option, but I argue keeping the 880 lower to the ground with less cushioning would make the pair stand out better among the vast sea of ultra cushioned shoes. Instead, New Balance risks the 880 being castaway on a deserted island for no one to find.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15 is available on NewBalance.com or wherever you prefer to empty your wallet on shoes.
New Balance graciously provided this pair to me for wear testing. I was not compensated for this New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15 review and New Balance didn’t get an opportunity to see this review before I published.
