Removing the plastic clip in the heel decreases stability at the rear. However, the wider platform compensates for this. Watch my full New Balance 880v11 review below or continue reading to learn more about this shoe’s performance, what I like best about it, and who it’s best for. New Balance 880v11 Review: Run Test Review The Fresh Foam 880v11 looks and feels like a premium running shoe because New Balance engineered it with high-quality materials from top to bottom.

The two-layer midsole—Fresh Foam and a proprietary EVA—remains the same, and the blown rubber outsole didn’t change. That means you can count on the same reliable, neutral ride in the new model as the previous one.One Fleet Feet reviewer says it feels stable and dependable, which is ideal for a shoe that’s meant to soak up the majority of your miles. Fresh Foam is a crowd pleaser. From the max cushioned Fresh Foam 1080v11 to the stable Fresh Foam 860v11, New Balance’s premier cushioning shines thanks to its soft landings and bouncy response. The double-engineered Jacquard mesh upper is incredible. Not only is it soft and breathable, but it also provides the perfect amount of structure around my foot. It wasn’t too snug or too loose. It was just right, and that translated on the run. I wasn’t sliding out of my shoe, and I could go for miles and miles without my feet feeling constricted. You can take this shoe on short runs to long runs, and it performs. This is particularly helpful if you’re a new runner and aren’t sure what you like in running shoes yet. However, there’s also a reason this is a favorite among seasoned runners. It’s a no-frills, daily trainer that delivers. You can’t go wrong with the 880v11.

Layered beneath the foam is a substantial amount of blown rubber. The outsole provides excellent traction on pavement, and it holds up to hundreds of miles of wear. So far the wear has been minimal however it would require a longer test period and perhaps 500 to 600 km of further running to determine value based on wear. Aesthetically nice The New Balance 880 line is a fan-favorite, dependable, daily trainer for good reason – and the 880v11 doesn’t disappoint. It’s run tester Brandon here! And I’m excited to share my New Balance 880v11 review. Spoiler alert! This is a high-quality shoe that can do everything, but I’ll get into all of that in my review. The outsole of this shoe also contributed to a trusty ride. I didn’t slip around while running because of the ample blown rubber on the outsole. It’s made for long miles and helps the soft Fresh Foam X from rebounding. What’s Special About the New Balance 880v11? Top Three Things:The 880v11 rides like a dream. Seriously. My runs felt effortless and enjoyable. I credit much of this ride to the Fresh Foam X in the midsole. This foam is soft and responsive – making it perfect for everyday training. This shoe can do it all. I took it on short runs, long runs, and everything in between, and it held up well. Designed without compromise, New Balance running shoes are guaranteed to provide a responsive ride that fuels your run - in other words, get ready to feel faster-than-fast. Speed-seeking, breathable, conforming fit, optimal cushioning - New Balance has something for every run and every man. New Balance men’s running shoes are renowned for their sleek designs, lightweight materials and supreme cushioning. For something better suited to long-distance running, opt for the 880, which features a breathable mesh FantomFit upper with a no-sew overlay engineered for ultra-light support. Since 2017, we have analyzed hundreds of road running shoes, and every month thousands of runners trust us to find the perfect pair! A new, single-piece jacquard mesh upper covers the shoe, and creates a clean look from heel to toe. By using a single piece of mesh, New Balance eliminated seams around the forefoot that could rub against your skin as you run.

It’s an aesthetically pleasing shoe that provides a comfortable ride. I really enjoyed my first 100 km with the shoe because it is one of the most cushioned shoes I have had in a long time. Very comfortable New Balance also made a couple of changes to the heel counter. The first significant change: no more plastic surrounding the heel cup. Some runners found this extra rigidity to be off-putting, so they got rid of it. Instead, New Balance added a smaller plastic heel clip that gives a small amount of stability and isn’t intrusive. This is a major win in my book. As you can see from this complete analysis, there’s no revolution with this 12th version of the Fresh Foam 880, at most a shift in focus from the performance-oriented v11 to more comfort. So this shoe will win you over if you’re looking for a traditional road shoe with a softer and fairly bouncy ride for daily training. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12 Flex grooves carved into the forefoot also create more flexibility through your transition. Another reviewer says the 880 strikes the right balance of stiffness and flexibility. The revamped midsole remains the most notable improvement to the v12. While the Fresh Foam X was already present on the v11, adding a 2nd layer of FuelCell foam in the forefoot provides a greater energy return. The cushioning plays its full role with a soft landing followed by a smooth toe-off.

A removable insole pumps up the 880’s underfoot cushioning, and it’s also easy to swap out for an aftermarket insole if you want more cushioning or need additional structure. Designers used a little bit of extra padding around the heel collar, too, which boosts the soft feel but still provides a low-profile fit. If you are a heel striker you will really like these shoes. The rear part of the sole has just the right cushion to allow the foot to strike then roll through the stride. I am usually a mid-foot striker, but due to a calf injury, I tested the shoe mostly with heel striking. Requires no adaptation period I’m always looking for a shoe that can do it all, and when I find that shoe, I recommend it to everyone. That’s the case with the 880v11. Honestly, anyone can benefit from the perfect fit of this daily trainer. If you want a shoe that is just right in every department from cushion to fit to ride, this is the one for you. The New Balance 880 is a wildly popular daily trainer that keeps improving every year. If you enjoyed the 880v10, then you’re going to love the 880v11 because, in my opinion, this is the best 880 yet.

The shoe is great for the bulk of your training days and could probably work for tempo, but you may want to go to a less cushy shoe for speed work. It’s personal preference really. Not for warm days The biggest change is the upper. New Balance swapped the Hypoknit upper on the v10 for a jacquard mesh upper on the new model. The new mesh gives the 880 a smoother overall look and feel while remaining lightweight and breathable. Our speed running shoes are just as innovative, and are powered by REVlite cushioning and lightweight solid rubber outsoles. New Balance Running Shoes: The History The New Balance 880v10 was a big update from the 880v9, but the latest version isn’t as drastic a change. Designers built the New Balance 880v11 to be very similar to the outgoing 880v10, which is good news for anyone who loved last year’s model. But there are a couple small differences between the New Balance 880v10 and 880v11.

Ready to elevate your run? New Balance is proud to present a line of carefully cultivated and mindfully crafted running shoes that are designed to protect, conform, endure, and outperform. No matter the run, no matter the terrain, no matter the goal, New Balance makes a running shoe that's guaranteed to provide lasting comfort and stability. It’s no different in the 880v11. The pad of Fresh Foam beneath the heel and midfoot softens each step and leads into a smooth transition. The New Balance 880 v11 has a mesh upper that gives average breathability. On a very hot day, my feet were very sweaty and the shoe was quite damp after. There isn’t anything I found that would require any adaptation to stride or strike with this shoe. It’s fairly conventional in that sense. It may depend on the individual but nothing about this shoe would force any adaptation.