THE SPECS
Support: Neutral
Weight: 10.7 oz / 304 g (men), 8.4 oz / 238 g (women)
Stack Height: 40.5mm in the heel / 34.5mm in the forefoot
Midsole Drop: 6 mm
Cushion Level: Mid
ON THE RUN
Joe: For years, I avoided running in this shoe—why, I’m not sure. It always felt more like a lifestyle shoe than a true running shoe when on foot. However, that changed with version 15, as New Balance has made great improvements to the Fresh Foam X midsole. The updated cushioning feels more responsive and performance-driven, making it a much more enjoyable option for running.
Shannon: What I really love about this shoe is the roll that has been created. In the v14 it felt so flat and I had to actively remember to land on my midfoot and I felt like I had to do more work than needed in the shoe. But now in the v15, the midsole guides you forward with each stride, giving you a smooth transition from heel to toe. This little push has made it one of my favorite daily trainers. It feels efficient, propulsive, comfortable, and natural for my foot.
THE FIT
Joe: I love the gusseted tongue on the 880v15, as it provides a secure and comfortable fit. Over the years, the 880 has struggled with consistency in the toe box, but this version finally feels true to size. However, there isn’t a lot of wiggle room, so runners who prefer extra space up front may want to take that into consideration.
Shannon: The update of this shoe has been a work in progress. In the v14 it fit like a slipper. It felt flat, it didn't have too much of an arch, but the toe box was pretty roomy and breathable. In this version, we have a more snug fit, not that it runs narrow or anything, but it feels secure on my foot. More molded to me. It has a more prominent arch, but not in an uncomfy way, the toe box looks a bit slimmer but still feels roomy in my toes. The upper offers a nice balance of support and breathability, perfect for our summer training that is right around the corner!
THE FEEL
Joe: This midsole update made me a believer in the 880 again! The Fresh Foam X, combined with an increased rocker, lower heel drop (hello 6mm!), and a slight boost in stack height, created an unexpectedly smooth ride. The changes enhance the shoe’s overall flow and responsiveness, making each run feel more effortless and enjoyable.
Shannon: Right off the bat, the cushioning is one of, if not, the best feature of this shoe. It’s soft without feeling OVERLY plush, cough 1080v13 cough, offering the right amount of bounce to keep me comfortable throughout the day, runs, and workouts. The responsiveness that we were missing in the last shoe has been made up for in this one. You have that energized return to keep pushing you forward when you want to give up.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Joe: This shoe feels like the Swiss Army knife of running shoes. Primarily designed as a daily trainer, it offers the versatility to handle more than just easy miles. If you don’t want to spend extra money on multiple pairs, the updated Fresh Foam X midsole provides enough responsiveness to make it a solid option for both racing and workouts. It strikes a great balance between comfort and performance, making it a reliable all-in-one choice.
Competition: Hoka Clifton, Saucony Ride, Brooks Ghost
Shannon: First off, cushioning... This shoe is soft yet responsive, giving your foot just enough support for long runs without using up all of your energy. It’s not too squishy so you won't feel sinking or shaky, but it has enough to keep your feet happy on hard pavement.
Secondly, the fit... I would say this shoe fits true to size. It's snug but comfortable around the midfoot, and has a nice roomy toe box for happy toes. The upper is breathable to keep your foot cool while also giving good structure to ensure a good fit all run long.
This shoe works for easy runs, long runs, daily walking, errand running, and workouts. It provides the right level of cushioning and responsiveness to handle a variety of training sessions that you'll throw its way.
THE RUNDOWN
Joe: I’m really impressed with this update—it’s no longer just a work or lifestyle shoe for me. The improvements have made it more versatile and performance-oriented, so I’ll definitely be adding it to my easy run and recovery run rotation. It’s a great option for those slower days when you still want a comfortable, supportive ride.
Shannon: This is an excellent daily trailer that strikes a nice balance between comfort, support, and performance. It has a well-cushioned feel, and an energized roll, this shoe was crafted for runners looking for something reliable for day-in, day-out use. If you're looking to switch up your shoe rotation, this is one solid choice and has been one of my favorite pulls recently.
MEET JOE
Joe has been running consistently for two decades. In that time he's run everything from a coach's 4X100 relay to completing 3.75 marathons to stroller runs with his kids. During the spring of 2020 he ran every street in his town in a week. Today he enjoys runs with his wife, watching others smash their PRs, and finding creative ways to give back to the community through running.
All time favorite shoe: Altra FWD Via
MEET SHANNON
Shannon is always looking for her next adventure. Between teaching yoga, coaching lacrosse, and training for a trail race she is always zooming around waiting for the next thing to say yes to.
All time favorite shoe: Hoka Clifton 9