New Balance Fresh Foam 880 V11
New Balance 880 V11
The New Balance Fresh Foam 880v11 is a dependable, go-to neutral shoe. This version retains the same dependability from the 880V10 but has a few minor but strategic updates.
At step in, there is a new single-piece mesh upper that covers the shoe and creates a clean look from toe to heel. New Balance eliminated seems around your forefoot that may rub against your foot as you run or walk. The padded free-floating tongue makes the shoe feel premium at step-in, plus it will stay in place being locked in with laces. Speaking of premium, New Balance added padding around the heel counter which makes the shoe feel soft but still has a low-profile fit.
This classic shoe is a great shoe for beginner runners and walkers, but it offers great versatility for longer miles. It doesn’t matter if you are training in our Coach to 5k Training program or going longer distances as you train for Hospital Hill or the Kansas City Marathon, this shoe is a no fuss training partner.
The New Balance 880 V11 has two different types of foam to power your run: Fresh Foam and a responsive EVA foam. You are going to love the Fresh Foam technology in New Balance Shoes! This is New Balance’s premier cushioning system that provides soft landing and a bouncy response for toe off.
This is a great shoe to soak up some summer miles! Just beneath the layered foam is a good amount of blown rubber. This substantial rubber outsole provides excellent traction for spring miles and will hold up for hundreds of miles of pavement.
What I Like About the 880 V11
The first thing I noticed when trying on the 880v11 was the soft tongue. The new mesh upper was very comfortable and breathable, so my foot did not get hot during runs. The Fresh FoamX midsole is designed to provide the optimal balance between cushioning and support. The 880v11 is unassuming in what it does well. It does not have speed enhancing roll technology like the 1080s or a carbon plate like many race shoes, but the blown rubber outsole provides for a snappy and supportive ride, that allowed for quicker paces if needed. If you are a runner that has exclusively wore stability shoes in the past and are looking to switch to a neutral shoe, the 880 would make for an easy transition. Overall, I felt this is an excellent running shoe for just about any type of runner. The shoe does not have any fancy features, but is an incredible, standard running shoe and with a price point of $130 doesn’t break the bank either.
As someone who’s first running shoe was a New Balance Zante and has run a majority of miles in the New Balance 1080 this past year, I was excited to test out the 880v11. If you’ve ran in an 880 before, you know it to be one of the most reliable running shoes out there. The v11 carries on that tradition, with some slight changes from the v10.
The Good Stuff
The first real noticeable change in the v11 is the upper. The v11 uses a mesh upper that is comfortable and breathable. Having one mesh layer eliminated seams around the forefoot, making for a ride with less rubbing against your skin. It also is designed to help maintain pliability, making this a shoe that can accommodate many different foot shapes. Along with changes to the upper, padding was added to the tongue and the heel collar, making these some very soft shoes when first trying them on. The Fresh FoamX midsole returns, making for the same bouncy ride that the v10 offered.
When you look at the 880 the first thing that comes to mind is “classic running shoe.” It is something that would be great for a beginner runner, but is also a great daily trainer that an experienced runner should consider working into their rotation for shorter recovery runs as well. I’ve worn this shoe for about 30 miles and can tell the shoe is only getting more comfortable as I run in it more.
The Facts
Price: $129.99
Weight: M/9.4 oz W/8.9 oz
Drop: 10mm
Use: Run/Walk/Work
Category: Neutral
Surface: Road
Upper: Double Jacquard Engineered Mesh
Midsole: Fresh FoamX
Outsole: Blown Rubber
About TRWS GURU Connor
Connor was a college soccer player that started running in 2015 after graduation. He has run 3 marathons and 9 half marathons. Connor trains with KC Endurance and will be part of the SmartPacing teams starting this year. Connor has goals to run a race in every state, run the big 6 marathons, and run an ultra-marathon. However, most of all he wants to stay healthy and continue to enjoy running for the rest of his life.
SHOP NEW BALANCE 880 V11
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Not certain if this shoe is right for you?
We understand! There are a lot of options of footwear on the market and deciding what model is the right model for your needs is not easy. We are here for you! You can come into one of our three locations (Lee’s Summit, Northland and Mission, KS) for a free stride analysis. No appointment is necessary, but if you would like to schedule an appointment, click here. We take in-person and virtual fittings. Want to do research online? We have a find my fit tool that will help you narrow down footwear options. We hope to hear from you soon!
