SHOE REVIEW: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v13

The New Balance 880 has long been a go-to for neutral runners. This moderately cushioned daily trainer is a reliable workhorse that delivers a smooth ride, mile after mile. While version 12 experienced a total overhaul, New Balance made some small but thoughtful changes to the latest version, resulting in the most comfortable 880 yet.

Category: neutral cushioning
Drop: 10 mm
Price: CAD $179.99
Weight: 300g (M9.5)/238g (W7)
Available: now

Upper

The upper is where you will find the most significant changes to this shoe. Made from over 50 per cent recycled materials, the new engineered Hypoknit mesh offers the perfect combination of structure and flexibility. I found the fit of version 12 to be a bit sloppy, but New Balance has completely revamped the upper to secure the foot in place. The deep heel collar, thin but padded tongue and sleek lacing system create superb lockdown. This upper is also noticeably more breathable than in previous versions, making it ideal for spring and summer training. 

Midsole

The dual-density midsole offers plush comfort without feeling too soft underfoot. The Fresh Foam X under the heel and midfoot make for incredible step-in comfort, while the more responsive FuelCell in the forefoot helps with propulsion. While the 880 is considered a moderately cushioned shoe, I felt just as fresh after 10 km as I did at the start of my run.

Outsole

The 880 v13 boasts one of the most durable outsoles I’ve ever encountered in a road shoe. The thick layer of NDurance rubber provides reliable traction on all surfaces and shows no sign of wear after several weeks of mileage. I even took these shoes for a spin on the trails, where they performed impressively–yet another reason to add the 880 to your rotation heading into summer!

Final thoughts

New Balance says that their goal with the Fresh Foam X 880 v13 is to provide “softer, proven, everyday comfort,” and boy, did they deliver. This shoe is ideal for easy mileage, recovery runs and even for your daily walk commute. The balance of cushioning and durability makes it great bang for your buck. If you enjoyed version 12, the newest 880 is going to blow you away this spring!