Welcome to my review of the popular New Balance running shoe, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880, which is now on version 14.
This New Balance trainer promises versatility for daily runs, walks, and everyday outings, with a few caveats around sizing and that you more keen, speed and distance-focused runners are going to want to know about before buying yourself a pair.
In this review I’m covering the key features of this New Balance sneaker, as well as how it performs for running and other daily activities, tips on sizing, and, ultimately, whether it’s worth the $140 price tag.
Key specifications of the New Balance 880 v14
- Price: 🇺🇸 $140 at newbalance.com (US) | 🇬🇧 £140 at sportsshoes.com (UK)
- Fit: Runs snug; consider going up half a size or opting for a wider width
- Weight: 7.4 oz (210g) for a US Women’s size 7.5
- Drop: 8mm
- Midsole: Medium cushioning for a balanced comfort and performance
- Outsole: Rubber compound in high-wear areas for durability and traction
- Available Widths: Narrow, Medium/standard, Wide and Extra Wide
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The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14, or simply, the New Balance 880 (version 14) is designed as a daily trainer. This means it’s built to be your go-to shoe for various activities, including running, but you can also wear it for pretty much anything, including your day-to-day errands, work, walking, vacations and the gym.
Fit, Feel, Stability, and Support
Although New Balance’s website states this shoe fits true to size, I would say it fits snugly, and runs a little shorter than other running shoes, so unless you have relatively narrow feet, you should consider going up half a size or at least choosing a wider width.
On the subject of width, it’s great that this shoe is available in four different widths: Narrow, Regular, Wide and Extra-Wide. So, people with narrower feet and wider feet are catered to, despite it running a little narrow to start off with.
Despite the snug fit, it offers a comfortable experience right out of the box. The cushioning underfoot is medium, striking a balance between comfort and being a pretty lightweight shoe, which will appeal to you if you’re looking a shoe you can wear for for those easy daily jogs as well as the gym or other daily activities.
The 880 v14 is a neutral running shoe, meaning it doesn’t offer additional support for pronation issues. If you need extra support, you might want to look at a different model.
New Balance 880 v14 Performance Review
Before i get stuck into how they perform on the run, here’s a quick reminder that you can also watch my video review to get more insights, by tapping the image below – Don’t forget to give the video a like if you enjoy it (that really helps our channel), and subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more reviews of the latest running shoes :).
As with other running shoes we review here at Trail & Kale (which you can check out on our shoe reviews page), I’ve taken these shoes out running around the pavements and paths to assess how they perform in a variety of scenarios.
Now, let’s start with how the 880 performed when running. I will say that I did not love the running experience in them. That’s not to say they’re not comfortable to run in – they definitely are comfortable trainers. However, as someone who has tested, run in and reviewed many similar daily trainers, I felt that the responsiveness of these shoes fell a little flat. I simply don’t get the energy return from these that I enjoy and appreciate when running.
What this means is that I’m not able to run as efficiently or quickly in these shoes as I can in other neutral, medium cushioned running shoes, which is fine for easy runs and jogs where speed is not important. However, for faster runs, such as tempo runs and speed intervals, I prefer a shoe with more responsiveness (such as one of the tempo running shoes in this roundup), and for longer runs, a shoe with more cushioning (such as these max cushioned shoes).
I did a side-by-side comparison with the New Balance Rebel v4, a great tempo running shoe from the same brand, at the same price point. My data from the Garmin watch showed a noticeable difference in vertical speed, cadence, and stride length. The Rebel v4 was faster, provided a longer stride, and feels more responsive overall.
However, despite its shortcomings as a dedicated running shoe, the 880 v14 shines as an all-rounder. It’s great for walking, casual outings, and even light gym workouts, when you want a shoe that can do all that as well as be comfortable to run in.
Breathability in a running shoe is essential for many runners, especially those in warmer climates. The 880 v14 features a breathable mesh upper, but it’s not the most breathable shoe out there. It’s more suitable for cooler conditions rather than hot, humid environments. However, this moderate breathability can be a plus in cooler climates, keeping your feet warm during runs.
The outsole of the 880 v14 features a rubber compound in high-wear areas (the black sections show in the picture above), providing good traction and durability.
The lacing system of the 880 v14 is straightforward and effective, featuring traditional laces that provide a secure fit. The simplicity of the lacing system ensures that your foot stays in place throughout your run, and you don’t have to worry about adjusting your laces mid-run or dealing with any discomfort.
Are the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14 Worth Buying?
At $140, the 880 v14 offers good value. New Balance has a reputation for producing consistent, high-quality running shoes at reasonable prices, and the 880 v14 is no exception.
If you’re looking for a versatile daily trainer that can handle a bit of everything, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14 is a solid choice. It’s not the best choice for performance running, but for general use, it offers good value.
If you’re solely focused on running, especially longer distances or faster paces, there are better options available in the same price range – I would suggest you take a closer look at the Rebel v4, or browse shoes from other brands in our tempo running shoes and daily trainer roundups.
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