Physical Therapists Using Clinical Analysis To Discuss The Art And Science Behind Running and The Stuff We Put On Our Feet

Post Page Advertisement [Top]


New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 Review
By Matthew Klein

The 880 v14 was a unique shoe because of its simplicity. In a time when even daily trainers were going above 40mm of stack height, the 880 held its ground as a moderate stack height with a consistent (admittedly vanilla) midsole. This made it an excellent option for those wanting something simple or as a great introductory shoe for newer runners. The 880 v15 evolves on this, bringing itself into the maximal category with a now >40mm heel. While it still remains a consistent training shoe, it almost moves into the place of the old More v4, with clear design similarities to the More v5. This signals a clear change in direction for the series and where that is headed is worth discussing.



New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15
Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10.6 oz, 300 g (men's size 9) (women's weight not provided)
Stack Height:  40.5 mm heel / 34.5 mm forefoot
Drop: 6 mm
Shoe Purpose: Maximal Daily Trainer

Pros: Well-cushioned and balanced ride, stable neutral 
Cons: Slightly firm midsole, best for easy efforts only


RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY


The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is a maximal daily trainer for those who want an easy riding shoe for walking and running. A brand new, maximal stack height midsole with a totally new geometry brings the 880 series into the maximal realm. The slightly firmer ride maintains with a new rockered geometry that makes the 880 smoother but still best at easier efforts. The upper fits similar to previous versions with a slightly wider fit throughout the length of the shoe. A consistent trainer that will work best for those wanting a simple maximal trainer or newer runners getting into running, the 880 v15 returns taller but still retaining many of its values. 

SIMILAR SHOES
: New Balance More v4
PAST MODEL: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14



FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)

Matt: The New Balance 880 v15 fits me mostly true to size in my normal Men's US size 10. The fit is slightly wider with a normal volume upper. The mesh is fairly light but there is a a tough toe guard at the front. Initially, this toe guard is extremely prominent but it does break in with additional wear and was not noticeable on the run. However, it is the primary reason this shoe is not suitable for sockless running. The toe box does feel a little tapered due to this but transitions into a wider forefoot. This continues into normal to slightly wide midfoot with a moderately thick, gusseted tongue. I did have to tighten the laces to get a secure fit due some initial heel slippage but that fixed it. The heel is normal in width with a moderate to high amount of heel collar padding and a stiff counter. Those sensitive to stiff counters will not do well with this shoe while those who like stiff counters will do great. The overall security is good once the laces are locked down during efforts going straight. The NB logo reinforce the midfoot but the slightly wider fit does cause some mild sliding when attempting to go any direction but straight. As with most running shoes, this one should be kept for activities going forward (or backward). 

Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: Saucony Guide 17, ASICS Kayano 30, Hoka Gaviota 5, Saucony Endorphin Elite, Nike Ultrafly
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Saucony Kinvara 14
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Altra Timp 5


Doctors of Running Checklist

Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
How Flexible is the Shoe: No
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Average



PERFORMANCE

Matt: The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is a maximal daily trainer. The new >40mm stack height is noticeable, although similar to the last version the ride is slightly firmer compared to how much cushioning there is underfoot. The Fresh Foam X midsole is slightly compliant and cushioned underfoot, making it great for easy and longer miles. The increased weight, larger volume and slower responding midsole make it only good for easier efforts but a still solid choice for both walking and running. The geometry has drastically change from the previous version, now featuring a 6mm drop that feels slightly lower than listed. The ride is also more rockered, with a larger centered heel bevel and a early and large forefoot rocker. The rearfoot bevel is slightly clunky at first given its centered nature, but the lateral column breaks in after 15-20 miles and smooth out. The midfoot, which is wide and surprisingly stable, transitions into a stiff, rockered forefoot. Although there is not plate, the increase in stack height makes for a non-flexible forefoot. Those with toe mobility issues may do well here, but further testing needs to occur (I have 40 miles on my pair) to determine if that forefoot stiffness maintains with a longer break in.

The outsole features large pieces of rubber that provide decent traction on smooth surfaces. I have used the 880s on road, track and smooth trails. The amount of exposed outsole does not make it the best soft surface option but it does do fine on road and track. On wet surfaces it does fine but the smoother outsole will do better on dry surfaces. Durability-wise the foam has remained consistent over the 40 miles with a slight break in. Fortunately the ride is already on the firmer side so it has not changed much. The outsole has held up but I am already seeing abrasion both on the rubber and the exposed midsole. I therefore expect an average number of miles for a daily training shoe out of the 880 v15.

See our comparison with the 1080 v14.



STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)

Matt: The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is a stable neutral shoe. There are no traditional elements of stability but there are several guidance elements that make it more stable. The wider sole is the first part, with a wider midfoot that has the medial side filled in more. The rearfoot also features moderate sidewalls that combined with the mild medial and lateral sole flare provide centeredness and a bit of stiffness. The forefoot stiffness and sole flare also provide centeredness that transition well with the forefoot rocker. This provides a mild level of guidance throughout the length of of the shoe, so those with mild stability or guidance needs may do fine this shoe.


Thoughts as a DPT: What Does Everything Going Maximal Mean?
By Matthew Klein

Footwear tends to follow the trends, like every market. As stack heights have continued to increase, the more traditional stack height trainers have followed suit. The 880 v15 is a great example. Version 14 was more traditional in stack height while the newest one jumped beyond the 40mm mark. As with many footwear components, increased stack height isn't necessarily bad but is different. Increased stack height certainly provides the sensation of more cushioning underfoot, although we have discussed frequently that increased cushioning doesn't necessarily mean more protection. Softer, higher stack height foams cause reflexive lower limb stiffening, which can actually increase joint loading in certain people. This may be better for some people as it reduces joint excursion while others who need that motion, it may be problematic.

Taller stack height shoes also reduce input from the ground, so those with body awareness (proprioception) issues may struggle. Those who are extremely sensitive to that input may do better. Taller stack height shoes, with the incredible amount of foam underfoot, are also inherently stiff. This requires the addition of significant rockers to replace the loss of natural rockers in the foot/ankle that would normally function with a flexible lower to moderate stack height shoe. These rockers are known to facilitate motion forward, which may be great for those with limited or lost motion in many foot/ankle joints. Others who like using that motion or are used driving their gait primarily through their ankle/feet (ankle strategy) may struggle as these shoes tend to favor those who use more of their hips and knees.

So everything going maximal isn't necessarily a bad thing, just a different one. Given that it will work for some people and not for others is important to remember. It is why we should consider keeping a few standard or lower stack height shoes on the market for options. However, given that most people pick their shoes based on comfort and perceived cushioning, we will continue to see stack heights increase. For those whom that doesn't work for, either you will have to find the remaining moderate stack height shoes or may have to do some work to get your body to adapt to maximal shoes (more on that soon.


RECOMMENDATIONS

Matt: The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 has me conflicted. The ride is far smoother and better cushioned than the previous version. It is more stable without being a stability shoe and the sidewalls are not as aggressive as other maximal shoes. I appreciated the last version for its consistent, boring simplicity, but things will always go where the wind blows. The 880 v15 is a great update and is a solid shoe for eating up miles. My only suggestions are for the upper and the midsole. The upper fits well but I would really like to see the toe guard toned down. There are many forms of woven materials that can increase durability without the plastic-ish or sharp feeling toe guards of the past. Reducing this may not only increase comfort but may make the toe box feel larger and more comfortable. The midsole foam is comfortable but still a tiny but low on the resilient side. The slight firmness makes sense from a stability standpoint and there are plenty of FuelCell shoes out there for faster running. However, with the increased stack height I would love to see a bit more bounce from the midsole to balance out the increase in weight. 

WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?

Matt: The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is for those who want a comfortable, maximal shoe for easy running, walking and longer standing. The fit is slightly wider without being sloppy, so those with normal to slightly wider feet will do well (there is also a wide version). The ride is easy and rockered, so those wanting a shoe for easy/recovery miles at slower speeds who don't want a soft shoe will do well in this shoe. The changes in geometry will also make this a stable neutral option for those that need mild guidance. The updates to the 880 are drastic from the previous version and $140 for a maximal shoe is a great deal in today's market. I am still conflicted at the loss of a more traditional shoe, but the market and most of the population want taller stack heights and more cushioning. It does accomplish the goal of being a firmer and more stable alternative to the 1080, so those looking for another solid maximal daily trainer on the market will find it in the 880 v15.


GRADES

Matt
Fit: B+ (Slightly wider fit that requires some lockdown in the midfoot. Toe guard a bit more prominent than it needs to be)
Performance: 
B (Rockered, maximal daily trainer with slightly clunky rearfoot initially that is only for easier efforts)
Stability: A- [Stable Neutral] (Wider sole, filled in midfoot, rearfoot sidewalls and sole flare make this a solidly stable neutral shoe)
Value: A- (A solid maximal shoe that works for walking and running for $140 is a great deal)
Personal: B (This is a consistent shoe that will work for many. For me it is a bit boring as I prefer more responsive shoes. Others will probably like it for what I feel is missing)
Overall Design: B+ 


SHOP | SUPPORT DOR

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15
Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse

Shop Men | Shop Women

*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!

Check out Gear We Love
Naked Belt The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist.
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!


FURTHER READING

Adidas Supernova Rise 2 | Review
A PEBA-based daily driver.












Saucony Ride 18 | Review
Classic trainer from Saucony.














Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.

Thanks for reading!

FOLLOW DOCTORS OF RUNNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Strava: Doctors of Running
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Pinterest: Doctors of Running

PODCAST

Check out the Doctors of Running Podcast to find more reviews, interviews, and running features from the team.

Visit our Podcast Page
Find us on Apple
Find us on Spotify

Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Danbury and Stevens Point areas, we am currently taking clients for running evaluations.

***Disclaimer: These shoes were provided free of charge in exchange for a review.  We thank the people at New Balance for sending us pairs.  This in no way affected the honesty of this review. We systematically put each type of shoe through certain runs prior to review. For trainers and performance trainers, we take them on daily runs, workouts, recovery runs and a long run prior to review (often accumulating anywhere from 20-50 miles in the process). For racing flats we ensure that we have completed intervals, a tempo or steady state run as well as a warm-up and cool down in each pair prior to review. This systematic process is to ensure that we have experience with each shoe in a large variety of conditions to provide expansive and thorough reviews for the public and for companies. Our views are based on our extensive history in the footwear industry and years testing and developing footwear. If you are a footwear rep looking for footwear reviews or consultations on development, we are currently looking to partner with companies to assist, discuss and promote footwear models. Partnership will not affect the honesty of our reviews.

Please feel free to reach out, comment and ask questions!
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com

NEXT:
Saucony Ride 18

Bottom Ad [Post Page]

// ]]>