New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14 Review
Published: March 27, 2024
880 v14 Updates Rejuvenate New Balance's Daily Workhorse
Likes
- Protective with smooth transitions
- Lighter on-foot feel
- Fresh and stylish aesthetic
Dislikes
- Midsole needed a slight break-in period
- Could be more responsive
What's New
Welcome the latest iteration of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 series, the v14. Designed to elevate your daily running experience, the 880 v14 is crafted for neutral runners seeking a reliable and hard-working daily trainer. Version 14 boasts significant updates to its upper, midsole, and outsole, promising an upgraded ride that any runner can appreciate.
At the heart of version 14 lies its revamped midsole, featuring an evolved Fresh Foam X foam compound with an additional 2 mm of stack height to provide even more protection underfoot. This advancement also ensures a smoother, more responsive ride while shedding weight for increased agility. Notably, the heel-to-toe drop has also been lowered to 8 mm (from the previous model's 10 mm), delivering an enhanced underfoot experience ideal for extended wear.
The outsole of the Fresh Foam X 880 v14 incorporates NDurance blown rubber strategically laid out with modified flex grooves, offering unparalleled durability and traction on various road surfaces, ensuring confidence-inspiring grip during every stride. Meanwhile, the upper has transformed with a shift to a single-piece engineered mesh construction. This simple design with a clean aesthetic not only reduces the 880's weight but also enhances the shoe's breathability, providing a plush and comfortable fit throughout your entire run.
Whether logging daily miles or tackling long-distance endeavors, the Fresh Foam X 880 v14 redefines reliability and performance, offering maximum cushioning and support for all your running needs. With its plush Fresh Foam X midsole, durable NDurance outsole, and lightweight, breathable upper, this shoe is set to become your go-to companion for miles of comfortable, enjoyable running.
The Bottom Line
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14 demonstrates notable improvements across key performance areas, garnering commendable ratings in several categories from our RW testers. In terms of the upper, the 880 v14 earns praise for its comfortable fit and light on-foot feel. Our testers found the engineered mesh pliable yet resilient, offering a secure and irritation-free experience during their testing runs. The padding around the ankle and tongue provided added comfort without compromising on lockdown, contributing to an overall positive running experience.
Our team appreciated the updated Fresh Foam X midsole for the level of protection it afforded, especially during those longer daily efforts. That said, the testers noted minor discomfort around the arch, though this quickly dissipated after a small break-in period, resulting in a smooth and supportive ride. The midsole's ability to absorb impact while providing adequate energy return was consistent across various distances and surfaces, indicating reliable performance for everyday training. The 880 v14 could very well be your next workhorse.
Regarding the outsole, the Fresh Foam X 880 v14 maintains good traction and durability, and despite a reduction in rubber material, new strategic placement ensures sufficient grip on both dry and wet surfaces. Our testers appreciated the flexible feel of the outsole, which contributed to a stable and consistent ride. That said, the v14 emphasizes protection over speed, so the v14 will not be the best option for faster efforts, but for every other run, this shoe will give you the foundation you need to build mileage.
Compared to similar models in its category, such as the Brooks Ghost or ASICS Cumulus, the New Balance 880 v14 offers competitive comfort and performance. While not necessarily designed for tempo runs, its enhanced midsole and reliable construction make it a viable option for mid-mileage runners seeking a dependable daily trainer. Overall, the Fresh Foam X 880 v14 delivers a balanced combination of comfort, support, and durability, making it a solid choice for runners looking for a go-to training companion.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.2 oz (size 9) | Women's: 7.6 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 33 mm (Heel), 25 mm (Forefoot) | 8 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Brycen: "The upper delivers an abundance of comfort, and irritation was never an issue with the 880 v14. The shoes provide a secure fit without suffocating the ankle, and I was impressed with the lightweight feel while on the run. There was relatively good airflow as well, allowing my feet to stay cool and blister-free."
Marie: "I really enjoyed the feeling of the NB 880 v14. The mesh is pliable and stretches with my foot without losing its shape or structure. Thanks to the adaptable design, there is plenty of wiggle room for those with different foot shapes. The padding in the tongue and around the ankle was soft and comfortable, giving me a nice form-fitting experience. I mostly used these shoes in cooler weather and I did not have any issues with overheating feet, but thanks to the new mesh design, I don't think warmer weather would be an issue."
Midsole
Brycen: "New Balance completely transformed the midsole, and you can tell the difference just by looking at version 14. Upon the first step-in, the 880 felt a bit stiff and rigid, but after a short run, these shoes broke in and delivered the signature comfort I was initially expecting. The midsole provided soft landings and smooth transitions, which are features I always look for in a daily trainer. Along with a soft ride, these shoes provided enough responsiveness to help carry me on days when my legs were working through some post-lifting soreness."
Marie: "As soon as I took the 880 v14 out of the box, I could tell that New Balance had done some work with the foam of this shoe, and what stood out most was how much lighter it felt. Admittedly, I did not really care for the previous version, as it felt clunky underfoot and did not provide the protection I typically look for in a daily trainer. Upon first trying on this updated model, I did have a bit of discomfort where the arch support in the shoe met my foot, but after my first test run, that discomfort quickly subsided, so I do not believe there is anything to worry about there. For each of my runs and walks, the midsole performed beautifully, giving me more than enough protection to absorb the impact of footstrikes. The 880 also delivers a healthy amount of support, even with the soft underfoot feel. The ride was consistent with each run, and I really enjoyed the formulation of Fresh Foam X in this updated 880."
Outsole
Brycen: "The New Balance 880 v14's outsole offered solid traction that adapted well to all the various cross-training activities that I like to do. There is a fair amount of rubber coverage, and I believe that the 880 compares well in terms of durability, as I have not noticed any signs of wear throughout the testing period."
Marie: "There seems to be less rubber material on the v14's outsole than the previous model, but this does not diminish any traction or durability afforded by the 880. I feel like the New Balance team did a great job strategically placing the rubber to maximize grip and durability. I took the shoes out on wet pavement and had no slippage issues. Also, with this more segmented outsole, the 880 v14 felt more flexible, which I appreciated when I ventured off the pavement onto more natural surfaces. Furthermore, I feel confident that the 880 v14 will last a good long while when paired with daily runs."
Comparable Shoes
New Balance 880 v14 vs. New Balance 880 v13
Brycen: "The 880 v14 has evolved quite a bit from the previous version and is almost a completely different shoe in my opinion. I had some issues with the v13 bottoming out, and it was not my best option for longer-distance runs. The new Fresh Foam X midsole is much more substantial underfoot, contributing to more protection on the run and better performance over distance. With all the changes, version 14 of the 880 feels less agile with this update. I had no issues taking version 13 to the gym or completing cross-training workouts, but version 14 is not quite as adept at cross-training exercises."
New Balance 880 v14 vs. ASICS Cumulus 26
Marie: "The Cumulus feels very similar to the 880 in terms of upper and fit. On the other hand, the midsoles are a bit different. The 880 v14 is very protective, but it is not the fastest shoe, and it didn't feel as good when running at a tempo pace. The Cumulus is slightly firmer underfoot and more versatile for speed training. If you want a workhorse for the daily grind, I recommend the 880 v14. If you want a shoe with more versatility, I would recommend the Cumulus, especially if you are incorporating more speed workouts into your schedule."
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 880
The New Balance 880 is a daily training workhorse that offers soft cushioning and a responsive ride that will work for any distance.
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 880
The New Balance 880 is a daily training workhorse that offers soft cushioning and a responsive ride that will work for any distance.
Individual Thoughts
BrycenOverall Score: 7.5/10
Overall, I was impressed by how much these shoes have improved from the previous version. The highlight of the update was definitely the midsole for me. In prep for the testing period, I read the brand's shoe description, which focused on the comfort of the updated midsole, and I am happy to report that the 880 v14 lives up to its billing.
These shoes were incredibly soft, and I enjoyed all my runs and workouts throughout testing, which was a bit of a surprise based on my opinions of the last version. The ride remained consistent, and I appreciated how lightweight the shoe felt on foot. The only issue I have is that I believe there are more budget-friendly options that provide a similar level of performance, but runners who like New Balance and the 880 will love this update.
MarieOverall Score: 8.5/10
The New Balance 880 v14 is a neutral everyday trainer, and true to form, it is a reliable choice for the customer looking for their next daily mileage companion. I wore the previous model and was not really convinced that I needed the 880 as a regular option within my shoe rotation. Version 14's updated midsole foam has completely changed my mind about the 880. It has an enhanced step-in feel with a lot of added comfort, all in a lighter package. The quality of the shoe is just very good overall. I have no worries that this shoe can withstand the test of time, and its performance is consistent on every run. If you are a runner who is putting in a decent amount of weekly mileage but does not need all the frills or expense of a super trainer, then the 880 v14 could be the right shoe for you.
