Are you looking for a comfortable running shoe that can do it all? Wear it as a daily trainer or as a shoe you wear to work, school, or other activities. The New Balance Fresh Foam x 880v15 is a versatile shoe that can check all the boxes!
The New Balance 880 has been a staple in neutral daily trainers since 2008. It has gone through several updates over the years and this version does not disappoint.
It has been known as the hard worker, the shoe that gets the job done, and, dare we say, the budget version of the 1080.
You know that a shoe is going to be perfect when you can put them on and head out the door, not thinking about your shoes again until you take them off.
I think I already gave it away a little, but keep reading to see if the upgrade New Balance Fresh Foam x 880v15 met our expectations.
Who Is It Good For?
Who is New Balance Fresh Foam x 880v15 a good fit for? Let’s break it down by some common categories:
- Wide feet: It felt a little narrow, so if you need more room, check out the wide.
- Heavy Runners: This shoe has a larger stack height for ultra-cushioned comfort in the heel
- Long runs: Perfect for long runs and even a road marathon
- Front of the Pack: This shoe is on the heavy side so this is not a shoe for speed or race day
This daily trainer is one you’ll find on our best cushioned running shoes and best new balance walking shoes round-ups.
New Balance Fresh Foam x 880v15 Overview
The New Balance Fresh Foam x 880v15 was created to be used as an everyday training shoe. I have to say that after many runs, I would agree with that!
For me, it has felt like running on a medium firm pillow. The combo of the midsole Fresh Foam X cushion and heel cushion are soft, but I am still able to push myself for speed work such as pick ups or tempo runs.
The 880v15 had several (good!) changes; they didn’t make changes to the type of foam that was used in the midsole. It’s going to feel firmer underfoot and if you’re asking yourself how that is possible, it’s because while it’s still the Fresh Foam X, the amount that was used is different.
Another change was the increase in stack height but a decrease in heel-to-toe drop. This helps to have no loss of energy on your run and increases the weight of the shoe from v14, but honestly, the weight is not an issue as far as daily training goes.
If you have enjoyed previous versions of the New Balance 880, this one is going to feel a little different. You may be a little surprised during those first few steps, but trust me, give it a chance!
Thinking back on all my runs, I would probably choose a different shoe for faster speed workouts and race days, but if I were to run a road ½ or marathon, this would be my go-to shoe. It is simply that comfortable.
New Balance Fresh Foam x 880v15 Specs
- Brand: New Balance
- Usage: Daily Trainer
- Previous Model: New Balance Fresh Foam x 880v14
- Weight: 10.7 oz Men’s, 8.4 Women’s
- Stack Height (heel/forefoot): 40.5mm / 34.5mm
- Heel drop: 6mm
- Available in 7 colors
- Available in several widths: narrow, standard, wide and x-wide
- Available on newbalance.com for $139.99
The color I have is called reflection with rose sugar and grey matter. This shoe is a soft white shoe with a blush pink sole with deep purple laces. This is a very soft color and goes with many different outfits.
New Balance Fresh Foam x 880v15 Fit
Sizing is true to size, except the shoe is a bit narrow in the toe box so if you like a roomy toe box, choose the wide version.
You may not be able to tell just by looking at the shoe, but the New Balance 880’s upper got a little fabric upgrade. It’s still a mesh upper, but it’s like they changed the material ever so slightly, resulting in a super-soft feel.
The combo of the padded tongue and heel collar makes this like a super-soft hug around your foot. Layer in the gusseted tongue, and you’re all set for the best ride!
The laces are the typical, nothing to really write home about, but I can say that they never came untied during my runs, which is a plus.
New Balance Fresh Foam x 880v15 Feel
The upgraded midsole in the 880v15 is the star of this shoe. You get a plush, shock absorbing landing with no energy loss as you can spring back as you push off into your next stride.
The feel of the 880v15 is a little different from the v14. Not only because of the upgrade to the Fresh Foam X, New Balance increased the heel cushion so that there’s a firmer feel underfoot, even though at first glance it looks like it’s going to be squishy like the 1080.
The grippy outsole has a durable rubber compound on it that runs vertically. You can expect it to have the best traction on all different kinds of surfaces!
The New Balance Fresh Foam x 880v15 seems to meet all the needs and expectations of a daily trainer. This shoe will provide a stable yet comfortable run at what seems to be quite the bargain for the amount of training you will be able to obtain while using this shoe!
Our Verdict
This is a classic daily trainer from New Balance. Even with the updates to the feel underfoot it’s a shoe we still really love. Available on newbalance.com for $139.99
Similar Shoes to New Balance Fresh Foam x 880v15
- New Balance 1080v14 – (more cushioned, plush feeling underfoot)
- Asics Gel Cumulus 27 – (a great daily traininer with more of a narrow fit)
- Saucony Ride 18 – (lower stack height and lightweight)
Who tried it?
Hello, I am Charity, a mom of 2 boys and a PTA who loves to get lost on a run and work out all of life’s problems! I have been running for 28 years. (wow that means I am a little crazy! Or sane depending on who you are.)
I typically run 25-30 miles a week with a few friends and my faithful springer spaniel Maggie!
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