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The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is a running shoe designed to provide comfort and stability for daily training. This shoe is known for its reliable cushioning and durable construction.
Key Features:
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize comfort and stability for daily running. Its engineered mesh upper offers breathability, making it suitable for long-distance runs.
According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 80%. This puts it rated just below the median rating of comparable running shoes.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is praised for its comfort and durability, making it a dependable choice for a wide range of runners. Its Fresh Foam X midsole provides a balance between cushioning and firmness, offering a stable ride without sacrificing responsiveness. The engineered mesh upper is lightweight and breathable, enhancing comfort during long runs. However, the shoe's traction may be less effective in wet conditions, which could be a concern for some runners. Despite this, the 880 v15 remains a solid option for those seeking a reliable daily trainer. The shoe's 6 mm heel-to-toe drop promotes a natural stride, and its broad platform enhances stability. Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is a versatile shoe that performs well for everyday running, offering good value for money. It is a dependable choice for runners looking for comfort and durability in their daily training shoes.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 introduces several updates from its predecessor, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14. One of the most notable changes is the increase in Fresh Foam X cushioning, with an additional 3 mm in the heel and 6 mm in the forefoot, enhancing comfort and shock absorption. The heel-to-toe drop has been reduced from 8 mm to 6 mm, promoting a more natural stride. The upper has been redesigned with a more breathable mesh, improving ventilation during long runs. Additionally, the outsole features less rubber in the midsole area, reducing weight while maintaining durability. These updates aim to enhance the overall running experience, making the 880 v15 a more comfortable and efficient choice for daily training.
The Saucony Ride 18 is another comparable option for runners looking for a versatile daily trainer. Like the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15, the Ride 18 offers a balance of cushioning and firmness, providing a stable ride. However, the Saucony model features a slightly lower stack height, which may appeal to those who prefer a closer-to-the-ground feel. The Ride 18 also has a higher heel-to-toe drop of 8 mm, offering a different running experience for those who favor a more traditional shoe design.
The Brooks Ghost 15 is a popular choice among runners seeking a comfortable and reliable daily trainer. While both the Ghost 15 and the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 offer excellent cushioning and support, the Brooks model is known for its plush feel, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a softer ride. The Ghost 15 also provides a smooth transition and a secure fit, making it a dependable choice for long-distance runs.
The upper of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is constructed with an engineered mesh that is both lightweight and breathable. This design provides a comfortable fit, allowing for some stretch and accommodating various foot shapes. The mesh material enhances the shoe's breathability, making it suitable for long-distance runs where ventilation is crucial. The upper also features minimal overlays, contributing to its sleek aesthetic and providing additional stability around the heel. This combination of features ensures that the shoe remains comfortable and supportive during extended wear.
The midsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 features the Fresh Foam X technology, which offers a balance of cushioning and firmness. This design provides a stable and protective experience, making it suitable for a variety of running conditions. The midsole's cushioning is designed to absorb impact effectively, reducing strain on the joints during long runs. The 6 mm heel-to-toe drop promotes a natural stride, enhancing the overall running experience. This combination of features makes the midsole a key component in delivering comfort and stability for daily training.
The outsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is designed with large rubber sections at the front and back, providing durability and traction on dry surfaces. However, the shoe may struggle with traction in wet conditions, which could be a concern for some runners. The outsole's design contributes to the shoe's overall stability, with a broad platform that enhances balance during runs. Despite its challenges in wet conditions, the outsole remains a durable and reliable component for everyday running.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 offers a fit that is true to size, with a medium toe box that provides ample space for the forefoot. This design accommodates various foot shapes, ensuring comfort during long runs. The shoe is available in different widths, making it accessible to runners with narrow, wide, or extra-wide feet. The gusseted tongue and padded heel collar enhance the fit, providing additional comfort and preventing irritation during wear. Overall, the shoe's fit is designed to offer a comfortable and secure experience for a wide range of runners.
Comfort is a standout feature of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15, thanks to its well-cushioned midsole and breathable upper. The Fresh Foam X technology provides a balance of cushioning and firmness, ensuring a comfortable ride without sacrificing stability. The engineered mesh upper enhances breathability, keeping the foot cool during long runs. The shoe's padded tongue and heel collar add to the overall comfort, preventing irritation and providing a snug fit. This combination of features makes the 880 v15 a comfortable choice for daily running.
The cushioning in the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is provided by the Fresh Foam X midsole, which offers a balance of softness and firmness. This design ensures a stable ride while effectively absorbing impact, reducing strain on the joints during long runs. The shoe's cushioning is designed to provide comfort without feeling overly soft, making it suitable for a variety of running conditions. The 6 mm heel-to-toe drop enhances the cushioning experience, promoting a natural stride and smooth transitions.
The engineered mesh upper of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 enhances breathability, making it suitable for long-distance runs. The lightweight mesh material allows for airflow, keeping the foot cool and comfortable during extended wear. This design reduces the sensation of heat, ensuring a pleasant running experience even in warmer conditions. The breathability of the upper is a key feature that contributes to the overall comfort of the shoe, making it a reliable choice for daily training.
Stability is a key feature of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15, thanks to its broad platform and firm midsole. The Fresh Foam X technology provides a stable ride, ensuring confidence during runs. The shoe's design includes a wide base that enhances balance, making it suitable for a variety of running conditions. The outsole's rubber sections contribute to stability, providing traction on dry surfaces. Overall, the 880 v15 offers a stable and secure experience for runners seeking reliability in their daily training shoes.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is designed with durability in mind, featuring a robust outsole and high-quality materials. The large rubber sections on the outsole provide long-lasting traction, ensuring the shoe can withstand regular use. The engineered mesh upper is both lightweight and durable, maintaining its shape and performance over time. This combination of features makes the 880 v15 a reliable choice for runners seeking a shoe that can endure the demands of daily training.
The grip of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is provided by its large rubber outsole sections, which offer reliable traction on dry surfaces. However, the shoe may struggle with grip in wet conditions, which could be a concern for some runners. Despite this, the outsole's design contributes to the shoe's overall stability, providing a secure footing during runs. The grip is suitable for everyday running on roads and similar surfaces, making the 880 v15 a dependable choice for daily training.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 offers moderate flexibility, allowing for a natural stride and smooth transitions. The shoe's design includes a stiffer forefoot, which acts as a lever to aid in heel-to-toe transitions. This feature enhances the overall running experience, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. While the shoe may feel slightly firmer than previous versions, its flexibility remains suitable for a variety of running conditions, making it a versatile choice for daily training.
Runners who prioritize comfort and stability in their daily training will find the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 to be a suitable choice. Its neutral support and daily running focus make it ideal for those who cover long distances regularly. The shoe's breathable upper and cushioned midsole provide a comfortable experience, even during extended runs. Additionally, runners who appreciate a balance of cushioning and firmness will benefit from the Fresh Foam X technology, which offers a stable ride without sacrificing comfort.
Runners who prefer a softer, more plush ride may find the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 to be too firm for their liking. Those who frequently run in wet conditions might also want to consider other options, as the shoe's traction can be less effective on slippery surfaces. If a runner is looking for a shoe with a more flexible feel, they might find the 880 v15 to be slightly stiff. For those seeking a shoe with a higher drop, the 6 mm heel-to-toe drop may not provide the desired experience. Alternatives like the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 26 or Saucony Ride 18 could be considered.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is well-suited for daily running and long-distance training. Its neutral pronation support makes it ideal for runners who do not require additional stability features. The shoe's breathable upper and cushioned midsole provide comfort during extended runs, making it a reliable choice for those who cover many miles. Additionally, the 880 v15 is suitable for road running, offering stability and durability on paved surfaces.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 features a heel-to-toe drop of 6 mm, which promotes a more natural stride and smooth transitions.
While the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 offers good traction on dry surfaces, it may struggle in wet conditions, which could be a concern for some runners.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is ideal for runners who prioritize comfort and stability in their daily training, particularly those who cover long distances regularly.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 features increased cushioning with an additional 3 mm in the heel and 6 mm in the forefoot, providing enhanced comfort and shock absorption compared to previous models.
Yes, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is available in narrow, wide, and extra-wide widths, accommodating various foot shapes and sizes.
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bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
priceBand | Price band | |||||
similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | |
released | ReleasedFeb 2025 | Aug 2024 | Feb 2025 | Jan 2025 | ||
expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | | | | | |
Weight | WeightM: 281 g W: 235 g | M: 283 g W: 244 g | M: 261 g W: 207 g | M: 269 g W: 230 g | M: 218 g W: 184 g | M: 266 g W: 238 g |
Forefoot | Forefoot35 mm | 34 mm | 33 mm | 29 mm | 28 mm | 23 mm |
Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop6 mm | 5 mm | 6 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm |
Heel | Heel41 mm | 39 mm | 39 mm | 37 mm | 36 mm | 33 mm |
Brand | BrandNew Balance | Hoka | New Balance | Saucony | Brooks | adidas |
Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike |
Shoe Type | Shoe TypeComfortableLow dropMaximalist | ComfortableMaximalist | ComfortableLightweightMaximalist | Maximalist | ComfortableLightweight | Comfortable |
Rocker | Rocker | |||||
Breathable | Breathable | |||||
Techs | TechsNew Balance Fresh Foam | New Balance Fresh Foam | ||||
Common characteristicsRoadDaily runningNeutralNeutral pronationHigh archOrthotic friendlyRemovable insole |
Characteristics | |
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Sports | Running (+2144) |
Terrain | Road (+1438) |
Usages | Daily running (+1196) |
Brand | New Balance (+139) |
Support Type | Neutral (+1683) |
Pronation Type | Neutral pronation (+1658) |
Strike Type | Fore/Midfoot strike (+1186) |
Arch Type | High arch (+1605) |
Shoe Type | Comfortable (+294)Low drop (+295)Maximalist (+478) |
Fit | Medium toe box (+920) |
Features | Orthotic friendly (+542)Removable insole (+525)Rocker (+209) |
Materials | Mesh (+1020) |
Techs | New Balance Fresh Foam (+70) |
Colorways | Black, Black / Black, Blue, Pearl Grey / Dusk, Reflection, Reflection / Lime, Reflection / Rose Sugar / Grey Matte, White / Sea Salt / Black, Yellow |
Specifications | vs Average | |
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Model | v15 | |
Released | Feb 2025 | |
Measurements | ||
Weight | M: 281 g W: 235 g | |
Heel to toe drop | 6 mm | |
Heel | 41 mm | |
Forefoot | 35 mm |