Sign in Pro
New Balance 880V10 Review
Editor’s Conclusion
The New Balance 880v10 is certainly a crowd-pleaser. With new updates including a Fresh Foam midsole and Hypoknit upper, this running shoe has made some major improvements.
Focusing on underfoot comfort and fit, all new, and existing customers can look forward to experiencing more soft cushioning and support than ever before!
Focusing on underfoot comfort and fit, all new, and existing customers can look forward to experiencing more soft cushioning and support than ever before!
New Balance 880V10 Review Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Fresh foam X midsole
Hypoknit upper
Breathable
Flexible upper
Soft cushioning
Plenty of traction and grip
Versatile
Cons
Heavy
Thick tongue
Key Features
Cushioning
So, what can runners expect from the improved New Balance 880v10? One of the newest additions is the Fresh Foam X midsole that provides a lightweight and ultra-cushioned experience. The Fresh Foam compound provides a softer landing whilst having a distinctive firmness to the midsole that is noticeable when pushing off from the ground. If you prefer a snappy toe-off, the New Balance 880v10 is a great choice. The Fresh Foam X also achieves a better bounce when running.
Upper
What I like about this running shoe is its redesigned upper. The new engineered Hypoknit mesh upper is extremely lightweight. It is also super soft whilst being supportive, particularly around the heel and arch area of my foot. A new external heel counter helps to hold the heel in place. I noticed that there was more stretch in the material, particularly along the midfoot and toe area. The forefoot area also has a great level of flexibility which was noticeable when out running.
Other Benefits
Other features include a blown rubber outsole that provides a fantastic rebound. A molded footbed that provides a comfortable base and a molded external heel counter ensures heel movement is controlled. The New Balance 880v10 has a 10mm heel drop. It also has flat laces, a padded tongue, and 3D printed eyelets.
Performance
The New Balance 880v10 running shoe is an extremely versatile trainer. When it comes to performance the shoe can be worn for both easy runs and long runs. I found that the shoe excelled when I wore it on a long run, along the road.
Stability and Grip
The running shoe is great if you require a trainer that will give you stability. The shoe's outsole is made from a blown rubber material that provides plenty of grip and traction. It has an external heel counter that works by keeping your heel firmly in place. The New Balance 880v10 also has a firmer midsole.
Responsiveness
The New Balance 880v10 is not as responsive as the New Balance 880v9. This is down to the inclusion of Fresh Foam X in the midsole that makes the shoe softer, reducing its responsiveness.
Outsole
New Balance is widely known for producing quality running shoes and the New Balance 880v10 is no exception. The shoe is known for its high-quality outsole and a fantastic level of traction on offer. Made from a blown rubber material, the shoe’s outsole features plenty of traction, allowing to confidently explore a variety of terrains. The flex grooves in the forefoot and crash pads in the heel gives a smooth transition from heel to toe.
Fit
Further benefits worth mentioning are that the shoe offers a roomy toe box, allowing your feet to spread out easily. When putting on the shoe, I was also pleased to find that it was true to size.
So, what can runners expect from the improved New Balance 880v10? One of the newest additions is the Fresh Foam X midsole that provides a lightweight and ultra-cushioned experience. The Fresh Foam compound provides a softer landing whilst having a distinctive firmness to the midsole that is noticeable when pushing off from the ground. If you prefer a snappy toe-off, the New Balance 880v10 is a great choice. The Fresh Foam X also achieves a better bounce when running.
Upper
What I like about this running shoe is its redesigned upper. The new engineered Hypoknit mesh upper is extremely lightweight. It is also super soft whilst being supportive, particularly around the heel and arch area of my foot. A new external heel counter helps to hold the heel in place. I noticed that there was more stretch in the material, particularly along the midfoot and toe area. The forefoot area also has a great level of flexibility which was noticeable when out running.
Other Benefits
Other features include a blown rubber outsole that provides a fantastic rebound. A molded footbed that provides a comfortable base and a molded external heel counter ensures heel movement is controlled. The New Balance 880v10 has a 10mm heel drop. It also has flat laces, a padded tongue, and 3D printed eyelets.
Performance
The New Balance 880v10 running shoe is an extremely versatile trainer. When it comes to performance the shoe can be worn for both easy runs and long runs. I found that the shoe excelled when I wore it on a long run, along the road.
Stability and Grip
The running shoe is great if you require a trainer that will give you stability. The shoe's outsole is made from a blown rubber material that provides plenty of grip and traction. It has an external heel counter that works by keeping your heel firmly in place. The New Balance 880v10 also has a firmer midsole.
Responsiveness
The New Balance 880v10 is not as responsive as the New Balance 880v9. This is down to the inclusion of Fresh Foam X in the midsole that makes the shoe softer, reducing its responsiveness.
Outsole
New Balance is widely known for producing quality running shoes and the New Balance 880v10 is no exception. The shoe is known for its high-quality outsole and a fantastic level of traction on offer. Made from a blown rubber material, the shoe’s outsole features plenty of traction, allowing to confidently explore a variety of terrains. The flex grooves in the forefoot and crash pads in the heel gives a smooth transition from heel to toe.
Fit
Further benefits worth mentioning are that the shoe offers a roomy toe box, allowing your feet to spread out easily. When putting on the shoe, I was also pleased to find that it was true to size.
What I do not like..
There are, however, some potential drawbacks worth considering with this shoe. Unfortunately, the shoe is on the heavy side, weighing 10.3oz. So, if you prefer wearing lightweight trainers the New Balance 880v10 may not be the best option for you.
I found that the tongue of the shoe was also too thick, making it a bit uncomfortable along the front of my foot.
I found that the tongue of the shoe was also too thick, making it a bit uncomfortable along the front of my foot.
Compared to Previous Models
If you regularly buy from the New Balance 880 series, you will be aware that there have been a couple of noticeable changes from New Balance 880v9 to New Balance 880v10.
The biggest changes are that the New Balance 880v10 has a Fresh Foam midsole and an updated Hypoknit upper.
Both features have massively improved the comfort of the shoe by providing more cushioning and a better fit, particularly in the shoe's upper.
The biggest changes are that the New Balance 880v10 has a Fresh Foam midsole and an updated Hypoknit upper.
Both features have massively improved the comfort of the shoe by providing more cushioning and a better fit, particularly in the shoe's upper.
Verdict
Overall, if you are looking for a versatile running shoe that offers a good amount of cushioning and a fully supportive upper, then I would recommend choosing the New Balance 880v10.
Featuring a Fresh Foam midsole and a Hypoknit upper, you can enjoy soft bouncy cushioning as well as a stretchy but supportive upper that will allow your feet to breathe easily. What this shoe may lack in responsiveness, it makes up in comfort and fit. The running shoe provides a fantastic level of stability and if you are partial to a snappy toe-off, this is the shoe for you!
The shoe’s outsole also provides plenty of grip and traction allowing you to focus solely on your running rather than what’s under your feet.
Featuring a Fresh Foam midsole and a Hypoknit upper, you can enjoy soft bouncy cushioning as well as a stretchy but supportive upper that will allow your feet to breathe easily. What this shoe may lack in responsiveness, it makes up in comfort and fit. The running shoe provides a fantastic level of stability and if you are partial to a snappy toe-off, this is the shoe for you!
The shoe’s outsole also provides plenty of grip and traction allowing you to focus solely on your running rather than what’s under your feet.
See Deal