New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 880 V12 Running Shoe Review
The New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 880 V12 Running Shoe in Eclipse/Vibrant Apricot is your ideal partner for a range of running activities. From light jogs to intensive training sessions, this neutral cushioned shoe is designed to support you through it all. With its modernized features, including a soft foam compound and a dual-layer midsole setup, the Fresh Foam X 880v12 offers both comfort and stability. The engineered mesh upper with strategic zones of support ensures breathability and a snug fit.
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Features
- Fresh Foam X midsole delivers exceptional cushioning for ultimate comfort.
- Engineered mesh upper with no-sew overlays enhances breathability.
- Responsive bottom bed of foam adds extra underfoot cushioning.
- Lace-up closure provides a secure fit.
Pros
- Outstanding cushioning that adapts to your foot.
- Durable and breathable upper material.
- Versatile design suitable for various types of runs.
- Stylish colorway that stands out.
Cons
- May feel slightly narrow for those with wider feet.
- Limited arch support may not suit all runners.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | New Balance Fresh Foam 880 V12 | Adidas Ultraboost 22 | Brooks Ghost 14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning Technology | Fresh Foam X | Boost | DNA Loft |
| Upper Material | Engineered Mesh | Primeknit | 3D Fit Print |
| Weight (Men's Size 9) | 10.5 oz | 10.5 oz | 10.4 oz |
| Drop | 8 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm |
Detailed Review
Comfort: The Fresh Foam X midsole truly shines when it comes to comfort. You will appreciate the plush feel underfoot as it absorbs impact effectively, making these shoes perfect for longer distances or daily runs.
Design: The sleek and modern look of the 880 V12 complements its functional aspects. The engineered mesh upper not only enhances breathability but also looks great while providing a supportive fit.
Performance: This shoe is designed for performance without compromising on comfort. Whether you're hitting the pavement for a leisurely jog or pushing through high-intensity training sessions, the responsive cushioning serves you well.
Fit: While the narrow fit can be an issue for some, the overall snugness aids in maintaining stability during your runs, preventing any unnecessary movement of the foot within the shoe.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional cushioning that supports all types of runs. |
| Design | 8/10 | Sleek appearance with effective use of materials. |
| Performance | 9/10 | Responsive cushioning ideal for varying intensities. |
| Fit | 7/10 | Secure and snug; might not accommodate wider feet. |
User Reviews
Have been using ASICS GT series for many years. I generally get the older models for about half the price of the latest model. Seems I can’t find them anymore. Looked at other brands to replace them. I found the New Balance 880 and decided to try them out. I have waited until I ran 100 miles with them to review the shoe. I run 28 miles a week at a 12 minute/mile pace on the road. The midsole cushioning is still very good and the outsole is holding up well. I usually get 400-450 miles with the Asics and it appears I will get at least the same with the 880s. I usually get the wide or extra wide as running shoe toe boxes are getting smaller and smaller. I also wear orthotics which the 880 can handle. There are older models of the 880 available at nearly half the price of the latest model. For me this is a good value for the money. Overall, I can highly recommend the 880s.
Great fit, true to size. Has been very durable and comfortable
This is my second pair. I run almost every day and I buy a new pair every six months to ensure my shoes are good. :-) Never had any issues with these shoes.
Pros: Outstanding support, comfortable, good shock absorptionCons: Tight fit for size, comes with cheap shoe laces and very cheap insole insertsI chose this shoe based on a number of third-party reviews and because I have a very narrow foot and can easily twist my ankle with a lively running shoe. This shoe is actually more than lively enough, but it provides outstanding support for someone with ankle stability issues. It has good arch support and adequate but not excessive mid-foot cushioning. The overall appearance is very attractive and stylish. That said, the shoe is definitely on the tight side - it fits my 11A foot, but barely, with the great toe nearly touching the front of the shoe. The toe box could certainly be just bit bigger and some will undoubtedly need to order the shoe 1/2 size larger than usual. More problematic is that for a moderate-to-high-end running shoe, it's rather cheaply made and the laces and insole insert are particularly disappointing. The laces are flat and thin and will certainly break with use, and the inserts provide absolutely no support, bottoming out with minimal use. Anyone who actually runs in these will need to replace both.
Great looking shoe. comfortable as an everyday walking shoe. I like the fact that it's available in wide sizes.
Bought these to wear instead of my beloved flip flops in cooler weather. They are comfortable and plenty of room for the toes.
The entire family has been wearing NB since 2016 as a result of our boycott of the other brand. So comparing these to the many other New Balance we have, these are incredibly comfortable, though very bright - I have had many compliments on these. Easy on and easy off with great cushioning.
Firm support with soft feel. Used for speed walking. Has a soft impact when the heel strikes the ground, good support as the foot flattens, and firm push-off when the toe leaves the ground. Size 10 2E fits as expected. I bought a pair about 2 years ago and retired them after about 600 miles. Can be snug putting them on so may need a shoehorn. Laces are too short so will probably replace them with ones a foot or so longer. The price is right for this quality. Recommend.