New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe Review
The New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe is designed for those who seek a balanced and comfortable running experience, whether it’s for daily workouts or more intense training sessions. This shoe modernizes your run with a unique blend of soft foam cushioning and a breathable engineered mesh upper, making it a top choice for neutral runners.
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Features
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Double layer knit, engineered mesh upper for enhanced support and breathability
- Blown rubber outsole for improved traction and durability
- Reflective detailing for added safety during low-light conditions
- 147 mm drop; approximate due to manufacturing variances
Pros
- Exceptional cushioning that absorbs impact effectively
- Lightweight design allows for easy movement
- Breathable upper keeps feet cool during runs
- Versatile shoe suitable for various types of running
Cons
- Fit may vary for wider feet
- Price point may be higher than some competitors
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | New Balance 880 V12 | Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 | Brooks Ghost 14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | Fresh Foam X | Zoom Air | |
| Upper Material | Engineered Mesh | Mesh | 3D Fit Print |
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Moderate |
| Drop | 147 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm |
Detailed Review
When it comes to running shoes, comfort and performance are paramount. The New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 880 V12 excels in areas crucial for both casual joggers and trained athletes. Let's delve deeper into several key aspects:
- Comfort: The dual-layer midsole ensures a plush feel underfoot, making each step enjoyable. The Fresh Foam X technology provides responsive cushioning that adapts to your stride, whether you are hitting the pavement or running on a treadmill.
- Breathability: The engineered mesh upper is not only stylish but also functional. It allows for ample airflow, keeping your feet fresh and minimizing moisture buildup during longer runs.
- Durability: The blown rubber outsole offers excellent traction, supporting various terrains while promising longevity. You can rely on these shoes for many miles without compromising performance.
- Style: Available in a sleek Black/Lead/Light Aluminum color scheme, these shoes are equally fashionable for casual wear as they are functional for sports.
In summary, the New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe combines advanced technology with thoughtful design, ensuring that every run is a pleasant experience.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional cushioning and support for a smooth ride |
| Durability | 8/10 | Strong materials that withstand regular use |
| Breathability | 9/10 | Effective ventilation keeps feet cool |
| Style | 8/10 | Modern design suitable for both running and casual wear |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | Higher price point, but justified by performance |
User Reviews
I've had a couple NB shoes before but wanted something for the rain. These are excellent - lightweight, waterproof, comfortable. And surprisingly warm in the cold weather. The only semi-annoying thing is the stupidly-large GORE-TEX writing on the side.
I absolutely love these shoes! I really wanted waterproof shoes that were not boots, just runners/gym shoes.These are perfect - I walk my dog 3 times/day & need comfortable shoes that will keep me dry in rain, slush, light snow. I have worn these in all of the above conditions & they have performed wonderfully. (also, I bought them on a crazy sale, so the list was only $66.99) - I have read some reviews that say the sizes run small. When I first put them on, they felt ok, just a tad tight but I figured the would loosen up with wear. After a couple of days they fit awesomely - comfy, yet no "slip or slop" something I hate in shoes - they are solid when I move sideways on a hill or wear them in exercise classes. I wear size 9.5 & these are just right for me. I heartily recommend them
These shoes look and feel great. They're a little bit pricey, but got it on sale so I am very happy with them. I originally bought them for running on the treadmill, but since they look great, I will use them for outdoors. Overall, I love these shoes.
It is a little heavier that my old new balance shoe. The giant gore-tex written on the side is hardly attractive. It is comfortable and fits as expected.
This shoe seem to be a high quality product. It is very comfortable with good support. I did get a 1/2 inch larger shoe as directed.
I walk 4 miles every morning on asphalt, so I tend to burn out shoes in just a few months. It tends to be around the 120-mile mark. (6'3" 195 lbs) Which is fine. You can see in the picture where these are at after 2 full months of daily walks. They've got another month or two, then they'll be toast. Doesn't seem to matter the brand, asphalt is hard on shoes!My last shoes were 1080 V12's, I figure I'll compare these 880 v12's to those.Out of the box, I find the 880's more comfortable than the 1080s by a considerable margin. Obviously, everyone's foot is different. But the 1080's I would have some fatigue setting in at the end of my walks. These 880's never do that to me. They were good to go straight away. The 1080's felt super squishy at the start of the walks, but always felt flatter by the end. Probably in my head, but definitely less comfortable.One big difference is the tongue. The 1080's tongue is on an elastic band that goes around your foot, and it really makes putting the shoe on effortless. The tongue is always in the right place and it's supportive.With the 880's, the tongue is my least favorite part. It's pretty short, and if you pull up on it at all, the sides curl underneath itself and you have to dig them out of the sides. I don't understand why the tongue has such a desire to curl up on itself, I've never seen this in a shoe. Might be a sewing defect on mine.But honestly, even with the annoying tongue issue, I may very well end up buying another pair of these in a month or two. The comfort is hard to beat!
Was a little nervous buying them “used” but they were great. Looked good. And felt good too.
I love everything about these shoes. I love gor-Tex on a regular light sneaker. I hate that most gor-Tex footwear are chunky boots. … I guess it’s just me, but I like walking through the grass in the mornings at the local DG park. Problem is dew.I’d love to love these, but it felt like I had them on backwards. All the padding and support hit my foot wrong.I don’t know what to say. They’re very nice shoes in theory. Others seem to have better luck, but I had to take mine back.