New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 880v12 Review

First off, the color. When I opened the box I really liked the color. It's just right to go with jeans or white pants in the summer. The blue really stands out with black as well.Next was the fit...I wear a 10M women's. Most shoes will be just a bit too narrow. These were perfect. I especially liked the wider toe box, however, it doesn't give the appearance of being wider. My toes can finally relax.The foam sole on most shoes tends to be stiff without give. I have plantar fasciitis and this is important to me. These are nicely soft with just enough stiffness to be very supportive on the wide base. The arch support is adequate. Not flat, as others.The shoelaces match the color which is a nice touch, over white. They are, however, too short.The price was as expected for a better shoe (not over $100 as most, but not $20-$30, as in big box stores).My only complaint is that the shoe laces are too short. There is barely enough to carefully tie a tiny bow, even though there is one more eyelet to thread the laces (I normally don't use this last hole). I wear the laces so they are not too tight across the bridge of my foot. Someone else may wear the laces tighter and this would make the laces adequately longer for tying.I would recommend these shoes.

Loved the color! But they are actually just as comfortable as they are cute. The sizing was perfect.

First. the shoes I ordered and received were women's. These are very comfortable. They do run a smidge small. Haven't worn them for long so I don't know how well they will last.

I love how they fit and they are built tough.

I bought these shoes because they went on sale when the updated version came out. My feet/body seem to be pretty picky when it comes to running sneakers. I need shoes with a wide toe box, arch support, and to be on the roomier side due to my high arches. I have primarily been running in a Brooks Glycerin shoe since March, and it has been the best fit/feel to date. I wanted to branch out and try some other options, and read online that New Balance tend to have decent toe box width, aren’t a zero-drop shoe, and are a versatile neutral trainer.The color was bright and looked the same as photos. I really like the look of the shoe, and they felt light & comfortable upon trying on. Walking around, they feel great. Unfortunately, when I run, the outer edges of my pinky toes brush against the toe box and I begin to feel a bit crammed/numb. I also feel they are lacking a bit in arch support compared to my current shoes. I will probably use them to walk in, or for shorter recovery runs. I rated them highly because I do think they are probably a nice running shoe for a lot of people - just not for me and my wide forefoot/toe area :).

It's a bonus when the shoe doesn't look like a ski on your foot!For reference I measure a size 11 Med with flat feet. With Orthotic inserts I need a Wide Width.This journey started in January with back/hip pain and a swollen knee. Shoes made all the difference. After several pair (through local shoe store) trying to find a pair that fit my new orthotics, I ended up with the blue gray 880 V13 pair showing under these. I hate the color! I bought them because I needed something, anything. Since I can no longer go bare foot, I need a 2nd pair for indoors. Thank you, Amazon!First thing I noticed, the different "V" versions. One person said "Color was the only difference between them." THAT IS NOT TRUE. There ARE SUBTLE DIFFERENCES in the sole. V12 is a tiny fraction narrower than V13. That makes the V12 toe box slightly smaller as well, so a thinner sock works.This shoe is considered "neutral" in support ***. ("Let the orthoditic do the work" per Dr. K.)The upper is a soft & breathable 'fabric' that adds to the light weight and summer comfort. It will be interesting to see how well it stands up to daily wear. I have been wearing them every day, all day, since July 28. There is just a touch of lavender in that brush stroke by the heel. For fun I may change to lavender laces!If you've read this far, I realize my review might create more confusion. Perhaps a bit "TMI". I don't know any other way to stress the importance of a good fitting shoe. Remember, our feet are the foundation that supports the "house" (body). As we get older our feet and the type of support may change. Had I known 30 yrs ago what I've learned this past year, I would never have bought many of the shoes I wore in the past. Apparently that extra space in front of your toes prevents toe and nail problems from developing 10-20 years later. * * * If you need a more supportive, structured shoe check out the New Balance 1540 or Hoka Bondi 7. Both are still light weight with comfortable footbeds as well.Added the second pic - same shoe, different color. It was ordered at the same time and the system keeps bringing this page up when I clicked the Review button for it.

This is a comfortable gym shoe. But they must be manufactured specifically for Amazon because it is not at all like the fresh foam 880 model/pair I purchased in a running store. This was a sale purchase so I'm not upset about it BUT the original price is comparable to a department store. If I had paid original price it would definitely be a returned item as "not as advertised "

A great New Balance shoe. Quality build and light. Looks awfully good too.