New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15 Review
The New Balance 880v15 is a neutral road running shoe designed for everyday runs. It is versatile enough for slow recovery runs, long runs, and even some faster-paced efforts. The 880v15 is significantly different from its predecessor, the New Balance 880v14. While it is intended for the same type of road running, it delivers a completely different feel and ride experience.
The stack height has increased from 29mm in the heel and 21mm in the forefoot to 40mm and 34mm, respectively—an 11mm increase in the heel. This level of stack height is typically seen in max-cushion shoes, which are often associated with soft, easy-pace running. However, the 880v15 challenges this assumption. New Balance has demonstrated that max cushioning is not just about stack height but also about midsole composition. While the 880v15 has a high stack, its Fresh Foam X midsole is not as soft as that of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 or the lower-stack New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14. Instead, the 880v15 offers a more responsive ride, facilitating a quicker transition from heel to forefoot. This provides a slight kick at toe-off, making it easier to pick up the pace. As a result, the 880v15 is suitable not just for easy and long runs but also for some faster running.
The Fresh Foam X midsole delivers an initial soft, cushioned feel, but the firmer foam and rocker geometry help keep the foot moving efficiently through toe-off. Fresh Foam consists of rubber infused with numerous small bubbles. These bubbles are larger in the heel for a cushioned impact and gradually decrease in size toward the forefoot. This design aids in a smooth transition from heel to forefoot, delivering a positive push at toe-off and enabling the runner to generate more speed.
The increased midsole foam has added weight, making the 880v15 more than an ounce heavier than its predecessor. However, this does not translate to a noticeably heavier feel in hand or on foot. More importantly, the 880v15 feels light and agile while running.
The heel-to-forefoot drop has been reduced to 6mm, which promotes a smoother transition and minimizes heel striking. The shoe’s wider base and higher sidewalls enhance stability. The increased sidewall height allows the foot to sit within the midsole, guiding it through the gait cycle from landing to takeoff. This thicker midsole results in a less flexible forefoot compared to the previous version, creating a more controlled ride. While this can feel slightly restrictive, it may also help improve a runner’s natural gait efficiency.
Midsoles with rocker designs are becoming the norm in modern running shoes as they help reduce over striding and excessive heel striking. This promotes a more upright posture, encouraging the engagement of the hamstrings and glutes. A more efficient running form can reduce the risk of injury and lessen overall strain on the body.
The heel cup, cuff, and tongue are well-padded for enhanced comfort. The gusseted tongue helps prevent debris from entering the shoe and reduces the likelihood of tongue movement during runs. An additional lace hole at the top allows for heel-lock or butterfly lacing. The fit remains snug, similar to other New Balance models, with the engineered mesh upper offering a soft and comfortable feel.
The New Balance 880v15 is available in three widths for men and two widths for women, allowing runners to find their ideal fit. New Balance shoes tend to fit slightly smaller than brands like Brooks, Saucony, Altra, and Topo. If you typically wear these brands, you may need to size up by half a UK size to achieve a similar fit.
My experience with the New Balance 880v15 was positive. The shoe offers a dual personality: during easy runs, the cushioning provides a soft initial feel, and the ride does not encourage speed. However, when running at a quicker pace, the midsole feels firmer and more responsive, with the rocker aiding in smooth forward momentum. The main curve in the midsole is positioned in the midfoot area. At slower speeds, I landed on or slightly behind this curve, allowing for a guided transition to toe-off. When running faster, I landed slightly farther forward, and the rocker helped push me through each stride more efficiently. The firmer midsole in this area also added responsiveness.
The New Balance 880v15 is a solid all-around road running shoe, though it has limitations. No shoe can be both ultra-soft for easy runs and highly responsive for speedwork. If you want a single road running shoe for all types of training and have a neutral gait, the 880v15 is one of the most versatile daily trainers available. However, if you already own a dedicated speed shoe for races and interval sessions, whether the 880v15 is the right complement depends on your training preferences. If you prefer an ultra-soft midsole that feels like running on pillows, the New Balance 1080v14 or More v5 may be better options. However, if you favor less compression on landing and a shoe that performs well on varied terrain, makes hill running easier, and allows for occasional bursts of speed, then the 880v15 is worth considering.
In summary, the New Balance 880v15 is a completely different shoe from its predecessor. Whether it is better depends on your preference: if you enjoy a shoe with a rocker design, this update may be an improvement; if you prefer a traditional high-heel, flexible-forefoot model, you may prefer the previous version. Despite the changes, the 880v15 remains highly versatile, offering a stable, neutral ride that is comfortable at slow paces yet capable of handling all but the fastest efforts.
Other Considerations
Hoka Clifton 9: A softer ride makes them not quite as quick but, they have a similar profile. Available in two width men’s and women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-clifton-9-review/
361 Meraki 6: A much smoother transition from heel to toe. More of a cruiser than a fast running shoe which makes them not quite as good for picking up the pace. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/361-meraki-6-review-361-degrees/
Brooks Ghost 16: A much bouncier midsole and a higher heel to forefoot drop. Available in three width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-ghost-16-review/
Altra Experience Flow: A more rounded toe box allows more room for the foot to spread on impact. The midsole is a lot firmer and for that reason better at quicker paces. They can feel a bit too firm when your legs a really tired and you just want to plod along. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-experience-flow-review/
Topo Phantom 3: A broad rounded toe box allows more room for the feet to function inside the shoes. The midsole is firm and there is no rocker. The 5mm heel to forefoot drop encourages a more midfoot landing to give a more natural ride. You feel like you are running rather than riding the shoe. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-phantom-3-review/
Inov-8 RoadFly: A broad rounded toe box and low drop encourage a more midfoot landing. The midsole is soft on impact and very flexible which allows for a high amount of foot function. Like in the Phantom you are running rather than riding the rocker or curve of the shoes. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/inov-8-roadfly-review/
Karhu Fusion 4: Karhu’s fulcrum helps to provide some propulsion and maintain good posture. A Nitrogen infused midsole gives the shoes some bounce. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/karhu-fusion-4-review/
Saucony Ride 18: 8mm heel to forefoot and less of a rocker makes the Ride 18 a bit less smooth from heel to forefoot. The midsole is soft and flexible in the forefoot. Similar in many ways to the 880v14 rather than the stiffer more controlling rocker of the 880v15. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/saucony-ride-18-review/
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