New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v13 Review (2024): Still Good?
Our Verdict
Very good versatile shoes combining comfort and stability for your daily sessions.
Don’t have time to read the full review? Here’s what you need to know.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v13 is a shoe aiming to deliver comfort and protection to runners for moderate-pace runs.
The midsole features Fresh Foam X under the heel and midfoot and the more responsive FuelCell foam under the forefoot. The result is optimum shock absorption and a smooth, comfortable ride.
The upper, criticized in the previous version, has been modified with an engineered mesh that ensures a better lockdown. The outsole (already great) has been given even more rubber to offer some of the best durability on the market.
In short, it’s an ideal shoe for those focusing on comfort and reliability over performance.
Please read our full review of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v13 for more information.
PROS
- Soft, stable cushioning
- Good lockdown
- Comfortable, highly durable model
- Top-notch construction and design for everyday use
CONS
- Lack of responsiveness
Introduction
Each brand has a signature series in its collection embodying a typical running style. For New Balance, the 880 line is aimed at those looking for versatile, comfortable, and durable shoes.
The previous version was very popular, but a number of runners criticized the upper for being too bulky and the fit too loose. Has New Balance fixed its all-rounder? Let’s find out.
Cushioning
There are two foams in the midsole. First, Fresh Foam X offers comfort with medium density and a rather firm feel (though not unpleasant) for a gentle ride. Next, FuelCell is softer and more about responsiveness.
With a heel height of 32 mm (22 mm for the forefoot), it’s still “not much” compared to other similar models with a higher stack.
The 10-mm drop is classic to suit as many runners as possible without requiring any transition.
The good level of shock absorption means that you can use the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13 for all distances, making it ideal for marathon preparation, for example.
Energy return
With a weight of 9.5 oz / 269 g in US size 8.5 (EU 41.5) and a rather firm feel, the foot rolls well, and the bounce is satisfactory.
However, reactivity is not its specialty. Perhaps there should be more FuelCell foam than Fresh Foam. At any rate, it will be enough for most runners, especially if responsiveness is not your #1 criterion.
The rocker is present but moderate. It doesn’t really encourage a forefoot stride. Together with the low forefoot thickness, this confirms that the emphasis has been placed on heel stride or mid-foot strides.
Support and stability
This neutral shoe offers good stability with its rather firm ride and wide platform. It doesn’t come with any guidance technologies for overpronation, but it’s worth a shot if you are not a fan of stability shoes.
Foot Lockdown
The mesh upper is less bulky than on the v12 and more airy. It remains classic and will work well in both summer and winter.
Locking is better than on the previous version. However, despite my wide feet, I still have plenty of room. There’s nothing to worry about, especially as the emphasis is not on performance but comfort, but it’s something to watch out if you have narrow feet.
Other than that, the 880 v13 runs true to size so you can pick your usual size.
Traction
The outsole is certainly one of the most impressive I have seen and experienced. There’s a thick layer of rubber, which certainly accentuates the firmness of the impact but provides extremely effective traction.
Grip is optimal, whatever the surface, wet or dry, with the best results on roads, of course. But it also does very well on non-technical paths.
The depth of the flex grooves enhances grip and makes the sole more flexible.
Use
Let’s face it, the Fresh Foam X 880v13 isn’t for competition running, nor speed training.
However, it’s important to put things in perspective and use pace as a context when we evaluate shoes.
For example, “super shoes” express their full potential at race pace. However, you will also need a pair to accompany your preparation for slower and longer miles. Some runners also prefer using the same pair for training and racing to find the same comfort and avoid surprises (understandably).
New Balance has clearly understood this and that’s where the 880 comes in by offering an all-around, stable model with great protection and excellent durability. Add to this a top-notch design, and you have road shoes to tackle anything.
As such, it can be used for any type of session. However, it will clearly be more effective on moderate-pace long runs.
Quality and Durability
The quality of the outsole is such that I haven’t seen any signs of wear after 100 miles.
Combined with the high-quality upper, there’s little reason to doubt that the shoes can last a very long time (over 600 miles), making them a great value.
New Balance’s Green Leaf standard is an example of a more ecological design. For textiles, 50% or more of the materials used come from recycled fibers or, for cotton, from sustainable cultivation methods.
Unfortunately, the 880 is not vegan and likely contains animal products.
Conclusion
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13 is a clear step up compared to its predecessor. It keeps the highlights that make the series successful while correcting its shortcomings.
These shoes are ideal for beginners looking for a single pair for all their runs. It’s also a suitable option for more experienced runners looking for a versatile and long-lasting daily trainer for slower sessions of any distance.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel height | 32 mm |
| Forefoot height | 22 mm |
| Weight (men) | 276 g/9.7 oz |
| Weight (women) | 254 g/9 oz |
| Features | Wide feet, Recycled materials |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2023 |
| Price | Check prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Low |
Technologies
| Outsole | NDurance |
| Midsole | Fresh Foam X, FuelCell |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh |
Use
| Speed | Slow, Moderate |
| Distance | Short, 5K, Mid, 10K, Half marathon |
| Workout | Daily running |
Comparisons
New Balance 880 v12
Little has changed between these two versions. The key takeaways are the more eco-friendly design, more rubber on the outsole, and an improved upper for a better fit and lockdown.
Nevertheless, this last point alone justifies upgrading since it was the main criticism of the V12.
New Balance 1080 v13
More popular than the 880, the 1080 is the star of the NB series. It comes with even more cushioning and versatility, making it more suitable for longer distances. See our detailed comparison here.
