One Fleet Feet reviewer says it feels stable and dependable, which is ideal for a shoe that’s meant to soak up the majority of your miles. Watch my full New Balance 880v11 review below or continue reading to learn more about this shoe’s performance, what I like best about it, and who it’s best for. New Balance 880v11 Review: Run Test Review The biggest change is in the upper. The new 880v11 features a double engineered Jacquard mesh, as opposed to last year’s shoe featuring a HypoKnit upper. I found the Jacquard mesh to feel softer and even more breathable than the upper in the v10. This was particularly enjoyable on long runs when my feet were starting to get sweaty.

The biggest change is the upper. New Balance swapped the Hypoknit upper on the v10 for a jacquard mesh upper on the new model. The new mesh gives the 880 a smoother overall look and feel while remaining lightweight and breathable. It’s no different in the 880v11. The pad of Fresh Foam beneath the heel and midfoot softens each step and leads into a smooth transition. The shoe is great for the bulk of your training days and could probably work for tempo, but you may want to go to a less cushy shoe for speed work. It’s personal preference really. Not for warm daysRemoving the plastic clip in the heel decreases stability at the rear. However, the wider platform compensates for this. The free-floating tongue adds to the shoe’s premium step-in feel. New Balance padded the tongue for a soft touch that molds to the unique shape of your foot. Fresh Foam is a crowd pleaser. From the max cushioned Fresh Foam 1080v11 to the stable Fresh Foam 860v11, New Balance’s premier cushioning shines thanks to its soft landings and bouncy response. The upper is the highlight of this shoe for me personally,” he says. “The materials used and overall shape hugs my foot in all the right places. It makes the shoe fit like a natural extension of my body when running. It’s also breathable and allows plenty of toe splay.”

Designers built the New Balance 880v11 to be very similar to the outgoing 880v10, which is good news for anyone who loved last year’s model. But there are a couple small differences between the New Balance 880v10 and 880v11. A removable insole pumps up the 880’s underfoot cushioning, and it’s also easy to swap out for an aftermarket insole if you want more cushioning or need additional structure. Designers used a little bit of extra padding around the heel collar, too, which boosts the soft feel but still provides a low-profile fit. The revamped midsole remains the most notable improvement to the v12. While the Fresh Foam X was already present on the v11, adding a 2nd layer of FuelCell foam in the forefoot provides a greater energy return. The cushioning plays its full role with a soft landing followed by a smooth toe-off. The outsole of this shoe also contributed to a trusty ride. I didn’t slip around while running because of the ample blown rubber on the outsole. It’s made for long miles and helps the soft Fresh Foam X from rebounding. What’s Special About the New Balance 880v11? Top Three Things:Since 2017, we have analyzed hundreds of road running shoes, and every month thousands of runners trust us to find the perfect pair!

The two-layer midsole—Fresh Foam and a proprietary EVA—remains the same, and the blown rubber outsole didn’t change. That means you can count on the same reliable, neutral ride in the new model as the previous one. Ready to elevate your run? New Balance is proud to present a line of carefully cultivated and mindfully crafted running shoes that are designed to protect, conform, endure, and outperform. No matter the run, no matter the terrain, no matter the goal, New Balance makes a running shoe that's guaranteed to provide lasting comfort and stability.A new, single-piece jacquard mesh upper covers the shoe, and creates a clean look from heel to toe. By using a single piece of mesh, New Balance eliminated seams around the forefoot that could rub against your skin as you run. The Fresh Foam 880v11 looks and feels like a premium running shoe because New Balance engineered it with high-quality materials from top to bottom. The New Balance 880 is a wildly popular daily trainer that keeps improving every year. If you enjoyed the 880v10, then you’re going to love the 880v11 because, in my opinion, this is the best 880 yet. The New Balance 880v10 was a big update from the 880v9, but the latest version isn’t as drastic a change. My number one favorite feature is the Fresh Foam X in the midsole. Wow! It’s awesome. As I mentioned earlier, this shoe rides like a dream, and that’s all thanks to the Fresh Foam X. This foam is soft and comfortable – I felt like I was sinking into it, but it still has a responsiveness that compliments this shoe on the road. It’s just the perfect blend of soft and bouncy. I’m not sure how New Balance does it, but I’m glad they do. The Secure Fit from the Luxurious Upper