I have been a long-time fan of the New Balance 880 for about six years as my main training shoe. The v14 was a great shoe, so I was nervous about the innovations to this year’s model. My feet are fussy and don’t do well with change!
The v15 surpassed all my expectations.
The shoe felt like it disappeared on my feet as I ran. It’s cushioned and stacked without feeling like energy is lost into the ground. The stack height suggests a very soft ride like that of the 1080, but don’t let the looks of the shoe deceive you. The Fresh Foam is a firmer version and is very responsive.
The heel-to-toe drop has decreased from 8mm to 6mm, which gives a nice feel for the ground. I don’t like being pushed forward onto my forefoot with a shoe. With this version my foot lands naturally. The Evolved Fresh Foam X Midsole also has additional midsole height for more cushioning and the new last allows for additional forefoot cushioning. It’s super comfortable.
I raced cross country and track in university and developed my mechanics as a runner in racing flats and spikes. I am used to a very low-profile ride. The lower drop in this shoe helps it feel like a fast, natural ride, similar to my experience in the flatter shoes of my youth, but with way more cushion for my current princess feet.
The overall look of the v15 is quite bulky, but this isn’t felt at all during a run. I never experienced my feet hitting each other or noticed the extra weight of the shoe.
Feel
- Generous toe box for toes to splay
- Premium comfort with a soft collar and tongue
- Great traction
- Bouncy and responsive
Function
- Fresh foam is stacked and dense
- Slight rocker experience
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Stable and neutral
Aesthetics
- Chunkier look
- Stacked sole
- Fabulous spring colours, fun mix in uppers and soles
- Flat, stretchy laces
Specs
880v14 880v15
Stack Height: 29mm/21mm Stack Height: 32mm/26mm Midsole + Outsole
Drop: 8mm Drop: 6mm
Weight: 9.5oz (269g)/7.4oz (209g) Weight: 10.7oz (304g)/8.3oz (238g
Overall, the shoe keeps getting better! Even though the 880 is classified as a training shoe, I race and perform very well in it. It gives me everything I need all in one shoe. I rate the v15 a 9/10 and highly recommend this shoe for everyday training and more.
If you want to try these shoes visit our awesome shoe fitters or you can buy them online.