The New Balance 880v11 (or just NB 880v11) is one of the most versatile running shoes out there. With the availability of wide and even double wide, it fits a lot of different feet. It’s fairly light and responsive and usually comes in a lot of different colors. I’ve run in several models of the New Balance 880v11, ranging back to the New Balance 880v8.
New Balance 880v11 Quick Stats:
Weight: 9 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 10 mm
Cost: $130
New Balance 880v11 Introduction:
There have been some significant updates to the New Balance 880v11. Not in a bad way, but it will feel different. The upper now has a double jacquard engineered mesh upper and a softer heel counter. It makes the upper of the NB 880v11 much softer and just more overall more comfortable. Plus, the midsole now has a fresh foam like many other New Balance models. Fresh Foam is a lot softer but than the previous version. While it will feel different, I think it’s been a good update.
New Balance 880v11 Fit:
The new double jacquard mesh upper helps lock down the foot without constricting it. With thinner overlays, it’s also more breathable. You do feel secure in the New Balance 880v11 without it suffocating your foot.
The New Balance 880 has always done a few things well, and the NB 880v11 is no different. With the medium volume, it fits inserts and orthotics well. If you have an orthotic, the New Balance 880v11 is a good shoe. The rounded toe box and wide, double wide make it a good shoe if you have bunions or a wider foot. BUT, it’s not too wide that you feel like your foot is lost in Narnia.
The rest of the shoe is noticeable, which is how shoes should be. The tongue and laces of the NB 880v11 are soft, but once you slide the shoe on, you don’t notice them. That is exactly how I like my uppers to be.
Unlike many New Balance models, the NB 880v11 has a “normal” heel counter. If you are used to a regular old soft and plush heel counter, you’ll find that in the New Balance 880v11. (unlike the Achilles flair in the 1080).
I typically wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide in running shoes. In the NB 880, I’ve worn 10.5-11 wide. This year I’ve found the 10.5 wide to fit well.
New Balance 880v11 Ride:
For me, the NB 880 has always been a shoe you can count on. It’s not a glamorous shoe, and you probably won’t see a lot of social media about it, but it’s a reliable shoe that doesn’t update drastically from year to year. You can log the bulk of your training miles in it without worrying if you need a more cushioned shoe. The NB 880v11 is no different and a reliable friend.
As mentioned, the New Balance 880v11 has gone through a transformation with the midsole with the newly added “Fresh Foam.”
The New Balance 880 v11 now has two layers of foam: fresh foam and EVA foam. Fresh foam is seen in various New Balance shoes, including the NB 1080, and it makes New Balance soft yet responsive.
Traction: Underneath the foam, you have blown rubber. New Balance is one of the more durable brands, and the NB 880v11 is no different. I’ve already run just over 100 miles in the New Balance 880v11, and it has no signs of slowing down.
Interestingly enough, New Balance hasn’t added a full outsole of blown rubber. It does have an exposed midsole, but nowhere that makes contact with the ground.
With the blown rubber, I also don’t feel as though I’m “sliding all over the place.” It can handle any reasonable element (just don’t go run on an ice skating rink).
As the years go by, I’ve found the 880 to be less and less “clunky.” It used to feel like rolling heel to toe was a chore, but now it’s one of the smoother shoes out there.
New Balance 880v11 Conclusion:
If you are looking for a high-quality shoe that accommodates many meetings, consider the New Balance 880v11. It’s a no-frills trainer that you can count on from year to year. You won’t see a lot of social media or advertising about it, but it gets the job done and what you need like any daily trainer. I’ll continue to run a substantial amount of miles in it.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs New Balance 880v11, Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Brooks Ricochet 3, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7,
Speed Work: Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the New Balance 880v11?
What is your favorite running shoe?