New Balance Fresh Foam 880v15 Review: Little Brother No More

Introduction to the New Balance Fresh Foam 880v15

MEAGHAN: The New Balance 880 is a staple in the world of neutral daily trainers. It’s been kicking around for more than a decade, undergoing several updates and overhauls along the way, but it’s never really set my world on fire. That said, I haven’t given it much of a chance in recent years, last lacing up the 880v4 way back in 2014.

Early versions of the 880 featured a mix of EVA foams, which gave the trainer a firm, supportive feel, but as the series evolved, New Balance introduced Fresh Foam and then Fresh Foam X, which brings us to the setup we have in version 15. The formulation of the foam itself remains the same as it was in version 14, but there are some big changes to the structure, with more foam underfoot (40.5 mm in the heel and 34.5 mm in the forefoot), a more pronounced rocker, and a wider-fitting engineered mesh upper.

With all these updates, does it still feel like a traditional 880? Let’s get into it.

THOMAS: New Balance’s 880 has always been the practical choice — a budget-friendly alternative to the Fresh Foam 1080. I preferred to think of it as the Toyota Camry of running shoes: Dependable, affordable, and unremarkable. Sure, I’ve spent my time in pairs, but I haven’t usually taken to reviewing them, instead leaving that to others on the team.

Then, for no particular reason, I tried this version on and found that it felt firm yet flexible. I noticed the upper fit well, too — not so much like a downgraded 1080 but more like a shoe with a unique role to play in the New Balance lineup. Curious, I took them for a six-mile run to see if they felt as good in motion as they did in my hallway.

They did, so I put in more miles to do a full review.

What we like about the New Balance Fresh Foam 880v15

MEAGHAN: I like to start with aesthetics, but as I write this I’m unsure if these thoughts belong in the good or bad. I received a colorway called — and I kid you not, this is what it’s called on the New Balance website — Reflection with Rose Sugar and Grey Matter. I appreciate the insanity of this naming system, but it should truly be called Yogurt Parfait, as that’s the only thing I can think about when I see it.

The white upper is paired with a light pink midsole and dark purple interior, which I kind of like and kind of hate, but let’s talk about the step-in feel. The 880 comes with a very plush collar and tongue with a wide forefoot that provides plenty of room for your toes to splay. It’s a really comfortable shoe that simultaneously offers some decent structure and support. I can’t even pick faults out of the stretchy flat laces. They’re simple, but they do their job of locking the foot in place.

As someone who tends to gravitate towards a softer midsole, I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy the ride of the 880, but it’s been a nice surprise. While the foam looks similar (and has the same name) as the New Balance 1080, it feels very different underfoot. It’s firmer and feels quite a bit denser, but it’s got just enough bounce that you feel comfortable logging easy miles. It’s also not too squishy if you need a little more structure and stability. The rocker geometry and added stack give it a really pleasant ride.

Lastly, the $140 price point seems like a win for this shoe. We’ve always called the 880 a “budget-friendly 1080,” but the quality and durability of the v15 feel pretty great.

THOMAS: Meg started with style, so I’ll do the same. The pair I received is a clean white with a touch of lime green for contrast. New Balance gave it a slightly less dramatic name than Meg’s pair got — Reflection with Electric Jade and Grey Matter — but let’s be honest: it’s white, gray, and green.

In the past, the 880’s upper always felt like a budget version of the 1080. Not this time. This mesh is soft and premium and might even fit my foot better than the 1080v15. The padded, gusseted tongue and plush collar add another level of comfort, and the fit is dialed in — true to size with no rubbing.

I usually prefer soft, bouncy midsoles, but maybe after so many miles in shoes like the Adidas Adizero Evo SL, Mizuno Neo Zen, and Asics Novablast v5, I was ready for something more traditional. The 880v15 delivers — it offers a firm ride with just a hint of softness underneath, which makes it comfortable at a range of paces.

I don’t know if New Balance updated the outsole rubber, but the traction is outstanding — almost sticky. Of all the shoes I mentioned, the 880 grips the best.

Finally, the price tag of $140 is reasonable for this versatile daily trainer.

What we don’t like about the New Balance Fresh Foam 880v15

MEAGHAN: I didn’t review the previous version, but I know from the spec sheet that this update came with some weight gain. My US W7.5 sits at 8.3 oz, nearly an ounce more than the last version. I don’t mind it so much, especially when you get more stack underfoot, but it’s something to note.

The other thing I’d like to mention is the confusing state of New Balance’s foams. The New Balance 1080 has a Fresh Foam X midsole, and the New Balance 880 has a Fresh Foam X midsole, but they feel oh so very different. Despite having a similar stack and geometry, the 880 is much firmer. I think some people will prefer that, but others will not — it’s all just very confusing.

THOMAS: My pair, a US M10.5, weighs 10.8 ounces (304 grams). It didn’t interfere with the ride, but when stacked against other shoes in its price range — the Evo SL (8.6 oz /243 g), the Neo Zen (9 oz /250 g), and the Novablast 5 (9.5 oz / 265 g) —the 880 v15 is more than an ounce heavier.

It’s also the firmest of the group, but that’s not necessarily a drawback unless you favor a softer, more responsive feel.

Final thoughts on the New Balance Fresh Foam 880v15

MEAGHAN: The New Balance 880v15 was a pretty nice surprise. It wasn’t love at first run, but I’ve really enjoyed the miles. It’s a great option for those days when your legs feel tired, but you don’t want a gooey, soft shoe. Anyone who prefers a little more structure and a supportive ride will enjoy this for daily training.

THOMAS: The New Balance 880v15 is no longer just a budget-friendly alternative to the 1080. While it comes at a lower price, it has carved out its own place in the Fresh Foam lineup. This is a nimble, versatile daily trainer — ideal for novice runners and a solid option for experienced runners looking to mix up their weekly rotation. And with its durability, you’ll get plenty of miles out of it.

You can pick up the New Balance Fresh Foam 880v15 for $140 from New Balance by using the buttons below.