New Balance’s popular 880 is a comfortable, durable daily trainer that could function as an all-around shoe for runners and walkers seeking to limit their shoe collection. Its waterproof incarnation is one of the comparatively few waterproof road shoes, and serves as an effective winter trainer on wet or sloppy days.
This year’s model, the v10, represents a significant change of direction for the model as New Balance incorporated a Fresh Foam midsole, a new upper, and a redesigned blown rubber outsole.
This review focuses on last year’s model, including the waterproof GTX, which remains widely available at a substantial discount.
Technical Information
The 880v9 is a daily trainer that combines a mesh upper to a TruFuse midsole that combines foams for a blend of cushion and responsiveness. The thinner upper layer consists of a softer, lighter foam, while the thicker lower layer is comprised of a rubberized foam designed to resist compression. The midsole is designed to provide a balance of cushion and responsiveness.
The outsole consists of large segments of blown rubber which, while not being quite as durable as carbon rubber, offer an extra measure of cushion and responsiveness. The blown rubber segments are quite thick and extensive, so wear isn’t a concern.
The 880v9’s mesh upper consists of a durable, breathable mesh with a well-padded collar.
The 880V9 GTX.
A pair of 880v9s in a men’s size 10 weights 22.3 ounces, while the GTX’s Gore Tex adds a few ounces, coming in at 25.1 ounces per pair.
Impressions and Application
While a bit heavy for speed work and 5ks, the 880v9 is a solid allrounder with enough responsiveness for higher pacesand enough cushion for longer runs. The GTX is one of the comparatively few waterproof road shoes, making it an invaluable companion on cold, wet days—at the expense of some added weight and a loss of breathability.
Plenty of ventilation in the forefoot.
The mesh upper on the standard model is breathable enough to keep feet cool on warm summer days, but it’s substantial enough to keep the winter chill out when paired with wool socks.
The blown rubber outsole adds a measure of extra cushion to these shoes, but the ride is somewhat firm, though not unpleasantly so. They fall between the Saucony Triumph, a plush daily trainer, and the now discontinued New Balance Zante Pursuit, a lightweight trainer geared more toward speed work.
Copious amounts of blown rubber in the outsole.
The 880’s rounded toe provides a roomy toe box, though the shoes run a little shorter than some. This hasn’t caused problems for me, but it’s something to consider.
This is another example of a shoe that could serve many purposes for a runner with a limited budget, and the GTX version has kept my feet dry in 5Ks and half marathons alike. These are dependable running companions that, while not the flashiest, frequently appear in club runs and races.
The Future
New Balance released the 880V10 last winter, and it’s a major update. The shoe bears a superficial resemblance to its predecessor but ushers in a host of changes, the most significant of which is a shift to New Balance’s Fresh Foam midsole. Other changes include a reshaped toe box, a more treatable knit upper, and a redesigned outsole. Reviewers have praised to new design for being more breathable, better-fitting, and softer underfoot, with a better “pop” on transitions.
This comes at a moderately higher price: $129.95 vs. 124.95 for the outgoing model. Those favoring a firmer ride might prefer the older model, which can easily be found at a substantial discount.
Type: Daily trainer, racing, half marathons
Uses: Recovery, longer runs
Weight: (men’s size 10): 22.3/25.1GTX ounces per pair
Drop: 10mm
Cost: $124.95. $64.88 at Runner’s Warehouse
880V9 GTX: $140 at Fleet Feet (often on sale in stores)
