New Balance 880v4 Review

The Good

Thomas: In my 5 years of reviewing shoes, the New Balance 880v4 is the best update in one generation I have ever experienced. The 880v3 was an ounce heavier weighing 11.8 oz. for size 10.5, the 880v4 comes in at 10.8 oz. The weight of the shoe is just the beginning. The fit of the upper worked for my narrow foot. New Balance calls it FantomFit. I had no heel lift, the mid foot was held secure and the toe box was roomy without getting the puckering a lot of shoes these days get from being too generous. The 880v3 feels clunky compared to the 880v4. The cushioning of the 880v4 feels firmer, yet more flexible than the previous model. This neutral trainer has a fast feel. I am guessing the faster feel comes from the lighter weight, firmer cushioning, and lower profile. The 12mm drop in the 880v4 does not get in the way of my midfoot strike and the blown rubber coverage makes this a durable choice for a trainer.

Meaghan: The New Balance 880v4 is a neutral trainer intended for lots of miles. They’ve proven their durability. I’ve put over 75 miles on mine and the outsole looks like it did on day 1. They’re comfortable and fit well right out of the box. New Balance used their Fantom Fit (the upper is created by fusing a lightweight mesh with a thicker, supportive synthetic layer) for this model, so there’s no extra stitching or added weight. My 880v4’s (size 7.5) weighed in at 8.5oz which is pretty impressive given all the cushioning and support the shoes provide. There are two layers of midsole foam and a crash pad that makes for a comfortable landing. The padded tongue and collar also add some extra comfort.

The Bad

Thomas: The tongue. New Balance loves a big puffy tongue on their shoes. The 880v4 has a swollen tongue, it doesn’t hurt the performance of the shoe, it is more of a cosmetic thing. Prices keep creeping up New Balance lists this shoe for $114.99.

Meaghan: I thought these shoes were a little stiff for everyday training. While the support was nice, I wish it had a little more give. I also had an issue with some rubbing on my left heel. I got a small blister after my first run and there was some noticeable irritation on my longer runs. Lastly, (and this is strictly an aesthetic thing) I thought the tongue had too much padding. When I would lace up my shoes, the tongue would bunch up in the middle. It looked a little ridiculous.

Conclusion

Thomas: I was a solid fan of the 890v3 and had written off the 880.  However, with the update on the v4 New Balance has added another strong choice for New Balance fans. The 880v4 has a faster more responsive feel than the 890v3. If you are looking for a faster all purpose trainer go with the 880v4, if you want more cushion go with the 890v3.

Meaghan: The New Balance 880v4 is a solid, durable neutral trainer. I wore these shoes on runs from 5-15 miles. Other than the initial heel irritation, they felt great on each run. I would feel confident wearing these shoes for marathon + distances.

From New Balance

DETAILS

The motivation behind the New Balance 880v4 men’s running shoe is simple: engineer a durable, cushioned shoe that helps runners log more miles comfortably. We started from the pavement up, building this neutral ride with 2 layers of midsole foam: durable ABZORB® cushioning closest to the ground and plush ACTEVA® LITE against the foot. T-BEAM technology in the midfoot provides lightweight support. And for a flexible fit, our FantomFit upper cradles your foot with no-sew overlays.

FEATURES

12 mm drop: due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 12 mm drop are approximate
Blown rubber outsole
Breathable air mesh

Get them at Road Runner Sports!