New Balance Men 580 Naural Indigo MT580OG2 | New Balance Fresh Foam X Battle: 880 vs 1080 vs More

The New Balance 880 v14 features Fresh Foam X cushioning.

Mens New Balance XC Seven in black with bright cherry are no longer just for dads—they grace the feet of ambitious marathoners and novice runners alike thanks to a wide variety of styles, an accommodating range of sizes and their secret formula midsole technologies, with the most popular being Fresh Foam X and FuelCell foam. Midsole foam is the heart and sole of every shoe and, with Fresh Foam and FuelCell, New Balance makes a statement.

New Balance Fresh Foam X offers a soft, plush underfoot feeling that’s perfect for long runs and recovery miles. Fresh Foam first graced the market in 2014 and became so popular that, in 2020, designers upped the ante with Fresh Foam X—a softer, more energetic compound than its predecessor. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between three of New Balance’s most popular Fresh Foam X shoes—the 880 v14, the 1080 v14, and the More v5.

While all three shoes offer premium materials and a comfortable fit, differences in the cushioning, fit and overall feel of the models mean you may prefer one shoe over the others. Read on to learn more about which New Balance running shoe is best for you.

The Classic Workhorse: The New Balance 880 v14

The 880 v14.

Perfect for: The beginner runner, the runner seeking simplicity, the runner needing accommodating sizing.

Tech Specs

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14

Weight 7.4 oz (W), 9.5 oz (M)
Heel-to-toe drop 8 mm
Stack height (heel/forefoot) 29 mm/21 mm
Price $140

The New Balance 880 is the running shoe version of the Honda Civic—classic, dependable and reliable. It’ll get you to your destination safely and on time. While it may not have the bells and whistles of a luxury Escalade, it has everything you need. It's so popular, it's consistently one of our bestselling running shoes in store and online.

The New Balance 880 v14 is built with a single-layer midsole comprised solely of Fresh Foam X, giving it a soft, smooth underfoot feel.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed running in this,” says Travis, a 2:29 marathoner who trains on a mix of roads and trails. “Previous versions of the 880 felt heavy and clunky to me, but the updates really make a positive impact. Between the lighter weight, the two millimeter reduction in the heel-to-toe drop and the one-piece Fresh Foam X midsole, New Balance made this a shoe I was actually looking forward to running in. It just felt smoother and more energetic overall. The lighter weight makes it even more versatile as a daily trainer because I could actually pick up the pace in it.”

The 880’s stack height of 29 millimeters in the heel and 21 in the toe classifies it as a moderately cushioned trainer, which is great for runners who like to feel some semblance of the ground beneath their feet without too much pounding on the pavement.

Another notable feature of the 880 is its availability in different widths. Most running shoes are available in standard width (B for women, D for men) and wide widths (D for women, 2E for men). The 880 takes it a step further, offering narrow, standard, wide and extra-wide sizing for both genders. This makes it a great choice for runners with narrow feet or those seeking a roomy toe box due to wide feet, bunions, hammertoes or other ailments.

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The Luxury Experience: The New Balance 1080 v14
New Balance Men 580 Naural Indigo MT580OG2

The men's New Balance 1080v14.

zapatillas de running New Balance apoyo talón talla 19.5

Tech Specs

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14

Weight 8.3 oz (W), 10.4 oz (M)
Heel-to-toe drop 6 mm
Stack height (heel/forefoot) 38 mm/32 mm
Price $165

The New Balance 1080 v14 is that luxury Escalade we referenced earlier. It has a bit more cushioning (9 millimeters in the heel) for an even softer ride. Of course, with that comes a higher price point—25 dollars more than the 880, to be exact.

We felt the higher price point was worth it, given the soft yet bouncy midsole that seems to roll you along effortlessly through each stride.

“The 1080 v14 is my go-to trainer for long runs and recovery days because it’s just so soft and gives the “max-cushion” feel throughout the ride, while providing some decent energy return," says Max. "The shoe has a nice rocker shape to it with a bit of rigidity in the forefoot for smooth and peppy transitions, making it good for picking up the pace at the end of my runs.”

The 1080 v14 uses pressure-mapping technology to bring thoughtful details into the shoe, like more cushioning across wider areas of the midsole as well as increased flexibility. This lends to quicker, smoother transitions, providing that soft and bouncy feeling that’s a trademark of the 1080.

And not only is the 1080 packed with a generous amount of Fresh Foam X midsole foam, it’s got a smooth upper that wraps around your foot like a glove for a luxurious experience. The upper is both stretchy and supportive, making it work for a variety of different foot shapes. Both our wide-footed reviewer and our medium-width reviewers found the fit to be comfortable.

It’s these thoughtful details that give the 1080 a luxurious feel, making it perfect for runners who crave more cushion and more comfort. It’s an excellent choice for those who want extra softness underfoot, whether they’re increasing their mileage or just getting started.

Coming Soon

The Godfather of Cushion: The New Balance More v5

The New Balance More v5.

New Balance 24 WHITE GRAY BROWN Marathon Running Shoes SNKR Women's WRL24CRC

Tech Specs

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5

Weight 8.6 oz (W), 11.3 oz (M)
Heel-to-toe drop 4 mm
Stack height (heel/forefoot) 44 mm/40 mm
Price $155

The New Balance More v5 is the pinnacle of cushion and support. It has the thickest bed of Fresh Foam X cushioning in this lineup, giving you everything you need from a daily trainer and then some. Not only is it packed to the brim with underfoot cushioning, the More v5 has a wide base that cradles your foot from the moment you step into it.

I’m rehabbing an ankle injury, and I appreciate the wide, stable base of the More. It has what I describe as “bucket-seat” cushioning–I’m surrounded by the shoe’s high side walls rather than balancing precariously on top of a huge slab of foam.

The More v5 features a 4-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, meaning your heel sits 4 millimeters above your forefoot—significantly lower than the 880 v14 and the 1080 v13. Lower heel-to-toe drops have been known to reduce pressure on your knees and hips, making the More v5 a great choice for those experiencing pain points in those areas.

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A Core rocker shape helps you transition efficiently from heel to toe. That, combined with the wide base and ample cushioning, make for an ultra-smooth, balanced ride. Plus, the upper is equipped with thoughtful details like an asymmetrical tongue to prevent rubbing and reflective details to increase visibility.

Whether you’re training for a marathon or spending long days on your feet, the More v5 is there to provide comfort and support with each step.

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Remember, these three shoes are just a fraction of the New Balance running lineup. If you’re looking for extra stability, check out our review of the 860 v14. If you’re seeking the ultimate speed racer, the Tecnologias New balance Camisa Màniga Llarga Accelerate Long zapatillas de running New Balance voladoras media maratón talla 35.

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