Both excel: 1080 gives plush cushioning; 880 offers firmer, versatile daily support.
You want a shoe that makes miles feel easy. I’ve been there—long runs, daily walks, and quick lunch miles. The new balance 1080 vs 880 speak to two different needs. One is a soft sofa. The other is a sturdy chair. I tested both in real life and will share what worked, what didn’t, and who should pick which to make your choice simple.
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam…
Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers our most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort. Bio-based content is made from…
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam…
Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers our most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort. Neutral cushioning – for runners…
Is New Balance 1080 Good?
Yes—especially if you want maximum softness for long miles. The 1080 (Fresh Foam X 1080 v14) is a plush daily trainer with a smooth, gentle ride. It shines on recovery days, easy runs, and long walks. If you value comfort first, it delivers. In the new balance 1080 vs 880 debate, the 1080 is the comfort king.
On a Sunday long run, my legs felt cooked at mile 10. The 1080 kept me upright and happy. Another time, I wore it for an all-day conference. My feet stayed fresh. The rocker roll felt natural. It is not a speed shoe. But for daily comfort, it’s hard to beat.
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Silver Metallic/Inkwell, 8 W
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Fresh Foam X midsole for a soft, cushy ride
- Gentle rocker that helps smooth transitions
- Premium knit upper with a flexible, foot-hugging feel
- Wide, stable base for comfort over long miles
- Outsole rubber placed for quiet, soft landings
What I Like
- Cloud-like cushioning that saves the legs on easy days
- Smooth roll makes long runs feel less taxing
- Upper stretches without hotspots
- Comfort translates well to walking and travel
- Feels luxurious the moment you step in
What Could Be Better
- Not the quickest for tempo or strides
- Soft midsole can feel too squishy for some
- More rubber could help with high-mileage durability
My Recommendation
Pick the 1080 if comfort is your top goal. It suits easy runs, recovery days, and long walks. Often discounted, so value can be strong.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Long, easy runs | Soft cushion reduces impact and fatigue |
| Recovery and daily walking | Gentle rocker and plush feel |
| Comfort-first neutral runners | Wide base and cozy upper |
Is New Balance 880 Good?
It depends on your needs, but for many runners, yes. The 880 (Fresh Foam X 880 v14) is a classic daily trainer with a balanced feel. It is steadier and a bit firmer than the 1080. If you like a stable ride with a touch of snap, it hits the mark.
I ran neighborhood loops with light strides in the 880. It felt controlled and confident. On wet sidewalks, the grip held up well. During a split workout—easy pace with short pickups—the shoe did not feel mushy. In the new balance 1080 vs 880 matchup, the 880 is the reliable workhorse.
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V14 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Taro/Bleached Lime Glo, 5 M
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Fresh Foam X tuned for a firmer, balanced ride
- Traditional upper with secure midfoot hold
- Durable outsole rubber for daily training
- Versatile for easy runs, light tempos, and gym use
- Neutral platform with natural stability
What I Like
- Stable and predictable underfoot
- Handles mixed paces better than the 1080
- Outsole wears well over many miles
- Solid traction in light rain
- Great crossover shoe for work and errands
What Could Be Better
- Less cushy for very long runs
- Ride can feel dull if you prefer soft shoes
- Upper is more structured, so less stretch for wide feet
My Recommendation
Choose the 880 if you want a steady daily trainer with range. It fits many runs and budgets well.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Daily training | Balanced cushioning and secure fit |
| Mixed-pace runs | Firmer midsole adds control and pop |
| Durability seekers | Outsole rubber holds up well |
new balance 1080 vs 880: Side-by-Side Test
I ran both shoes back-to-back on roads, paths, and sidewalks. This section shows how each stacks up in real use. If you are weighing new balance 1080 vs 880, this will make the choice clear.
Cushioning & Ride: Comfort or Control?
Both feel good, but in different ways.
| Feature | 1080 | 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Underfoot feel | Very soft, plush | Balanced, firmer |
| Transitions | Smooth rocker roll | Traditional, stable |
| Best use | Easy and long runs | Daily miles, light tempos |
| Leg freshness | Excellent on tired days | Good, with more road feel |
1080 – 9/10 | 880 – 8/10
> Summary: The 1080 wins for comfort; the 880 wins if you want more ground feel.
Fit & Upper: Stretch or Structure?
The uppers shape your experience.
| Aspect | 1080 | 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Upper feel | Soft knit, foot-hugging | Structured mesh, secure |
| Toe box | Roomy with give | Standard, more locked-in |
| Heel hold | Comfort-first, cushy | Snug and stable |
| All-day wear | Excellent | Very good |
1080 – 9/10 | 880 – 8.5/10
> Summary: 1080 for stretch and comfort; 880 for a classic, secure wrap.
Stability & Support: Neutral but Different
Both are neutral, yet the rides differ.
| Item | 1080 | 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform feel | Wide and cushy | Balanced and steady |
| Cornering | Okay, softer edges | Better, more planted |
| Fatigue control | Great for long easy pace | Great for mixed paces |
| Form guidance | Subtle rocker helps | Traditional geometry |
1080 – 8.5/10 | 880 – 9/10
> Summary: The 880 edges it for stability at varied speeds in the new balance 1080 vs 880 test.
Durability & Outsole: Miles That Last
Rubber coverage and foam firmness matter.
| Factor | 1080 | 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Outsole wear | Good, softer feel | Very good, more rubber |
| Midsole resilience | Soft, can pack slightly | Holds shape well |
| Wet traction | Good | Very good |
| High-mile use | Solid for easy miles | Excellent for daily grind |
1080 – 8/10 | 880 – 9/10
> Summary: The 880 lasts longer for most runners; the firmer base helps.
Speed & Versatility: One Shoe to Do More?
Can it handle strides or light tempo?
| Use | 1080 | 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Strides/uptempo | OK, but soft | Better snap |
| Easy to moderate | Excellent | Excellent |
| Gym/cross-training | Fair | Good |
| Travel/walking | Outstanding comfort | Very comfortable |
1080 – 8/10 | 880 – 9/10
> Summary: The 880 is more versatile. The 1080 is a comfort specialist.
Weight & Agility: Light On Your Feet
Perceived weight can affect turnover.
| Aspect | 1080 | 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Perceived weight | Light but cushy | Light-medium, more grounded |
| Agility | Smooth, less snappy | Quicker, more responsive |
| Turnover feel | Relaxed | Lively |
| All-pace range | Best easy to steady | Best easy to moderate |
1080 – 8/10 | 880 – 8.5/10
> Summary: The 880 feels a touch quicker; the 1080 is smoother and calmer.
Value for Money: What Do You Get?
Price can shift, but value is clear.
| Value Angle | 1080 | 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort per dollar | High | Good |
| Durability per dollar | Good | High |
| Versatility per dollar | Good | High |
| Sale frequency | Often discounted | Often discounted |
1080 – 8.5/10 | 880 – 9/10
> Summary: For the new balance 1080 vs 880, the 880 offers broader value for most runners.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Pick the 1080 if you crave soft comfort and a smooth ride. It shines for recovery, long easy days, and all-day wear. In the new balance 1080 vs 880 showdown, it is the comfort specialist.
Choose the 880 if you want a steady, durable daily trainer with range. It handles mixed paces better and grips well. For most runners, the 880 is the safer all-round bet.
FAQs Of new balance 1080 vs 880
What is the main difference in the new balance 1080 vs 880?
The 1080 is softer and plusher. The 880 is firmer and more stable. Think comfort-first (1080) versus versatile daily trainer (880).
Which is better for long runs in the new balance 1080 vs 880?
For long, easy miles, the 1080 feels better. It keeps legs fresh. If you mix paces in a single run, the 880 holds form better.
Is the 880 more durable than the 1080?
Usually yes. The 880 has more outsole rubber and a firmer midsole. It tends to keep its shape longer in daily use.
Which shoe is better for speed work in the new balance 1080 vs 880?
The 880. It feels more responsive and stable at faster paces. The 1080 is fine for strides but prefers easy pace.
For walking and travel, which wins in the new balance 1080 vs 880?
The 1080. It is softer and very comfortable all day. The 880 is still good, but less plush.
