Both are excellent daily trainers; 860 stabilizes overpronation, 880 favors soft neutral miles.
Training for a race, sore arches, or long days on your feet? That’s where the new balance 860 vs 880 shine. The 860 offers guided stability for overpronation. The 880 is a neutral, cushioned workhorse for easy miles. I ran in both on roads, treadmill, and wet sidewalks. Below I share what stood out so you can choose the right partner for your goals.
Is New Balance 860 Good?
Yes—if you want reliable stability without a harsh ride. The New Balance 860 is a support shoe that keeps your stride aligned. It works well for overpronators, runners with flat feet, and anyone who needs structure for long shifts. The ride is a touch firmer, but that firmness pays off in control and confidence on tired legs.
On a muggy evening tempo, the 860 kept my form steady when I started to fade. I also used it for a full day of errands and felt less arch fatigue than usual. Wet pavement? The grip felt secure, and the heel counter held me in place on quick turns. For the new balance 860 vs 880 debate, the 860 is the no-drama stability pick.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Fresh Foam X cushioning tuned for stable, controlled landings
- Medial support to reduce overpronation and improve alignment
- Approximately 10 mm drop for a familiar heel-to-toe feel
- Engineered mesh upper with a firm heel counter for lockdown
- Durable Ndurance rubber outsole with confident road traction
What I Like
- Trustworthy guidance without feeling rigid or intrusive
- Excellent cornering and stability late in long runs
- Roomy forefoot with a secure midfoot wrap
- Outsole wear is slow; it handles high-mileage weeks
- Works for running, walking, and long on-your-feet days
- Available in multiple widths for a better fit
What Could Be Better
- Heavier feel than nimble daily trainers
- Firmer ride may feel stiff for recovery days
- Neutral runners may notice the medial support
My Recommendation
If you need support, pick the 860. It’s stable, durable, and consistent. Great value if you overpronate.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Overpronators and flat-footed runners | Medial support guides your stride |
| Long easy runs and daily training | Stable platform reduces fatigue |
| All-day wear | Supportive structure with durable outsole |
Is New Balance 880 Good?
Yes—if you want a neutral, do-it-all trainer with a smooth, cushioned ride. The New Balance 880 is the shoe I grab when I want comfort and simplicity. It is softer than the 860 and feels more lively at moderate paces. It’s a classic daily trainer that does almost everything well.
I used the 880 for weekday 5Ks and weekend errands, and it shined on both. On the treadmill, the transition felt buttery and quiet. On a city loop with mixed pavement, the cushioning kept my legs fresh. In the new balance 860 vs 880 choice, the 880 wins for neutral comfort and versatility.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Fresh Foam X cushioning for a soft, balanced ride
- Neutral platform for runners without stability needs
- Approximately 10 mm drop for easy transitions
- Breathable engineered mesh upper with secure heel hold
- Ndurance outsole for long-lasting grip on roads
What I Like
- Comfortable step-in and smooth roll through toe-off
- Versatile for easy runs, daily wear, and light tempo
- Feels a bit lighter and more agile than the 860
- Breathes well in warm weather
- Multiple widths and sizes to dial in fit
What Could Be Better
- Not enough support for heavy overpronation
- Not the snappiest option for fast intervals
- Outsole can feel stiff until it breaks in
My Recommendation
Choose the 880 if you’re a neutral runner wanting one shoe for most runs.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Neutral daily training | Soft, smooth, and consistent ride |
| Treadmill and road miles | Quiet transitions and steady grip |
| Runners who value comfort | Plush step-in feel without bulk |
new balance 860 vs 880: Side-by-Side Test
After logging miles in both, I compared the details that matter day-to-day. Here’s how new balance 860 vs 880 stack up in real use.
Support & Stability: Which Keeps You Straighter?
Stability is the core split in the new balance 860 vs 880 decision.
| Feature | New Balance 860 | New Balance 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Stability type | Stability (medial support) | Neutral |
| Guidance feel | Noticeable, controlled | Natural, free |
| For overpronation | Excellent | Limited |
| Alignment late in run | Very consistent | Good if neutral |
Rating: 860 – 9.5/10 | 880 – 6/10
Edge: 860. It provides the support many runners need, without feeling harsh.
Cushion & Ride Feel: Which Feels Softer?
Both use Fresh Foam X, but their personalities differ.
| Aspect | New Balance 860 | New Balance 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium-firm | Medium-soft |
| Bounce/energy | Controlled, steady | Smoother, a bit livelier |
| Impact protection | High, stable | High, plush |
| Best for | Steady daily miles | Easy and moderate runs |
Rating: 860 – 8/10 | 880 – 8.5/10
Edge: 880. It’s softer and smoother for most neutral runners.
Fit & Upper Comfort: Which Feels Better On Foot?
The upper fit shapes how confident your foot feels.
| Fit Area | New Balance 860 | New Balance 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Toe box | Roomy but structured | Roomy and more relaxed |
| Heel hold | Firm lockdown | Secure, slightly softer feel |
| Breathability | Good | Very good |
| Comfort out of box | Short break-in | Ready from day one |
Rating: 860 – 8.2/10 | 880 – 8.7/10
Edge: 880. It breathes better and needs less break-in for most feet.
Weight & Agility: Which Feels Lighter?
Perceived weight affects turnover and fun factor.
| Measure | New Balance 860 | New Balance 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Perceived weight | A bit heavy | Moderate-light |
| Turnover | Steady | Quicker |
| Tempo friendliness | Occasional | Decent |
| Flexibility | Moderate | More flexible |
Rating: 860 – 7.5/10 | 880 – 8.3/10
Edge: 880. It feels lighter and more agile on foot.
Durability & Grip: Which Lasts Longer?
The outsole and foam shape long-term value.
| Factor | New Balance 860 | New Balance 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Outsole rubber | Generous coverage | Generous coverage |
| Wear rate | Slow | Slow |
| Wet traction | Very sure-footed | Sure-footed |
| Rotation use | Great anchor shoe | Great daily driver |
Rating: 860 – 8.8/10 | 880 – 8.6/10
Edge: 860. Slightly better grip and a tank-like outsole.
Versatility & Use Cases: Which Covers More Ground?
Consider what you do most: easy miles, walks, or mixed paces.
| Use Case | New Balance 860 | New Balance 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Daily training | Excellent | Excellent |
| Long runs | Very good | Very good |
| Speed work | Limited | Moderate |
| Walking/standing | Great for support | Great for comfort |
Rating: 860 – 8.5/10 | 880 – 8.8/10
Edge: 880 for most neutral runners; 860 if you need support all day.
Value for Money: Which Feels Worth It?
Both usually sit in a similar price band and offer broad sizes.
| Value Metric | New Balance 860 | New Balance 880 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical MSRP | Usually similar | Usually similar |
| Expected lifespan | High mileage potential | High mileage potential |
| Tech/features | Stability + Fresh Foam X | Neutral + Fresh Foam X |
| Width options | Multiple widths | Multiple widths |
Rating: 860 – 8.5/10 | 880 – 8.5/10
Edge: Tie. Pick based on your support needs, not price.
Sizing & Break-In: Which Is Easier To Live With?
Fit and break-in can make or break comfort in the new balance 860 vs 880 decision.
| Fit Factor | New Balance 860 | New Balance 880 |
|---|---|---|
| True to size | Yes for most | Yes for most |
| Break-in time | Short break-in | Minimal break-in |
| Orthotic-friendly | Very | Very |
| Toe box room | Structured roomy | Relaxed roomy |
Rating: 860 – 8.2/10 | 880 – 8.5/10
Edge: 880. It feels broken-in sooner and slightly more forgiving up front.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Pick the New Balance 860 if you overpronate, have flat feet, or want steady guidance on every step. It is stable, durable, and confidence-boosting on tired legs. In the new balance 860 vs 880 matchup, the 860 is your support specialist.
Choose the New Balance 880 if you are neutral and want one shoe for most runs. It is softer, a bit lighter, and easier to enjoy at many paces. For most neutral runners, the 880 will feel like the better daily trainer.
FAQs Of new balance 860 vs 880
What is the main difference between the new balance 860 vs 880?
The 860 is a stability shoe with medial support for overpronation. The 880 is a neutral daily trainer with softer, smoother cushioning.
Which is better for flat feet in the new balance 860 vs 880 comparison?
The 860. Its support helps align your stride and reduces inward roll. The 880 is better for neutral runners.
Do both models fit true to size?
Yes, both are generally true to size and come in multiple widths. If you are between sizes, consider your preferred toe room.
Which works better for marathon training: new balance 860 vs 880?
If you need stability, pick the 860 for long-run control. If you are neutral and want comfort for most miles, the 880 is the better all-rounder.
Are they good for walking and standing all day?
Yes. The 860 is great if you want support; the 880 excels for soft comfort. Choose based on whether you need stability or neutral cushioning.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
