New Balance Fresh FoamX 880 v12

New Balance at the service of the runner with the launch of the new revision of the New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12. A daily training shoe with which you will hit the target: you know what you are buying, what you are going to find and why you are going to wear them for your long distance runs. I'll give you the reasons why you need to put these Fresh Foam 880 v12 among your favorite models for running. A real runner!

What profile of runner are these New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12 aimed at?

It goes without saying that the 880 saga lives a bit in the shadow of the iconic New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12. But, just by looking at the numbering of their versions, the 880s are just as long-lived as the 1080s. What I mean by this is that this running shoe also has a loyal following.

Who are these loyal fans of the New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12? Preferably neutral runners looking for a running shoe with maximum cushioning, stable, reliable and agile.

It is a model that adapts to different types of distances, but especially for long distances and paces. They are perfect to move in that range that goes from 4:30 to 5:30 min/km. Light and intermediate runner weights, up to 80 maximum.

Daily training shoe for long distance running, for all intents and purposes. It falls into the category of those that do not fail.

New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12, first impressions

The first point I have to make about these running shoes is that they didn't have it easy. I have to say that I am in love with New Balance 's Trufuse cushioning system with that double compound Acteva Lite and Abzorb, which favor soft, light and durable footsteps. What's more, in my humble opinion, the New Balance 880 v9 has been one of the best runners I've tried to date. But with the arrival of Fresh Foam, things have changed. Neither for the better nor for the worse, simply the sensations are different.

As things have changed, the performance of these revamped New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12 's feel with a better ride, and also a more adaptive fit and support with the redesign. No matter how many miles you're going to put in, and above all, this twelfth version of these New Balance shoes will please you with their great versatility, because they adapt to different running paces. Without being a fast shoe, it does provide agility. In short, a balance between comfortable, stable and soft cushioning, and with an optimal response for running at faster paces. All this is what the New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12 promises you. You should consider them as your daily training shoe!

What I liked best about the New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12

I don't want to get too much into the technological side of what this new version of the 880 v12 brings with it, so as not to make a lengthy and unbearable review. What I will tell you is that, as it could not be otherwise, the product developers of the Boston brand have not skimped on resources, and this model has the latest generation of New Balance technologies.

All this translates into a running shoe with simple lines, but with a very reliable base to run a high volume of kilometers, providing comfort and durability in every kilometer run on the asphalt.

Undoubtedly, and to achieve all these sensations, the update of that dual-layer midsole has a lot to say. The latest evolution of Fresh Foam X foam is present both in the heel area and in the forefoot for shock absorption and softness during landing phases. While the great novelty of these New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12 is that FuelCell underlayer, but with a somewhat denser material than what we can find in the New Balance FuelCell Propel v3 and New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2 models. However, this contribution makes the model go up a notch in dynamism and agility.

Because of this winning combination of foams, from minute one, these New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12 feel softer and better.

The upper of the shoe features an engineered mesh similar to its previous version of the New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v11. But it does feel more roomy for runners with wider feet.

Opportunities for improvement in the New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12

The "buts" to point out about the New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12. It is obvious that we are not in a line close to the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12 with those more daring designs, and that this 880 v12 model is the one that shows a more classic and conservative tendency.

Another thing, although it's more personal, the tongue offers protection and extra cushioning and comfort for safe running. But certainly, I think it is overly cushioned. In future revisions, if we tend towards a tongue that is not so sized, the model will be even lighter and more dynamic than now. I go back to the nostalgia of those New Balance 880 v9, which, in this sense, felt somewhat lighter than these Fresh Foam v12.

What models make the direct competition to these New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12?

Definitely, the answer to this question is complicated, because there are so many options on the market. However, these New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12 can be compared to these other models:

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3

adidas SolarGlide 5

HOKA Bondi 7

Saucony Ride 15

Mizuno Wave Skyrise 3

ASICS Cumulus 23

Final conclusions about the New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12

I'm very prone to say this phrase, but with these New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12 it's true: "they deliver what they promise". If you're looking for an everyday training shoe, even for your occasional running outings, this model is one of the safest options you can choose. The revamped Fresh Foam X midsole and upper make the shoe more adaptable and feel much better.

What's more, I'd even suggest this model from New Balance for those much-needed recovery runs after demanding competitions, allowing you to run at comfortable paces and in a nimble manner.

All in all, if you are a loyal follower of previous versions of New Balance's 880 family, this latest version of the v12 will not let you down at all.

RUNNEA Tester Rating

• Lightweight: 7
• Responsiveness: 8.
• Cushioning: 9
• Flexibility: 7
• Stability: 8.
• Grip: 8.