Are you looking for the best shoe to help you stay active and take on your next workout? If so, you’ve likely narrowed your choice down to the New Balance 860 and 880 models. Both of these shoes offer great support and comfort, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll compare the New Balance 860 and 880 models to help you decide which is best for your feet and needs.
| New Balance 860 | New Balance 880 |
|---|---|
| ABZORB cushioning | Fresh Foam cushioning |
| Lightweight | Lightweight and supportive |
| Lace-up closure | Lace-up closure |
| Durable rubber outsole | Durable rubber outsole |
New Balance 860 and 880 are both lightweight running shoes. The 860 features ABZORB cushioning while the 880 has Fresh Foam cushioning. Both shoes feature a lace-up closure and a durable rubber outsole.
New Balance 860 Vs 880: In-Depth Comparison Chart
| New Balance 860 | New Balance 880 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $90 | $130 |
| Weight | 9.5 ounces | 13.5 ounces |
| Cushioning | Medium cushioning | Maximum cushioning |
| Traction | Stable traction | High traction |
| Durability | Good durability | Excellent durability |
| Outsole | Rubber | Blown rubber |
| Collar | Padded | Extra padded |
| Upper | Synthetic | Mesh/synthetic |
New Balance 860 Vs 880
New Balance is a popular brand of athletic shoes and many athletes have relied on the brand for decades. The New Balance 860 and 880 are two of the most popular shoes in the company’s lineup. Both shoes offer great cushioning and support, but there are some differences between them. Let’s take a look at the New Balance 860 vs 880.
Upper Construction
The upper construction of both shoes are very similar. Both shoes feature a breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for added support. The 860 has an internal bootie for a snug fit, while the 880 has a traditional lacing system. The 880 also features a molded foam collar for extra support and comfort.
The 860 also has a molded foam collar, but it is a bit more minimal. Both shoes offer great breathability, but the 880 may be the better option for athletes looking for a more secure fit.
The 860 also has a slightly wider toe box compared to the 880, making it a better choice for athletes with wider feet.
Midsole
The midsole construction of the 860 and 880 are quite similar, as both shoes feature New Balance’s signature ABZORB foam. This foam offers great cushioning and energy return, making both shoes great options for athletes looking for a comfortable ride. The 860 has a slightly firmer midsole compared to the 880, making it better suited for athletes looking for a more responsive ride.
The 880 has a slightly more flexible midsole, making it a better choice for athletes looking for a softer ride. Both shoes offer great cushioning, but the 880 may be the better option for athletes looking for a softer ride.
The 880 also features an external heel counter for added stability and support, while the 860 does not.
Outsole
The outsole of the 860 and 880 are very similar, as both shoes feature New Balance’s Ndurance rubber outsole. This rubber offers great durability and traction on a variety of surfaces. The 860 has slightly more aggressive lugs compared to the 880, making it the better choice for athletes looking for more traction.
The 880 has a slightly more flexible outsole, making it a better choice for athletes looking for a smoother ride. The 860 also has a slightly wider outsole, making it a better choice for athletes with wide feet.
Both shoes offer great durability and traction, but the 860 may be the better option for athletes looking for more grip.
Weight
The 860 and 880 are both lightweight shoes, but the 880 is slightly lighter than the 860. The 880 weighs in at around 12.4 ounces, while the 860 weighs in at around 13.2 ounces. This makes the 880 the better choice for athletes looking for a lightweight shoe.
The 860 has a slightly more bulky look compared to the 880, making it a better choice for athletes looking for a more traditional looking shoe. The 880 has a more modern look, making it a better choice for athletes looking for a more contemporary design.
Both shoes are lightweight and offer great cushioning and support, but the 880 may be the better option for athletes looking for a lighter and more modern looking shoe.
Price
The 860 and 880 are both competitively priced shoes, but the 880 is slightly more expensive than the 860. The 880 retails for around $130, while the 860 retails for around $110. This makes the 860 the better option for athletes looking for a more budget-friendly shoe.
The 860 and 880 both offer great value for the money, but the 860 may be the better option for athletes looking for a more affordable option.
Both shoes offer great cushioning, support, and value, but the 860 may be the better option for athletes looking for a more budget-friendly shoe.
New Balance 860 Vs 880 Pros & Cons
Pros
- New Balance 860 provides excellent support and cushioning for runners
- Lightweight and breathable materials used in the 860 provide great comfort
- New Balance 880 has an improved midsole design, providing more support and cushioning than the 860
Cons
- New Balance 860 lacks the stability and arch support of the 880
- The 860 is not as durable as the 880
- The 880 is more expensive than the 860
Which is Better: New Balance 860 Vs 880?
The New Balance 860 and 880 are both popular running shoes in the New Balance line. Both shoes feature cushioning, breathability, and support, making them both great choices for running and everyday wear. But when it comes to which one is better, there are a few factors to consider.
The 880 is the more recent model of the two, so it has a few more features that the 860 does not. The 880 has a higher level of cushioning and support, making it a great choice for those who need a shoe with extra stability and cushioning. The 880 also has a wider fit and more room in the toe box, which is great for those with wider feet. The 860 does have a more lightweight design, which is great for those who are looking for a less bulky shoe.
When it comes to choosing between the New Balance 860 and 880, there are a few factors to consider. The 880 is the more recent model, so it has a few more features that the 860 does not. The 880 has a higher level of cushioning and support, making it a great choice for those who need a shoe with extra stability and cushioning. The 880 also has a wider fit and more room in the toe box, which is great for those with wider feet. Additionally, the 880 is more breathable, making it a good choice for those who need a shoe that will keep their feet cool and dry.
The 880’s higher level of cushioning, support, and breathability make it the better choice between the two. Here are three reasons why the 880 is the better choice:
- It has a higher level of cushioning and support
- It has a wider fit and more room in the toe box
- It is more breathable, keeping your feet cool and dry
Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance 860 and 880 are two of the most popular models in the New Balance range of running shoes. Both shoes offer a great combination of cushioning, comfort, and support, and they are suitable for many different types of runners. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you decide which shoe is right for you.
What is the Difference Between the New Balance 860 and 880?
The main difference between the New Balance 860 and 880 is the amount of cushioning they provide. The 860 offers a firmer ride, with less cushioning, while the 880 has a more plush feel, with more cushioning. The 880 also has a slightly wider toe box than the 860, which can provide a more comfortable fit for runners with wider feet.
In terms of support, both shoes offer similar amounts of stability, but the 880 has a slightly more structured midsole and outsole, which can provide a more supportive ride for runners who pronate more heavily. The 880 also has more visible cushioning, which can make it a better choice for runners who need more cushioning for long runs.
What Types of Runners Should Wear the New Balance 860?
The New Balance 860 is designed for runners who need a firmer ride without sacrificing comfort. It is ideal for neutral runners who don’t need a lot of extra cushioning or support, and it can also be a good choice for runners who have a narrow foot shape. The 860 is also a good choice for faster-paced runs, as the firmer cushioning can help you maintain your pace.
The 860 is also a good choice for runners who need a bit more stability. The firmer midsole and outsole can help reduce overpronation, and the snug fit of the shoe can help keep your foot secure while running. The 860 is also a good choice for runners who will be running on harder surfaces, as the firmer cushioning can help absorb shock more efficiently.
What Types of Runners Should Wear the New Balance 880?
The New Balance 880 is designed for runners who need a more cushioned ride. It is ideal for runners who pronate more heavily, as the extra cushioning and structured midsole and outsole can help to reduce overpronation. The 880 is also a good choice for runners who need more cushioning for longer runs and for runners who have a wider foot shape.
The 880 is also a good choice for runners who need a bit more stability. The structured midsole and outsole can help reduce overpronation, and the extra cushioning can help to absorb shock more efficiently. The 880 is also a good choice for runners who will be running on softer surfaces, as the extra cushioning can help provide more comfort and support.
What Are the Pros and Cons of the New Balance 860 and 880?
The main pros of the New Balance 860 are that it provides a firmer ride with less cushioning, making it ideal for faster-paced runs. It is also a good choice for runners who need a bit more stability and for runners who have a narrow foot shape.
The main cons of the 860 are that it may not provide enough cushioning or support for some runners, and the firmer cushioning can be less comfortable for longer runs.
The main pros of the New Balance 880 are that it provides more cushioning and support, making it ideal for longer runs and for runners who pronate more heavily. It also has a wider toe box, which can provide a more comfortable fit for runners with wider feet.
The main cons of the 880 are that the extra cushioning can make it less suitable for faster-paced runs, and the structured midsole and outsole can be less comfortable for runners with a narrow foot shape.
Are the New Balance 860 and 880 Suitable for Trail Running?
The New Balance 860 and 880 are both suitable for trail running, but it is important to keep in mind that each shoe offers different levels of cushioning and support. The 860 is better suited for faster-paced trail runs, as the firmer cushioning can help to keep you light on your feet. The 880 is better suited for trail running on softer surfaces, as the extra cushioning can help absorb shock more efficiently.
It’s clear that the New Balance 860 and 880 are both great running shoes with plenty of features to offer. The 860 is a lightweight and comfortable shoe, making it a great choice for long-distance runners. The 880 provides superior cushioning, making it a great choice for runners who want extra support. Both shoes offer great features and are sure to meet the needs of any runner. No matter which shoe you choose, you can rest assured knowing that you’re investing in quality and comfort.
