TRIED & TESTED
Traditional & Dependable
Whereas many of the new running shoes coming out these days incorporate new technology and trends in their design , like carbon fibre plates or maximalist midsoles , it is actually refreshing to wear-test a more ‘ traditional ’ running shoe again . I really enjoyed running in the New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v11 – no surprise , given that I actually like the ‘ old school ’ type of shoe . – BY SEAN FALCONER
Where New Balance has made big changes is in the upper . The v10 had a Hypoknit upper , whereas this update features a slightly softer jacquard mesh upper . Some testers found the previous upper a little too thick and warm , and even a wee bit scratchy . That was not my experience , as I enjoy weave-knit uppers in general , but each to their own . The bottom line is that the v11 is more breathable , and more comfortable , and I really enjoyed the fit and feel .
I
reviewed the New Balance Fresh FoamX 1080 version 11 ( v11 ) in our February edition , and to put it in simple terms , this shoe is nothing like that model . The 1080 has a higher stack , rocker-like midsole to promote forward pitch and faster running . By comparison , you may perceive the 880 to be a bit ‘ vanilla ,’ but that is really doing this shoe an unjustified disservice . Because it is actually a solid , dependable workhorse shoe that will do a good job for most runners .
This is one of those shoes that just felt right as soon as I put it on . Just recently I have been testing a number of high-stack , plated or quite firm shoes that are designed to make you a more efficient and faster runner . I buy all of that , but I still prefer a conventional shoe with lightweight but good cushioning and a fairly flexible midfoot and forefoot . The 880 gives me that natural running feel that I like .
Loving the Bounciness
The midsole is made from Fresh Foam X , providing great soft , squishy cushioning , and other features of this shoe that I really like are the squarish , wide forefoot , grippy outsole , and snug-fitting upper . The Fresh Foam X compound was introduced in the previous version of the 880 , the v10 , and the midsole is not that different in this new version , but in my opinion it feels softer and more cushioned , so I think New Balance has made some good tweaks somewhere in the mix .
Even though the shoe appears to have a low stack and minimal drop from heel to toe , it actually comes in with a stack differential of 32mm to 22mm , giving you a 10mm drop . The trend these days is to have less than 10mm drop , so this shoe is perhaps also a little ‘ old-school ’ in that sense , but this is by no means a bad thing .
The engineers at New Balance have also reduced the amount of plastic used in the heel cup , increased and heightened the Achilles flare at the back of the collar , and generally made the heel lighter and softer than the v10 . My feet approved of the less structured heel cup , but not so much the higher collar . Again , each to their own . The result of these design changes is that the v11 is 15 grams lighter than the v10 , and the shoe is pretty much a lightweight trainer now , not ‘ just ’ a neutral cushioned model . It also feels smoother overall , thanks to its softer ride .
Always Trust Your Gut
As soon as I opened the box , I had a feeling I would like running in this shoe , and my gut feeling was spot on . As I said , I know that I have slightly conservative taste in running shoes , and as much as I am enjoying the plated and rocker shoes now dominating the market , I still prefer a traditional running shoe for my slower long runs . That said , the Fresh Foam X midsole and revised upper still give this shoe a modern feel .
So , if you ’ re looking for a dependable , lightweight neutral cushioned running shoe , you should take a look at the 880 v11 . Of course , if you have been running in a plated or rocker shoe , like the 1080 v11 , you may find this shoe doesn ’ t give you enough ‘ oomph ,’ but keep in mind that it is not meant to . This shoe can easily compliment your plated or rocker shoe , to give your running muscles a different type of workout .
In short , this is a minor update of an already popular shoe , and I think New Balance has done well to introduce good tweaks that make the shoe lighter , softer and more comfortable . But again , at the risk of repeating the same phrase over and over , it ’ s a case of each to their own , and I suggest you try them yourself to make up your own mind .
GET THEM HERE
Available at a recommended retail price of R2599 at www . newbalance . co . za , or you can ask for them at leading running retail stores that stock New Balance . ( The pair I was sent to test were all-black in colour , but there other colour versions available online and in-store .)
Images : Courtesy New Balance
54 ISSUE 140 APRIL New 2021 Balance / www ‘ sisters . modernathlete ,’ the 880 . co ( left . za ) and the 1080