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New Balance 880 and New Balance 860 are two popular shoes for comfort, cushioning, and durability. New Balance 880 is a neutral daily trainer with a soft, balanced ride, while the New Balance 860 is a stability shoe built to help with overpronation. New Balance 880 is the more updated and versatile option for a wider range of runners, whereas the New Balance 860 focuses on structured support for injury prevention. This comparison will help you quickly understand the differences and decide which one is the better fit for your lifestyle.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Fresh Foam X cushioning:- New Balance 880 features a full-length Fresh Foam X cushioning that provides a softer and more balanced ride for daily training.
- New Balance 860 uses Fresh Foam X with a firmer feel for added stability.
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Softer Underfoot Feel:- New Balance 880 has a plush midsole that reduces impact to improve comfort during long runs.
- New Balance 860 feels firmer underfoot to maintain motion control.
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Flexibility:- New Balance 880 includes a more flexible forefoot that allows smoother toe-off and natural foot movement.
- New Balance 860 is stiffer to limit excess pronation.
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Breathability:- New Balance 880 features an engineered mesh upper with larger ventilation zones to improve airflow in warm conditions.
- New Balance 860 has a more structured upper with targeted but less open ventilation.
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Lightweight:- New Balance 880 has a lighter build that helps reduce fatigue over long distances.
- New Balance 860 is heavier due to its stability features.
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Smoother Transitions:- New Balance 880 comes with a more flexible midsole that helps create a natural heel-to-toe transition.
- New Balance 860 focuses more on stability than transition smoothness.
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Wider Toe Box:- New Balance 880 features a slightly wider toe box that allows more room for toe splay and comfort.
- New Balance 860 offers a standard toe box fit.
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Better Shock Absorption:- New Balance 880 has a thicker cushioning layer that helps reduce joint stress during impact.
- New Balance 860 provides moderate shock absorption with its firmer foam.
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More Versatile Use:- New Balance 880 supports a wider range of activities from daily training to light workouts.
- New Balance 860 is best for stability-focused runs.
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Modern Design:- New Balance 880 features a sleeker and more modern aesthetic that suits both running and casual wear.
- New Balance 860 has a more traditional stability shoe appearance.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | New Balance 880 | New Balance 860 |
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| Type | Neutral running shoe | Stability running shoe |
| Midsole | Fresh Foam X full-length | Fresh Foam X with medial post |
| Cushioning Level | High cushioning with balanced softness | Firm cushioning with added support |
| Weight (Men’s) | ~10.2 oz | ~11.0 oz |
| Drop | 10 mm | 10 mm |
| Upper Material | Engineered mesh for flexibility | Engineered mesh with structured overlays |
| Support | Neutral support | Moderate to high stability |
| Flexibility | High flexibility for smoother stride | More rigid for motion control |
| Breathability | Enhanced airflow zones | Targeted breathability with extra structure |
| Best For | Daily training, long runs | Overpronators, stability-focused runs |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the New Balance 880 if you:- Want a neutral shoe with soft, balanced cushioning for all-day comfort.
- Prefer lighter shoes for reduced fatigue during long-distance running.
- Need better flexibility and smoother transitions for a natural stride.
- Value enhanced breathability for warm-weather runs.
- Want a versatile option for both training and casual wear.
Check New Balance 880 Best Price Buy the New Balance 860 if you:- Need extra stability to control overpronation and prevent injury.
- Prefer a firmer, more structured ride for added support.
- Want maximum durability with reinforced upper and outsole design.
- Run mostly on flat roads and want predictable motion control.
- Like a traditional stability shoe feel over a softer, flexible one.
Check New Balance 860 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
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| Fresh Foam X Cushioning | New Balance 880 |
| Softer Underfoot Feel | New Balance 880 |
| Enhanced Flexibility | New Balance 880 |
| Improved Breathability | New Balance 880 |
| Lighter Weight | New Balance 880 |
| Smoother Transitions | New Balance 880 |
| Wider Toe Box | New Balance 880 |
| Better Shock Absorption | New Balance 880 |
| More Versatile Use | New Balance 880 |
| Modern Design | New Balance 880 |
What They Have in Common
- Cushioning Technology: Both shoes feature New Balance’s Fresh Foam midsole, providing soft yet responsive cushioning for long-distance comfort.
- Breathable Upper: Each model includes an engineered mesh upper that promotes airflow, keeping feet cool during extended runs.
- Durability: Both shoes use a blown rubber outsole that enhances traction and resists wear, making them ideal for high-mileage runners.
- Fit Options: Each model is available in multiple widths, allowing runners to choose a more personalized fit for their foot shape.
- Heel Support: Both shoes incorporate a structured heel counter that stabilizes the rearfoot, reducing excessive movement and improving overall running efficiency.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Which shoe is better for neutral runners, the New Balance 880 or the 860?
The New Balance 880 is better for neutral runners because it provides balanced cushioning without added stability features, making it more suitable for those with a natural gait.
Which shoe is better for overpronation?
The New Balance 860 is better for overpronation as it has a medial post and firmer cushioning that help control excessive inward foot roll.
Is the New Balance 880 lighter than the 860?
Yes, the New Balance 880 is lighter, which can help reduce fatigue during longer runs.
Which shoe offers more cushioning?
The New Balance 880 offers more cushioning with a softer underfoot feel, while the 860 is slightly firmer for added support.
Which shoe is more breathable?
The New Balance 880 is more breathable due to its engineered mesh upper with larger ventilation zones.
Do both shoes have the same heel-to-toe drop?
Yes, both the New Balance 880 and 860 have a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop.
Which shoe is more versatile for different activities?
The New Balance 880 is more versatile and can be used for daily training, long runs, and light workouts, while the 860 is mainly designed for stability-focused running.
Which shoe lasts longer?
The New Balance 860 generally offers more durability due to its reinforced structure and stability features.
Which shoe has a wider toe box?
The New Balance 880 has a slightly wider toe box, giving more space for toe splay and comfort.