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New Balance 880 and New Balance 1080 are two popular shoes for comfort, cushioning, and durability. New Balance 1080 is the more advanced and premium option, featuring maximum cushioning and plush comfort. New Balance 880 focuses on balanced performance, slightly firmer and traditional fit. 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 1080 features Fresh Foam X cushioning that delivers maximum softness and impact protection for long-distance runs.
- New Balance 880 uses Fresh Foam X cushioning with a firmer tuning.
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Midsole :- New Balance 1080 has a plush midsole that provides a softer and more forgiving landing to reduce fatigue.
- New Balance 880 feels moderately soft but leans toward a balanced ride.
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Higher Stack Height:- New Balance 1080 includes a higher stack height that improves cushioning depth and reduces joint stress.
- New Balance 880 has a lower stack for more ground feedback.
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Lightweight:- New Balance 1080 has a lighter build that helps reduce strain during long runs.
- New Balance 880 is slightly heavier due to added structure.
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Foam Geometry:- New Balance 1080 features foam geometry that enhances rebound to maintain pace over extended mileage.
- New Balance 880 provides adequate energy return but prioritizes stability.
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More Plush Upper:- New Balance 1080 includes a premium engineered knit upper that offers a soft, sock-like fit for comfort.
- New Balance 880 uses engineered mesh.
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Better impact absorption:- New Balance 1080 has deeper cushioning that absorbs more shock to protect joints and muscles.
- New Balance 880 offers moderate impact protection suited for shorter distances.
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Greater long-run comfort:- New Balance 1080 supports extended wear with cushioning and fit designed for marathon distances.
- New Balance 880 is better suited for daily training and moderate distances.
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Improved heel fit:- New Balance 1080 comes with extra heel padding that secures the foot and reduces slippage.
- New Balance 880 uses a traditional heel fit with less plush padding.
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Wider Toe Box:- New Balance 1080 features a slightly wider toe box that allows toes to splay naturally during runs.
- New Balance 880 has a standard-width toe box.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | New Balance 1080 | New Balance 880 |
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| Cushioning | Fresh Foam X, maximum plush | Fresh Foam X |
| Stack Height | Higher for softer landings | Moderate for more ground feel |
| Weight (Men’s US 9) | Approx. 9.2 oz | Approx. 10.2 oz |
| Upper | More plush engineered knit | Engineered mesh |
| Energy Return | Enhanced with softer foam | Standard rebound |
| Toe Box | Slightly wider for comfort | Standard width |
| Heel Fit | Improved heel collar padding | Traditional heel fit |
| Ride Feel | Soft and smooth for long runs | Balanced |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the New Balance 1080 if you:- Want maximum cushioning and softness for long-distance comfort.
- Prefer a lightweight shoe with a plush knit upper.
- Need better impact absorption for joint protection.
- Like a wider toe box for natural toe spread.
- Value premium design and comfort features.
Check New Balance 1080 Best Price Buy the New Balance 880 if you:- Prefer a firmer, more responsive ride for faster paces.
- Want a shoe with a more traditional fit and structure.
- Plan to use it for versatile daily training.
- Seek a slightly more affordable option.
- Like a classic running shoe design with mesh durability.
Check New Balance 880 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Fresh Foam X cushioning | New Balance 1080 |
| Softer underfoot feel | New Balance 1080 |
| Higher stack height | New Balance 1080 |
| Lightweight | New Balance 1080 |
| Enhanced energy return | New Balance 1080 |
| More plush upper | New Balance 1080 |
| Better impact absorption | New Balance 1080 |
| Wider toe box | New Balance 1080 |
| Improved heel fit | New Balance 1080 |
| Greater long-run comfort | New Balance 1080 |
What They Have in Common
- Neutral Cushioning: Both the New Balance 880 and 1080 use neutral cushioning, offering balanced support for runners who don’t overpronate or supinate.
- Breathable Mesh Upper: Each shoe has a breathable engineered mesh upper, helping keep feet cool and comfortable on long runs.
- Durability: Both models are built with hard-wearing outsoles that can handle high mileage without wearing down quickly.
- Daily Training Focus: Each shoe is designed as a daily trainer, making them versatile choices for regular runs, easy miles, and long-distance training.
- Wide Size Availability: Both the 880 and 1080 come in multiple width options, ensuring a good fit for runners with narrow, standard, or wide feet.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Is the New Balance 1080 better for long-distance running than the 880?
Yes, the New Balance 1080 is better for long-distance running because it has softer cushioning, a higher stack height, and better impact absorption, which help reduce fatigue over extended mileage.
Which shoe is lighter, the New Balance 1080 or the 880?
The New Balance 1080 is lighter, making it easier to wear for long runs without adding unnecessary strain.
Does the New Balance 1080 have a wider toe box than the 880?
Yes, the New Balance 1080 has a slightly wider toe box that allows more natural toe splay, which can improve comfort during longer runs.
Which shoe provides more energy return, the 1080 or the 880?
The New Balance 1080 provides more energy return due to its foam geometry and softer midsole, which help maintain pace over long distances.
Is the upper material different between the New Balance 1080 and 880?
Yes, the New Balance 1080 uses a premium engineered knit upper for a more plush, sock-like fit, while the 880 uses engineered mesh for structure and durability.
Which shoe has better impact absorption?
The New Balance 1080 has better impact absorption because of its deeper cushioning, which helps protect joints and muscles from repeated stress.
Is the New Balance 880 better for daily training than the 1080?
Yes, the New Balance 880 is better for daily training if you prefer a firmer ride, more ground feel, and a traditional running shoe fit.
Does the New Balance 1080 have a higher stack height than the 880?
Yes, the New Balance 1080 has a higher stack height that provides more cushioning and softer landings compared to the 880.
Which shoe offers a more secure heel fit?
The New Balance 1080 offers a more secure heel fit with extra padding around the collar to reduce slippage and improve stability.