New Balance 860v14 vs 880v15
Fresh Foam X 860v14 or Fresh Foam X 880v15? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want steady support with a soft landing? Get the Fresh Foam X 860v14.
Want a sturdy, protective daily trainer? Get the Fresh Foam X 880v15.
Get the Fresh Foam X 860v14 if
- Your feet roll inward or you like extra support
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You like a less rigid forefoot
- You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 6mm)
Get the Fresh Foam X 880v15 if
- You don’t need stability and prefer a neutral ride
- You’d like a little less squish underfoot
- You want more foam underfoot (2.5mm more at the heel)
- You need a roomier fit
On the run
Fresh Foam X 860v14: Soft landing, steady support. A plush landing on top of a firmer support foam that guides you without feeling rigid. It’s good for daily miles and long days on your feet.
Fresh Foam X 880v15: The sturdy, protective trainer. Dense, protective cushioning with a stiff, rockered forefoot that levers you forward. It’s dependable rather than exciting, and it softens a little with miles.
Specs side by side
| Fresh Foam X 860v14 | Fresh Foam X 880v15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 | $149.99 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 38 / 30mm* | 40.5 / 34.5mm* |
| Drop | 8mm* | 6mm* |
| Weight, men’s | 10.4 oz* | 9.9 oz* |
| Weight, women’s | 8.9 oz* | 8.3 oz* |
| Support | Stability | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra wide | Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 300–400 miles | 400–500 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Fresh Foam X 860v14. A slightly wide, forgiving forefoot and a very secure heel. It can feel a touch short until it breaks in, so if you’re between sizes, go up a half. Narrow through extra-wide.
Fresh Foam X 880v15. A squared-off toebox with good toe height, in the widest range we carry: narrow through extra-wide. Lace it firmly to stop heel slip.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
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