New Balance Ellipse vs 880v15
Ellipse 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 a soft, comfortable daily trainer that looks great? Get the Ellipse.
Want a sturdy, protective daily trainer? Get the Fresh Foam X 880v15.
Get the Ellipse if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want more bounce and energy back
- 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’d like a little less squish underfoot
- You want more foam underfoot (3.5mm more at the heel)
- You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
- You prefer a lower drop (6mm vs 8mm)
On the run
Ellipse: Soft, stylish everyday miles. Deliciously soft and comfortable, with good energy return and a smooth heel rocker. Stability is limited.
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
| Ellipse | Fresh Foam X 880v15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $144.99 | $149.99 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 37 / 29mm* | 40.5 / 34.5mm* |
| Drop | 8mm | 6mm* |
| Weight, men’s | 9.6 oz | 9.9 oz* |
| Weight, women’s | 7.7 oz | 8.3 oz* |
| Support | Neutral | 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
Ellipse. True to size with a well-balanced fit and a premium upper. 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.
Shop the Ellipse · Shop the Fresh Foam X 880v15 · Compare other running shoes