New Balance 860 & 880 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features and design. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the New Balance 860 rather than New Balance 880.
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Why Do I Recommend New Balance 860?
- The New Balance 860 is designed as a stability shoe, providing additional support for runners with overpronation issues. The New Balance 880 is a neutral running shoe.
- It includes a dual-density medial post midsole to deliver the most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort. The 880 has a single-density Fresh Foam X midsole.
- Its engineered mesh upper provides better stability, a snug fit around the arch, and additional structural support. The 880’s mesh upper offers a standard fit.
- New Balance 860 is designed for flat to medium arches, while the 880 is designed for medium to high arches.
- The NB 860 has a slightly wider fit than the 880, providing extra room for runners with wide feet.
- Its durable outsole provides excellent traction compared to the New Balance 880.
Maybe the New Balance 880 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the New Balance 860. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | New Balance 860 | New Balance 880 |
| Purpose | Stability running shoe | Neutral running shoe |
| Support Type | Provides additional arch support | Provides standard support |
| Weight | Men’s: 11.4 oz Women’s: 9.6 oz | Men’s: 10.7 oz Women’s: 9.0 oz |
| Midsole Material | Dual-density medial post for pronation control | Single-density Fresh Foam X |
| Upper Material | Engineered mesh with medial post | Engineered mesh without medial post |
| Arch Type | Designed for flat to medium arches | Designed for medium to high arches |
| Fit | Snug fit | Standard fit |
| Heel Counter | Firm heel counter for added stability | Soft heel counter for comfort |
| Toe Box | Wider toe box for more stability | Standard toe box |
| Sockliner | Ortholite sockliner | Molded sockliner |
| Stability Features | Medial post, firm heel counter | None, focuses on neutral ride |
| Insole | Removable insole with stability features | Removable insole |
| Ground Contact Feel | Firm ground contact | Soft ground contact |
| Padding | Additional padding | Standard padding |
| Torsion Control | Torsion control system integrated | None |
| Price | Check 860 Price | Check 880 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Brand: Both the New Balance 860 and 880 are produced by New Balance, a brand known for its quality, performance, and commitment to providing excellent running shoes.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: Both models feature a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop, which is a common drop height that balances cushioning and responsiveness.
- Outsole Design: Both the 860 and 880 use a blown rubber forefoot design, providing durability and traction on road surfaces.
- Upper Material: Both shoes use engineered mesh uppers, offering breathability and a comfortable fit that adapts to the foot’s shape.
- Lacing System: Both models employ a traditional lace-up system, allowing for a secure and adjustable fit.
- Sockliner: Both the 860 and 880 come with removable sockliners, which can be replaced with custom orthotics if needed.
- Reflective Elements: Both shoes include reflective elements to enhance visibility and safety when running in low-light conditions.
- Breathability: The engineered mesh used in both models ensures excellent breathability, helping to keep feet cool and dry during runs.
- Durability: Both shoes are designed for high durability, able to withstand extensive use while maintaining their performance and structural integrity.
- Arch Type Compatibility: Both models are suitable for a range of arch types, providing versatility for different runners.
- Terrain Suitability: Both the 860 and 880 are best suited for road running, offering traction and cushioning ideal for hard surfaces.
- Tongue and Collar Padding: Both shoes feature padded tongues and collars, enhancing comfort and reducing irritation around the ankle.
- Release Frequency: Both models are updated annually, incorporating the latest advancements in running shoe technology and design.
- Footbed: Both shoes have a comfort footbed, providing an additional layer of cushioning and support.
- Construction: Both the 860 and 880 feature seamless construction, which reduces the risk of irritation and blisters by eliminating seams that could rub against the foot.
Common Features
| Feature | New Balance 860 | New Balance 880 |
| Brand | New Balance | New Balance |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 10 mm | 10 mm |
| Outsole Design | Blown rubber forefoot | Blown rubber forefoot |
| Upper Material | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh |
| Lacing System | Traditional lace-up | Traditional lace-up |
| Sockliner | Removable sockliner | Removable sockliner |
| Reflective Elements | Yes, for visibility in low light | Yes, for visibility in low light |
| Breathability | Engineered mesh for breathability | Engineered mesh for breathability |
| Durability | High durability | High durability |
| Midsole Cushioning | Cushioned midsole for comfort | Cushioned midsole for comfort |
| Arch Type Compatibility | Suitable for a range of arch types | Suitable for a range of arch types |
| Tongue and Collar Padding | Padded tongue and collar | Padded tongue and collar |
| Construction | Seamless construction for reduced irritation | Seamless construction for reduced irritation |
| Price | Check 860 Price | Check 880 Price |
FAQ
1. What are the main purposes of the New Balance 860 and 880?
2. How do the cushioning technologies differ between the New Balance 860 and 880?
3. What types of support do the New Balance 860 and 880 offer?
4. Are there differences in weight between the New Balance 860 and 880?
5. What are the differences in the upper materials and fit between the New Balance 860 and 880?
6. Who are the target audiences for the New Balance 860 and 880?
7. How do the price ranges compare between the New Balance 860 and 880?
8. What are the similarities in the outsole design of the New Balance 860 and 880?
9. Do the New Balance 860 and 880 have reflective elements?
10. What are the similarities in breathability between the New Balance 860 and 880?
11. How do the New Balance 860 and 880 compare in terms of durability?
12. Are the New Balance 860 and 880 suitable for different arch types?
13. What terrain are the New Balance 860 and 880 best suited for?
14. Do the New Balance 860 and 880 come in a wide range of sizes?
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