New Balance 880 versus New Balance 860

The New Balance 880 and 860 are arguably the brand’s two bestselling running shoes, with their legacies spanning over a decade each.

While both shoes use New Balance’s proprietary Fresh Foam X, there are key differences when it comes to the fit, feel and performance. So which shoe is best for you? Read on to learn more about the differences between the New Balance 880 versus New Balance 860.

Buy the 880 v14 if…

You appreciate a soft, squishy underfoot feel
Having a lightweight shoe is important to you
You like a moderate amount of cushioning

Buy the 860 v14 if…

You appreciate a firm ride
Having extra stability for your stride is important to you
You like a moderate amount of cushioning

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Women's New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14 Running Shoes

9 Colors

$140

New Balance 880 versus New Balance 860: Tech Specs

Tech Specs	New Balance 880 v14	New Balance 860 v14
Weight	7.4 oz (W), 9.5 oz (M)	8.6 oz (W), 10.8 oz (M)
Stack height (heel/forefoot)	29 mm/21 mm	29 mm/21 mm
Heel-to-toe drop	8 mm	8 mm
Price	$140	$140

READ THE FULL 880 V14 REVIEW READ THE FULL 860 V14 REVIEW

New Balance 880 versus New Balance 860: Ride & performance

The New Balance 880 v14 uses Fresh Foam X, just like the 860 v14.

While the 880 and 860 both use New Balance’s proprietary Fresh Foam X midsole compound, their softest cushioning to date, the underfoot feelings are pretty different.

The 880 offers a truly soft and plush feeling underfoot. And, because it’s so lightweight, it can handle a variety of paces.

“Between the light weight, the moderate heel-to-toe drop and the Fresh Foam X midsole, New Balance made the 880 a shoe I really look forward to running in,” says Travis. “It feels smooth and energetic. The light weight makes it even more versatile as a daily trainer because I can pick up the pace in it.”

The 860 is categorized as a stability shoe, meaning it offers steady support for runners who overpronate (the excessive inward rolling of a runner’s foot upon landing). It does this with a thin, rigid EVA film embedded inside the midsole. This rigidity combines with the softness of the Fresh Foam X to create a balanced ride.

“The midsole, while feeling soft, has enough stiffness to add some structure,” Nate says. “The platform is nice and wide too, adding a sense of stability. While I can feel the added structure in the heel, the midfoot and forefoot still roll along super smoothly.”

The 860 is a bit heavier than the 880, but it’s still fairly lightweight when compared with other stability shoes on the market. And if we’re comparing it with other stability shoes on the market, I’d like to add that it feels quite a bit softer, too!

New Balance 880 versus New Balance 860: Fit & materials

Both the New Balance 880 v14 and the New Balance 860 v14 keep things classic and simple with a true-to-size fit and a soft, smooth mesh upper. Light padding on the heel collar and tongue add a touch of comfort to an otherwise straightforward fit.

I’m pretty happy with the fit of the 880 v14,” says Travis. “My heel and midfoot feel super secure and supported, and the toe box gives my toes room to splay properly. The stretchability of the gusseted tongue can feel good for runners with slightly narrower feet while also accommodating more voluminous feet.”

“I really like the fit of the 860,” says Kate. “It’s pretty streamlined—not overly roomy and not too snug, either. It seems to fit true to size. The shoe has a comfortable overall feel. It’s got a padded tongue and heel collar and a tightly knitted mesh that’s pretty breathable. The fit isn’t anything new or super specialized, but it’s comfortable and it works!”

Both shoes are available in narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide sizing, so you’ll likely be able to find your perfect fit. If you’re unsure about the width of your feet, your best bet will be to head into your local Fleet Feet. Fleet Feet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height, so you can learn a lot about your feet while you’re there.

New Balance 880 versus New Balance 860: Which is right for you?

If you prefer a soft, cushy ride your feet can almost sink into, the 880 v14 is a suitable choice thanks to its single-layer midsole of pure Fresh Foam X.

I enjoyed the 880 v14 because of how flexible it feels on the run. I tend to have chronically tight calves, and running in firmer shoes somehow seems to aggravate that. I enjoyed the springy cushioning of the 880 for easy paces.

If you prefer a bit of extra support for overpronation, or you just prefer a bit of firmness for landings and toe-offs, the 860 will be your best bet.

“I’ve worn the 860 v14 for three 8-mile runs at a relaxed pace and they all felt comfortable,” Kate says. “I like that the foam feels both dense and responsive. It feels comfortable for me as a person who can benefit from stability shoes but prefers firm, neutral shoes.”

Both shoes offer a moderate stack height of 29 millimeters in the heel, which is slightly below average when compared with the majority of running shoes we review. However, it still has enough cushioning to carry you through long runs. This makes it a good fit for runners who want enough cushioning to absorb impact but don’t want to feel too high off the ground.