New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13 - Women's Review

With a measured drop of 12mm (a bit more than the claimed 10mm) and a comfortably plush underfoot stack, the Fresh Foam X 880v13 has a traditional fit. Its bouncy energy return and stylish exterior give it a modern performance and aesthetic.

Performance Comparison

Cushioning and Landing Comfort

The Fresh Foam takes landing comfort and cushioning to a new level. Unlike shoes that feel stuffed to the gills with cushion and added materials, this shoe relies solely on the squish and softness of a standard amount of cushion. The interior is soft to the touch, absorbs impact well, and doesn't pack out after long efforts. The insole is traditionally shaped while offering just enough give to accommodate the uniqueness of your feet after a few runs. The balance between cushioning and bounce is prime because of the varied outsole hardness, making this one of our new go-to recommendations for runners looking for a daily, long-distance road shoe with comfort in the spotlight.

Responsiveness

The lightweight NDurance rubber outsole provides great energy, encouraging empowering footfall after empowering footfall. While not a sprinting shoe, the Fresh Foam offers more pep than your standard road-ready workhorse, making it a great choice for long-distance runners who want comfort and energy return. The Fresh Foam doesn't feel like it has rollers beneath it like some of the more responsive shoes out there, but its poppy bounce encourages strong turnovers and keeps legs feeling fresh as mileage increases.

Stability

The comfort and structure of the Fresh Foam make it a relatively stable shoe, though it still falls within the neutral category. It doesn't have the lateral architecture to create stability, but the shoe's exterior is thick enough to keep your feet stable. The heel cup is contoured with a rim of more rigid foam to add additional stability. The width of the outsole balances well with the upper, preventing feet from spilling over the edges, which can often lead to feelings of instability. While not a shoe built specifically for overpronators, the Fresh Foam offers enough stability to be considered for mild overpronators who want a small amount of additional support. Runners seeking a truly laterally stable shoe might have better luck in a running shoe that prioritizes structure on the side for extra support.

Upper Comfort

The engineered mesh upper of the Fresh Foam is breathable and comfortable. It is soft enough to mildly conform to your foot shape but maintains its strength and integrity. Aside from its breathability and soft-to-the-touch feel, the upper is fairly unremarkable. It is exactly what you'd expect from a standard road running shoe, and its simplicity is what makes it feel good. The toe box is wide enough that it doesn't squish toes together but maintains the svelteness of a typical road-focused shoe. The tongue is plush enough to prevent laces from digging in and provide all-day comfort. The upper of the Fresh Foam is perfect for runners who want gear they can count on to stay comfortable without any additional effort.

Weight

The Fresh Foam doesn't weigh any less than average, but its materials and weight distribution allow it to feel lighter than it is. When testing shoes, we weigh them right out of the box, record the numbers, and then begin our feet-on-the-ground testing. As we circled back to dive into the details of each shoe, we were shocked to realize each women's size 6.5 Fresh Foam weighs 8.1 ounces. This average weight feels so much lighter on the move, which doesn't change the score of the Fresh Foam, but it is important to note. Unlike shoes of similar weights, this one never felt clunky underfoot, making it feel comfortably lighter than its competitors.

Should You Buy the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13?

Though running shoes should generally be chosen based on your specific needs, the Fresh Foam X 880v13 is one that our testers highly recommend for most runners. Its comfort, responsive kick, and moderate price point come together to create a highly desirable shoe. If a standard road shoe is what you are after, the comfort and width options of the Fresh Foam might be perfect for you.

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