The 1080v14 and the 880v14 both have Fresh Foam X midsoles. The 1080 has always been the more cushioned New Balance shoe while the 880 has been a shoe for all types of runs.
The 1080v14 costs $165. The 880v14 costs $140. Which of these two shoes is the right choice for you?
Both the 1080 and the 880 have Fresh Foam X midsoles but the difference is that the 1080 has a thicker midsole stack height than the 880. The Fresh Foam X midsole of the 1080 is also a much softer density.
The 1080 with its softer midsole is better suited to longer runs while the 880 with its firmer midsole is more versatile and is better for shorter runs.
There is a big difference in the shapes of the two midsoles. The 1080 has a high toe spring designed to roll you through your stride. The 880 has a flatter, more traditional midsole.
Stability is better in the 880 as a result of its firmer midsole and its flatter-shaped midsole. The 880 also has an internal heel counter for extra rearfoot support and structure.
The outsoles of both shoes have harder rubber on the rearfoot and toe areas with softer blown rubber on their forefoots. The difference is that the 880 has blown rubber on its midfoot while the 1080 has exposed midsole foam on its midfoot. The 880 has the more durable outsole.
Transitions in the 880 are smoother than in the 1080 as results of its midfoot being covered in rubber. The 1080 has better ground feel and softer landings due to the exposed midsole foam on the outsole.
The 1080 has an engineered mesh upper which is softer and more stretchy than the mesh found on the 880. The tongue of the 1080 is generously padded and has no tongue slide thanks to the tongue being attached on both sides to the midsole of the shoe. The 1080 has a heel which flares away from the achilles and locks your heel securely in place. There are also double last-row eyelets for a more secure fit. The 1080 fits a half size too small because of its narrow toe box and it’s available in narrow, regular, wide and extra-wide versions.
The upper of the 880 is a mesh material which is soft and comfortable but it is thicker than the 1080’s upper so it runs warm. It has an internal heel counter for heel support that makes the shoe heel-heavy. The 880 runs true to size and comes in regular, wide and extra wide versions.
If you’re a runner looking for a long distance, max cushioned shoe, get the 1080. The 1080 has a comfortable upper with great foot lockdown, a Fresh Foam X midsole with deep cushioning that doesn’t feel mushy and an outsole with excellent ground feel.
If you’re a runner looking for a more versatile shoe that can also handle shorter runs, get the 880. The 880 has a great upper, a balanced Fresh Foam X midsole and a more durable outsole. That 880 is also $25 cheaper than the 1080.
