The 880, now in its 14th iteration has been completely redesigned with a new upper. It costs $140.
The Cumulus, now in its 26th version received a major redesign and gets a new upper, outsole and softer midsole. It costs $140.
Which of these two redesigned classics is the right choice for you?
The midsole of the 880 is a single density slab of Fresh Foam X and FuelCell. This change to Fresh Foam X makes the 880 softer, lighter and more responsive but the 880 uses a firmer Fresh Foam X than the 1080. Although the updated midsole makes the ride softer, the 880 still has a medium-firm ride.
The midsole of the Cumulus is made of single-density FF Blast+ which is a firmer density than previous versions of the Cumulus. The ride of the Cumulus is soft and it feels softer than the 880. There is a gel unit in the heel which provides extra shock absorption.
The 880 is a versatile shoe that can handle most types of runs but is better suited to short runs due to its heavier weight. The Cumulus is also versatile but can handle longer runs better thanks to its softer density midsole.
Stability in both shoes is average but the 880 has better stability and feels more secure as a result of its firmer midsole and its external heel counter.
The 880 is better suited to heavier runners who can access and compress the firm foam when they load the midsole. Lighter runners will prefer the Cumulus as its midsole needs less weight to compress it.
The 880 outsole has harder blown rubber on the rearfoot and softer blown rubber on its midfoot and forefoot. There is a cavity under the centre of its heel which is not covered with rubber. It has great traction on a variety of surfaces, wet and dry.
The Cumulus uses a rubberised EVA outsole instead of traditional, hard rubber. It has more ground feel but is less durable than the outsole of the 880. Traction is also better in the 880.
The upper of the 880 is a mesh which is soft and comfortable but it runs warm. It has a chunky external plastic 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.
The upper of the Cumulus is made from a porous, breathable engineered mesh which is 3D printed. Its heel counter is generously filled with foam and the smooth lining inside makes the upper very comfortable. Foot lockdown is excellent and there is no heel slippage. The Cumulus fits true to size and is available in regular, wide and extra wide versions.
If you’re a heavier runner and looking for a shoe for mainly short distances, the 880 is the shoe for you. The 880 has a soft, comfortable knitted upper with excellent foot lockdown. It has no major flaws and has a secure, stable ride.
If you’re a lighter runner looking for a shoe for long distances, the Cumulus is the shoe for you. The upper of the Cumulus is porous and breathable and there is gel in its midsole for extra shock absorption. The Cumulus has a less durable outsole but isn’t as stable.
