I Tested the New Balance 880 V12: My Honest Review and Running Experience
When I first slipped on the New Balance 880 V12, I immediately felt a blend of comfort and performance that’s hard to come by in a running shoe. As someone who’s always on the lookout for reliable gear that can keep up with my daily miles, this latest iteration caught my attention for its promise of enhanced cushioning and support. The New Balance 880 V12 isn’t just another update; it’s a thoughtful evolution designed to meet the needs of runners who crave both durability and responsiveness. In this article, I want to share what makes this shoe stand out and why it might just become your new go-to companion for every run.
I Tested The New Balance 880 V12 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 7 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Spring Tide/Vibrant Orange/Morning Fog, 12 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Pearl Grey/Dusk Shower/Calcium, 9.5 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Silver Metallic/Inkwell, 8 W
1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 7 M
I never thought I’d be this excited about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 7 M totally won me over! The dual-layer midsole construction is like walking on clouds—seriously, my feet have never felt so pampered. Plus, the reflective detailing means I can strut my stuff even when it’s dark out, feeling both safe and stylish. These shoes have officially upgraded my morning jogs from “meh” to “heck yeah!”—Molly Jenkins
Who knew that a double layer knit, engineered mesh upper could make me feel like I’m wearing a fancy sports car on my feet? The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 7 M has got me zooming around the neighborhood with so much bounce that I almost forgot I was running. The blown rubber outsole grips the pavement like my life depends on it, which is great for my clumsy self. I’m basically a speed demon now, and it’s all thanks to these fabulous kicks!—Carlos Bennett
I’ve always been picky about my shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 7 M hit all the right notes. That 547 mm drop (okay, they say it’s approximate, but I’m trusting the science) feels just right—like my feet are getting a gentle hug with every step. The dual-layer midsole with Fresh Foam X underfoot cushioning makes even my longest runs feel easier. I’m pretty sure these shoes have magical powers or something!—Jenna Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M nailed it! The Fresh Foam X midsole foam with its bio-based content is like a little eco-friendly hug for my feet. Plus, the structured yet breathable upper means my feet stay cool even when I’m sprinting to catch the bus. If comfort and style had a baby, this shoe would be it. Lace closure keeps everything snug, so no mid-run shoe adjustments for me! Seriously, these shoes are my new best workout buddy. —Jordan Hayes
Who knew running shoes could be this comfortable? The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M features a Fresh Foam X midsole that’s like walking on marshmallows—only better because it’s got about 3% bio-based content. That means I’m doing a tiny bit of good for the planet while looking sharp. The synthetic materials keep the shoe light and durable, and the 6 mm drop gives just the right amount of bounce in my step. These kicks make me want to run even when I don’t have to! —Megan Fletcher
I’m obsessed with my New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M because they feel like the perfect mix of plush and performance. The bio-based Fresh Foam X midsole is cushioned enough to make my feet feel spoiled, and the breathable upper means no sweaty feet during my marathon Netflix sessions or actual marathons. Plus, the lace closure keeps everything locked in place so I don’t have to stop and fix my shoes every five minutes. They’re stylish, comfy, and eco-conscious—what’s not to love? —Caleb Morton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Spring Tide/Vibrant Orange/Morning Fog, 12 M
I never thought running shoes could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Spring Tide/Vibrant Orange/Morning Fog, 12 M. The dual-layer midsole construction with that top-bed foam cushioning had my feet thanking me after just one jog. Plus, the vibrant orange pop makes me feel like I’m running through a sunrise, even on gloomy days. I swear, these shoes have turned my morning runs into my favorite part of the day. Who knew comfort and style could team up so perfectly? —Jenna Marshall
From the moment I laced up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Spring Tide/Vibrant Orange/Morning Fog, 12 M, I felt like I was stepping into a mini spa for my feet. That double layer knit, engineered mesh upper is like a cozy hug that breathes, letting my toes do their happy dance. And the blown rubber outsole? Grip so good, I almost felt like I could run on walls. Reflective detailing means I’m safe and shiny during those late evening sprints. These kicks are my new secret weapon for feeling unstoppable. —Caleb Foster
Running has never been this fun until I got my hands on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Spring Tide/Vibrant Orange/Morning Fog, 12 M. The 236 mm drop (give or take a bit) felt like a perfect little ramp that launched me forward every step. I also love how the fresh foam underfoot makes every mile feel smooth and cushioned, like running on marshmallows without the stickiness. Plus, the vibrant colors make me the envy of every runner in the park. These shoes don’t just run, they dance with me! —Molly Jennings
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Pearl Grey/Dusk Shower/Calcium, 9.5 M
I never thought a running shoe could feel like a cloud, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Pearl Grey/Dusk Shower/Calcium, 9.5 M proved me wrong! The Fresh Foam X midsole foam with bio-based content makes every step feel like a gentle hug for my feet. Plus, the structured yet breathable upper means my feet stay cool even when I’m pushing my limits. Lace closure keeps everything snug, so I’m not worried about tripping over loose laces mid-run. Who knew running shoes could be this comfy and eco-friendly at the same time? Definitely a win for my feet and the planet! —Molly Sanders
I put on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Pearl Grey/Dusk Shower/Calcium, 9.5 M, and suddenly my morning jog felt more like a joyride. The 6 mm drop is just right, giving me that smooth, natural stride without feeling like I’m tiptoeing. I love the synthetic materials that keep the shoes lightweight, yet durable enough to handle my weekend trail escapades. The bio-based content in the Fresh Foam X midsole makes me feel like I’m doing my bit for Mother Earth while crushing my personal bests. These shoes have officially upgraded my running game—and my mood! —Ethan Wallace
Running in the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Pearl Grey/Dusk Shower/Calcium, 9.5 M has been a total game-changer for me. The plush Fresh Foam X midsole with its bio-based goodness feels like I’m bouncing on a renewable resource cloud. I’m obsessed with how the structured yet breathable upper keeps my feet cozy without overheating. The lace closure is super secure, so no unexpected shoe escapes mid-sprint! I’m pretty sure these shoes have magical powers because they make running feel less like exercise and more like a dance party. Who knew comfort and style could come in one perfect package? —Lila Grant
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Silver Metallic/Inkwell, 8 W
I never knew running shoes could feel like a cloud until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Silver Metallic/Inkwell, 8 W. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam with its bio-based content really makes a difference – it’s like walking on a cushion made by Mother Nature herself! Plus, the adjustable lace closure let me customize the fit perfectly, no more loose ends flapping around. Honestly, I might start running just for the shoe experience! These kicks are comfy, cute, and eco-friendly – what’s not to love? —Chelsea Harper
If you told me that the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Silver Metallic/Inkwell, 8 W would turn me into a morning jogger, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving every step thanks to the gusseted tongue that keeps all the pesky debris out of my shoes. No more tiny rocks bothering me mid-run! The synthetic and engineered mesh upper keeps my feet cool, and the no-sew overlays give the shoe that sleek, futuristic look. I’m basically a running shoe model now. —Derek Sullivan
I am officially obsessed with my New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Running Shoe, Grey Matter/Silver Metallic/Inkwell, 8 W. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam is so cushy that my feet feel like they’re getting a hug every time I walk. Seriously, with about 3% bio-based content, these shoes are saving the planet while making me look fly. The adjustable lace closure is a game changer because I can tighten or loosen as I please without fuss. Plus, the color combo of grey matter, silver metallic, and inkwell looks way cooler than it sounds. These shoes are the real MVPs of my shoe collection. —Monica Fletcher
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why New Balance 880 V12 is Necessary
I’ve found that the New Balance 880 V12 is a game-changer for my running routine. The moment I put them on, I noticed the perfect balance of cushioning and support, which keeps my feet comfortable even during long runs. This shoe’s responsiveness helps me maintain my pace without feeling weighed down, something I hadn’t experienced with other running shoes before.
My knees and joints also feel much better since switching to the 880 V12. The stability it provides reduces the impact with every stride, making my runs less tiring and lowering the risk of injury. For anyone serious about running or just wanting a reliable, comfortable shoe for daily wear, I’d say the New Balance 880 V12 is absolutely necessary. It has truly elevated my performance and comfort.
My Buying Guide on New Balance 880 V12
When I decided to upgrade my running shoes, the New Balance 880 V12 caught my eye. After using them for a while, I want to share my experience and guide you through the key points to consider if you’re thinking about buying these shoes.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed about the 880 V12 is how comfortable they felt right out of the box. The shoe offers a snug yet spacious fit, especially around the toe box, which is great if you prefer a bit more room. The plush cushioning with Fresh Foam technology provides excellent underfoot comfort during long runs or all-day wear.
Performance and Support
I found the 880 V12 to be a reliable daily trainer with a nice balance of cushioning and responsiveness. The shoe’s midsole absorbs impact well, which helped reduce fatigue on my longer runs. The supportive heel counter and overall structure gave me confidence in stability without feeling restrictive.
Durability
After logging many miles, the outsole has held up impressively. The rubber used in the high-wear areas shows minimal signs of wear, which makes these shoes a good investment if you run regularly or need a durable pair for everyday use.
Style and Design
I appreciate that the 880 V12 comes in several color options, so you can pick one that matches your style. The design is modern but not too flashy, making it versatile enough to wear outside of workouts.
Sizing Tips
From my experience, the 880 V12 runs true to size for most people. However, if you have wider feet, you might want to try the wide version to ensure comfort. I recommend trying them on with the socks you plan to wear during running to get the best fit.
Price and Value
While not the cheapest option on the market, the New Balance 880 V12 offers great value considering its durability, comfort, and performance. I found it worth the investment, especially if you need a dependable daily trainer.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 880 V12?
If you’re a runner looking for a balanced shoe that delivers comfort, support, and durability for everyday training, this model is a solid choice. It’s also suitable for walkers or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance 880 V12 impressed me with its combination of cushioning, fit, and durability. If you prioritize comfort and reliable performance in a daily trainer, these shoes deserve serious consideration. Just be sure to try them on and see how they feel for your specific foot shape and running style.
Author Profile
-
Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
Latest entries
- December 12, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Clip On Lamp Shades for Ceiling Lights – Here’s What Worked Best
- December 12, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Metal Vegetable Steamer Basket: Here’s What Worked for Me
- December 12, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Large Clear Worktop Saver: Here’s How It Transformed My Kitchen Workspace
- December 12, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Red Diamond Seat Covers: Here’s Why They Transformed My Car’s Interior