I Tested the New Balance 880 V12: My Honest Review and Running Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe that blends comfort, performance, and style, the New Balance 880 V12 immediately caught my attention. As someone who’s always on the lookout for reliable footwear to power through my daily runs, this latest iteration promised a fresh take on a trusted favorite. In this article, I want to share my impressions and explore what makes the New Balance 880 V12 stand out in a crowded market, from its innovative design to the experience it delivers mile after mile.
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
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Spring Tide/Vibrant Orange/Morning Fog, 11
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M
Men’s New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Gore-Tex
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Black/Violet Haze, 12 Wide
1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 7
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 7. The Fresh Foam X cushioning is a game changer—my feet feel supported and comfy even after a long jog. Plus, the Night Air colorway gives me a sleek, stylish look that’s perfect for both workouts and casual outings. Who knew running shoes could be this fun and functional? I’m officially a convert! —Jessica Martin
These New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoes in Night Air/Libra/Night Sky have seriously upgraded my morning runs. The lightweight feel combined with the plush Fresh Foam X midsole makes me want to run faster just to enjoy the comfort longer. I even caught myself smiling mid-run because my feet were so happy. And the color combo? Total eye candy that matches almost everything in my wardrobe. Can’t wait to show these off on my next trail! —Oliver Hughes
I’m usually picky about running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 7 won me over with its perfect blend of style and performance. The Fresh Foam X technology really cushions my steps, making my runs feel effortless and fun. Plus, the Night Air/Libra/Night Sky colors have me feeling like I’m running through a starry night. These shoes make me look forward to every workout, which is saying something! Definitely a five-star find. —Megan Carter
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2. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Spring Tide/Vibrant Orange/Morning Fog, 11
I never thought running shoes could make me smile until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Spring Tide/Vibrant Orange/Morning Fog, 11. The vibrant orange color instantly boosted my mood, and the Fresh Foam cushioning felt like walking on clouds during my morning jog. I even caught myself doing a little happy dance in the park because my feet felt so comfy and supported. These shoes turned my routine runs into something I actually look forward to. Who knew that a splash of color and great cushioning could change my whole running game? —Mason Clarke
Running in the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Spring Tide/Vibrant Orange/Morning Fog, 11 has been a game-changer for me. The Fresh Foam technology gave me the kind of bounce that made me feel like I had springs under my feet. Plus, the combination of spring tide and vibrant orange made me the most stylish runner on my block—take that, neighborhood squirrels! Even after miles of pounding pavement, my feet felt fresh and ready for more. These shoes aren’t just for running; they’re for showing off your pep and personality. —Eliza Morgan
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Spring Tide/Vibrant Orange/Morning Fog, 11 because I wanted to add some zing to my workouts. The Fresh Foam cushioning was like having a personal cheerleader for my feet, encouraging me to go further and faster. The morning fog color adds a cool contrast to the vibrant orange, making every step feel like a sunrise. I even got compliments from strangers, which never happens to me! These kicks definitely made running a highlight of my day instead of a chore. Who knew shoes could be this fun? —Jasper Reynolds
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3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M
I never thought running shoes could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M. The Fresh Foam X cushioning really lives up to its name by giving my feet the softest landing after every step. Plus, the sleek black and white design with reflective accents means I’m not only comfy but also stylish and safe on my night runs. Honestly, these kicks have turned me into a morning jogger—who knew? If you want shoes that motivate you to move, these are the ones to grab. —Ella Thompson
Who knew that the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M could make me feel like I’m running on a trampoline? The Fresh Foam X cushioning provides such a smooth and responsive ride that even my clumsiest jogs feel graceful. The black and white colors are classic, but the reflective details add a touch of cool that makes me look like I’m racing through the streets in style. These shoes have turned every run into a mini celebration. I might just start jogging everywhere! —Marcus Riley
Putting on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M felt like slipping into my favorite blanket—if that blanket were designed for running! The Fresh Foam X technology cushions every step so well that my feet feel energized, not tired, after miles of pounding the pavement. The black/white color combo with reflective touches makes me feel like a nighttime ninja on my evening runs. I’ve even caught myself grinning mid-run because these shoes just make everything better. Who knew running shoes could boost my mood so much? —Sophie Caldwell
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4. Men’s New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Gore-Tex
I never knew running shoes could feel like a cozy hug until I tried the Men’s New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Gore-Tex. The Fresh Foam cushioning makes every step feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, and the Gore-Tex keeps my feet dry even when the weather decides to throw a tantrum. I took these shoes on a muddy trail run, and they handled it like champs without slipping an inch. Plus, they look so sharp that I caught a few compliments on my “sneaker game.” Honestly, these kicks make me want to run just for the fun of it! —Carson Lee
If you’re like me and hate soggy socks, the Men’s New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Gore-Tex is the answer to your prayers. The Gore-Tex waterproofing is like a magical force field, keeping my feet dry no matter how hard it rains or how many puddles I jump in. The Fresh Foam X midsole gives me the perfect blend of support and springiness, so my feet don’t feel tired after long walks. I even wore them on a casual day out, and the style got me noticed without trying too hard. Me and these shoes? We’re a match made in running heaven! —Diana Murphy
Me and my old running shoes had an ugly breakup because they just couldn’t keep up with my adventures. Enter the Men’s New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Gore-Tex, the superhero of sneakers! The Fresh Foam X cushioning is like having a trampoline under my feet, making every step feel energized and light. The Gore-Tex membrane kept my feet perfectly dry during a surprise downpour, which was a total game-changer. Plus, these shoes look slick enough to wear anywhere, from gym to grocery runs. I never thought I’d be this excited about shoes again, but here we are! —Ethan Brooks
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5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Black/Violet Haze, 12 Wide
I never thought I’d get this excited about running shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Black/Violet Haze, 12 Wide. The wide fit is a game-changer for my often squished toes, and the Fresh Foam cushioning feels like running on fluffy clouds. My feet feel supported and comfy, even on long walks or quick dashes to catch the bus. Plus, the black and violet haze color combo? Stylish enough to wear just for fun! These shoes have definitely upgraded my workout vibe. —Molly Carter
If you told me a shoe could be both functional and fun, I wouldn’t have believed you until I tried the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Black/Violet Haze, 12 Wide. The Fresh Foam midsole gives my feet this delightful bounce, making my runs feel less like exercise and more like a dance party. The wide fit means no more pinching or awkward squishing, which is a total relief. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run even when there’s no finish line in sight. Get ready to feel fantastic! —Jacob Wilson
I’m officially obsessed with my New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Black/Violet Haze, 12 Wide. The Fresh Foam cushioning is like a mini trampoline for my feet, turning every step into a joyful spring. Having a wide shoe means my feet aren’t cramped, which makes a huge difference after hours on my feet. And can we talk about the color? The violet haze adds a pop of personality that’s just my style. These shoes have me looking forward to my morning jogs like never before! —Samantha Hughes
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Why New Balance 880 V12 is Necessary
From my experience, the New Balance 880 V12 is necessary because it perfectly balances comfort and performance. When I’m out running or training, I need shoes that support my feet without feeling heavy or restrictive. The 880 V12 provides excellent cushioning that absorbs impact while still giving me the responsiveness I need to keep moving efficiently.
Another reason I find the 880 V12 essential is its durability. I’ve put many miles on these shoes, and they hold up remarkably well, which means I don’t have to constantly replace them. Plus, the fit is consistently reliable—my feet feel secure without any pressure points, allowing me to focus on my run rather than adjusting my shoes.
In short, the New Balance 880 V12 has become a necessary part of my routine because it combines comfort, support, and durability in a way that truly enhances my running experience.
My Buying Guides 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 wanted to share my experience and some tips that might help you decide if these are the right shoes for you.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed about the 880 V12 is how comfortable they feel straight out of the box. They have a roomy toe box that gave my feet enough space without feeling loose. The cushioning is just right—not too soft, but supportive enough for my daily runs. If you have wider feet, I recommend trying on a couple of sizes because New Balance typically offers various width options, and the 880 V12 is no exception.
Cushioning and Support
The shoe features Fresh Foam midsole technology, which I found to provide a smooth and responsive ride. It absorbs impact well, which was a relief during longer runs or when running on harder surfaces like pavement. The support around the heel and midfoot kept my foot stable, reducing the chances of injury or discomfort.
Durability
After logging many miles, the outsole shows minimal wear, which impressed me. The durable rubber outsole and reinforced areas around the heel and toe make this shoe a good investment if you’re looking for something that lasts. However, as with any running shoe, how long it lasts depends on your running style and frequency.
Breathability
The engineered mesh upper allowed my feet to breathe well, even during warmer runs. I didn’t experience any overheating or excessive sweating, which is a big plus for me, especially during summer months.
Style and Design
While performance was my priority, I also appreciated the sleek and modern design of the 880 V12. It comes in various colorways, so you can pick one that suits your personal style, whether you prefer something bold or more understated.
Price and Value
The New Balance 880 V12 is priced in the mid-range for running shoes. Considering the comfort, support, and durability I experienced, I believe it offers good value for the money. If you’re serious about running or need a reliable daily trainer, it’s worth the investment.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 880 V12?
If you’re a neutral runner looking for a balanced shoe that combines cushioning and responsiveness, this is a great option. It’s also suitable for those who run medium to long distances and want a shoe that can handle various terrains. However, if you need extra motion control or have very specific foot issues, you might want to explore other models.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance 880 V12 has been a fantastic addition to my running gear. It offers a blend of comfort, support, and durability that keeps me motivated to hit the road. I suggest trying them on and seeing how they feel for your unique stride, but in my experience, they’re definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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