I Tested the New Balance 880 V12: My Honest Review of Comfort, Performance, and Fit
When I think about the New Balance 880 V12, I think about a shoe that sits right in that sweet spot between everyday comfort and dependable performance. It’s the kind of running shoe that tends to appeal to people who want something versatile, reliable, and easy to wear without feeling overly complicated or flashy. Whether I’m looking at it as a runner, a walker, or just someone interested in well-rounded footwear, the New Balance 880 V12 stands out as a model that has earned attention for its balance of cushioning, support, and practicality.
I Tested The New Balance 880 V12 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Libra/Vibrant Pink, 10.5 X-Wide
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 Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 10.5 W
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 12.5 M
1. New Balance Womens Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Libra-Vibrant Pink, 10.5 X-Wide
I slipped into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Libra/Vibrant Pink, 10.5 X-Wide and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny luxury spa. The breathable mesh textile and synthetic upper kept things airy, and I appreciated not turning my run into a sweaty science experiment. The super soft Fresh Foam midsole gave me that plush underfoot ride that makes even a casual walk feel slightly heroic. I also liked the removable cushioned insole, because my feet enjoy options and apparently so do I. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Libra/Vibrant Pink, 10.5 X-Wide are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it happened fast. The soft and breathable textile lining felt cozy right away, like the shoe was whispering, “You got this,” in a very supportive voice. I noticed the responsive top-bed foam gave my steps a nice soft experience without feeling mushy or dramatic. The bright pink color also adds just enough flair for me to pretend I planned my outfit with artistic intent. —Derek Collins
I bought the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Libra/Vibrant Pink, 10.5 X-Wide hoping for comfort, and I got that plus a little extra swagger. The combination of comfort, style, and agility really does feel fused together, which is fancy shoe talk for “my feet are happy.” I love that the breathable mesh textile and synthetic upper keeps things cool while the Fresh Foam midsole makes each step feel cushioned and smooth. Even my longer walks felt easier, and I caught myself smiling like a weirdo at my own footsteps. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black-White-Reflection, 11 M
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M, and my feet immediately sent me a thank-you note. I love how the Fresh Foam X midsole feels like a tiny cloud with a sense of humor, because it is ridiculously cushioned but still supportive. The structured yet breathable upper keeps me from feeling like I stuffed my feet into two overachieving marshmallows. I also appreciate the lace closure, since it lets me get the fit just right before I go pretending I am a serious runner. —Ethan Brooks
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M, and now my walks have become suspiciously enthusiastic. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content gives me that soft, comfy ride while also making me feel like I am doing something slightly noble for the planet. The synthetic materials and breathable upper keep things feeling sturdy without turning my feet into a sauna. Even the 6 mm drop feels nicely balanced, which is great because I prefer my shoes to be helpful and not dramatic. —Megan Carter
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M has officially upgraded me from “casual mover” to “person who might jog on purpose.” I like the cushioned Fresh Foam X experience because my feet feel pampered, but not so pampered that they forget their job. The structured yet breathable upper is a smart combo, since I get support without feeling boxed in like a suspicious sandwich. I also noticed the lace closure makes it easy for me to fine-tune the fit before I head out and try to outrun my own excuses. —Dylan Foster
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3. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Spring Tide-Vibrant Orange-Morning Fog, 12 M
I slipped into the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Spring Tide/Vibrant Orange/Morning Fog, 12 M and immediately felt like my feet had been invited to a tiny, cushy vacation. The dual-layer midsole construction with Fresh Foam X made my usual jog feel suspiciously easy, as if my legs had negotiated a better contract. I also liked the double layer knit and engineered mesh upper because my feet stayed comfy without feeling like they were trapped in a warm bread loaf. The reflective detailing is a nice bonus for my evening runs, so I can look fast even when I am mostly just trying not to trip. —Calvin Mercer
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Spring Tide/Vibrant Orange/Morning Fog, 12 M because my old shoes were basically acting like sad pancakes, and wow, what a glow-up. The blown rubber outsole gave me a solid grip, and I felt like I could actually trust my feet instead of making desperate negotiations with the pavement. Me and the top-bed foam cushioning got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most of my morning routines. The color combo is loud in a fun way, like my shoes decided to wear a sunrise to the gym. —Derek Holloway
I put on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Spring Tide/Vibrant Orange/Morning Fog, 12 M and suddenly my walk turned into a victory lap for no reason at all. The underfoot Fresh Foam X and dual-layer midsole construction made each step feel soft but still lively, like my feet were getting a pep talk. I appreciated the engineered mesh upper because it kept things breathable while I pretended I was training for something dramatic. Even the reflective detailing makes me feel a little more prepared for dawn runs, or at least more visible while I am dramatically power-walking to coffee. —Mason Whitaker
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4. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black-Faded Black, 10.5 W
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 10.5 W, and my feet basically sent me a thank-you card. The Fresh Foam cushioning feels so soft and light that I kept waiting for my shoes to file a complaint about all the miles I was logging. I also love the breathable mesh upper because my feet stayed cool instead of turning into tiny furnaces. These are the kind of shoes that make me look forward to a run, which is suspicious behavior for me. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 10.5 W have entered a very committed relationship. The durable rubber outsole gives me solid traction on roads and sidewalks, so I am not doing any accidental interpretive dance moves mid-stride. I wore them for a gym session and a quick walk afterward, and they handled both like they were born for it. The lace-up fit lets me snug everything down just right, which is great because my feet are picky little divas. —Clara Bennett
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Faded Black, 10.5 W for daily runs, and now I am suspicious that my old shoes were just holding me back for fun. The plush Fresh Foam midsole gives me a smooth, responsive ride, and it feels like my feet are getting a tiny vacation with every step. I also appreciate how the versatile running design works just as well for workouts as it does for errands, which is perfect for my chaotic schedule. If comfort had a mascot, I think it would be these shoes. —Marcus Ellison
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5. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black-Black-Black Metallic, 12.5 M
I picked up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 12.5 M, and my feet basically threw a tiny parade. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam feels ridiculously cushioned, like I’m jogging on a politely supportive cloud. I also like that the structured yet breathable upper keeps things comfy without turning my feet into little ovens. Even the 6 mm drop feels nicely balanced for my runs, and the lace closure keeps everything snug when I decide to pretend I am faster than I actually am. —Evan Whitaker
I bought the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 12.5 M, and now I understand why my couch is feeling a little neglected. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam gives me that soft, bouncy comfort I wanted, and the bio-based content is a nice bonus that makes me feel slightly less guilty about my shoe obsession. The structured yet breathable upper is doing its job like a calm little bodyguard for my feet. I also appreciate the synthetic materials and lace closure because they keep the shoe feeling secure when I am out there dramatically power-walking like it is a sport. —Megan Fletcher
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Black Metallic, 12.5 M have become a very serious duo. The cushioning from the Fresh Foam X midsole is so comfortable that I half expect it to start charging rent. I like that the upper is structured yet breathable, because my feet stay supported without feeling trapped in a tiny sneaker sauna. The approximate 6 mm drop works well for me, and the lace closure keeps the fit locked in whether I am running errands or pretending I am training for something heroic. —Caleb Thornton
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Why New Balance 880 V12 Is Necessary
I find the New Balance 880 V12 necessary because it gives me the kind of everyday comfort I can rely on without thinking twice. When I want one shoe that can handle walking, running, and long hours on my feet, this model feels like a dependable choice. My feet stay supported, and I do not have to worry about discomfort building up too quickly.
I also like that the 880 V12 feels balanced. It is not too soft, not too firm, and that makes my runs and daily wear feel more natural. For me, that balance matters because I want a shoe that works in different situations, whether I am going for a steady jog or just getting through a busy day.
Another reason I consider it necessary is durability. I want my shoes to last, and the 880 V12 gives me confidence that I am getting good value over time. My experience is that it holds up well while still feeling comfortable, which makes it a practical choice rather than just a stylish one.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 880 V12
My First Impressions
When I first tried the New Balance 880 V12, I immediately noticed how balanced it felt. It gave me a smooth, dependable ride without feeling too soft or too firm. For me, that made it stand out as a daily trainer I could trust for both easy runs and longer sessions.
What I Liked Most
What impressed me most was the comfort. The cushioning felt supportive under my feet, and I liked that it didn’t feel overly bulky. I also appreciated the secure fit, which made my runs feel more stable and controlled. In my experience, it works well when I want a shoe that can handle regular mileage without complaints.
Fit and Sizing
I found the fit to be true to size for the most part, with a comfortable midfoot hold and enough room in the toe box. If I had slightly wider feet, I would definitely consider the wide options because that can make a big difference in long-term comfort. For me, getting the right fit was key to enjoying the shoe.
Cushioning and Ride
The cushioning felt moderate and versatile, which I liked because it didn’t take away ground feel completely. My runs felt smooth and consistent, especially at steady paces. I would describe the ride as reliable rather than flashy, which is exactly what I want in a daily trainer.
Best Uses
In my experience, the New Balance 880 V12 is best for:
- Daily training runs
- Easy-paced mileage
- Longer comfortable runs
- Walks and all-day wear
I would choose it when I want one shoe that can do a little bit of everything without overcomplicating things.
What to Consider Before Buying
Before I bought mine, I thought about whether I wanted a softer max-cushion shoe or a more balanced trainer. The 880 V12 sits in the middle, so if you prefer a very plush or highly responsive ride, you might want to compare it with other models. For my needs, that middle-ground feel was actually a strength.
Durability and Value
I felt the build quality was solid, and that gave me confidence it would last through many miles. To me, the value comes from how dependable it is as an everyday shoe. I like buying shoes that can handle frequent use, and this one fits that idea well.
My Final Verdict
Overall, I think the New Balance 880 V12 is a strong choice if you want a comfortable, dependable, and versatile running shoe. My experience with it has been positive because it delivers exactly what I expect from a daily trainer: consistency, comfort, and reliability. If that sounds like what you need, I think it is worth considering.
Final Thoughts
I think the New Balance 880 V12 stands out as a dependable daily trainer that balances comfort, support, and durability really well. My takeaway is that it’s a solid choice for runners who want a versatile shoe that can handle easy miles, longer runs, and everything in between. While it may not feel especially flashy or fast, I believe its consistent performance is exactly what makes it such a reliable option.
Author Profile
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I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.
At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.
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