NEW BALANCE 880 vs. 1080

The New Balance 880, for the decade (plus) that it has been out, continues to be one of the most popular sport shoes in the market. In that time, the 1080 came with a refreshing look and brand new exciting features. However, both shoes are very similar and the sportsmen’s willingness to hang on to both of them warrants a closer look.

NEW BALANCE is world renowned to being one of the most impeccably designed shoes, as well as one of the most costly brands. Besides these two versions running shoes, they have also put out the 860, and the 1260 which are a rare sight these days. What is noticeable, however, is that most of these NEW BALANCE shoes retain their inspiration from when they were built the traditional way. In this article, we will be reviewing and comparing these two releases.

NEW BALANCE 880

The sheer fact that that 880s have proven themselves of a worth comparison to recent versions of the same brand is a testament to its durability and resilience. It appeals to most tastes in sizes and shapes, and accordingly most have stuck to it for its breathable space in the forefoot cavity. An interesting transition was brought on by the underfoot cushioning while the tongue layout wasn’t so much unlike what has been observed in the 860 and other previous releases. However, there is a slice of elastic attaching to the lower part of the tongue that permits runners to pull on the tongue on the foot whilst lacing the laces. The New Balance 880 also has in its slew of interesting features a chin and tongue lining bundle with a hand-to-foot feel. The collar padding contains foam that separates the tough counter and the foot, which makes this edition of the New Balance uniquely accessible. The extra foam padding beneath the insole is meant for durability, and the design used here is just like the one from the 860 — a compression. It is well worth pointing out that the NEW BALANCE had shifted their insole in the 880 out of blown-foam ORTHOLITE (about the 880 V5) to molded EVA in the time before the 1080’s release, plus the midsole does not have molded to its sidewall which may result in excess thin on the side—and this Is precisely what makes it a contender against the 1080.

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NEW BALANCE 1080

The general consensus around the New Balance 1080s is an approval of the upgrade in cushioning of this BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080 v8 has been. Compared to its predecessors, the shoe has proven durable and dependable in running. In addition to being adjusted and enlarged well with their forefoot, the midsole is supportive and firm to most foot shapes and sizes wearer. The forefoot allows transition and a ride and it is generally mainstream feeling that the new foam design in the 1080 gives it an edge. Equilibrium is added by the tinge of stability, and this attribute creates the 880 appropriate. The midsole’s facet is aided by the fact that the sidewalls shortage grooves are designed to be effective at creating a full-contact outsole.

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How do they compare?

DURABILITY

The 880 is a shoe that is constructed with the intention that no components be likely to wear. During the initial stages of wearing it, you might experience a gradual loss in the cushioning properties of the foam midsole along with the wear and tear of this outsole. But since the 880 has an extra blown foam insole, what you feel is not going to be subject to decline in thickness through time. What you feel on the first day is retained for far longer than in is in the 1080s. The 880 switches into an insole which was be much more lasting than the ORTHOLITE variant. Plus, while 1080 possesses the same extra foam insole, (an important upgrade, we admit) the 880s have a spacer along with a stitched toe-bumper mesh structure, made from the same substances that are used by the 1260s (the FANTOMFIT — an upper together with strong structure). In other words, the 880 has layout symmetry detailing over the outer and inner side with an amount that the 1080 abandoned.

UPPER FIT AND FEEL

The 1080 feels noticeably shallower in the toe-area than the V6, and this might be a good or bad thing depending on who you ask. The new bumper that is fused leaves the toe-box narrow and shallow, and the lace bands receive the fuse side at the right the toe-bumper. In this respect, the shallowness of this toe-bumper in the 1080 of is less vertical length than in the 880s, because the forefoot fit is just-right on either side, and the heel has a firm hold. The foam quilting across the tongue and heel lining add comfort to the interior atmosphere in the 1080, which means the engineered mesh upper makes the runners foot breathe well, and so it gains a point there, while In the 880s, this is made up for by the elastic in front which makes it much easier to extend the tongue on the foot without distorting it.

EXPERIENCE AND CUSHIONING

Regardless of the brand or version, neutral shoes from the mid-priced segment are rarely mushy. Most of the time, the ride quality is an optimal blend of cushioning and support, and here the, the 1080 is no exception. The stacking of the two foams is done in a uniform manner, and this construction makes the ride consistent. That being said, under no circumstances can the 880s be described as mushy; a smooth medium-soft lining would be a good way to describe the cushioning. There is some amount of responsive feedback from the rear foot due to the under-heel cavity and the compression-molded insole, and so the 1080 ranks just marginally higher than 880, which performs decently too.

OVERALL

The NEW BALANCE 1080 has all the ingredients which make a well-behaved neutral shoe. If you’re looking for a do-it-all neutral running shoe, the 880 should rank highly on your shopping list. A smooth-fitting upper and a just-right midsole firmness come together to produce a versatile daily trainer. But if you’re looking for durability and firm material-designed shoe tailored for performance, the 1080 is for you.