The New Balance 880v12 and 880v13 are two of the company’s most popular neutral cushioned trainers designed to go the distance in comfort. As daily workhorse running shoes, they need to support a wide variety of paces and distances while providing a smooth, stable ride mile after mile. The 880 series has long been a choice for runners seeking trusted comfort without excessively built-up cushioning.
The latest 880v13 aims to enhance stability and bounce while retaining the line’s familiar, pillowy soft feel underfoot. Read on below for a detailed comparison to see how these two models stack up across metrics like versatility, durability, fit and feel to help decide which version better suits your running needs for everything from recovery jogs to tempo training to race day.
Comparison Table Between New Balance 880v12 VS Balance 880v13:
| Feature | 880v12 | 880v13 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched In | 2022 | 2023 |
| Stability | Designed to be stable, but some reviewers note the upper fit can be imprecise | Stable |
| Sizing | Men’s: US 10 – 4E <br> Women’s: US 8 – 2E | Men’s: US 7-16, 18 <br> Women’s: US 5-12, 14 |
| Cushioning | Dual-layer midsole with Fresh Foam X and FuelCell | Fresh Foam X |
| Outsole | Rubber | Ndurance rubber |
| Midsole | Dual-layer midsole with Fresh Foam X and FuelCell | Fresh Foam X |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | 50% recycled engineered mesh |
| Retail Price | $135 | $230 |
Features Comparision:
Materials:
The 880v12 uses a dual-layer midsole made of Fresh Foam X and FuelCell to provide soft, responsive cushioning underfoot. The outsole is made of durable rubber. The upper features an engineered mesh for breathability and structure.
The 880v13 utilizes Fresh Foam X in the midsole for a soft, balanced ride. The outsole uses Ndurance rubber for traction and durability on roads. The upper is constructed with 50% recycled engineered mesh for ventilation and support.
Durability:
The 880v12’s rubber outsole and durable foam are designed to withstand miles of training runs. Some testers noted signs of wear around 200 miles. The dual-layer midsole maintains cushioning longer than single foam shoes.
The 880v13 also utilizes durable Ndurance rubber on the outsole. However, some testers felt the Fresh Foam X cushioning lost some responsiveness after 100 miles. So the 880v12 may have slightly better longevity.
Fit:
The 880v12 is designed to fit neutral to slight overpronators. Some testers with narrow feet found the upper’s engineered mesh permits too much movement, impacting stability. Going down half a size helped.
The 880v13 upper uses an engineered mesh containing 50% recycled yarn for structure and breathability. Most testers found it fits true-to-size in a “locked in” way. However, some noted the tongue had a tendency to slide during longer runs.
Cushioning:
The 880v12 uses a dual-layer midsole combining the soft Fresh Foam X with the responsive FuelCell foam, providing what testers described as “pillowy soft” cushioning with energy return.
The 880v13 relies solely on the soft Fresh Foam X cradle users for an easy run feel. Testers found it cushioned while also allowing for natural foot movement. The foam compresses easily underfoot without feeling mushy.
Stability:
The 880v12 offers moderate midfoot support – stable enough for slight overpronators but flexible enough for neutral runners. A few testers noted the stretchy upper impacted midfoot lockdown for secure turns.
Reviewers described the 880v13 as an improvement with its “locked-in” upper and stable platform. It prevents excessive foot movement while allowing natural toe splay thanks to the Fresh Foam X.
Value:
Offering trusted all-around performance for daily training, the 880v12 delivers comfort, support, and durability at a reasonable price point. Foams like Fresh Foam X and FuelCell equip the dual-density midsole to maintain cushioning and stability for hundreds of miles. For runners seeking reliable training without breaking the bank or needing the latest technologies, the 880v12 has proven itself a workhorse.
The 880v13 comes with a higher price tag around $230 but justifiably so given thoughtful updates enhancing stability, propulsion, and sustainability. The Fresh Foam X cradles and propels feet using less materials for less waste while the recycled upper fits securely, wicks sweat, and makes each stride more responsive.
For runners prioritizing an environmentally-conscious purchase that also optimizes versatility for variable paces and distances, the upgrade offers better value. The latest model takes the trusted 880 line to the next level.
Performance Comparison:
Walking:
The plush 880v12 provides cushioning for short and long walks. The flexible outsole allows smooth heel-to-toe transitions while the Fresh Foam X midsole absorbs shock. The roomy toe box accommodates natural foot swell.
The 880v13 offers similar walking comfort with its soft yet responsive Fresh Foam X platform. Reviewers enjoyed this shoe for traveling thanks to the secure yet non-constricting engineered mesh upper.
Running:
As a neutral running shoe, the 880v12 provides comfortable cushioning mile after mile for midfoot strikers. Heel strikers may want more rearfoot cushioning while minimalist runners could find it too built up.
The 880v13 offers an upgrade with its dual-density midsole providing just enough forgiveness over long distances without sacrificing connection to the road. Responsiveness improves turnover for faster runners.
Standing All Day:
The 880v12 supplies ample cushioning for all-day wear but some noted the malleable upper did not lock feet in place for laterally stable standing. The supple toe box allows natural splay room.
The 880v13 makes an even better choice for standing with its stable platform and locked-in upper that hugs feet. Its plush Fresh Foam X midsole maintains comfort for long periods in shoes or on your feet.
Plantar Fasciitis:
With its soft dual-layer cushioning and flexible underfoot design, the 880v12 absorbs shock to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis flare-ups. The stretchy upper may permit too much foot movement for some.
The 880v13 offers an extra element of arch support, preventing overpronation – a common cause of plantar fasciitis. Reviewers noted this model offered noticeable pain relief.
Conclusion:
For runners seeking a well-cushioned daily trainer, both the New Balance 880v12 and 880v13 are great options. The 12 offers trusted comfort and support with slightly better longevity thanks to its dual-foam midsole.
However, the 880v13 makes thoughtful updates for an overall more stable and propulsive ride. The v13 takes the lead offering versatility from walking to racing at various paces with sustainably-minded materials.
Unless you need to wring every mile out of your shoes, the 880v13 offers better value and performance for most runners. Those needing to stand all day may also prefer the later model with its extra arch support.