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New Balance 880 and New Balance 680 are neutral running shoes. They have excellent cushioning and will provide you with a comfortable and cushy ride.
They are good for long distances and can also work perfectly as your daily trainer.
Then how are these two running shoes different?
To find out, we have compared New Balance 880 v11 and New Balance 680 v6 in the upcoming sections in much detail. We tried to keep this comparison as objective as possible. We are hopeful that you will find all the required information that you are searching for.
So without further ado, let’s compare New Balance 680vs 880.
This is our winner
Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
New Balance 880 v11
Why did we pick this one?
- Fresh Foam X cushioning.
- Good heel counter.
- Breathable.
- Stylish.
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition.
The main differences between New Balance 680 Vs 880
- New Balance 880 weighs a bit more than New Balance 680 for both versions. Weight of the women’s version of New Balance 880 is around 8.7 oz or 247g whereas the weight of New Balance 680 is around 7.2oz or 204.11g. Weight of the men’s version of New Balance 880 is around 10.5oz or 298g and the weight of New Balance 680 is around 9.77 oz or 277g.
- The arch support for New Balance 880 is medium whereas the arch support for New Balance 680 is medium to high.
- New Balance 880 has more sizes available than New Balance 680 for both versions.
- The number of widths available for New Balance 880 is more than New Balance 680 for both versions.
- The latest version of New Balance 880 is 11 whereas the current version of New Balance 680 is 6.
Content
New Balance 880 Vs New Balance 680 – An Overview
Both New Balance 880 and New Balance 680 are neutral running shoes. They are cushy and comfortable and will provide you with great ride quality.
They are good for all kinds of running except the trails and will provide you with excellent grip and a consistent ride.
In the following sections, we are comparing these running shoes in much detail and will provide you with an in-depth analysis of New Balance 880 and New Balance 680. By the end of this comparison, we are confident that you will be able to pick the perfect running shoe for your needs.
So, let’s proceed…
New Balance 880 v11 Vs New Balance 680 v6 – Features at a glance
New Balance 880 Vs 680 – A head to head comparison
In the above sections, you will find an overview and some major differences between New Balance 880 and New Balance 680.
In the sections below, you will get a much more in-depth comparison of these two running shoes.
Outsole
The outsole of New Balance 680 comes with a blown rubber outsole. This is a full-contact outsole and is great for protecting the midsole.
It has a harder rubber lining on the heels and this helps the forefoot strikers to get more out of this running shoe. Otherwise, it would have fallen apart with all the force being taken by the heels.
Also, it has two and third segments in the forefoot. This ensures optimal flexibility of the forefoot while providing simultaneous support to the underpronating runners.
Overall, this type of midsole provides you with excellent grip and will keep you stable on the roads while running.
The outsole of New Balance 880 is made from blown rubber. Like many other shoes, this outsole also has a heel lining to provide you with a durable heel area.
A similar kind of rubber is present at the tip of the forefoot. This adds to the durability of this shoe. Also, being a full-contact outsole enhances the lifespan of the midsole by protecting this soft cushioning.
Also, it has segmentation in the forefoot that provides optimal flexibility to this running shoe and a smoother heel-to-toe transition.
Midsole
The midsole of New Balance 680 is made from ABZORB foam. It absorbs impact and provides you with protective cushioning.
It has ACTEVA that provides you with a lively running experience. It is also flexible providing you with a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
The ACTEVA foam is a lightweight foam that is injection molded and provides you with a soft underfoot feeling.
This foam is a responsive foam that will help you to run any kind of distance comfortably and will provide you with a quality running experience mile-after-mile.
It also has the NB Response 2.0 performance Insert. This provides you with additional comfort under your feet.
The midsole of New Balance 880 is made from Fresh Foam X. It is one of the softer foams that provides you with excellent cushioning. It is responsive resilient and will provide you with a quality running experience.
The web pattern etched on the exposed sides provides added styling and some reduced weight. This also adds to the flexibility of this sole.
This foam is made after taking input from a lot of athletes and it translates to a very comfortable cushioning.
Also, this foam adapts to your stride providing you with adaptable cushioning.
It has molded footbed that will provide you with added comfort and support and also another level of cushioning.
Upper
The upper of New Balance 680 is made from engineered mesh. It is a no-sew construction and will provide you with a customized fit.
Also, being a no-sew material, it will not rub on against your skin and you will have a comfortable and blister-free ride.
It has a printed pattern on the back of the heel and till the mid of the shoe. This adds to the overall effect of the shoe. Also, on the back near the heels, there are reflective materials that will ensure you remain safe from oncoming traffic while running in low light.
The tongue region is in sharp contrast to the rest of the upper adding to the overall style of this shoe.
Also, the tongue and the collar region are well padded and will provide you with excellent ankle stability.
Apart from these, it also has molded sockliner that provides additional comfort to your feet.
The upper of New Balance 880 also has an engineered mesh called Double Jacquard Engineered Mesh. It provides you with a custom fit and excellent breathability.
It expands and contracts with your feet providing you with a natural movement.
It also has patterns and overlays on the back of the heel providing it a stylish appearance.
The tongue region of this model also is in sharp contrast with the rest of the upper providing it with some added style.
Like the other models of New Balance, 880 also comes with flat laces and will keep your feet and fastened when running.
It also has Molded Footbed that will provide you with additional comfort and cushioning.
Weight
The weight of New Balance 880 is a bit more than New Balance 680 for both versions.
New Balance 880 weighs around 8.7oz or 247g for the women’s version and 10.5 oz or 298g for the men’s version of this shoe.
On the other hand, New Balance 680 weighs around 7.2 oz or 204.11g for the women’s version and 9.77 oz or 277g for the men’s version.
Price
The price of New Balance 880 is a bit higher than New Balance 680. The latest version of New Balance 880 will cost you around $30 more than 680.
The price difference may be because New Balance 880 uses newer technologies like Fresh Foam X.
However, if you are on a budget and you can stretch it a bit, give 880 a try. You will not regret it.
In the above sections, you will find almost all the similarities and differences between New Balance 880 and New Balance 680.
However, there are a couple of other shoes that can provide you with a similar experience.
We have included those recommendations in the below sections. Do have a look.
Running Shoes Similar To New Balance 880 v11
New Balance 880 is a neutral running shoe and will provide you with excellent cushioning. For cushioning New Balance 880 uses Fresh Foam X as mentioned earlier.
This foam is soft and adaptable and will provide you with custom cushioning according to your stride. It is responsive, resilient and will provide you with a good quality ride.
Also, the in-shoe environment is also great. It is smooth and comfortable and is breathable. This will keep the in-shoe environment healthy and you can run worry-free.
A running shoe that can provide you with a similar running experience is Brooks Ghost. It has soft and adaptable cushioning and will provide you with excellent ride quality.
It is breathable and will provide you with a healthy and comfortable in-shoe environment.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Runners looking for a smooth ride that won’t distract from the fun of the run. The Ghost 14 offers a simplified midsole construction which creates more seamless transitions. This Brooks Ghost 14 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. We recommend ordering Brooks running shoes 1/2 to one size larger than your dress shoe.
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION: The Ghost 14 offers neutral support while providing high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Ghost 13
- BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability - yet it feels lighter than ever. DNA LOFT now makes up the entire midsole, for a softer, smoother, ride.
Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Running Shoes Similar To New Balance 680 v6
New Balance 680 is a neutral running shoe with a lot of cushioning. It uses ACTEVA which is a responsive cushioning and will provide you a good amount of energy return.
Also, it has a comfortable in-shoe environment and is very breathable. Your feet will not feel suffocated while running in this shoe.
Brooks Launch will provide you with a similar running experience. It has a highly responsive sole which will help you to perform at your best.
Also, the in-shoe environment of this shoe is very comfortable. It is breathable and smooth and will provide you with an excellent running experience.
This is why we think Brooks Launch will be the perfect alternative to New Balance 680.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Launch 8 is for neutral runners who want a lightweight shoe with a fast, fun, ride. Durable enough for training but light enough for race day, the Launch 8 is designed to keep up on every run. Predecessor: Brooks Launch 7.
- NEUTRAL SUPPORT: Streamlined yet cushioned, with neutral support, this shoe hits the sweet spot between a race flat and a standard trainer.
- LIGHTWEIGHT CUSHIONING: Brooks lightest BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning provides a fast ride without any extra weight - perfect for days when you are working on your speed.
Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
In the above sections, you will find a lot of similarities and differences between New Balance 680 Vs 880. However, we liked one of them more than the other.
New Balance 880 has Fresh Foam X cushioning which is a soft, adaptable cushioning and provides you with ultimate comfort. Also, this 880 looks more stylish than 680 and uses newer technologies.
These are the reasons that we chose New Balance 880 over New Balance 680.
Do you own any of these shoes? If so, share your experience with us in the comments section below.
Madhusree Basu
Author, Admin
Blogger and a fitness enthusiast. She loves running and Yoga and everything in between. She started running to manage her weight and to eat to her heart’s content. A true foodie at heart she shares whatever knowledge she has gained throughout the years about weight management and fitness.
