New balance fresh foam Patch#

If possible, trying on both stability as well as neutral shoes is a good idea as different individuals will prefer each. New runners should look for shoes that are comfortable in the heel and forefoot, provide adequate stability to the foot, and have a secure but not too tight upper. If available to you, a running shoe specialty store allows you to try on and test multiple different shoes to help narrow down the options. Research has yet to really tell us what shoe is best for everyone so currently my best advice is picking a shoe that you find comfortable. Even Matt Klein, the founder of Doctors of Running, who has run in hundreds of different shoes, states that he has yet to find the perfect pair of shoes for him. What beginner runners should look for in a shoe and why the New Balance 880 v12 may be a good choice for new runners.Īs a new runner, finding a well-fitting running shoe can be a daunting task as it will vary from person to person.

However, I still anticipate them to last many miles. I have around 40 miles on my pair, and they do have a small amount of wear of the posterolateral aspect of the heel (where I land). Traction is good over a variety of surfaces including gravel trail, road, and small amounts of snow and slush. At foot strike the 880 v12 feels smooth thanks to the slight heel bevel and the transition to the forefoot feels natural. I wouldn’t rely on the 880 as my weekly workout shoe however as it requires more effort to keep the shoe going fast. However, it does feel lighter on foot and picking up the pace during a tempo run should be no issue. Coming in at 10.5 oz it is not a light shoe. Runners that may be sensitive to forefoot rockers and toe springs will appreciate the more neutral feel of the 880v12. The 880v12 also makes for a good walking and work shoe thanks to the soft (but not squishy) Fresh Foam X and comfortable upper. For interval and faster paced days, a lighter training shoe will likely be a better option. Recovery runs, daily mileage pace, and tempo runs all feel comfortable.

New balance fresh foam Patch#

There's some extra protective material overlaid around the toe area, and the heel has a sturdier patch stitched on to protect you from rocks if you’re off road.The 880 is a true workhorse shoe. It's on the softer side when running, thereby minimizing the chances of rubbing. It’s a synthetic mesh that's pretty breathable, which means you can wear it all day (for chores even, or at your desk) without getting uncomfortable hot and sweaty feet. The upper is made from what could be described as a more conventional upper material. The whole shoe - simple synthetic upper, comfortable midsole and grippy outsole - has been well throughout and executed to create a brilliant package. Straight out of the box, the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 is a joy to use. It's also partnered with 1% for the Planet (opens in new tab), meaning 1% of net sales of this shoe will be donated to organizations that are working on climate change and protecting public lands.

New Balance has taken strides to be eco-friendly, with recycled materials used for the collar and tongue, including cork on the tongue tag. The shoe's Vibram MegaGrip outsole offers impressive traction (Image credit: Fergus Scholes)