Customer Reviews New Balance M880

NB 880 vs. NB 879 - I found that the bottom end of the 880 was virtually identical to the NB-879. However, I am a little skeptical of all of the reviews I have seen from people who say that New Balance took their best cushioning shoe and made it better. The only difference (and I think it is a major difference if you mail order) is that I had to size up 1 full size from the NB-879 or normal casual dress shoe. I placed the soles of my 879's against the soles of my 880's and sure enough, my 10 1/2 879's were the same exact length as my 11 1/2 880's. And even then, I think I should have gone the next wider width. It probably had something to do with the different label, the one where they no longer say "Made in the USA" because less than 70% of the shoe is made in the USA now, not that the quality is any less, just the size. Still, it is the best purely cushioned shoe I have found for my high instep and high arches. This shoe still offers the flexibility I need for my foot dynamics. I have heard that any motion control is better than no motion control. Don't believe it! I spent a year of visits with the podiatrist undoing the mess that stability and motion control made of my lower legs. If you're a heavier than average runner, and you've got high arches and a high instep, and you put in some miles, stay away from the hard plastic and rigid midsoles. This shoe might be just what the doctor ordered. I'm 230 pounds and the 879 easily carried me 350 miles. I've only got 30 on the 880, but I have no reason to believe that this shoe won't carry me just as far. I rated this shoe a 4 in comfort, but only because I don't think you can go by the "size up" recommendations.

Tighter across the forefoot than NB 993 or 860.

I am extremely difficult to fit with one foot wider than the other, a narrow heel, wide forefoot especially on one foot, and under pronate. This is my first s2 last. I previously had 991. Much better fit. Zappo's was great to deal with. Made a mistake on the order called before shipping and they handled perfectly. I will do business with them again. I always find New Balance to run small compared to regular shoes and order 1/2 size larger.

Great shoes--just as expected - Just right for my wide feet. I only have 150 miles or so on them but they seem fine. I cannot speak for durability yet but all New Balance shoes I have had in the past have held up well.

Comfortable supportive shoe - This shoe is much more comfortable than my previous NB shoe. The fit is very nice and there is plenty of cushioning in the heel and forefoot area. I wear a full sole orthtic with a high arch and this shoe has ample space to accept one. The sole does not have as much grip as other shoes. I use the shoe for jogging and walking. I agree with the previous comments about the stitching on the inside of the shoe. Only time will tell if the shoe provides long term durability.