New Balance 980

****DISCLAIMER: everyone's feet are shaped differently, and because I say that this shoe works or doesn't work for me, doesn't mean that it'll work for you. I intend on telling you about the structure and feel of the shoe and giving my opinion. Take it as you may.****

New Balance 980:

Category: Neutral

Fit: More snug fitting than the standard New Balance shoe, not too tight tho. Hugs in the heel nicely.

Cushioning: Plush. A lot different than the adzorb cushion in other NB shoes. Contains Fresh Foam

Heel to toe drop: 4 mm

Weight: 7.3 oz

Price: $110

Comparable shoes: Saucony Kinvara, Nike Pegasus, Brooks Ghost

Company says: Experience the award-winning cushioning and smooth ride of the Fresh Foam 980 running shoe. With a lower midsole for a more natural underfoot feel, the Fresh Foam is incredibly soft yet stable, with breathable mesh upper for miles of cool comfort.

I say: I knew the 980 was going to be a different shoe once I read about it. New Balance has always been in my mind as the shoe my grandpa always wore. I couldn't picture myself wearing them. The creation of the Fresh Foam has changed the idea of New Balance for myself. The 980 is on a different spectrum of shoes for NB, by being soft and more form fitting than past shoes. There is a substantial amount of cushioning in the forefoot, as there should be. Since the shoe is a 4 millimeter drop, people who were running in the 880, 890, or comparable models should be cautious. Dropping to a much lower heel drop shoe can produce calf issues and those who take the jump should slowly transition to this movement. I will say that I like this shoe and am excited to see what else New Balance does with the Fresh Foam. Great shoe.