Andrew Rizzo No brand has been as steadfast in growing its lifestyle catalog as New Balance lately, the Boston brand continuing to mine its archive for retro models that align well with modern tastes. That continues now with the debut of the New Balance 880R, another reimagined silhouette available now in three essential colorways via DTLR.com.
Modern bring-backs of late 2000s and early 2010s runners have proven ridiculously fruitful for New Balance in recent years, led by modern classics like the 2002R, 1906R, and 860v2. The 880R pulls from the Boston brand’s 880 running line, which got its start around that same era, sporting a fresh fusion of mesh, leather, and suede filtered through a distinctly Y2K lens. Breathable mesh lays the foundation, followed by leather underlays featuring multiple large oval cutouts over the forefoot. The toe cap comes in suede, as does the main panel covering the eyelets and quarter.
There’s an obvious comparison to be made to cuts like the 2002R and 1906R given the familiar materials and retro running aesthetic, but the shape here runs chunkier, aligning more closely with the now seldom-discussed New Balance 580. While other newcomers like the 1890 and 2011 sport the techy, ABZORB-heavy midsole of the New Balance 2002, the 880R instead opts for a closed-off, trail-like setup with minimal visible cushioning bubbles.
The New Balance 880R is available in three essential colorways – Grey, Black, and Navy – right now via DTLR.com. Retail is set at just $120.
