Comments on: New Balance Fresh Foam 980 Review: Firm, Responsive, and A Bit Pointy

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 02:35:40 +0000

I agree with the general sentiment hear. To me if felt more like a lightweight trainer with some cushion, not a maximal shoe. It will be interesting to see which direction NB takes it.

Also, I am not trying to spam, but I wanted to let anyone following this that the company I work for, Runners On The Go, is giving away a pair of Fresh Foam 980s.

There are 2 days left to enter, and the contest is on Facebook, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/Runnersonthego/app_190322544333196

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:41:25 +0000

In reply to Don Pendergraft. Not sure, but Sam Winebaum told me they fit a bit better.

By: Don Pendergraft

Don Pendergraft — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 21:02:21 +0000

Any idea if the 980 Trail version has the same issue with the pointy toe?

By: Brendon Ross

Brendon Ross — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 03:33:41 +0000

Great post mate. I was looking at picking up a pair of these in the next couple weeks but I might look elsewhere now and go with a light-weight Asics pair. Thanks for the review!

By: Brad Patterson

Brad Patterson — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 16:10:11 +0000

Nice review, Pete. I sure wish NB (and other manufacturers) would stop with the pointy toeboxes. I have tried on many a shoe that were ALMOST perfect, if not for smashed toes/forefoot.

By: Kath

Kath — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 08:29:22 +0000

In reply to Peter Larson. Thaanks Pete. The One2 looks great but can't find it in UK, have emailed Altra. Bare Access I do not like toe bumpers.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 17:25:24 +0000

In reply to Matt. No, have not tried EE. Worried the heel and midfoot would be too wide.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 17:24:59 +0000

In reply to Steve. Cool, thanks for the tip!

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 17:24:14 +0000

In reply to Kath. Have you tried any Altras? Wide toebox, cushier sole than the WR10. Intuition or The One2 would be good to try. Also something like the Merrell Bare Access might be worth a look.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 15:11:02 +0000

Did you purchase them in D-width? I believe they are available in EE as well. I noticed similar toe-box issues in the D-width versions of a couple iterations of the 890s, but the EE’s were great.

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 14:20:57 +0000

Great post Pete!
Another option for insoles is Spenco RX in soles on Amazon for about 10$. They are flat and you can trim them. I’ve put them under some org insoles to soften the ride, serve as a rock plate, or help a shoe fit my skinny foot before. I get 4mm, but they compress, so might be another option to try. :)

By: Kath

Kath — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 11:07:06 +0000

Well Pete we seem to have very similar taste in shoes. I am looking for something with a tiny bit more cushioning for long runs than NB WR10v2 of which I am on my 4th pair, the fit is marvellous. I got wide toes and short feet so the shoe must be stubby. I hoped NB RC1600 might be it but I can’t find any in UK. Suggestions? Happy to wear bloke shoes but they mustn’t have too much stuff round the shoe.