New Balance 1080 v15 First look
Causing a buzz by introducing a brand-new midsole foam in their plush daily trainer, New Balance have rebuilt every piece of the 1080 giving it big updates everywhere you look.
While our own Dan Prettejohn is putting in some serious miles right now in the latest version of one of his favourite shoes, to give a full review soon, here we are going to start with a quick look at the completely rebuilt 1080 to see what’s going on and why they have dropped the famous Fresh FoamX.
Key Info
Price: £169.99
Foot type: Neutral
Weight: 261g (Men’s) 208g (Women’s)
Stack height: 40mm-34mm
Heel drop: 6mm
Surface: Road
Best for: Daily training in comfort
To help you see the differences at a glance, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the previous model and the latest version:
| Feature | New Balance 1080 v15 | New Balance 1080 v14 |
|
Midsole |
Infinium (new supercritical foam) | Fresh Foam X |
|
Ride |
Lighter, and more energetic, but still offering plush comfort |
Smoother, more rolling, and denser |
|
Upper |
New contoured upper is highly breathable with sock like fit |
Engineered mesh |
|
Weight |
Significantly lighter at 261g |
Heavier at 298g |
|
Durability |
New foam expected to outlast previous version easily. |
Average durability, with some reports of abrasion |
|
Stack Height |
40-34mm |
38 -32mm |
History
Known for its plush ride and comfortable mileage, the 1080 is a favourite of many here at Pro Direct thanks to its all-round comfort and luxurious feel.
It sits in the range between the high mileage Fresh FoamX 880v15, and the lighter and faster FuelCell Rebel v5. All three are neutral daily milage shoes, but they all fill their own niches. While the Rebel is fast enough to race in, and makes a great tempo trainer, you can use it every day too. The 880 is a bulletproof daily trainer, designed to soak up the miles, but the 1080 offers up a little more luxury, making it a delight to cruise in.
From the launch of the v15, it will be 10 years since New Balance launched the first Fresh Foam 1080 and the success of its plush feel has been inextricably linked to this revolutionary, soft and comfortable foam, so it is a big step to replace it, and they must have a pretty good reason….
Closer Look
You will have to wait for Dan’s review to get the hands-on verdict of the new engine room, but New Balance are describing the new Infinion foam as “enhanced cushioning with increased energy return for long lasting performance”.
I think we can assume the increased energy return is the main motivating factor here. Fresh Foam is delightfully comfortable but compared to many of the newer foams on the market, it offers less in the way of bounce and responsiveness. If Infinion can offer the same level of comfort and cushioning as Fresh FoamX but with increased energy return, then we are on to a sure-fire winner.
To give a sensation of extra speed New Balance firmed up the outsole on the v14 forefoot to give a more solid rocker feel through the transition, and while some people loved this update and the extra feeling of speed it created, some people missed the sensation of softness they were used to.
By using a soft foam with an inherent increase in speed, you get the best of both worlds, a super soft and comfortable shoe that can soak up mile after mile, that feels great when you need to do some speed work too.
New Balance have been very clever in the upper too, while a breathable mesh is to be expected, and the cushioned tongue and heel tab is no more than 1080 fans will be used to, a new style of upper with moulded contours gives a brand new, interesting and innovative look, while providing a sock like fit. The 1080 looks like a running shoe you wear for every occasion, and the contours seem to disappear on foot for excellent comfort.
Conclusion
While some people might be understandably nervous about such big changes to a beloved shoe, the 1080v15 looks like it has stepped up the game and is dragging plush comfort into the future, and I for one can’t wait to get my hands on a pair. The fact that it looks so great just means I want one even more.
Frequently asked Questions
What is the New Balance 1080 good for?
Comfort, whether you wear it for long runs, easy runs, recovery days, or it’s your one and only runner, it offers a plush feel that will have you longing to wear them again.
Are the New Balance 1080 too soft?
An entirely personal choice, the soft nature of the 1080 does mean that they are not as suited to the fastest training sessions or race day, but that’s not what they are built for. For everyday comfort? To me, the level of firmness is just right.
Which is better, New Balance 880 or 1080?
Both shoes are excellent at filling their niche. The 880 is a bulletproof milage muncher, ideal for long runs, while the 1080 adds a little more luxury to your run at an elevated price point.
Is the New Balance 1080 good for walking?
Because it offers a balanced feel, soft cushioned ride and comfort mile after mile, the 1080 is a great shoe for walking.
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