New Balance 1080 V14 vs 1080 V13 – Which Version is the Best Cushioned Cruiser?

Stack Height, Drop, Weight and Price

The New Balance 1080V14 stack height retains the same 38mm / 32mm wedge of Fresh Foam X across the midsole – and the same 6mm drop – that we got on the New Balance 1080V13.

When it comes to weight, the New Balance 1080V14 has put on a bit of weight. In our UK Men’s 8.5 test shoe, it now tips the scales at 10.1oz / 285g, compared to the 1080 v13 at 9.2oz / 260g.

That’s still lighter than other rivals like the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 (11.1oz / 314g) and the Saucony Triumph 22 (10.8oz / 307g).

The New Balance 1080V14 price also stays the same at $165, sitting firmly in the midrange bracket for a daily trainer. It’s marginally more expensive than close rivals, the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 and the Saucony Triumph 22 at $160.

Design

Straight out of the box, the New Balance 1080V14 looks very much like the 1080V13. The same stack of rockered midsole, mesh uppers and ample padding. Both shoes shout comfort.

The changes to the New Balance 1080V14 are modest. The main difference comes in the midsole with small changes to the geometry, designed to improve stability and support. What that means is some increased stiffness in the forefoot to help with toe-off. That equates to a midsole that feels like it’s tuned slightly firmer than the really soft 1080V13.

Up top, the New Balance 1080V14 has new engineered mesh uppers designed to improve breathability but these are now more hugging than the V13. There’s significantly less flex in the toe box, making for a more wrapped, less airy fit overall.

The heel collars and the gusseted tongues offer the same plush padding and the lacing structure looks untouched.

Flip them over and there the outsole rubber has moved from flex groove-style grip, to a horseshoe around the mid-to-forefoot and a single pad of protective rubber in the middle of the forefoot. The rubber patches in the heel looks thicker – and more durable – than the outsole on the 1080v13.

Fit

I ran in my regular New Balance size, a US 9.5 in both shoes. The New Balance 1080v14 comes up slightly shorter in the toe box. It’s notably more snug with a touch less flex for the toes, too. It’s just a bit more cramped across the top of the mid foot, something you notice, if like me, you’ve got quite high feet.

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The heel collars and tongues provide the same fit and feel across both shoes with good security. I've had no slipping, just good locked-in control.

If, like me, you prefer a roomier fit, the 1080V13 is the better option. It affords a shade more room and comfort without sacrificing hold or security. But if you like a more snug fit, you’ll like the 1080V14 fit.

My recommendation would be to go true to size in the New Balance 1080V13 but if you've got wider feet or you want more length, consider half a size up or look at the wide option in the New Balance 1080V14.

Performance

In testing, I’ve run more than 40 miles in the New Balance 1080V13 and 1080V14. That’s mostly been easy plodding with some runs up to 90 minutes. As usual, I covered a mix of road and light off-road river paths.

The biggest change from the 1080V13 to the 1080v14 comes from the way the midsole feels underfoot. The 1080V14 is back to being marginally firmer with a bit of stiffness to the outsole and some additional resilience. I think that smooths the transitions and makes the ride a bit more immediate. There’s a quicker response with the foam returning faster than the 1080V13. It perhaps harks back a bit to the ride we got from the New Balance 1080v12.

If you really liked the New Balance 1080 V13 for that supreme softness, some of that has gone. However, even with the updates, the New Balance 1080V14 still ticks all the boxes for a plush and softer, max-cushioned comfort shoe. It’s a very capable easy-day recovery option that definitely rivals the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26, the Saucony Triumph 22 and the Nike Invincible 3.

If the softest, cushioned comfort of the 1080V13 appealed to you, you won’t get quite as much. But if you wanted a little more response from the 1080V13, the 1080V14 brings some of that back.

The softness of the New Balance 1080V13 meant I reserved it for my slowest and easiest miles. The 1080V14 almost kicks me out of those bottom gears but because there’s a chunk of extra weight, it still feels like a big shoe on the foot. So while it’s more versatile – and would be a great workhorse for a beginner runners – I still find it a bit limited.

My Verdict

Would I choose the New Balance 1080V14 or 1080V13? It’s a toss up. Both are great for easy cruising miles. There’s loads of comfort here and these are shoes that I’d definitely recommend for a beginner runner. However, I personally want a shoe that’s a mash-up of both.

I want the lighter agility of the New Balance 1080V13 but with the extra stiffness and immediacy from the stiffer forefoot. But if I had to choose one shoe, as a runner who prefers a firmer, snappier, more immediate ride, it’d be the New Balance 1080V14.

If you want the softest ride, go for the New Balance 1080V13. If you want a daily trainer that’s still soft and plush but with a bit more stability and marginally more pop, go for the New Balance 1080V14.

Other shoes I’d seriously consider that can offer similar include the Saucony Ride 17, the Adidas Supernova Prima, the Nike Pegasus 41 and the Puma Velocity Nitro 3.