By Paul Freary
The 1080 has long been New Balance’s premium neutral daily trainer, a reliable, highly cushioned shoe for easy miles and recovery runs. The 1080v14 kept the model’s design ethos of simply offering soft cushioning. The last few versions had retained the FreshFoam X midsole and tended to feel very similar, with a soft, ‘squishy’ ride.
The 1080v15 is a more significant update. New Balance has replaced the Fresh Foam X midsole with a new Infinion foam, a supercritical foam raised the stack a little, reduced the weight a touch and renewed the upper. These changes make the 1080v15 feel noticeably different underfoot.
Stats
New Balance | 1080v14 | 1080v15 |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Daily trainer for those seeking a high stack of soft cushioning | Daily trainer for those seeking a high stack of soft and responsive cushioning |
Support | Neutral | Neutral |
Cushion | Max stack cushioning | Max stack cushioning |
Stack Height | 38mm heel 32mm forefoot | 40mm heel |
Drop | 6mm | 6mm |
Weight | Men 298g (10.5oz) | Men 261g (9.2oz) Women 208g (7.3oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $165 | $170 |
Fit | True to size | True to size |
Rating | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
Design
The INFINION Midsole is the major change from the 1080v14 to the new 1080v15. The midsole is a new supercritical foam midsole. This gives a lighter, softer and more durable feel over regular CM-EVA-based foam midsoles.
The Midsole STACK has also been increased in the new 1080v15, adding 2mm throughout the full length of the shoe. This, combined with the new Infinion foam, really enhances the feel and ride of the shoe, making it more cushioned, but also more responsive.
The WEIGHT of the 1080v15 is a little less than the previous version. Thanks to the new upper and midsole, the shoe is now around 30g lighter.
1080v15
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1080v14
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Fit
The fit has changed in the new 1080, I think, for the better.
The 1080v14 provided a familiar fit, much like the previous few iterations. It was roomy in the toe box with a little wiggle room for the toes.
The 1080v15’s updated upper provides a softer padding in the heel and a secure midfoot fit. The overall fit is a little slimmer and has a little less volume in the toe box. I found it simply a much neater fit, and I think it’s due to the newly engineered mesh upper. It features contours which give it a little more shape and structure.
The fit of the new 1080v15 is true-to-size when compared to other New Balance models.
Bear in mind that for UK runners, New Balance sizes are a half size smaller than US sizes, whereas most other brands use a full-size difference. This can sometimes catch UK runners unaware, and they’ll find the shoes too small. So, for example, if you wear a UK9 in a Brooks, go for a UK9.5 in New Balance.
Performance
The most obvious change in the new 1080v15 is in the ride. The new Infinion foam midsole makes the shoe feel so much more energised and responsive. It’s now not a soft, spongy ride but springy and bouncy.
The lighter weight of the new shoe also adds to the ride. With around 10% less mass, the shoe is transformed into a much faster-feeling ride. Yes, it’s still a daily trainer at heart, but it’s so much more agile and engaging.
It’s sometimes a little tricky to describe the feel of a shoe, particularly neutral cushioned models. But, for me, the 1080v14 feels a little like running on soft sand, where the 1080v15 feels more like running on a very well-manicured lawn; it has a little more natural bounce.
The new midsole has transformed the model, and now, instead of simply being an ‘easy run’ shoe, it feels much more versatile and happier at paces other than easy recovery day efforts.
Which Will you Choose?
If you like soft cushioning and want a great, easy-paced shoe, the 1080v14 is the best option. It’s tried and tested and proves to be a great workhorse model for daily miles in an easy-going package.
For a plusher and more energised ride, the 1080v15 ups the pace a little and proves to be a much more versatile option that can cope with faster-paced intervals as easily as slower recovery miles.
My Verdict
In conclusion, the best feature of the new 1080v15 is the Infinion foam. This foam is lighter, more resilient and more energetic than before, giving a noticeably softer yet more responsive ride. It’s a smoother, more balanced heel-to-toe transition and provides a nice blend of cushioning and bounce.
The Infinion foam feels like it should prove to be much more resilient, too, and if anything like other supercritical materials, this will certainly be the case.
Those who prefer a very soft recovery-type run shoe should opt for the 1080v14. The cushioning soaks up every impact and provides a super-soft experience.
Runners looking for a daily trainer that balances cushioning, comfort and a versatile, responsive ride should enjoy the 1080v15.
Runners wanting comfort and durability, for long runs, everyday training, or those who simply want a very comfortable everyday shoe for walking will also enjoy the shoe.
The 1080v14 could be described as super-soft, whereas the 1080v15 is soft and springy.
The 1080v15 is a great, neutral daily trainer that’s versatile and enjoyable at a variety of paces.
Final Scores:
New Balance
1080v14 – 8/10
1080v15 - 9/10
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