By Paul Freary
The New Balance 1080 model has been the brand’s most cushioned model for many years. Recently, it has become synonymous with soft, luxurious cushioning and a super-smooth ride.
Does the new 1080v15 live up to the shoe’s long-time reputation?
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Stats
New Balance | 1080v15 |
|---|---|
Best for | Daily trainer for those seeking a high stack of soft cushioning |
Support | Neutral |
Cushion | Max stack cushioning |
Stack Height | 40mm heel 34mm forefoot |
Drop | 6mm |
Weight | Men 261g (9.2oz) |
Price | $170 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 8.7/ 10 |
Design
INFINION midsole. The midsole is a new supercritical foam midsole. This gives a lighter, softer and more durable feel over regular CM-EVA-based foam midsoles.
A Rocker Profile gives the shoe a smooth, natural feeling as you transition from heel to toe. It’s not aggressive and complements the overall feel of the shoe very well.
The Engineered mesh upper is neat and features a contoured design. These contours give the shoe a little more shape and structure, and make the fit a little neater and reduce the toe box volume a little.
What is Supercritical Foam?
A supercritical foam is created when a regular midsole material, such as EVA, is infused with gas, often nitrogen or CO₂, under high pressure and temperature.
The gas enters a supercritical state, meaning it has the properties of both a liquid and a gas.
When the pressure is released into the foam material, it expands, forming tiny, uniform bubbles to create a midsole that is lightweight, springy, and soft, with a consistent feel throughout the shoe.
This process is called supercritical foaming.
NOTE: The process is most commonly used with nitrogen-infused foams, and while New Balance doesn’t mention that INFINION is a nitrogen-infused material, it does feel very much like other nitro-foams.
NB 1080v15
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Fit
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.
The overall fit of the new 1080 is a little slimmer than the previous model 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.
Performance
The ride of the new 1080v15 is lively and energised, and it’s all down to the new midsole. It’s soft on initial impact and super-smooth on transition from heel to toe. The shoe feels well-balanced and has a nice level of feedback on toe-off.
Like many other shoes using similar supercritical foam midsoles, it feels responsive and engaging for running.
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.
Shoes Like the New Balance 1080v15
This segment of the running shoe market is now a little more complicated than simply ‘highly cushioned’ models.
The 1080 was previously a shoe that offered soft cushioning in a high stack, and that was about it.
Now the 1080v15 is a lively and versatile model that goes beyond just cushioning and provides a much more responsive feel.
Brooks Glycerin Max 2
In the Max-cushioning sector, the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is a second-generation model that offers a super high-stack design, using a tuned nitrogen-injected midsole. The Glycerin Max 2 does offer a higher stack, but is also a little heavier because of that. But it does provide cushioning that is soft in the heel and more responsive in the forefoot.
The Brooks is a slightly different running experience but also aimed at the same customer. The choice will depend on whether you are happy with the maxed-out design of the Brooks over the more conventional, but still well-cushioned, New Balance.
ASICS Megablast
The ASICS Megablast is a relatively new model that I think offers a similar, highly cushioned yet responsive ride. The ASICS is perhaps a little ‘springier’, but the 1080v15 feels much closer to this than any of the previous versions.
Saucony Triumph 23
The Saucony Triumph is another ‘springy’ and responsive daily trainer. It’s similar to the New Balance in terms of both stack height and price, as well as versatility.
With the New Balance, ASICS, Saucony and Brooks, you have shoes that feel similar in terms of cushioning and feedback yet represent the available cushioning materials on the market right now. The choice is going to come down to personal preference and will perhaps be steered by your previous shoes.
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. 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 1080v15 is a great, neutral daily trainer that’s versatile and enjoyable at a variety of paces.
Score: 9/10
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