By Paul Freary
One thing about the 1080v13 that may be considered a slight downside is that it was just so soft that it could feel a little unstable. The 1080v14 changes this and I think it’s a little bit better for it.
The New Balance 1080v13 was largely hailed as one of the best neutral-cushioned running shoes around. With a deep stack of soft, Fresh Foam X midsole material, it offered a plush ride that soaked up every step of your run.
I really enjoy running in the 1080v13. In fact, I still have a pair in my rotation and use them for those very easy days following a hard session. When my legs feel a little sore from a race or maybe longer, harder intervals, I reach for 1080, knowing that I’ll be able to get the miles in without putting any more strain on the muscles. They seem perfect as an ‘active recovery’ shoe.
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Fit
The 1080v14 is true to size in both length and width compared to other shoes from the brand.
As always, with regards to New Balance, I wear a UK10 (US10.5), in other brands, a US10.5 equates to a UK9.5, so bear this in mind if shopping in the UK and haven’t worn New Balance before.
The new upper has a slight stretch to it and copes well with small variations in foot shape.
The upper has a newly designed, engineered mesh construction that has a nice level of padding to it but remains breathable enough for most conditions.
Stats
New Balance | 1080v14 |
|---|---|
Best for | Easy, daily miles |
Support | Neutral |
Cushion | Maximum cushioning |
Stack Height | 38mm heel /32mm forefoot |
Drop | 6mm |
Weight | Men 298g (10.5oz) Women235g (8.3oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $165 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 9/ 10 |
Tech
The main technical feature of the 1080v14 is the midsole foam made up of Fresh Foam X.
It’s important to remember that Fresh Foam X is more of an umbrella term for New Balance’s training shoe cushioning material. It’s featured across their range but can vary a great deal depending on the individual shoe.
Just as the brand’s racing models use FuelCell, their different types of the foam are often blended with PEBA or other materials.
New Balance 1080v14
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Stability
With Fresh Foam X, we have a 38mm stack in the heel, with a 6mm drop into the forefoot. In the 1080v14, the Fresh Foam X feels a little firmer than the previous version. The overall shape and dimensions of the shoe are a little different, too. The footprint of the shoe is a little slimmer in both the heel and forefoot. Mine measures around 5mm narrow compared to the v13.
These changes don’t make a great deal of difference, but by making the shoe a little narrower, one might think it would become a little more unstable. That’s countered by the slightly firmer foam, so stability, if anything, feels a little better in the new model.
Performance
My first run in the shoes was an easy outing, a 4-mile run, the day after a half marathon race. My legs felt a little ‘beat-up’, but once into my running, the 1080v14 was able to absorb any impact and made light work of the miles.
The initial feel of the shoe is soft and ‘squishy’, but you quickly notice that the shoe is a little firmer than the previous model. It’s not hard by any means, but firmer with less obvious wobble.
The 1080v13 was so soft that it could feel like you were running on the beach. That’s not the case and I find the v14 a little better for it.
Adding to My Shoe Rotation
Adding more miles to the shoe over recent weeks, they’ve quickly found their niche in my running shoe rotation. Whereas the 1080v13 was saved purely for very easy recovery days, the 1080v14 is a little better equipped to handle miles on the road at varying speeds.
The slightly firmer feel feels dialled in perfectly to my steady run pace. It sits between a soft, super-cushioned shoe and a more responsive tempo trainer. Okay, I’m not varying my pace too much from approximately 7 minutes 30 seconds per mile, but at this speed, it is a great all-day cruiser.
Comparisons
There are several obvious comparisons to the 1080v14 and a couple of them are from the same brand being, the 880v14 and the Fresh Foam More v5.
The More is a very similar model and perhaps a little closer to the previous version of the 1080. The More is a high-stack model that’s super-soft but a little lower in drop from heel to toe. The More is more unstable than the 1080v14, but if you are a very neutral runner, this won’t be a concern and the More is less expensive than the 1080, too.
The 880v14 is another neutral model and again features the Fresh Foam X midsole cushioning. The 880 is a little lower in stack height than the 1080v14, but the ride is very similar. It’s a very tricky call, but I’d say the 880 is a little more stable and a little firmer, but only just!
From Brooks, the Glycerin 21 is perhaps the nearest contender. This shoe uses nitrogen-infused foam, so it feels a little firmer initially but quickly softens up and becomes more welcoming. The Glycerin is a much more stable ride than the 1080v14 and, I’d say gives a little back in terms of responsiveness.
The Saucony Triumph 22 is another max cushioned alternative and uses a different foam again; here, it’s PEBA-based material PWRRUN PB. This shoe has a very definite spring-like feel to its ride. There’s no shortage of cushioning, but the Triumph feels more versatile and happier to pick up the pace in compared to the 1080v14.
My Verdict
There’s no doubt the New Balance 1080v14 is a good update to the model line. I think the slight increase in firmness makes it a generally better shoe and in turn, the increase in overall stability means it’s a safe bet for many runners.
It’s a shoe that still has quite a niche as an everyday trainer. It performs well at your easier running paces and can quite happily go mile after mile like this. Okay, you can pick up the pace a little in the shoe, but it can feel a little too cushioned and you can feel like you are working harder than is really necessary.
For those recovery days, it’s one of the best-performing shoes around and it will continue to have a place in my training shoe rotation.
The 1080v14 is undoubtedly one of the most comfortable shoes on the market, so for everyday wear, it’s unbeatable. For those who simply require a very well-cushioned trainer to wear for work, then I really can’t think of a more comfortable model on the market right now.
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