The 1080 is New Balance’s most popular running shoe. It has plush cushioning, premium build quality and a very comfortable upper. It’s designed to be a softer, more cushioned ride than the 880, their mid-range, neutral daily trainer.
The 1080 gets a new upper, midsole and outsole update each year. Version 14 has some noticeable differences compared to version 13. This comparison will tell you which version you should buy.
Verdict
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 is a great premium daily trainer most suited to relaxed runs. Version 14 has a firmer, more stable ride, a new upper which is more breathable and a stiffer forefoot for more lively toe-offs. It still has a very narrow toe-box so you need to go up a half size or get the wide version for a more comfortable fit.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 is a highly cushioned daily trainer that will feel soft and bouncy on your feet. It’s a great all-around shoe that can handle high mileage along with the occasional speedier runs.
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
Plush
Plush
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
flexible
medium
Stability
some stability
not particularly stable
Sizing
buy half size bigger
true to size
Retail price
US$165
US$164.95
Both v14 and v13 have Fresh Foam X midsoles, made from EVA. The main difference between the 2 midsoles is that v14 has a slightly firmer ride than v13 but they both have very soft, plush rides. They are both best suited to relaxed runs when you aren’t worried about your pace.
Version 14 has a bit more versatility than v13 as it can handle faster paces better. The firmer midsole makes it easier to go faster but it’s still a pure easy day or recovery trainer.
The other difference is that v14 has raised midsole side walls for extra support. V14 also has a wider base so foot strikes feel more planted. V14 has a lot more support and a more stable ride than v13. This results in v14 being better for long runs than v13.
There is a difference in weight between the 2 versions with v13 coming in lighter so it feels more nimble and more agile than v14.
They have different outsole designs with v14 having thicker rubber pieces on its forefoot. This results in a stiffer forefoot on v14. The stiffer forefoot works with the toe-spring to make the rocker more prominent. V14 has energy-saving properties because of its rocker.
The 1080 has always had a comfortable upper and version 14 and 13 are no different.
Version 14 is made of a light, breathable engineered mesh whereas version 13 is made of a thicker, knitted material which is warmer. Version 14 is better for warmer temperatures whereas version 13 is better for cooler temperatures.
Both versions have narrow toe boxes so most runners will need to go up a half size or get the wide version. They are available in narrow, normal, wide and extra wide versions.
