New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 Shoe Review

Individual Thoughts

ConnorOverall Score: 8.5/10

Overall, the New Balance 1080 v13 is a spectacular update that almost feels like a new shoe. Yes, it still retains the premium nature of the 1080 series, but the new midsole features more rockered geometries, increased stack height, stiffer forefoot, and softer foam durometers to create a much more efficient shoe in a really protective package. If you're a runner seeking ultimate comfort for endless miles on the road, the 1080 v13 will be right up at the top of the premium neutral trainer list with just a few other competitors that put up a close fight.

Over the past few years, I've moved away from the 1080 line as it just didn't have that "wow" factor, but my thoughts have changed with the latest edition, and now I have been bringing it out quite a bit. Fresh Foam X compounds can vary between models, but this seems to be one of the softer iterations. The softer foam is combined with a stiffer forefoot, which helps create more ease as I go through my gait. With a shoe like the 1080, you just want easy runs to feel even easier, and the latest version perfectly accomplishes that task.

CarolineOverall Score: 7/10

This was my first time running in the 1080s, and while they have a reputation for being a max-cushioned cruiser, the v13 is much softer and has more cushioning with its entirely revamped design. In terms of fit, it has a secure, structured hold that I like, but the upper ran warm in the Georgia summer heat. Additionally, the midsole cushioning is tuned for comfort, and I found the overall performance to feel a bit muted, lacking responsiveness.

I would recommend this shoe for the beginner runner seeking comfort, those who want a very plush running experience on easier runs, or heel strikers who like the extra cushioning around the Achilles. As a midfoot striker, I would not add this shoe to my running rotation. I thought the design was a bit overdone in this latest iteration, and it was just too much shoe for me. I love New Balance's Fuel Cell midsole for its overall comfort and livelier bouncy ride. In contrast, the distribution of the Fresh Foam X midsole in the 1080 just did not work for me. I gravitate toward lightweight, versatile daily trainers that offer a balance between cushioning and responsiveness, which the 1080 is not.

In the end, it comes down to personal preferences and what suits your stride and comfort level (in terms of how much cushioning you like). If you want a very soft shoe, check out the 1080. If you don't need excess cushioning, there are many more balanced and responsive shoes that offer you versatility.

Our In-Depth Look

Upper

Connor: "The upper on the 1080 v13 continues to live up to the 1080 legacy. It is soft and comfortable, and I could feel the premium materials immediately upon putting it on my foot. Yes, the upper design is a little more built up, which adds some weight while reducing breathability, but this also creates that luxurious step-in feel. From a fit perspective, the shoe fits true to size, and the roomy toe box shape was ideal. I had plenty of room to move my toes around freely, and the midfoot was nice and secure. The heel collar was a nice final touch, which created a plush feel that exudes comfort for miles on end."

Caroline: "The 1080 has a structured fit that hugged my foot comfortably for a snug, wraparound feel. That said, it is not a roomy upper, so you are not going to get much space for toe-splaying. I have narrower feet, so I had no issues with the fit of the toe box, but this is something to keep in mind for those with varying foot shapes who may need to go a half size up in the latest iteration. Unfortunately, the upper did run warm and was not very breathable in the Georgia heat and humidity."

Midsole

Connor: "The midsole is probably my favorite part of the 1080. While it still feels plush and cushioned underfoot, v13 takes a radical departure in terms of softness and geometries. From a compound perspective, the shoe still features Fresh Foam X, which is protective and resilient but now much softer. I tend to like softer shoes, and the feel is now much more in line with what I look for in a daily trainer. From a geometry perspective, the shoe has an updated rockered platform that is dialed in to create a really smooth ride. The forefoot is tuned on the stiffer side, but overall, the shoe just feels efficient at cruising efforts. I like it for anything from easier recovery days to long runs. While I really enjoy the More v4, and there are some similarities which I enjoy, the 1080 v13 has its own unique feel that is cushioned but not quite as bulky underfoot as the More."

Caroline: "The NB 1080s are known for being max-cushioned shoes, so you shouldn't expect a bouncy or snappy ride. Instead, the emphasis is placed more on comfort than responsiveness. The v13 takes it a step further and is even softer with more cushioning than before. As a neutral runner with a midfoot strike, the excess cushioning in the heel and higher stack height contributed to a lack of energy return and a bit of an unstable platform when running (even walking in them felt a bit clunky). While the bountiful cushioning practically envelops my feet upon step-in, on the run, it feels surprisingly firm in the forefoot. Because of this, I would not wear these shoes on my long runs, as I would want more appropriately placed cushioning and protection."

Outsole

Connor: "The outsole is completely changed in the latest version of the 1080, and upon initial inspection, you can see the amount of rubber has been reduced quite a bit. This not only helps reduce weight but creates larger diagonal flex grooves that run through the forefoot and help with the shoe's smooth ride. I had no issues with durability, and after running 100 miles in the shoe, I do not see any major signs of wear in the forefoot — only some minor aesthetic wear to the exposed foam in the midfoot and heel. The v13's durability and traction held up really well on the roads, and I have even taken it on some light trails where it has also faired well."

Caroline: "I did not experience any wet roads in these shoes, so I cannot say whether the outsole would cause any slippage in those conditions. The outsole seems to fit the average durability timeframe for these types of shoes that have a softer foam, with a standard lifespan of a few hundred miles."

Comparable Models

ASICS Gel Nimbus 25 vs. New Balance 1080 v13

Connor: "The 1080 v13 offers a soft, highly-cushioned midsole paired with a more premium upper. With these updates, I cannot help but think of another one of my favorite daily trainers, the ASICS Nimbus 25. I use both for very similar types of training (recovery days and long runs), but they have a slightly different underfoot feel. The Nimbus seems to fall in between the 1080 and More v4 in terms of cushioning. From a net base and geometry perspective, the two shoes are similar, but the stiffer forefoot in the 1080 definitely provides a distinct feel. The upper on both are nice. I enjoy the tongue on the Nimbus slightly more, but I really appreciate the wider toe box in the 1080, which is spacious without being sloppy."

Caroline: "Both are highly cushioned shoes that are very soft. The upper of the Nimbus has a more adaptable fit that is accommodating for runners who like a bit more room, while the NB 1080 has a more dialed-in, snug fit with a secure lockdown. The Nimbus 25's upper is also a bit more breathable than the 1080's, and the cushioning is not firm in the forefoot, unlike the 1080 v13. Both shoes focus more on comfort than responsiveness and are better suited for slower paced runs or leisurely walks (the same could be said about the HOKA Clifton). In terms of style, the Nimbus is more visually appealing to me, while the design of the latest 1080 has more of a masculine aesthetic."

New Balance More v4 vs. New Balance 1080 v13

Connor: "Another shoe I immediately thought of when I tested the 1080 was the More v4. They both live in the New Balance line as highly cushioned trainers. The 1080 is all about protection and comfort, while the More v4, as its name states, offers even more cushioning for the runner seeking a large amount of stack and an ultra-soft experience. I think runners who enjoy cushioned shoes can appreciate both shoes for what they are. I have adopted both into my shoe rotation, and while I gravitate slightly more to the More v4 when I have really high mileage weeks, the 1080 has slowly been taking more training days."