It’s no secret that in the modern world, shoe technology is changing fast. Shoes are becoming lighter, cushion is becoming bouncier, and brands are incorporating more and more novel ideas in each running shoe model and update. It’s becoming more important than ever that brands adapt to the ever-changing running shoe landscape.
New Balance truly took this concept to heart in the newest 1080 v15. Since the model was first released, the 1080 has consistently earned a spot as one of New Balance’s top running shoes. However, the brand didn’t rest on its laurels in the newest iteration.
The 1080 v15 still features the high-stack, soft design that loyal 1080 runners have come to love. But with the debut of an all new midsole foam, upgraded upper, and other key improvements, the newest 1080 saw a major makeover.
Several members of our review team have had quite a few iterations of the 1080 in their daily shoe rotation, so we were excited to see how all these new features held up in a shoe that so many runners know and love.
With these updates in mind, our team put the newest 1080 to the test. In this review, we’ll highlight some of the key features the 1080 has to offer, our in-depth findings after testing, who might benefit from this high-cushion neutral shoe, and who may want to look elsewhere.
Our Review Process
Our Marathon Sports team is dedicated to keeping you healthy and getting you moving by providing you with the best possible running shoe for your needs, goals, and preferences. To achieve this goal, we need to have a comprehensive understanding of how each new running shoe feels and performs.
Having spent many miles in previous versions of the 1080, we couldn’t wait to lace up the 1080 v15s and take them for a spin. We put the shoes to the test through long runs, uptempo miles, speed work, and more to achieve a full understanding of the newest 1080. Through every type of run across different types of terrain, we gained a complete view of both the highlights and downsides of this brand new 1080 v15.
A Quick Overview
Throughout this review, we’ll take a close look at all the features, both new and established, the 1080 v15 has to offer. But first, let’s take a quick look at the features and highlights.
- Advertised as a high-cushion neutral daily trainer
- Stack height: 40/34 mm
- 6 mm heel-to-toe drop
- Weight: 9.2 oz (M), 7.3 oz (W)
- Midsole made of brand new Infinion foam for a lightweight and responsive feel
- Refined perforated mesh upper is used to wrap the foot
- Rubber outsole in high-wear areas improves durability and grip
- Reflective details on the upper help keep you safe and visible during runs
- Price: $169.95
New Balance 1080 v15: A Closer Look
The specs and highlights can tell you what to expect when you slide the shoe on for the first time, but they don’t always give you the full picture of how a shoe feels and performs. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details for a better understanding of the newest New Balance 1080 iteration.
Brand New Infinion Foam
First, let’s take a closer look at one of the biggest upgrades you’ll find in the 1080 v15: The all-new Infinion midsole cushioning.
For years, New Balance has relied on Fresh Foam cushioning to deliver the soft, dependable ride found in the 1080. With this newest iteration, the brand shook things up with the release of an all new TPEE-EVA blend Infinion foam.
With a stack height of 40 mm in the heel and 36 mm in the forefoot, you can expect plenty of shock absorption and softness. But the 1080 takes this softness and plushness to the next level with this new foam, offering pillow-like landings that will keep your legs and feet protected throughout any mileage.
And while the new foam is softer than the standard Fresh Foam cushioning, it doesn’t sacrifice any responsiveness. The midsole cushioning has more energy return than ever before, so you can enjoy an unparalleled blend of softness and bounce with every step.
Refined Mesh Upper
The midsole isn’t the only part of the 1080 v15 that saw a total makeover. The refined mesh upper also saw some major changes and improvements designed to reduce weight, increase breathability, and keep you comfortable mile after mile.
The upper is made from a redesigned perforated mesh material that offers a secure fit around the foot while enhancing airflow and breathability for max comfort in any weather conditions. This mesh upper design incorporates some new contoured detailing to reduce weight and bulk while giving the shoe an upgraded sleek and modern appearance.
Every element of the 1080 v15 is designed around comfort and softness, as seen through the soft and flexible padding around the heel and tongue. However, you can also find a touch of structure in the mesh upper as well. The subtle heel counter adds some mild stability and rigidity around the heel, while the padding higher up balances out this stiffness for a secure yet comfortable fit around the foot.
Overall Geometry and Shoe Construction
While some of the key 1080 v15 features can be seen just by looking at the shoe, others, such as geometry and drop, are built into the construction of the shoe itself.
The 1080 v15 has a 6 mm drop, meaning there’s 6 mm more of the Infinion cushioning in the heel than in the forefoot. A 6 mm offset is relatively low for running shoes, meaning that while your heel is slightly raised, your feet are staying in a mostly natural position as you run.
The 1080 v15 also incorporates a slight midfoot rocker and heel bevel. This mild rocker, paired with a middle-of-the-road drop, is built to deliver a grounded feel and smooth transitions while providing protection and cushioning for nearly any type of foot strike.
Value and Durability
High cushion shoes tend to have a higher price tag compared to standard daily trainers, and coming in at $169.95, the 1080 v15 is no exception.
However, With this price tag, you can also expect more durability and value than in previous versions of the 1080. With the Infinion foam, New Balance boasts longer lasting durability, stating that the enhanced cushioning takes longer to compress and feel worn out than standard running shoe foam. And while the jury is still out on how fresh the foam feels after 350+ miles, we’re happy to report that so far, the 1080 v15 is performing as promised, offering fresh-feeling foam and bounce for every run.
The 1080 v15 also incorporates a strategically-designed rubber outsole that adds traction and durability without adding too much extra stiffness or weight. While we would have preferred slightly more outsole coverage to protect the soft foam, this reliable outsole does a great job of protecting the shoe from early wear in high-contact areas of the sole.
Road Test Results: How Does the New Balance 1080 v15 Truly Perform?
With brand new foam and a stylish new look, our review team was pumped about lacing up the 15th 1080 iteration and taking them for a spin. The road test is the most fun part of any shoe review, and with a well-established and well-loved model like the 1080, we were even more excited to test out the shoes and see how the new version stacks up to the model’s beloved reputation.
Unboxing the shoe for the first time, we were immediately surprised and impressed with how light the shoe looked and felt. High-cushion shoes tend to feel heavy or bulky, but the 1080 managed to add some stack height while dropping over an ounce in weight.
Another immediate standout was the refined contoured mesh upper. Not only does the new upper design reduce bulk and offer a sleek look, but it also maximizes comfort and security around the foot on runs. The upper felt soft and stretchy around the foot while keeping everything comfortable and securely locked in place during runs. The perforated design improved breathability and kept our feet feeling cool and comfortable, whether we were tackling a long run on the road or a treadmill workout at the gym.
Next, let’s dive into the real star of the show: the Infinion cushioning.
New Balance took a big risk diverting from its trusted Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, but this brand new foam really elevates this high-cushion daily trainer to the next level. The midsole is incredibly soft underfoot, but maintains enough bounce and energy return that you don’t feel like you’re sinking into the shoe. Over the course of long runs, this foam keeps you as comfortable as possible while maintaining freshness in your feet and legs along every step of the way.
Runners looking for a do-it-all daily trainer may find that the 1080 v15 is lacking when it comes to versatility. The shoe thrives on long runs, relying on the high stack height, rocker design, and cushiony upper to keep you comfortable and guide you through smooth, effortless strides.
However, we did find that the 1080 felt a bit too soft and spongy underfoot when it came to picking up the pace. If you want a shoe that can perform on both daily miles and race day, you may want to look elsewhere.
Overall, however, our review team felt that the newest iteration of the 1080 maintained the soft, luxurious feel that made it so popular in the first place, all while adding innovative new ideas and technology for continuous improvement.
Pros and Cons
Our team took the 1080 v15 out on all types of runs, on every terrain you can imagine. As we tackled trails, roads, the track, and the treadmill, we gathered some key insights into where the shoe shines, and some areas where it didn’t quite succeed. Here are the pros and cons we found:
Pros:
- New Infinion foam is well-balanced and feels fantastic underfoot. It blends softness with energy return for maximum comfort and shock absorption during long runs and daily miles
- Lighter and sleeker than previous iterations so you can feel faster and more agile on your feet
- Mild rocker profile with low drop geometry delivers a grounded, natural feel despite the high stack height
- Infinion foam doesn’t compress or feel worn out as quickly as standard running shoe foams, so you can enjoy all the fun energetic cushioning for longer
Cons:
- While the new foam does deliver energy return, it still feels too soft and spongy for speed workouts or race day, limiting its all-around versatility
- Outsole coverage is only in high-wear areas, leaving lots of soft exposed foam that lacks grip and may wear down quicker
Where Does the 1080 v15 Fall Compared to Other Running Shoes?
Over the course of our testing, we found that the 1080 will likely work best for runners who prioritize softness and cushioning looking for a dedicated daily mileage or long run shoe. Beginner runners who want to maximize their comfort and protection on runs will also likely appreciate everything the 1080 v15 has to offer.
However, there isn’t a single shoe out there that works for every athlete or every type of run.
If you’re looking for more versatility in your every day trainer, you may want to consider testing out the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5. This lightweight New Balance shoe also offers a soft yet responsive ride, but the propulsive FuelCell foam and more aggressive rocker design is more adaptable and can tackle both long runs and uptempo days. And at $145, it’s a great alternative for those seeking an affordable daily trainer.
Looking to compare your options in the same high-cushion daily training category? Try testing out the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28.
Like the 1080, the Gel-Nimbus offers a high stack of foam, a plush upper, and top-of-the-line step-in comfort. With an 8mm drop and extra gel in the heel, the Nimbus may work better for aggressive heel-strikers. And while the Nimbus is the heavier of the two plush shoes, both would be great options for anyone who wants soft, luxurious landings on every run.
New Balance 1080 v15: Final Thoughts
Innovation is at the center of some of the best shoes in the running world today, and with the 1080 v15, New Balance proves that it can innovate and switch up their technology while maintaining the reliable comfort that countless runners have come to expect.
The brand made a big leap using a brand new foam in the 1080 v15, but the soft, plush, and responsive feel makes the newest 1080 a standout when it comes to high-cushion running shoes. While some runners may find the 1080 too soft, it’s a fantastic choice for those who want to optimize comfort and impact absorption throughout training runs, long days on their feet, and more.
But don’t just take our word for it. The best way to decide if the 1080 v15 should be your next running shoe is to test the update out for yourself. Swing by your nearest Marathon Sports to test out the 1080 v15 and some of the other top running shoes on the market today.
Our footwear experts are ready and excited to help you find the perfect fit. Whether you find that in the 1080 or any of the other top running shoe models we carry, we can’t wait to help get you outside, moving, and reaching towards all your fitness goals.
