SHOE REVIEW: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 is now officially available, and the latest updates on this long-standing high-cushioned staple make it the brand’s softest and lightest all-purpose training shoe to date. New Balance unveiled the 1080 in conjunction with the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon, an event the brand has supported since 2017.

Let’s discuss the Fresh Foam X 1080. This high-cushioned daily trainer is a dependable workhorse that offers a smooth ride from the first step of your run to the last, representing a complete reworking of its previous version. The shoe has shifted to a 6 mm drop and features full Fresh Foam X cushioning throughout the midsole, providing runners with a soft feel and support, regardless of their striking position.

The specs

Category: High Cushioning (Neutral)
Drop: 6 mm
Price: CAD $210
Weight: 262 g (M9)/206 g (W7)
Available: Now

Upper

The latest version of the 1080 boasts significant alterations, primarily in its upper. Crafted from more than 50 per cent recycled materials, the newly engineered Hypoknit mesh brings an optimal blend of structure and flexibility, which previous versions did not have. The Hypoknit material provides a stretchy and comfortable sensation across the foot, no matter your foot shape.

The fit of V12 was somewhat loose, but New Balance has undertaken a complete overhaul, ensuring an improved and secure lockdown. The deep heel collar, slender cushioned tongue and streamlined lacing system all contribute to its sleek lightweight design and sense of stability. Additionally, it is notably more breathable than the previous version, making the shoe an ideal choice for that spring marathon build. 

Midsole

The 1080 v13 integrates more Fresh Foam X midsole foam than v12, resulting in a higher stack while shedding weight (262 grams/M9). The additional Fresh Foam X in v13 delivers a responsive, comfortable and lightweight running experience suitable for all running styles. Fresh Foam X is an improved iteration of the original Fresh Foam, designed to offer increased energy return and enhanced overall performance .

The reworked midsole provides a softer and lighter feel, contributing to the shoe’s versatility. With its lightweight and responsive midsole, I found that I could wear the 1080 for various purposes, from easy runs to long runs to up-tempo efforts. The updated model provides a plush and comfortable experience while still offering enough bounce for recovery or an up-tempo run.

While the shoe might feel a little bulky for faster interval-training workouts, the 1080’s midsole is appropriate for just about everything else, from casual runs to easy marathon-training runs, recovery runs and long runs. 

Outsole

The v13’s outsole has undergone a complete redesign, altering both the pattern of the blown rubber and the amount of rubber used; according to New Balance, these enhancements are designed to increase forefoot stiffness during toe-off and improve traction during pace transitions.

After testing it on various types of terrain, I didn’t notice a significant difference in grip between v12 and v13. However, v13 certainly felt lighter and softer.

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Verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 is a superior high-cushioned training shoe that’s ideal for everyday running, recovery miles and up-tempo efforts. My favourite thing about this shoe is that you can almost do everything in it, and it has already become a staple in my rotation. If you have worn the New Balance Fresh Foam X More, this is very similar, but a lot lighter. My only qualm with the 1080 v13 is that it fits quite large; I regularly wear a US M9 in New Balance, and I found that a 9 had a little too much space in the toe box. So if you are looking to try on or buy this shoe, you may find that you’re more comfortable going down a half size.

New Balance says this shoe is for everyone and everything, and I agree. No matter if you’re a beginner or training for your 20th marathon, the 1080 v13 will be a perfect addition to your shoe rotation this fall and winter.