The New Balance 1080 has gone through some radical changes in the years that we’ve been testing. The 1080v15 showed up with an entirely new foam and we understandably were both excited and nervous to see what changed in a shoe we so highly recommend.
It’s long been in our lest of best cushioned running shoes and these updates will keep it firmly a top that list.
Thus far I’ve had these out for short easy days and over 10 miles. On the whole, I really genuinely do love this shoe. Like I’ve reached for it repeatedly since receiving it even when I should be testing other shoes!
But I will caveat that with the fact that I’m also finding running in max cushioned high stack shoes everyday is not a winning formula for most of us. Doing some slow-mo videos you can see how it may exaggerate any weaknesses or form issues.
Just a reminder that a running shoe rotation is wildly important for injury prevention and you want to have some that aren’t super tall cushioned shoes.
Who is it Good For?
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- Wide Feet: Average fit, I wouldn’t consider it wide, but they offer wide and extra wide.
- Heavier Runners: Cushion is going to support without bottoming out.
- Long Runs: Absolutely designed to go the distance.
- Front of the Pack: Faster runners will enjoy these for easy runs or recovery days.
New Balance 1080 V15 Overview
As noted, I came in predisposed to like this shoe. Might as well be honest up front! I have loved the 1080 for at least 5 years now even though it’s transitioned from a Kinvara style to a max cushioned shoe, they were all worn enough that the outsole rubbed down.
The 1080 is a well cushioned running shoe that just feels good for long miles on the feet, making it feel fantastic for both marathon training and for newer runners whose body is adapting to the load of running. 
The big change and it is big is all new foam in the midsole.
The Infinion foam is a blend of foams (they wouldn’t tell me what types), but is designed deliver enhanced energy return and cushioning. This foam, like every brand, can be mixed different ways to change the amount of cushion, bounce, etc and here they’re focused on improving their top daily trainer.
Is it more durable??? Well they danced around that question too saying that the ride should feel the same for much longer than previous foams, but that’s not the same as saying it’s more durable. Ok.
I’ve frequently gotten 300+ miles on my 1080’s, but could see how in past models heavier runners might have felt the cushion started to lose itself around that point.
While adding another 1mm in stack height (we appreciate them not trying to over do it), they still dropped about 1 oz in weight. With that drop in weight, we can see even more middle of the pack runners choosing this as both their training and race day shoe.
Are they perhaps trying to compete with the Asics Superblast 2? It’s not the exact same feeling, I don’t think I can pick the pace up quite as much, so it still seems more similar to the Asics Novablast.
While it’s not designed to a speed work shoe, it is absolutely going to carry the every day runner through many miles comfortably.
The outsole is also shaped in such a way to really ensure that you are getting that “lively” feeling from the shoe. I would say the shoe definitely has bounce, you aren’t going to get the bounce of say a carbon plated super trainer, but a really wonderful feeling for a daily trainer.
NB 1080 v15 Specs
- Weight: 9.5oz men’s, 7.3 oz women’s
- Stack Height Heel: 40mm
- Heel Drop: 6mm
- Support level: neutral
- Available in 3 colors
- Available in wide sizes
- Available Saucony.com for $170
Quick Take
Pros
- Cushion that feels not too squishy
- Plenty of room through midfoot
- Improved energy return
Cons
- Upper a little stiff
- Full rubber outsole would improve durablity
NB 1080 v15 Fit
I will say the upper feels a little stiff. They said they redesigned to make it a shoe you’d want to wear any day, but listen NB that’s not your lane. You aren’t an ON or a Tracksmith shoe that can pass as a casual shoe. You’re our go to running shoe and we don’t wear those all day because we don’t want to wear them down!
Traditional running shoe look and feel here. I don’t usually gravitate to the boldest colors, but I have loved these.
Though much like white shoes they looked dirty after just a few winter runs.
Otherwise this is a really traditional Brooks running shoe fit.
Same length as I always wear (women’s 11) and it feels good through the mid-foot. Not a narrow shoe like a Saucony and not a huge toebox like an Altra.
No rubbing from the heel collar and I haven’t even needed to do heel lock lacing which is pretty unusual. That being said, I’m glad because there is not a lot of lace here and it would be pretty tough to get it done.
Honestly, I forget about these shoes while wearing them so just don’t have a lot of interesting thoughts about the fit!
Similar Shoes to the New Balance 1080
We’ve tested a few max cushioned daily trainers that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:
- Brooks Glycerin Max 2: Soft, cushy, and rolls nicely on long runs.
- Asics Gel Nimbus 28 – Max stack and big cushion, it has a little less energy return
- New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6: Cloud-like cushioning that feels easy and supportive with every step.
New Balance 1080 v14 vs v15
All right now the big question is while the 14 is on sale should you snag it at a cheaper price or is it worth holding out to get the V15? Honestly, we thought the 1080 v14 was a great cushioned shoe, if not it wouldn’t be on so many of our best of lists and loved by so many runners. 
They feel different, but really similar.
Which is to say if you love the 1080 v14 you aren’t going to be disappointed in the 15. While the foam has changed, they really did say true to what this cushioned trainer has been for the last few iterations.
- 15 is just a smidge more bouncy
- 15 should hold up better with the new foam
- 14 is the heavier of the two now, but will most of you notice this in a daily trainer…no
- Nothing about the 15 is going to make you like OMG I can’t believe I ever liked the 14
So there you have it, we are happy with the updates and still think it’s ok to save some pennies if you can right now on the 14.
Our Verdict
The NB 1080 v15 is going right back on our list of best cushioned running shoes. The new foam and lighter weight haven’t drastically changed the feel, but instead have incrementally improved upon a daily trainer that will work for a lot of runners.
What to Read Next?
- Running Shoe Release Date Calendar
- The Smart Cable Machine that Trains You
- Best Cushioned Running Shoes
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