New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14

Posted on 18 September 2024
By Running Lab Staff
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THE SPECS

Support: Neutral

Weight: 10.5 oz / 297 g (men), 8.3 oz / 235 g (women)

Stack Height: 32 mm in the heel, 26 mm in the forefoot

Midsole Drop: 6 mm

Cushion Level: High

ON THE RUN

Shannon: Look, when my feet hit the pavement, it's like a herd of elephants stampeding—seriously, you can probably feel it from miles away. That’s why max cushion is my non-negotiable. I’m all about comfort, and I don’t care if it means carrying a little extra weight in the shoe. Call me a “Comfort Queen” if you will but I want to feel like I am running on clouds. And what just dropped? The New Balance 1080v14, where hard impact on the ground disappears and comfort steps in. I’ve recently been experiencing some of my most comfortable recovery and long runs. When I am tired, sore, and maybe don't have the best running form, these shoes are here to pick me back up.

Sidney: The 1080v14 has evolved like a teenage girl navigating high school, full of ups and downs. The 1080v12? A little firmer, with some rough edges, and stretched herself too thin with that upper. Then came the 1080v13, soft but easily influenced, letting everyone push her around. But now, with the 1080v14, she’s all grown up—mature, confident, and comfortable in her own skin.

The 1080v13, my trusty steed, ventured with me through my first marathon and all the training miles that ensued prior. The gooey cushion felt like the perfect consistency under the forefoot when on the run, I didn’t think it could get much better…

THE FIT

Shannon: The fit of this shoe is perfect for me! I’ve got a thing for shoes with a wider base, and this one delivers.My toes are especially loving the extra wiggle room. The upper mesh? Way less clingy on my feet. The 13 had some attachment issues and was holding on for life, but the 14? No issues there. It's like a long distance friend, “I’m here for you but I’m not smothering you.” I think that will help to avoid any rubbing sensation and will definitely help to prevent blisters. The material is breathable, I don't feel like I need to lace my shoes up super tight to keep the shoe on my foot as well. I added my Curex insert into this shoe to try to make the arch a little more custom to my foot, but I still feel like the arch pressure in my left foot is too much, and not enough on my right. This is most likely a “my foot” problem (because why wouldn't it be), but this shoe is missing a good arch for me.

Sidney: I felt like a gator had clamped down on my toes with the way the upper gripped my forefoot. This shoe holds on for dear life—and I'm not sure if that's a good thing. Besides the snugger forefoot, the overall fit of the shoe is flawless and the forefoot issue is something I can look over. It’s only one red flag.

With that snug upper comes a feeling of security, like a childhood blanket or teddy bear.

THE FEEL

Shannon: My favorite update about this shoe is just how stable it is now. Before, you may have felt shaky and like your ankle could do a spin out with one wrong step. Now your foot is in control, not the foam. It has just enough cush to be runnable for the long miles you have ahead of you, without feeling unstable, sloppy or like you're sinking in. This shoe has felt great for my feet for going on long walks, wearing it daily, or going on long runs. But for speed? Lets just say it felt like a heavyweight champ instead of a sprinter. Don't get me wrong, it was still comfortable and supportive, but on a day when I want to feel the ground under me and push off this won't be a pull for me.

Sidney: I was pretty impressed with the cushion update on the new model. With some added forefoot stiffness, the stability of this shoe has definitely leveled up. It's like running into an old friend who you just don’t know anymore—the 1080v14 is a changed woman, but in all the best ways!

I put this shoe to the test, not just on daily runs, but by cranking up the speed. For a high cushion shoe I was blown away by the ease I felt when sprinting. The stiffness in the forefoot was unleashed, bouncing me forward through my workout with ease.

THE NITTY GRITTY

Shannon: Truly a spectacular update on this shoe. I love how New Balance firmed up the cushion a bit so that I’m running the show, not the shoe. The cushion throughout the whole shoe is great, you never feel like you're pounding the pavement in this. The arch support though? I could use some extra love there. I had to put in my own Curex insert to help the feel of the shoe, but that's just me. What I do love is how secure and balanced I feel. If I’m cruising through a 2-mile recovery jog or knocking out a 10-mile long run, I never lose that sweet, sweet comfort. This shoe really does it all—minus the arch drama, but hey, can’t win ‘em all with my feet right?

Sidney: I did experience some numbness in my toes during the run—you know, that pins-and-needles feeling. No me gusta. Now, whether it's from the snug upper or all that cushioning, I'm not sure, but it's a frequent issue I face.

We saw a similar thing with the transition from the More v4 to v5, and now with the 1080v13 to v14. New Balance changed up the midsole geometry, trying to make these shoes more accessible for everyone. Before, the shoe was a bit unstable, like she was hanging out with the wrong crowd, and you never knew what her next move would be. Now, she's grown up—1080v14 is stable, mature, and finally has her act together. Your ankles can stride easy because they're staying intact this time around! No more wild rides, just smooth (and stable) sailing!

THE RUNDOWN

Shannon: I didn’t expect much of a change for the New Balance 1080v14 after my experience with the previous version, but wow, was I surprised! The slightly wider fit is perfect, with just the right amount of cushion to feel stable and comfortable without sinking in. Whether it’s a long run, a recovery jog, or even a casual walk, this shoe has me covered. The fit, the comfort—it all just clicks. Let’s just say, my feet are living their best life!

Sidney: New Balance changed exactly what they needed to change with the 1080v14. The stiffer forefoot and corrected midsole geometry work together creating a more stable ride. I was also glad to see more rubber added to the outsole compared to the previous version allowing the shoe to hold up a little longer. Overall, I’d say the update of the 1080 is a win. Any wearer of the 1080v13 is sure to dig the 1080v14.

MEET SHANNON

Shannon is always looking for her next adventure. Between teaching yoga, coaching lacrosse, and training for a trail race she is always zooming around waiting for the next thing to say yes to.

All time favorite shoe: Hoka Clifton 9

MEET SIDNEY

Sidney despised running her entire life until a doctor told her she wasn't allowed to run. A switch flipped and now she still can't stop years later. With an abundance of shoes and always being constantly on the move, she's fairly knowledgeable in the shoe game.