New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 review

New Balance claims the Fresh Foam 1080 is the best running shoe it makes, but does this everyday training shoe stand up to the hype. Rob Slade puts a pair to the test.

New Balance proudly states that if it only made one running shoe, it would be the 1080. Why, the brand says, is because it’s simply the best running shoe it makes, and also the most versatile. For more inspiration, check out our round-up of the best running shoes.

First impressions of New Balance Fresh Foam 1080

That’s a bold claim, but it’s one I’ve tried to put to the test over the past couple of months. In that time, the 1080 has carried me on a two-week tour of Italy (including back-to-back long days of sightseeing) and saw me through multiple run sessions. So, did it live up to those lofty claims?

Well, I can confidently say the 1080 delivers excellent levels of comfort. I never suffered from foot fatigue while wearing the shoe, which is in part thanks to the cushioning found underfoot and around the ankle collar.

That padding does mean the ride has a bit of a spongy feel, but I never felt like I was running on treacle, as you can sometimes feel with other max cushioned run shoes.

Ride and performance

The ride is pleasant, smooth and feels as though it takes some of the effort out of running. It reacts to small changes in pace pretty well and there’s even a bit of rebound to it, though you don’t get as much propulsion as you do from carbon-plated shoes or more speed-focused options.

Stack and weight

Being a daily training shoe, though, that’s not really what you’re looking for here. With that in mind, and the middling weight (294g, UK11.5), it’s not our first pick for tempo efforts, but as a single training shoe that does it all, it’s a decent pick.

A heel stack of 34mm and the shoe’s 6mm drop helps deliver a pretty neutral ride and, combined with the substantial upper which cradles your foot in a warm embrace, things feel stable and supportive.

While there’s more to the upper than some of the thinner options on test here, I had no issues with overheating when trekking around in 37°C heat. Breathability is clearly decent, then, but the shoe also won’t let your feet freeze when winter rolls around.

Fit and comfort

I always tend to go up half a size in New Balance shoes and that’s what I’ve done here, which resulted in a perfect fit. There’s plenty of room for toe splay at top and no cramped feeling like you can experience elsewhere, while the lacing locks the foot down well, stays secure and doesn’t lead to any pressure points thanks to the padded tongue.

Underfoot, the outsole has proved grippy both on dry streets and wet cobbles, and has even handled gravel tracks and dry, non-technical trails. I’m yet to note any signs of wear yet, either.

Final thoughts – should you buy New Balance Fresh Foam 1080

All sounds great, right? I’d say yes, but if you’re not a fan of super plush cushioning you’d want to look elsewhere. And the same can be said if you’re looking for a shoe that’ll excel on both easy miles and in tempo or interval efforts.

That’s not to say the 1080 can’t do them – it will, and you’ll feel damn comfy throughout – but other shoes will tackle quicker paces with more aplomb. For logging easy miles in luxurious comfort, though, there aren’t many shoes better than this.

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 spec

Price:	$164.99 / £160
Sizes:	3-8 (women’s, UK), 6.5-12.5 (men’s, UK)
Stack height:	34mm heel
Drop:	6mm
Midsole:	Fresh Foam X midsole
Weight:	(294g, UK men’s 11.5)