New Balance
1080 v15
Product Judgment
Strong
8.3
Category: Daily Trainer
Release year: 2025
Price Judgment
Overpriced
Common retail price: ~$170
Availability: Widely Available
Description
Flagship New Balance daily trainer with major update to cushioning and ride. Moves toward lighter, more energetic feel while retaining plush comfort. Highly regarded for comfort and versatility in daily mileage.
Ride feels soft, cloud-like, and lively at moderate paces, with improved bounce from Infinion foam. Plushness can lead to instability, especially for heel strikers or those needing support. Upper delivers secure, breathable fit, but elongated shape may not suit all. Outsole offers adequate grip and durability for road use.
Best suited for neutral runners prioritizing comfort and soft cushioning in daily or long runs. Works well for moderate uptempo efforts, but less ideal for racing or those needing stability. Narrow fit and limited arch support may restrict suitability for wide feet or overpronators. Remains a top choice for comfort-focused road runners seeking a modern, energetic daily trainer.
Performance Scores
Comfort
9Plush Infinion foam and soft knit upper deliver high comfort for daily miles.
Energy Return
8Supercritical midsole provides improved bounce and responsiveness over previous versions.
Stability
6Soft, high-stack midsole can feel unstable for some, especially at slower paces.
Durability
8Robust knit upper and strategically placed outsole rubber ensure good durability.
Fun to Ride
8Lively, soft ride feels enjoyable at moderate and faster paces.
Run Fitness
Daily
9Excels as a daily trainer with plush cushioning and secure fit.
Long
8High stack and comfort suit long runs, though some may feel instability late.
Tempo
7Responsive foam supports moderate uptempo efforts but lacks race-level snap.
Race
5Weight and softness limit efficiency for racing compared to dedicated race shoes.
Recovery
8Soft cushioning and plush upper provide comfort for easy recovery runs.
Pros & Cons
- Plush, soft cushioning
- Improved energy return
- Lightweight for stack
- Breathable, comfortable upper
- Multiple width options
- Potential instability
- Narrow, elongated fit
- Limited arch support
Infinion foam midsole delivers plush, soft cushioning ideal for daily and long runs.
Supercritical foam provides noticeably improved energy return and bounce.
Weight reduction makes it lighter than previous versions despite high stack height.
Breathable knit upper with secure fit enhances comfort and lockdown.
Available in multiple widths to accommodate different foot shapes.
Soft, high-stack midsole can feel unstable or wobbly for runners needing more support.
Narrow and elongated forefoot may not suit all foot shapes.
Lack of arch support and midfoot rubber limits suitability for those needing extra support.
Specifications
Best for paces
5:00-6:45 min/km
Drop
6 mm
Stack height
40 mm heel / 34 mm forefoot
Weight
255 g
Drop
6 mm
Stack height
40 mm heel / 34 mm forefoot
Weight
255 g
Pronation
N/A
Width
medium
Terrain
Road
Technologies
Infinion supercritical foam, Segmented rubber outsole, Breathable knit upper
Plate
no
Best for paces
5:00-6:45 min/km
Comparable Models
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 is softer and more protective, while 1080 v15 is lighter and more versatile.
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New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is lighter and faster-feeling, while 1080 v15 is more cushioned and comfort-focused.
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New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is firmer and more traditional, while 1080 v15 is softer and more premium.
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ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is softer and heavier, while 1080 v15 is lighter and more flexible.
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Hoka Clifton 10 is more rockered and stable, while 1080 v15 feels softer and more natural through the forefoot.
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Brooks Glycerin 23 is steadier and more traditional, while 1080 v15 feels softer and more flexible.
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Saucony Triumph 23 is livelier and more responsive, while 1080 v15 is softer and more relaxed.
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Nike Vomero 18 is softer and more relaxed, while 1080 v15 feels lighter and more flexible.
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