We ran 70 miles in the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 — here’s the verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is the latest version of the most popular running shoe in New Balance’s range. It’s a cushioned shoe built to handle your daily training runs, and the changes made to the latest version make it one of the best running shoes available.

My colleague Jessica Downey and I have both been impressed by the shoe during our testing and in our New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 review we’ll run through its pros and cons and how it compares to other popular cushioned daily trainers like the Brooks Glycerin 21 and Nike Pegasus 41.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 review: price and availability

The New Balance 1080v14 launched in September 2024 and costs $165 in the U.S. and £160 in the U.K., which is the same price as the previous model. It’s not cheap, but the price is in line with other top-of-the-range cushioned shoes like the Brooks Glycerin 21 or Saucony Hurricane 24.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 review: design

The New Balance 1080v14 is currently available in eight different colors and four different widths, and there are also special New York City Marathon editions of the shoe. Both Jess and I tested the inkwell color of the shoe.

Like the New Balance 1080v13 the shoe has a stack height of 38mm at the heel and 32mm at the forefoot for a 6mm drop, but the 1080v14 has a wider base, which increases stability but also the weight of the shoe. My men’s US 10 weighs 10.1oz, whereas the 1080v13 weighs 9.6oz in the same size. Jessica’s 1080v14 is a US 9 and weighs 7.9oz.

Upper

The New Balance 1080v14 has a triple-jacquard mesh upper with padding around the tongue and collar to increase the step-in comfort of the shoe. I found it to be breathable enough for longer runs on hot days, and the upper held my foot securely in place when I ran at faster paces.

Midsole

Like the past few models of the 1080, the 1080v14 uses New Balance’s Fresh Foam X foam in its midsole. However, New Balance changes the composition of this foam from shoe to shoe, sometimes quite drastically.

The 1080v13 was much softer than past models of the shoe, and with the 1080v14 New Balance has made the midsole foam a bit firmer and more resilient. It’s still soft — softer than the 1080v11 and 1080v12 based on my memories of those shoes — but now has a more responsive feel than the 1080v13, which I found a bit too soft on long or faster runs.

As with the 1080v13, the midsole on the 1080v14 has a rocker shape to create a smoother transition from heel to toe. The angle on the rocker at the heel and forefoot is quite shallow though, especially compared to the dramatic shape of a shoe like the New Balance Balos, so the effect is more subtle on the 1080v14.

Outsole

Rubber is used to cover most of the forefoot and heel of the New Balance 1080v14, and I haven’t had any problems with grip when using the shoe on wet pavements. However, there is a lot of exposed foam on the bottom of the shoe as well, which helps to reduce weight, but might reduce its durability if you regularly use it on light trails or gravel paths.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 review: fit

Jessica: I think New Balance has adjusted its sizing lately, as I have previously had to size up with the brand’s running shoes. However, I have been testing the 1080v14 in my normal shoe size, and it fits perfectly. It could be a little roomier in the toe box, but apart from that, I was pleased with the fit of this shoe.

Nick: I found that the New Balance 1080v14 fit me well in my normal size. New Balance shoes can sometimes come up a little short, but I had enough room around my toes and a secure and comfortable hold around my heel and midfoot.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 review: running performance

Jessica: Having tested several max-cushioned shoes this year, I found the 1080v14 to be a refreshing change with its slightly firmer ride. The wider base adds a layer of stability, and the outsole provides great grip. I’ve taken this shoe out on a number of frosty early morning runs and haven’t experienced any slips.

I’m currently under doctor’s orders to keep my training low-intensity, so most of my runs are at an easy, relaxed pace — and the 1080v14 has been perfect for that. It’s comfortable, well-cushioned, and delivers a smooth ride.

While I haven’t had much opportunity to pick up the pace in this shoe, I’ve found the Fresh Foam X midsole offers a nice level of responsiveness. I don’t feel like I’m sinking into the cushioning or losing my rhythm, which I sometimes find when a shoe is all soft and not much else.

Although I wouldn’t mind if the shoe was a little lighter, it’s well-suited for the easy and long runs I’ve been doing and I think it fits the bill as a reliable daily trainer.

Nick: I have tested every generation of the New Balance 1080 line since the 1080v10 and the 1080v14 is my favorite yet. The New Balance 1080v13 was a little too soft for me underfoot, which made the transition from heel to toe feel a bit stodgy at times. I find I run more naturally in the 1080v14 and it’s still a comfortable and soft shoe.

I’ve been using the 1080v14 for a range of runs during marathon training and it protects the legs well during high-mileage weeks. It’s not a particularly speedy shoe, but it is more versatile than most cushioned shoes I’ve tested, partly because it’s quite light given the amount of foam underfoot.

The best attribute of the shoe for me is that it disappears on the foot during runs. It’s cushioned and protective but doesn’t feel cumbersome or heavy. I sometimes find that highly cushioned shoes almost get in the way on my runs, but not so the New Balance 1080v14.

It’s not a particularly bouncy ride and the Fresh Foam X foam used here clearly differs from the springy material in the New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos despite having the same name, but there is more energy return than with the 1080v13.

Should you buy the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14?

Jessica: The 1080v14 is a reliable daily trainer that delivers on its promise of a smooth and cushioned ride. It’s ideal for easy miles, offering a soft yet supportive feel underfoot, thanks to the Fresh Foam X midsole. This shoe is built to handle the miles while keeping your legs feeling supported and comfortable, which can adapt well to the training of a beginner or seasoned runner.

If you’re a newer runner and looking for a more affordable daily trainer, I’d point you to the Nike Pegasus 41 which can handle a little bit of everything, is $35 cheaper and slightly lighter. Or if you’re looking for a speedier shoe, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a faster and lighter shoe worth considering.

Nick: The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is one of the best cushioned daily trainers you can get, offering both comfort and a smooth ride that makes your runs tick by that little bit more effortlessly. It’s a great option for new runners looking for a shoe to do every run in, and more experienced runners with a shoe rotation will find it ideal for racking up easy miles.

There is a lot of competition in this area, and some excellent alternatives are available at a lower price, in particular the Asics Novablast 5. If you prefer a higher-drop shoe then the Nike Pegasus 41 also fulfils a similar role at a lower price, and if you want a livelier, bouncier ride then the New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos is a good pick, though more expensive than the 1080v14. If you do like a very soft ride, you may well be able to find a deal on the 1080v13.