New Balance 1080 v14 Review (2024): New Best in the Series?
Is it really necessary to present the Fresh Foam X 1080 series? As New Balance notes in their description, it is quite simply their best shoe, in their opinion.
In any case, it is one of the most popular models in the world, on a par with the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 or the Asics Gel Nimbus 27.
However, while the 1080 series is extremely popular, not all editions are necessarily equal.
What about this New Balance 1080 version 14? Has the brand made any significant changes? What type of runner is it intended for? Is it suitable for your goals?
We will find out in this comprehensive review.
Why trust me?
With a personal best marathon time of 2 h 38 and a substantial weekly training schedule, I have the opportunity to test a number of running shoe models to help my running.
I field tested the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 on different types of sessions to assess their comfort and ride feel. What’s more, I also consulted other runners at different levels to validate my feelings and ensure that my recommendations will be useful to as many runners as possible.
Our Verdict
Excellent, highly versatile shoe with a level of comfort that lives up to its reputation.
- Weight: 265 g/9.3 oz (EU size 42/US size 9)
- Foam: Fresh Foam X
- Height: 38 mm (heel), 32 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 6 mm
- Daily running, all distances
Popularity does not always equate to quality, and the previous version was not universally acclaimed, mainly due to a lack of bounce. The brand has therefore revised its offering and made several changes.
Fresh Foam X foam can be found in the midsole in the latest version with higher density. The amount is subtle but clearly enough to change the feel at impact.
From a very (too?) soft feel on the v13, we move on to a more balanced underfoot feel while maintaining a very good softness. The shock absorption is still as good and the responsiveness is better, which makes it more versatile.
The triple Jacquard mesh upper offers more ventilation zones for very good breathability, while maintaining excellent comfort.
The outsole has also been reworked with more rubber in strategic areas. The result is more powerful traction on all surfaces.
In short, the v14 is a best vintage in the 1080 series. More successful on all levels, it displays a versatility and comfort that place it among the best trainers available today.
PROS
- Well-balanced cushioning for improved stability
- More responsive foam
- Maximum comfort for optimal running pleasure
- A more versatile model
- More breathable, well-fitting upper
CONS
- Slight increase in weight compared with v13
- Upper could be more breathable
Cushioning
Is it really worth mentioning the Fresh Foam X foam in the midsole? This is a new version and it can be felt on impact.
This point has already been raised in our tests: it is difficult to please everyone as tastes differ so much on this point.
The sensation is much more balanced than on the v13, which was quite soft. We still tend more towards soft than firm, but with a feel that should suit a very wide variety of runners (including myself).
The dimensions are unchanged with 38 mm heel stack height and 32 mm metatarsal stack height, and the shoe offers the same excellent shock absorption. Regardless of the runner’s weight or level, there is no limit to the distance that can be covered.
A small point of vigilance on the heel-to-toe drop of 6 mm, which is a little below market standards and may require some time to adapt to, otherwise there is a risk of injury.
Energy return
The only recurring point in the negative reviews we consulted was an increase in weight (265 g/9.3 oz compared to 250 g/8.8 oz in 42).
However, I found the bounce to be much better than on the previous version, which many runners found to be too soft.
The new composition is very good and allows the shoe to be surprisingly responsive, allowing you to confidently tackle a wide variety of paces.
The rocker is very present and ensures smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
Support and stability
The more balanced feel at impact allows for safer running.
Add to this a higher sole and side wall geometry, and we can confirm that this V14 offers very good stability.
The shoe is for neutral stride (universal support).
Foot lockdown
The upper is made of a triple layer of Jacquard mesh.
One might think that this would be a problem for ventilation, but in fact the third layer is perforated, providing more holes. The breathability is improved and is very satisfactory.
Some testers did note that the shoe could be warm and that they would have preferred a more breathable upper, but I personally did not notice this. It is possible that the foot can get warm in summer, but this will need to be verified.
In any case, I can confirm that the protection offered in cold weather is very good.
In terms of comfort, there is not much to say except that it is hard (impossible?) to do better. As soon as you put them on, you feel like you’re in a slipper, and the New Balance 1080 v14 is one of those shoes that you want to keep on your feet for a long time.
The semi-rigid heel counter is classic and stays firmly in place. The gusseted tongue, combined with flat laces, follows the movement of the foot without slipping.
The foot is therefore very securely locked in place.
The shoe’s fit was unanimously praised, which is rare enough to be emphasized given how difficult it is for a model to adapt to all foot shapes.
The size is standard. For my part, I found the size similar to the Fresh Foam X 1080 V13. Only some testers with thin feet found that there was a lot of space in the front.
Clearly, the shoe is suitable for a wide variety of runners.
Traction
The previous version surprised me because the brand offers high-performance outsoles in its Fresh Foam series, such as on the 880 (sometimes even a little too much, as this can make the shoe feel firm on impact).
Version 13 had very little rubber, which 1) gave a soft feel and 2) offered limited traction, especially on wet surfaces.
New Balance has rectified the situation very well with this v14.
The rubber in strategic areas ensures a very good grip and this time the shoe has grip on wet surfaces.
The numerous grooves also ensure good flexibility.
As a good training partner, the shoe will be able to accompany you on classic paths or trails, but not on more demanding terrain.
Use
The shock absorption is excellent and the shoe is accessible even for novices. In my opinion, there are no restrictions on the user profile. Everyone should be able to confidently extend the distance to traditional long runs.
The comfort of the run is also very good and the shoe will be pleasant for all moderate-pace outings such as basic endurance jogging.
The main difference with the v13 is the responsiveness, which is significantly better.
This allows for a much wider range of use. For daily training, you can push the shoe without problems on tempo-pace outings where the shoe will also be very pleasant.
Unsurprisingly, the Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 will nevertheless be more limited in speed sessions.
As with all its direct competitors, the weight will be a slight hindrance for short repetitions. But here again, the shoe will be more than sufficient for a large part of the peloton.
In competition, there will also be more high-performance models, but this model is a very good option for runners who prioritize comfort over speed.
Quality and durability
Durability is fairly standard, with no early wear to be expected for the upper or the outsole. The NB FF X 1080 v14 therefore offers good value for money.
The design is more environmentally friendly with New Balance’s Green Leaf standard. At least 50% of the textile materials used come from recycled fibers.
According to our information, the 1080 v14 is not vegan.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 vs v13
Changes in this new version include:
- More firmness in the forefoot
- New geometry of the midsole for greater stability
- More responsive cushioning
- New upper for a better lockdown and better breathability
- Rubber outsole for better grip
From our point of view, the v14 is a more accomplished product that is more versatile while retaining the advantages of the v13.
Conclusion
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 packs a punch. More responsive foam? A better balance between the firmness of the outsole and the softness of the foam? It’s hard to say exactly what has been improved, but the result is clear.
The shoe offers a much more balanced feel and responsiveness that makes it more versatile.
In our opinion, it is quite simply one of the best models for daily training.
With this v14, the 108O lives up to its popularity and combines it with quality.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel height | 38 mm |
| Forefoot height | 32 mm |
| Weight (men) | 265 g/9.3 oz |
| Weight (women) | 256 g/9 oz |
| Features | Heavy runner, Recycled materials, Rocker |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2024 |
| Price | Check prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Medium |
Technologies
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Midsole | Fresh Foam X |
| Upper | Triple Jacquard Mesh |
Use
| Speed | Slow, Moderate |
| Distance | Short, 5K, Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Workout | Daily running |
