New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14: review, weight and price

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 is a road running shoe for neutral runners looking for generous cushioning in their daily training. Easy runs and long runs are its natural territory; it can also be used for a road race, although it is not designed specifically for fast paces.

Released in 2024 at a launch price of €190, it retains the Fresh Foam X midsole while updating the upper, geometry and outsole compared with the v13. The changes point to a more controlled ride and greater rubber coverage, with added weight as the trade-off.

Cushioning and transitions: what is underfoot

The midsole uses Fresh Foam X, a foam intended to provide a soft ride rather than a particularly aggressive response. In the v14, the combination of materials and geometry aims for a more balanced feel than its predecessor, which was known for being especially soft.

Published laboratory tests measured 37 mm under the heel and 32.8 mm under the forefoot. The difference gives a 4.2 mm drop, while New Balance states a 6 mm drop. Different measurement methods can account for the discrepancy; it does not mean there are two different versions of the shoe.

Drop is the difference in height between the heel and forefoot, not the total height of the sole. Runners coming from a shoe with a much larger difference may need a gradual adjustment, particularly if they notice a different load on their calves or Achilles tendon.

The sole has a curved rocker shape intended to ease the transition from landing to toe-off. That shape does not force a particular running style or replace a plate: the 1080 v14 has no carbon plate, and its design favours a steady ride over the propulsive feel of a racing shoe.

Energy return measured in the published laboratory test was 58%. This describes how the material responded in that test, not a promise of faster running or a figure that can be applied directly to every stride. For runners looking for a highly responsive foam, the shoe’s moderate character deserves as much consideration as its cushioning.

Weight and differences between men’s and women’s versions

The men’s version tested in the laboratory weighed 285 grams, compared with 264 grams for the v13 in the same comparison. The increase puts the change in context: the newer edition has a more substantial construction and more rubber on the outsole.

The women’s version shares the same intended use, foam and stated drop. Weight varies by size and version: a single figure does not allow a fair comparison unless the reference sizes are known. The same applies to widths, which vary in availability by version and retailer.

On steady runs, a few extra grams may matter less than a satisfactory fit. For short intervals or frequent changes of pace, a lighter shoe designed for speed is generally a more specialised alternative.

Who this shoe makes sense for

The 1080 v14 is designed as a neutral training shoe. It can suit someone starting to run as well as an experienced runner who uses a cushioned model on easy days. It does not have a dedicated pronation-control system, so a more settled platform should not be confused with a corrective shoe.

Its clearest uses are comfortable-paced runs, long runs and easy sessions between demanding workouts. It can also work for a half marathon or marathon when fit and comfort matter more than maximum responsiveness. There is no particular pace a runner must meet: the choice comes down to the intended use and how the shoe feels while running.

For a heavier runner, the amount of foam may be appealing, but there is no reliable weight limit that determines suitability on its own. Comfort, fit, foot strike and how the material responds in use matter too. If persistent pain or a gait issue calls for a specific solution, that choice should be assessed with a healthcare professional.

As a single shoe, it covers much of a road-focused routine. Someone who frequently does fast workouts may prefer to pair it with a lighter model; an occasional runner does not need a second pair simply because that option exists.

Fit, sizing and comfort on long runs

The upper uses three-layer jacquard mesh, with ventilation zones and conventional laces. A tongue attached partly to the sides helps keep it in place and supports the midfoot. The tongue padding measured 8.9 mm in the laboratory, consistent with a comfort-focused construction.

Room is not uniform throughout the shoe. A laboratory measurement put the width around the big toe at 69.8 mm, so runners with splayed toes or a wide forefoot may find that area more snug than expected. Available versions and widths can vary between retailers.

To choose a size, it helps to measure both feet in centimetres and consult the relevant New Balance size chart. Length and width solve different problems: sizing up adds length but does not necessarily replace a wider fit. When trying the shoes on, check that the toes have room and the heel does not slip uncomfortably while wearing your usual running socks.

The mesh has openings to encourage airflow, although the padding and multilayer construction do not guarantee a cool feel for every runner. In a warm, humid climate such as Valencia in summer, that balance between ventilation and structure may influence the choice.

Outsole and terrain: built primarily for roads

New Balance has added rubber in high-wear areas and revised the outsole design compared with the v13. This coverage protects some of the foam exposed to the ground and provides a suitable contact surface for road training.

As well as asphalt, the shoe can be used on firm, even dirt paths. It is not a trail shoe: it lacks the deep tread and dedicated protection needed for mud, loose rock or technical terrain. Grip on wet surfaces also varies with the paving, so a smooth tile will not behave like asphalt.

The rubber does not make it possible to assign a universal lifespan to the shoe. Wear depends on the surface, foot strike and frequency of use. If the outsole tread is heavily worn, the midsole has lasting deformations or comfort changes noticeably, those are reasons to assess the pair rather than relying solely on accumulated mileage.

New Balance 1080 v14 versus the v13

The main difference is not a change of category but a revision of the balance between softness and structure. The v13 offered a very soft feel and a lighter build; the v14 retains generous cushioning but introduces a firmer forefoot and more rubber coverage.

The upper has also changed, with three-layer jacquard mesh and a new arrangement of ventilated areas. For someone who enjoyed the particularly soft, light feel of the v13, the update is not automatically an improvement. Those looking for a more controlled ride may find the new construction more appealing.

The laboratory figure of an additional 21 grams between the pairs compared illustrates the trade-off: more material and external protection, but less lightness. That exact difference cannot be assumed across every size and both versions.

Launch price and value

The launch price was €190, placing the shoe in the premium daily-training segment. As it was released in 2024, current prices and available sizes can vary between retailers; an advertised discount does not change the shoe’s features or guarantee that the desired width remains in stock.

When assessing a deal, the useful comparison is not just against the original price. It also matters whether the shoe suits the sessions you actually run, whether the retailer has the right size and width, and what its return conditions are after trying the shoes on. A reduced price is less appealing if the fit means the pair cannot be used.

The role of a cushioned shoe in a rotation

A rotation separates functions; it does not dictate a number of pairs. For someone training several days a week, the 1080 v14 can serve as an easy-run shoe, while a lighter pair is reserved for fast sessions or racing. In a routine centred on relaxed runs, that second option may not provide enough benefit to justify the expense.

The choice also changes with the terrain. A runner who alternates roads and technical trails may gain more from footwear designed for each surface than from expecting a road shoe to provide grip it was not designed for. A rotation makes sense when it serves different uses, not simply because a new product has arrived.

Este artículo contiene enlaces de afiliado: si compras a través de ellos, se genera una pequeña comisión sin coste adicional para ti. Más información.