New Balance 1080v15 Review
The New Balance 1080v15 is a highly cushioned neutral running shoe designed to offer maximum protection on easy runs and long road runs. Version 15 of this popular daily running shoe uses a new foam in the midsole to deliver improved cushioning, along with a new mesh upper designed to provide a more glove-like fit.
The first thing that you notice when picking up a pair of 1080v15s is the weight, or lack of it. A men’s UK 8 weighs 261 grams, and a women’s UK 5 weighs 208 grams. This is around 40 grams lighter than the previous version. To achieve this weight reduction, New Balance hasn’t skimped on anything. The saving comes from a new midsole foam called Infinion. Infinion replaces Fresh Foam X in the 1080v15. It is not only lighter, but also more responsive and more resilient. The nice, bouncy feel of the midsole lasts throughout the run and doesn’t degrade as quickly, so you can expect to get more miles out of it.
The heel cup features a firm thermoplastic heel counter designed to hold the foot securely in the midsole and provide a level of stability. The inside of the heel is nicely padded, with cushioning extending around the collar and into the top of the tongue. The upper is made from a moulded mesh that feels soft and well cushioned. The fit is snugger and more glove-like than the previous version. When initially putting my foot into the 1080v15, it felt slightly too snug and narrow in the forefoot. However, this feeling subsided after walking around in them. Although they offer a closer fit than many of my other running shoes, they don’t feel restrictive in any way. Even after a long run of a few hours, the upper remained comfortable.
The tongue is gusseted at the top to help hold it in place. The laces also thread through a tab on the outside of the tongue to prevent it from slipping to one side when running. The laces loosen easily, allowing you to slip your foot into the shoe without difficulty. A single pull tightens the upper around the foot to create a secure, glove-like fit. This snug fit improves the overall ride. The midsole is very bouncy, and if the foot were able to move around inside the shoe, it would feel unstable and less smooth. The result is a very plush, cushioned ride that allows you to cruise along effortlessly. I found the ride to be particularly enjoyable on flat terrain and reasonably responsive on hills. There was less compression in the midsole when climbing, but on steep descents, where forces are greater, I did notice more compression.
There is an additional lace hole at the top, which can be used to create a more secure heel lock or for a runner’s loop lacing setup. The toe box is fairly snug, but the big toe is able to sit straight, allowing for a positive toe-off. The stack height has increased by 2mm to 40mm in the heel and 34mm in the forefoot. Combined with the bouncy midsole, this results in very little ground feel. I found it possible to run comfortably at a steady pace in the 1080v15. It does take a little time to pick up the pace, as the midsole absorbs some of the force. However, they don’t feel like an overly soft, slow shoe. They remain light, responsive, and comfortable.
When ground feel is limited, traction becomes more important. The outsole is made from a grippy rubber that performed well, even on saturated tarmac, which can often be slippery if the compound is too firm. The 6mm heel-to-toe drop makes the 1080v15 suitable for both heel strikers and midfoot strikers. The slight rocker in the midsole helps guide the foot smoothly from landing through to toe-off. In terms of sizing, New Balance running shoes are similar in length to Hoka, Karhu, Inov-8, and La Sportiva. If you usually wear Brooks, Topo, Altra, 361, or VJ, I would suggest trying half a UK size larger to achieve a similar fit. For example, a Brooks UK 11 is roughly equivalent in length to a New Balance UK 11.5.
In summary, the New Balance 1080v15 is remarkably light for such a well-cushioned road running shoe. It is best suited to easy and long runs, but it still feels smooth at slightly quicker paces.
Alternatives to the New Balance 1080v15
Altra FWD VIA 2: A broad rounded toe box gives the feet more room to spread and function in the shoes. The 4mm heel to forefoot drop encourages a more midfoot landing which encourages a more natural gait. The rocker is similarly subtle and there is more feel for the ground, so your feet get stimulated to function. A more natural feel but not as plush or smooth as the shoe does less of the work for your feet. The cushioning feels firmer with less bounce. Altra FWD VIA Review.
Brooks Glycerin 23: A more pointed toe box. I was more aware of the stack height in the Glycerin than the 1080v15. The midsole does have some bounce and a bit more flex which gives a bit more of a natural feel but, it lacks the plush luxurious feel of the 1080v15. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. Brooks Glycerin 23 Review.
Brooks Glycerin Max 2: These have a much more noticeable rocker. They are designed to do the work for you smoothly guiding you through the gait cycle. The ride is plush and cushioned. It feels more bulky and more controlling than the 1080v15. Brooks Glycerin Max 2 Review
Saucony Triumph 23: A lot more ground feel. Cushioned without too much bounce or softness. The base of the shoe did feel a bit too wide, and the toe box was more pointed. Saucony Triumph 23 Review
Altra Torin 8: A zero drop shoe with a broad rounded toe box gives a much more natural feel to the ride and requires more running. No rocker or bouncy midsole to carry you down the road. The plus size is that your feet and lower legs get strengthened and you learn to run faster. Altra Torin 8 Review
Karhu Mestari 1.5: A rocker and the Karhu Fulcrum give the Mestari 1.5 a good level of propulsion. The cushioning isn’t as soft or bouncy as the 1080v15 but, the Fulcrum and rocker do provide a smooth ride. Karhu Mestari 1.5 Review
Hoka Bondi 9: The original max cushioned road running shoe. The midsole is soft but, not too soft and the rocker is quite noticeable giving the Bondi 9 a good level of propulsion. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. Hoka Bondi 9 Review
361 Meraki 7: A more natural feel. Less stack height and a bit more flexion. I found these easy to run in. No bounce or rocker to distract you. It was easy to just run a long and forget the shoes were on my feet.
Topo Athletic Atmos: A broad rounded toe box gives the feet room to spread and function inside the shoes. The midsole is firm to encourage foot function. The rocker is quite noticeable and gives the shoes some propulsion. Browse Topo Athletic Atmos
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