New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 Review: Comfort is King in this High-Cushion Running Shoe
If the folks at New Balance only made one running shoe, it would be the Fresh Foam X 1080. The brand’s flagship running shoe has been around longer than almost any shoe on the market and for good reason. Over the years, New Balance has been careful not to mess with the makeup of the highly popular shoe too much, ensuring that the Fresh Foam X 1080 remained true to its winning formula of being reliable and supremely comfortable.
Thanks to its reputation for being one of the most comfortable running shoes on the market, the Fresh Foam X 1080 has become more than just a shoe for weekend road warriors and athletes lacing up for a big race. These days, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 is a shoe for everyone; whether you’re running errands or chasing your PB at the comrades. It’s the intro to premium performance, offering walkers to racers a neutral, lightweight, and versatile high-cushion option that’s especially favoured for training and recovery.
Now, New Balance has revealed the latest model in its Fresh Foam X series of performance running shoes, the Fresh Foam X 1080v13. This new iteration of the popular running shoe is being described as the peak in the brand’s dedication to innovation and craftsmanship. This time around New Balance was hell bent on putting all its research and technology into ensuring it made the Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 the perfect shoe for all types of runners.
According to New Balance, this generation of Fresh Foam X trainers delivers a far softer cushioning design and an improved shape for a more secure fit. The outsole of this newest entry has been entirely redesigned in a way that helps to increase forefoot stiffness while an enhanced rocker works to help improve transitions between strides, for a far more comfortable run than ever before.
For version 13, the team at New Balance set out to redefine the running experience, the result is a shoe that offers supreme soft cushioning, elevated comfort, and an improved fit for all runners. It combines the perfect fusion of comfort and high-performance features, making it the preferred choice for a wide range of running scenarios, from everyday jogs to competitive races.
Building upon the research and development from the New Balance Sports Research Lab, the Fresh Foam X 1080v13 introduces a new outsole design that increases forefoot stiffness and features an enhanced rocker profile. These enhancements improve transitions between strides, allowing runners to truly “run their way” with unmatched comfort.
Most significantly, the shoe boasts more cushioning for a soft and lightweight feel. The Fresh Foam X compound, paired with increased midsole stack heights and a 6 mm drop, ensures a comfortable run, regardless of the distance. With this shoe it’s all about being able to run longer and harder without feeling any discomfort.
The shoe’s new breathable and supportive mesh upper seals the deal to make it the perfect choice for both performance and all-day wear. At 200g for the women’s shoe, it’s impressively lightweight, further contributing to its comfort levels for long runs. An Ndurance rubber outsole offers increased durability in high wear areas to further prolong the life of your shoes.
I’ve done a few runs in the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 and have been wearing it non-stop for social occasions and running daily errands as well. If there’s one thing that stands out about this latest version of the running shoe, it’s comfort. If you’re searching for a versatile shoe you can wear all day, every day, then this is it. You’ll never grow tired of wearing the Fresh Foam X 1080v13 thanks to the cloud-like foam cushioning and the second skin-style mesh upper.
Slipping the shoe on for the first time felt like being reunited with an old friend, an old friend that always says all the right things and knows just what you need when you don’t have the words to express it. The snug-fit upper, with reflective details and a structured fit, ensures the shoe fits like a glove. New Balance has done an excellent job of creating a running shoe that is wholly addictive to wear and you’re going to love how running feels in this comfort-centric shoe.
The new rocker profile does well to enhance the smooth underfoot experience when running or walking. When you’re moving in this shoe, you not only feel the supremely soft cushioning but you also get great energy return and bounce with every stride.
If you’re new to running and are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice in the running shoe market then you can’t go wrong with investing in this shoe. The shoe may not be cheap, but those who feel comfortable splashing out on a high-end running shoe right out the gate, won’t be disappointed going home with this New Balance creation.
Not just for runners, I would also recommend the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 for anyone looking for a high-comfort shoe; whether you’re someone whose job requires you to be on your feet all day or someone who suffers with mobility issues. It will also prove to be the perfect go-to travel choice when you need a shoe to wear comfortably that styles great for everyday use while you’re away.
It’s rare that a shoe can mean something to so many, but the 1080 is built for almost any circumstance, whether training for a marathon, your first 5K, or just a walk with the dog or to your favorite coffee shop.
The Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is now available online at a retail price of R3,599.
