New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 running shoes

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 Running Shoe is a highly cushioned, comfortable and versatile running shoe. Fast when you need it fast, forgiving when you need it forgiving, suitable for almost all types of running from short fast, to recovery, to longer runs. If you’re only using one running shoe, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 running shoe can fill that role perfectly. Because of its softness and springiness, it’s not as stable, so if you’re looking for a more stable shoe because you’re leaning your ankle outwards or inwards (pronals or supinals), this might not be the shoe for you, but for everyone else it’s perfect, providing enduring comfort and bouncy dynamics. It’s changed a lot from the previous version, with a different upper, a higher midsole, and a different outsole. The character and function of the new version remains the same, it’s still an everyday running shoe, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13, but it’s different, in our opinion better, more exciting, more fun. The higher midsole has not caused any weight gain, on the contrary, the shoe is 28 grams lighter than its predecessor.

The upper of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 running shoe is made of a soft and flexible mesh knit that hugs the foot in a great way. Compared to previous versions, this is a new reworked material, it can hug the foot better. It’s flexible, but structured enough to keep the foot from slipping. The tongue of the shoe is well cushioned and fixed on both sides so it doesn’t slip sideways. The heel collar is also padded, which provides maximum comfort in addition to good foot support. The upper (too) feels more about comfort and not performance. Compared to the previous version, it holds the foot much better, but at higher speeds there are minor slips, it feels less secure.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 running shoe midsole has also changed a lot mostly in terms of dimensions. It’s been made taller at the heel by 4mm to 6mm at the front of the shoe, and the previous 8mm drop has been reduced to 6mm. This height increase has a noticeable impact on softness for both dynamics and stability. Not only the dimensions of the midsole have changed, but also the material. Although it is now called Fresh Foam, as in previous versions, this foam is a reworked, lighter, softer more resilient material. It’s fun to run in because it’s soft but bouncy, like Asics’ FlyteFoam Blast Plus foam (like a gummy bear). The geometry of the shoe’s midsole creates a curved, rocking effect, so rollovers are quick and smooth. To maintain the cradle shape, the forefoot of the shoe is stiffer due to the greater amount of outsole, which helps it roll over. However, the higher and softer material is less stable and New Balance did not try to compensate for this. I don’t see this as a drawback, as the shoe is great as it is, but those with pronating or supinating feet and ankles should be aware of this and alternate it with a more stable running shoe.

The outsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 running shoe has also been completely redesigned. The structure of the outsole has also been changed, less cohesive than its predecessor, so it stiffens the shoe less laterally, but does so longitudinally to maintain the cradle-like geometry to help with rolling and progression… The outsole grip is good and seems durable.

Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 running shoe is one of the most comfortable most versatile everyday running shoes on the market. Both the upper and midsole provide maximum comfort, the midsole is dynamic and exciting in addition to being comfortable, and the outsole is great. Although the upper’s grip has improved a lot, it could use a little better grip at faster speeds. The comfortable soft flexible midsole isn’t as stable, but this should only be a minimal problem for pronating or supinating runners.