New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 running shoes

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 running shoe is a versatile and comfortable shoe for daily running. If soft comfort is important to you during your runs, or if you spend a lot of time in the shoe because it dictates a slower pace or longer distances, the 1080 v14 may be a good choice for you. The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 is still a soft and comfortable running shoe, even though it has a slightly stiffer midsole with a bit more dynamics and stability. On the outside, there are only minor changes to the previous version, but a closer look reveals that the changes are significant: the shoe is now more than 30 grams heavier. It has moved from the former category of lightweight comfortable everyday running shoes to the category of comfortable everyday running shoes. As the Fresh Foam X 1080 was not optimised for fast running, this weight gain doesn’t seem to be a big problem, the question is what you get for it, which is described in detail in the review.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 upper

The upper of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 running shoe is made from a mesh material that has been given better breathability than its predecessor, which was made from a knitted mesh material. The upper is still all about comfort, it fits true to size and is comfortable on wider feet like the previous version. The tongue is fixed and well cushioned, as is the heel collar. The new mesh material gives the upper more structure and rigidity than the previous version, but it doesn’t feel stiff and holds up well on thinner feet. The midsole wall that overlaps the upper is larger and stiffer, which improves the stability of the shoe. The stability of the previous version was not strong enough.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 midsole

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 running shoe midsole hasn’t changed much in terms of specifications. It’s made from the same Fresh Foam X material, the same 38mm height at the heel and 32mm height at the forefoot. But the feel of the midsole is noticeably different. The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 running shoe still has a soft, comfortable midsole, but it’s a little stiffer, a little more responsive and a lot more stable than the midsole of its predecessor. The geometry has been changed mainly to improve the previous version’s weakest point: unstable stability. The high and soft midsoles can be less stable due to their softness and height, but New Balance has now improved this. Firstly, the foam has been made stiffer, secondly, it is more closely moulded to the upper to form a wall for the foot, and thirdly, the outsole has been redesigned to give the sole structure some rigidity. A longitudinal groove along the bottom of the midsole improves stability by providing support on both sides.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 outsole

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 running shoe outsole has been completely redesigned from the previous version, not because it wore out quickly or had less grip, but to give the midsole more stiffness and stability. An outsole layer runs around the forefoot, with two lateral support layers at the heel. The outsole material is harder and stiffer than the previous version, which not only increases stability but also improves wear resistance. The Fresh Foam X 1080 isn’t about running fast, but good traction can be just as important, and New Balance has addressed this by adding more outsole rubber to the midsole.

Summary

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 running shoe is a versatile, comfortable running shoe designed for lighter runs. Maximum comfort and improved stability make it suitable for longer runs. A lot has changed from the previous version, although you won’t notice it from the outside. The midsole is a little stiffer, the breathability is better and the stability is improved. The price of the major changes has been an increase in weight of over 30 grams, but given that the aim of the shoe is to be a comfortable long-distance runner, this increase in weight is not a major problem. I’m sure there will be runners who won’t like it, but I think there will be more who will welcome these changes.