When someone thinks of a premium daily training shoe, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 will always be in the conversation as one of the best.
It has long been a neutral and plush shoe model that allows pros and weekend joggers alike to get in some enjoyable runs on the road.
It has definitely changed over the years, but it has always been a trainer offered in pretty much every possible width option, which makes it a prince choice for runners with wider feet seeking a plush and premium style shoe.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 Review
I tested out the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11. Below is my analysis and opinion.
Fresh Foam 1080v11 provides luxurious comfort for the long run.
This soft, plush shoe features responsive underfoot Fresh Foam partnered perfectly with a soft, selectively stretchy knit upper offering 360-degree comfort for high mileage.
Specifications
- Stack Height: 30 mm (Heel), 22 mm (Forefoot)
- OFFSET: 8mm drop from heel to toe
- Weight: 9.3oz / 263g (US M9) and 8oz / 225g (US W8)
- FIT: True to size
- Category: Neutral
Quality
Durability
cost
Stacked with fresh foam and an updated upper, the NB 1080v11 promises a lot of enhancements, but does it hold up to its reputation? Let’s get going to find out!
UPPER - Materials and Lockdown
The upper is made from a Bootie Construction, which actually felt really nice over the top of my foot and ankle area. The lacing system is not as smooth as some other brands like Hoka or Brooks, but it gets the job done once you have given it two or three goes.
I was quite surprised that the toe box is quite wide, even in the “normal” width category, so this definitely holds up to its reputation for accommodating a wider range of foot types.
After plenty of running in the 1080v11 I can feel that the shoe is made for a foot with a larger overall volume than mine, as I find myself wearing thinker socks so I don’t feel like I am swimming in my shoe.
It is not a sizing issue, as there is an ideal amount of space between my toe and the front of the shoe, but it is just a bigger shoe.
This is not me hating the overall volume though, it's just something I had to think about every time before grabbing this pair to take out and test, so I thought it was worth noting.
None of these volume problems apply to the ankle collar though, as the lockdown and fit in with the Ultra Heel is quite secure and comfortable.
The tongue is gusseted and sits on top of the foot nicely. The heel flare is also a nice addition, as it definitely limits the rubbing and irritation on your achilles tendon.
POSITIVE: Snug and comfortable ankle collar lockdown
DRAWBACK: High volume upper will feel very full for skinny/narrow feet.
Fresh Foam 1080v11 provides luxurious comfort for the long run.
This soft, plush shoe features responsive underfoot Fresh Foam partnered perfectly with a soft, selectively stretchy knit upper offering 360-degree comfort for high mileage.
MIDSOLE / OUTSOLE - Snappy and Responsive
The Misole is where the 1080 has made a name for itself...and not always in a good way. The Fresh Foam the New Balance uses has been known to let people down from time.
Sometimes it will love its cushioning and rebound after only 200-300 miles, which was a point of concern for me initially.
Any shoe can feel great in its first 20 miles, but can it hold up past 100, 200 or 500 miles?
I was excited to see a new take with the Fresh Foam X midsole foam, which has been modified slightly and it might just make a good difference over the longer haul.
Also lets get this part out of the way, the shoe feels pretty great when the fresh foam is working right. There is so much of it here packed into this midsole and it does feel like a high stack height shoe with maximal cushioning.
There is a fair amount of rebound in the toe off as well, which was a welcome sight past 50 miles.
Fresh Foam 1080v11 provides luxurious comfort for the long run.
This soft, plush shoe features responsive underfoot Fresh Foam partnered perfectly with a soft, selectively stretchy knit upper offering 360-degree comfort for high mileage.
The Laser Engravings on the lateral landing zone of the shoe help with some extra impact absorption, and although I have not really directly felt this on my runs, I do feel a soft landing on my runs, especially after I broke the shoe in, which took about 10-15 miles.
The Outsole is made to protect the fresh foam and it is made up of Blown Rubber, which is pretty much the industry standard nowadays. It is placed more liberally in the highest wear areas like the heel and front of the toe box.
Furthermore, there are some Flex Grooves in the forefoot that help add a little extra flexibility to the midsole.
I like this touch, as the midsole is pretty thick and would definitely have not allowed your foot to engage in its full range of motion had there been no flex grooves.
I do think New Balance could strip this outsole rubber back a little bit to decrease the weight.
I think there is a lot of rubber in the midfoot area that could be taken off without too much durability or traction problems, but that is just my two cents after logging the miles in this thing.
POSITIVE: Foam provides a soft landing
DRAWBACK: Still some longevity concerns.
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Bootie upper construction hugs your foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Synthetic/mesh upper
- Ortholite sockliner for comfort
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
Durability Prediction - 300-500 miles (485-805km)
Like I just mentioned, I have my concerns with the longevity of the New Balance 1080v11.
After getting around 60 miles I am starting to notice some wear issues, but not on the outsole, the foam just does not have the plush feeling it had between 20-50 miles.
It could very well be a me problem, but it is a point of concern as I move forward with my training in this shoe. If it continues to flatten out at this rate I will feel pretty disappointed...but for now it is all speculation.
Best Uses - Recovery Runs, Daily Training, Steady Runs, Long Runs
This is pretty standard use for a shoe built to this calibre. It will feel comfortable when logging in those daily miles and super easy miles as well.
I don’t think you’ll be running any workouts in this thing. You can probably pick up the pace at the end of your runs, but that is about it.
It does not feel like a ton of performance oriented rebound, it is definitely more plush cushioning oriented. I prefer that.
Fresh Foam 1080v11 provides luxurious comfort for the long run.
This soft, plush shoe features responsive underfoot Fresh Foam partnered perfectly with a soft, selectively stretchy knit upper offering 360-degree comfort for high mileage.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 Review Wrap Up - A Comfortable Easy Run Shoe
With all of the premium features this the New Balance 1080v11 promises, it really just comes down to the fact that it is a comfortable and soft shoe that will feel great on your easy days and daily training runs.
You’re going to enjoy this shoe a lot if you have a wider foot and like a lot of extra cushion under your feet. It is a comfortable lockdown and provides a delightful running experience, so it is worth the investment if you have enjoyed this kind of ride before.
Should You Get The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11?
If you enjoy a soft landing and a good rebound for your easy days and standard training runs then this is a great shoe to give a try.
It feels like there may be some other options out there to give a try over this one at some slightly better price points or more reliable quality.
Some of these will include the Brooks Ghost 13, the Saucony Triumph, and the Nike React Miler.
If you have enjoyed the New Balance 1080 in the past, then you will like this model as well.
You May Like: New Balance vs Saucony
You May Like: New Balance vs Brooks
Hi, Jeremy Here,
I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journey. About Me.
Last update on 2023-06-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API