
The Fresh Foam 1080v13 continues New Balance's tradition of delivering a premium, plush ride tailored for daily training and long-distance comfort.
The Fresh Foam 1080v13 continues New Balance's tradition of delivering a premium, plush ride tailored for daily training and long-distance comfort. Its updated engineered mesh upper and refined Fresh Foam X midsole make it a top choice for runners prioritizing comfort over speed, though the price and softness may not suit everyone.
Key Features
- Fresh Foam X midsole cushioning
- Hypoknit engineered mesh upper
- Ortholite comfort sock liner
- Rounded outsole design for smooth transitions
- Reflective details for low-light visibility
- Available in standard and wide width options
+ What we liked
- Plush, cloud-like cushioning ideal for long runs
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition
- Breathable and adapts well to foot shape
- Generous toe box room
- Lightweight for a max-cushion trainer
- Wide range of width and color options
– Worth noting
- ✕ Premium price point compared to competitors
- ✕ Midsole can feel too soft for speed workouts
- ✕ Break-in period needed for optimal comfort
- ✕ Slightly bulkier profile than minimalist shoes
Technical Specs
The Full Review
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 stands as one of the most refined entries in the long-running 1080 lineage, a neutral running shoe engineered for runners who log serious mileage and want plush, dependable comfort underfoot. Built around New Balance's Fresh Foam X midsole compound, the shoe delivers a soft, cushioned ride that absorbs impact without feeling mushy or unstable, striking a balance that makes it equally suited to easy recovery jogs and longer training runs. The updated midsole geometry in the v13 iteration offers a smoother heel-to-toe transition than previous versions, thanks to subtle tweaks in the foam's shape and a slightly more responsive feel that doesn't sacrifice the plushness loyal wearers expect from this franchise.
Up top, the 1080v13 wears a re-engineered Hypoknit upper that wraps the foot in a breathable, sock-like fit while still providing structure where it matters most. The knit construction flexes naturally with the foot's movement, reducing irritation points and improving airflow during warmer runs, while a padded tongue and heel collar add a touch of plush comfort that keeps the shoe feeling premium mile after mile. The fit runs true to size for most runners, with a roomy toe box that accommodates natural toe splay, making it a strong option for those with wider feet or anyone who prefers a touch more room in their daily trainer.
Underfoot, a durable rubber outsole with a strategically placed tread pattern provides reliable traction on roads, tracks, and light urban terrain, while also contributing to the shoe's overall longevity. The 1080v13 maintains the moderate 6mm heel-to-toe drop that fans of the model have come to trust, supporting a natural stride without feeling too aggressive or too flat. Available in a wide range of colorways and standard, wide, and extra-wide sizing options, this shoe caters to a broad spectrum of runners, from those chasing daily training consistency to walkers seeking all-day comfort, cementing its reputation as a versatile, go-to choice within New Balance's performance running catalog.
Customer Reviews
After years in stability shoes, switching to the 1080v13 was a revelation. My knees thank me after every long run.
Super comfortable straight out of the box. Only reason it's not five stars is the price tag.
Used these throughout my marathon training block. Consistent comfort even past 18 miles.
Got the wide version and my toes finally have room to breathe. Cushioning is fantastic too.
Noticeable improvement in upper breathability compared to the previous version. Highly recommend.




