New Balance 1080 v14 Review: Updated to Suit More Runners

1080 v14: Quick Facts

What’s the New Balance 1080 v14 all about?

The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 series has long been a go-to for runners seeking a plush, soft experience, and the latest version—the 1080 v14—builds on that legacy while addressing some limitations from the previous iteration. While it may look similar to the 1080 v13 on paper, the changes New Balance have made to this latest version are significant! In fact, I feel as though it’s now more accessible to a wider range of runners in this latest iteration. 

The Good, The Bad and The Run: Josh’s Take on the 1080 v14

1080 v10 was a game changer in my opinion. When brands started taking the less is more approach, the New Balance 1080 v10 reset the expectations of what this model could deliver on. Fast forward four years, and this time we have seen misses with heel counters and Fresh Foam densities. I must say the v13 was a good change and on the right path, but this just reset the 1080 strategy for New Balance and allowed them to deliver the v14, which is easily my favourite 1080 to date.

The 1080 v14 has some excellent improvements across all major engineering aspects. The upper is a better fit and more breathable, with a better performing midsole and the outsole compliments the midsole design. 1080 v14 execution is on point with its intended market, I honestly believe it's a shoe you must try, if you are seeking a neutral daily trainer with honest performance underfoot.

Not that this is an issue, but on paper the shoe has increased its weight by roughly 10%. Issue? Not really as this was probably a fault of the 1080 v13 as it was too light and its durability was questionable. Numbers and stats on paper will show that the shoe has had an increase in weight, but don’t be alarmed by this, as it’s certainly a good thing and a change that has been warmly welcomed.

Throughout my runs in this shoe, I have been smiling from the first step. I was able to put around 50 kms in these with New Balance sending through the final production prototype a few months ago. I was expecting a lot out of this shoe, with New Balance needing to make the appropriate adjustments from v13. The shoe has a better roll through the entire midsole. The simplicity of the outsole in v14 and execution of performance is unparalleled to 1080s in the past, which creates the right amount of rigidity through toe off. The wider footbed offers the appropriate amount of stability on the lateral and medial side of the mid-forefoot which gave me increased confidence in every step - that's what you want in a daily trainer - a shoe that allows you to switch off and enjoy every step.

I can’t fault this shoe, it's not loaded with bells and whistles, but screams honesty and integrity. Kudos to New Balance! It has replaced the Nimbus 26 for my easy days.

The Good, The Bad and The Run: Georgia's Take on the 1080 v14

I’m incredibly excited with this new update in the 1080 series. I found the v13’s too soft for any runs longer than 30 minutes. My feet would begin to ache, I’d experience a burning sensation underfoot and I always found the rocker just didn’t quite sit where I needed it to. My first run in the v14’s was 50 minutes and there was no aching or burning sensation at all and the flexibility of the midsole suited my stride perfectly. I feel so much more stable running in this new model as the enhanced forefoot stiffness, slightly firmer ride underfoot, and along with the wider base, makes for a very comfortable run, even with fatigued legs! I also need to mention the aesthetics of the shoe; it’s a clean and simple look available in a wide range of colours with premium laces and a lightweight breathable upper.

The only negative that a lot of people will mention will be the slight increase in weight. However, a few extra grams doesn’t worry me as the improvement in midsole firmness and stiffness makes up for it.

I’m looking forward to incorporating the 1080 v14 in my rotation for runs in the 30-60 minute window and they’ll be well suited for my warm-up and cool-downs - you’ll probably also catch me in them at my local coffee shop on the weekend!

There are four key changes to the 1080 v14:

1) Re-worked midsole geometry

At its core, the 1080 v14 remains an easy day daily trainer, ideal for runners who appreciate a soft ride. The Fresh Foam X midsole runs the full length of the shoe, offering the same plush underfoot experience fans of the 1080 have come to expect.

One of the key changes in the 1080 v14 is the midsole. Don't get me wrong, the Fresh Foam X is still an incredibly soft ride, but the change in midsole geometry and density results in a slightly firmer ride. This helps prevent the shoe from feeling overly “mushy" during longer runs—a critique I had with the v13! I’ve also found that I can comfortably wear the 1080 v14 for runs that extend beyond 40 minutes without feeling like I’m sinking too far into the midsole.

2) Enhanced forefoot stiffness

Another area that’s been updated in the 1080 v14 is in the forefoot. New Balance has thickened the outsole rubber placement in high-wear areas and placed the outsole rubber diagonally to create more stiffness upfront. For me, this is a welcome update. I found the v13 was great for short, easy jogs, but the lack of forefoot stiffness made it difficult to reach for it on longer runs. The added stiffness in the v14 not only improves the heel to toe transition, it also makes the v14 more accessible for runners that couldn’t tolerate the soft flexible feel of the 1080v13.

3) Improved upper and fit

In addition to the midsole and outsole updates, the upper has also seen some improvements. The new engineered mesh upper is designed with zones of breathability, offering enhanced comfort and noticeable ventilation through the forefoot which is a nice update leading into the warmer months here in Aus. Fit wise, I found the upper to fit true to size, with a slightly lower volume, which is pretty similar to the fit from version 13.

4) Gained some weight, but for good reason

Now, it’s worth noting that the 1080 v14 has gained about 30 grams compared to its predecessor. While some runners may be concerned about the added weight, I actually see this as a positive! The shoe feels more substantial, and that extra weight translates into a more structured, reliable ride with better durability. It’s allowed New Balance to give the midsole more "guts" and integrity which for me makes the weight gain a worthy trade-off.

Where does it fit in the rotation?

I’d personally use the 1080 v14 for easy days when I’m jogging up to 60 minutes at a comfortable pace. I feel like the soft density of the foam makes it perfect for those types of runs, but it's not the shoe I’d pick if you’re wanting an all-round versatile daily trainer. For my longer runs, I would still lean towards shoes with more forefoot stiffness and performance-based foam (super-trainers). New Balance have a great option in this space, the SC Trainer v3 which I think complements the 1080v14 nicely. 

Durability

When it comes to durability, I think the 1080 v14 will hold up well. The denser midsole foam and thicker outsole rubber in high-wear areas should give the shoe some extra longevity. That said, given the density of the midsole foam, I think getting around 500-600 km out of this shoe would be about right. It’s not the kind of shoe I’d expect to go far beyond that, but for a daily trainer with this much softness and cushioning, that’s a respectable lifespan.

Nathan’s final thoughts

The New Balance 1080 v14 stays true to its roots as a soft, comfortable daily trainer and it feels like a solid evolution over the 1080v13. If you liked the ultra-soft ride of the v13, I think you’ll still enjoy the 1080 v14. It maintains a soft ride that makes it a great choice for easy days when you want a gentle, cushioned experience underfoot. The updates make it more approachable for a broader range of runners and is worth considering, especially if you found the v13 too soft or unstable for longer runs.

About the author

Nathan Pope - Runner and Shoe Nerd

I'm really passionate about running footwear and how shoes can be used as a tool to get the best of your running, whether that be general fitness or performance.

My favourite event is the marathon. I feel as though the marathon is the ultimate test both physically and mentally! It requires careful planning both within the race and during the training block and it can be super satisfying when it comes together on race day.