Reaching the ten year mark as a mainstay in the running shoe universe is a feat that’s no easy task even for the established brands. But it’s a sign of longevity that’s largely driven by customer loyalty — and of course, the miles.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 is well into its second decade and finding its footing among the daily trainers that simply eat up the easy runs. And it has been using the past couple of iterations to figure out if can truly be a yearly incremental helping of the same recipe: a max cushion staple that’s a reliable introduction to brand.
Fortunately, it looks like the formula is on point this time around and a go-to pick well beyond the run.
Changes and Notable Features
Fans of the 1080 will be delighted to know that the v13 has settled on being a plush neutral shoe that simply plays its position as a daily driver — or at least one the kick off the week on the run. With a 36mm stack, you won’t feel too much of the road and that’s one of the highlights considering this shoe will serve more than miles.
The 1080 v13 sports a breathable mesh upper that is a familiar fit each time the I put the shoe one. There feel is supportive and and would probably be a welcome option for people who spend a ton of time on their feet at work. The Fresh Foam X midsole is soft, supportive and on the fits the requirement for runners who crave a bit of squishing on the ride rather than roll along on a higher stack shoe that never really loses its stiffness — like the 1080 v12.
It would be tough to call this an “entry level” shoe since the $165 price tag is hovering in the higher cost of shoes in this category. But the 1080 v13 is an easy option to single out for the beginner runner with the empty shoe closet. The shoe is durable enough to be the workhorse on the run but quickly assume a role in the daily errand side of your life. I found myself rocking the 1080 v13 in a ton of non-running scenarios beyond the initial 55 miles I split between recovery runs and early week build ups.
In the right colorway, the 1080 v13 makes its case as a casual walking option even though it’s clear that the More v4 gets the better styling and appears to sit even higher despite “only” having a 34mm stack (the 1080 v13 has 36mm). Still, the 1080 v13 is a less bulky option but faces legit competition from the Nike Invincible 3, which shined in it’s first two attempts but produced mixed results the third time around. It’s proof that this segment — at this price point — can’t over think the recipe to a point where the next course of action is to try to correct avoidable changes the following year. We’re at a critical point where runners are willing to test the waters and brand loyalty since great options are all on the table these days.
Personal Opinions
The 1080 v13 is certainly not the super light and fast shoe but the mass of the shoe is evident on runs, so keep this shoe in the chamber for the recovery sessions and miles when you need something predictably reliable. Don’t expect to be propelled in this shoe or be welcomed with heaps of energy return after every step — it’s not here and that’s part of the package.
But, the 1080 v13 casts a wide net for a range of runners and it would be tough to find a road warrior who refuses to send praise toward this shoes. I gave it few strolls on paved roads along with gravel paths and the shoe never appeared unstable. At 9.2 ounces (262g; in a size 11.5), I didn’t expect the ride to be particularly snappy for a daily trainer, but not having to absorb the full ground impact of every step is always a plus.
Overall Thoughts
The days of one shoe for everything are long gone but I’d put the 1080 v13 as a serious contender to slide into the beginning of my weekly rotation. The lack of mystery in this shoe is what I consider a feature and that’s part of what should carry over into whatever the next gen model evolves into.
Some runners will shy away from a softer ride but the 1080 v13 plays kind with your feet beyond the run. It’s a safe application in running but could also benefit from being marked to non-runners, the same way some Hoka and On shoes have become mainstays in the healthcare and food industries. I could see the 1080 range in that same space. Let’s hope that New Balance doesn’t tinker with what makes this shoe something that runners grab year after year, because of the reliability built on the reputation of the 1080 v13.
THE BREAKDOWN
Specs for the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
· Weight: (9.2oz / 262g) and (7.3oz / 206g)
· Stack height and drop: 36mm and 6mm
· Important features: Fresh Foam X midsole, engineered mesh upper, rocker profile
· Price: $165
· Release date: October 2023
How We Tested This Shoe
· Men: Size 11.5 (9.2oz / 262g)
· Women: Size 8 (7.3oz / 206g)
· Running conditions: Easy runs, recovery runs on asphalt and gravel/dirt paths
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New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 – Men
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 – Women
