New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 Review

Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 toebox/mudguard
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13PriceReleaseStyleRetailer
- sea salt with grey violet
- 3% bio-based content in midsole foam
- NDurance rubber outsole
- mesh upper
- reflective accents
- 6 mm heel drop
$165YesW1080F13New Balance

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 offers a plush and responsive experience for your feet, providing both cushioning and energy return. This versatile shoe is perfect for long distances running and can also keep up with faster-paced workouts.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
High cushioningNot stable
Comfortable and bouncy ride
Soft upper
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 quarter overlay

If you're in search of a versatile shoe that can cater to various running needs, then your search ends here. This shoe is designed to be a reliable companion for your daily training sessions, no matter the type of run.

The only individual who may not find this shoe appealing is someone in search of stability. This particular shoe lacks stability, which may result in a slight sense of unease on uneven surfaces or when making sharp turns.

Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 outsole

The Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 from New Balance is a daily trainer that offers ample cushioning thanks to the incorporation of their innovative Fresh Foam technology.

The Fresh Foam X technology is designed to offer a generous amount of cushioning, while also imparting a lively sensation to ensure a seamless transition.

These shoes, which serve as both high cushioned footwear and daily trainers, belong to the brand. Priced at $165, they fall within the same range as comparable options offered by other brands.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 on feet

Upon unboxing this shoe, my attention was immediately drawn to its surprising lightweight despite the presence of a considerably thick midsole.

As soon as I slipped my feet into the shoes, it was as if I was treading on a cushion of air. During my initial jog in these sneakers, I experienced a fartlek training session. I sensed a buoyant sensation as I picked up speed, effortlessly gliding through the more relaxed segments of my run.

The shoe effortlessly withstands long distances and doubles as an excellent option for recovery. When I wore these shoes for my initial runs after completing a marathon, my legs appreciated the gentle and comfortable experience.

Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 upper/laces

The upper of this shoe is constructed perfectly.

I found the tongue and heel collar to be incredibly comfortable, with no problems of irritation or blisters. The tongue is securely attached, while the heel collar is nicely padded.

The laces remained intact throughout, never unraveling even when secured with a solitary knot. Constructed entirely from a supple knit mesh, the upper is both highly breathable and capable of withstanding chilly temperatures. Personally, I found the shoe to be true to size, providing ample space in the toe area without feeling excessively spacious.

Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 sole units

The Fresh Foam X technology takes the spotlight in this shoe, particularly with its midsole. Unlike its v12 predecessor, the midsole in this version is noticeably thicker. Additionally, the heel drop has been reduced from 8mm in v12 to 6mm in the current iteration.

The new version of this shoe is lighter than its predecessor due to the alteration in foam. This weight difference is immediately noticeable, adding to the overall experience. As previously mentioned, while running in these shoes, you will feel a distinct bounce and a sensation akin to gliding on a cushioned cloud.

New Balance has incorporated an innovative technology into this shoe to enhance its performance. By integrating a rocker mechanism, they have created a shoe with a firmer forefoot that enables a quicker shift from heel to toe. This feature became apparent during my runs, as I experienced a smoother and more effortless stride during easy runs, while also enjoying a satisfying ride during faster-paced workouts.

The grip on the outsole remains reliable even when faced with slippery surfaces. Despite running in the rain multiple times, I never encountered any worries. The only aspect of the sole that caused discomfort was its stability. Navigating sharp corners swiftly never felt secure.

I encountered challenges while performing certain warmup exercises that focused on a single leg. Usually, my balance is fairly good, but with this shoe, it felt like I had to exert more effort than usual.

Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 heel cap

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 is an exceptional choice for my daily training routine and will definitely have a permanent place in my rotation.

I believe it has the versatility to be utilized in various running scenarios, but I plan to primarily employ it during easy and recovery runs, as well as for certain longer distances.

I will probably refrain from incorporating it into my training routine when it comes to tempo runs, speed workouts, or long runs with a fast finish.

While I don't consider it the ideal choice, I believe there is a substantial number of individuals who would find this shoe to be their perfect match.

I envision a sufficient number of people utilizing this product for their inaugural marathon, resulting in contented feet.