I've been wearing some of the best running shoes for years, and have always found myself picking up an Asics or Nike when it comes to knocking out those daily miles. But, as I'm currently in marathon training mode, I'm trying out the New Balance 1080v15 for my everyday runs as I look to build up that crucial endurance.
My colleague Nick Harris-Fry awarded them a solid four-star rating in his New Balance 1080v15 review, noting that the new Infinion midsole makes the shoe lighter and gives it a more 'livelier' feel than its predecessor.
That lightness is something I noticed immediately after lacing up and heading out. I had previously run a marathon in Nike Invincible 3s at 10 ounces, and the 1080v15s undercut that nicely — weighing in at 9.2oz. Both shoes have the same high stack — 40mm at the heel — so I wasn't losing any height even though the shoes were lighter.
The comfort factor
To my eye, the 1080v15s have a narrower profile than some of the other running shoes I've used. So I was curious about how comfortable they'd be (I have wide feet) over long distances and what the stability would be like, particularly when running around corners or changing direction on a dime. If you've ever run in a race before, you'll know there's a lot of weaving and dodging involved at the start.
Thankfully, I didn't need to worry. Over the course of several runs (a half-marathon long run followed by a few 10K tempo runs) the upper remained snug without causing me as much as a single blister. And while Nick reported the Infinion cushioning firming up over the course of his testing, I found it gave me adequate support when rounding a bend at speed. Which is good. Nothing cuts training short like a twisted ankle.
But here's the kicker, so to speak: having that more slimline profile means these can double up as a daily sneaker without looking too out of place. I don't know if that's something New Balance intended, but since there's no wide, giant stacks of foam screaming "running shoe", I can get away pairing these with jeans for everyday shoes while out and about.
Performance
The 1080v15’s midsole gave me a nice amount of bounce and cushioning, especially on the downslopes where runners will naturally heel strike harder. They're not the most springy running shoe I've ever tried, but offer a balanced experience — something I actually prefer in an everyday shoe for easy runs.
I tend to run more flat-footed than I really should, but when concentrating on rocking my foot forward with each stride, I got a great deal of support from the 1080v15s.
Finally, and this is a completely subjective point: I really like that the laces on the 1080v15s are kept relatively short. I double-knot my laces for every run because I hate having to stop and retie whilst I'm in the flow. I'm happy to report that, so far, the laces on the 1080v15s have always stayed in place.
Price point
If there's something potential buyers may be wary of, it's the price. The New Balance 1080v15 will cost you $170 / £170 at Amazon, which is a small price increase on the 1080v14 at $165 / £170. This is a new shoe, so don't expect deals or price drops to come for a while yet.
There are more affordable shoes out there to consider, many of which we've reviewed. For instance, those on a budget may consider the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 or Asics Novablast 5.
Bottom line
I've been really happy with the versatility of the New Balance 1080v15 so far, and I've found them up to the task, whether I'm gunning for a new PR on a 5K or going slow and steady for a 20-mile long run.
For me, the lightness and comfort means I can give these shoes the ultimate compliment: I don't think about the fact I'm wearing them whilst running. There's no rubbing, stumbles or awkward twists over the course of my training.
Finally, the everyday nature of these shoes means you can get away with wearing them throughout the day if needed. Although I will say the white colorway takes a real aesthetic hit from all the mud splatters guaranteed from outdoor running this time of year.
