New Balance 1080v9 Shoe Review
The New Balance 1080v8 was the first New Balance shoe I fell in love with. The 1080 is the same cushioned, with a nice roomy toe box. I got through the bulk of NYCM training in them and was sad to finally retire the pair. Naturally, I was excited when the New Balance 1080 v9 came out. I knew I would probably like it just as much, spoiler I did. The Fresh Foam 1080 has been alround 9 versions. It’s a high cushioned, great daily trainer.
New Balance 1080v9 Quick Stats:
Weight: 9.9 oz
Drop: 8 mm
New Balance 1080v9 Fit:
The major update for the New Balance 1080v9 comes with the upper. The upper for the 1080v9 is much more simple. New Balance removed the conventional mesh with many overlays, seams, and plastic for an engineered double jacquard mesh. The engineered mesh or fancy mesh has no seams or overlay. In all, the NB 1080v9 is much sleeker.
Included in the fit of the New Balance 1080v9, was the removal of the bulky tongue as well as a molded 3D heel design. The premise is to lock your heel into place. I think the NB 1080v9 fits my foot well, but working in run specialty, I’ve had a few people that don’t care for how the NB 1080 hits their ankle. I’ve run over 100 miles in the shoes, and haven’t had any issues. Typically I wear a 10-11 wide, and the 10.5 regular width of the New Balance 1080v9 is fine.
A great feature of the New Balance 1080v9 is the logo “N” is reflective.
New Balance 1080v9 Ride:
The update o the NB 1080 also includes the removal of about an ounce of weight. While that doesn’t sound like a lot, it makes a huge difference in how you feel while running in the shoe. The lighter weight New Balance 1080v9 now feels softer in the midsole, and there is more cushion and response at the forefront. The NB 1080 still uses the New Balance Fresh Foam midsole with a blown rubber bottom.
With plenty of cushion, the New Balance 1080v9 is a great option for easy days, recovery days, or just daily runs. For me personally, it fits best on any of the 3.
The traction of the New Balance 1080v9 is there so when we had a snowstorm a few days ago, I was able to run in the NB 1080 without feeling like I’m sliding around. If you have liked the NB 1080 in the past, you will like it for version 9. If you have never run in the New Balance 1080 and are looking for a high cushioned trainer, the NB 1080v9 is a great fit.
Even though it’s a high cushion trainer, it doesn’t lack the response of a lighter weight trainer. The New Balance 1080v9 feels premium without feeling heavy or clunky.
Recent Shoe Reviews:
Daily Rotation: New Balance 1080v9, Brooks Glycerin 16, Saucony Triumph 5, On Cloudace
Workouts: Nike LT Streak (speed), Hoka Cavu 2 (long run tempos)
Races: Nike LT Streak, Nike Zoom Fly
You Can See All Shoe Reviews Here.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite running shoe?
Have you run in New Balance before? Have you run in the New Balance 1080v9?
I might try a pair! You recommended the 1080 to me before, and while the fit was very comfortable, the feel was clunky – rather heavy. I ended up passing because my test run at my running store didn’t feel smooth, but I did like how much cushion they had to protect my picky feet. I’d love to see how a lighter version works.
This is a shoe I have wanted to try, but haven’t gotten around to it. I like my Saucony Triumphs, so sounds like I might like this one as well.