New Balance 1080 v10 Shoe Review

New Balance 1080 v10 Shoe Review

New Balance 1080 v10 Shoe Review

New Balance has done a lot of great things with their shoes in 2019. From the New Balance Fuelcell Rebel to the New Balance 880, I’ve been a fan of pretty much everything they’re put out. I’ve run off and on in the New Balance 1080 for a few years. TheNew Balance 1080 v10 is very different than previous versions but in a good way. When someone asks: did my shoe change much, the answer is usually no. When someone asks did the New Balance 1080 change much, the answer is yes, it did by a lot.

Every aspect of the newest 1080 had to be better than it was before.

New Balance 1080 v10 Shoe Review

New Balance 1080 v10 Quick Facts:

Weight: 8.9

Heel to Toe Drop: 8 mm

New Balance 1080 v10 Fit:

The upper of the New Balance 1080 v10 is entirely different from previous versions. It’s still an engineered knit upper, but now with it’s been designed with a custom computer modeling technique called “reaction-diffusion.”  What does that mean? The upper creates different stretches within the same fabric.

New Balance calls this new fabric, “Hypoknit.” The Hypoknit is designed to support all the way around the shoe as well as be flexible for a more customizable fit.  Before Hypoknit, if you wanted a stretchy material as well as breathable, you would have to use completely different fabrics. Now it can all be done together on one machine.

New Balance 1080 v10 Shoe Review

All of this to say, the upper is now one material.  

One issue with the New Balance 1080 was the heel counter. Some felt as though the heel counter was too thin and sharp. The 3d heel counter of the New Balance 1080 v10 has been redesigned and is slimmer and less rigid. It also flairs up, so it doesn’t bother the Achilles.

New Balance 1080 v10 Shoe Review

I’ve worn anywhere between a 10-11 wide in the New Balance 1080 and I found the 10.5 to fit well.  I appreciate the wide toe box, New Balance is well known for.

New Balance 1080 v10 Ride:

Like the previous version of the New Balance 1080, the New Balance 1080 v10 uses a full-length fresh foam. New Balance Fresh Foam is known for its softness like a sponge. For the 10th version, New Balance has created “Fresh Foam X.” Fresh Foam X is a new cushion that has more cushioning and energy return.  Compared to previous versions of New Balance 1080, the Balance 1080 v10 is much softer mile after mile.

If you flip over the New Balance 1080 v10, you’ll also notice the change to the bottom of the shoe. Now, it features blown rubber outsole lug segments.  These blown outsole lug segments help provide the New Balance 1080 v10, traction as well as easier flex.

New Balance 1080 v10 Shoe Review

New Balance 1080 v10 Conclusion:

I think the New Balance 1080 v10 is one of the best-updated shoes of 2019. It’s lighter, more cushioned, and more responsive. It will remain a daily trainer for me and I’m fairly certain this will be a shoe I go through more than one of the New Balance 1080 v10.

New Balance 1080 v10 Shoe Review

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Elite TRX, Hoka Bondi 6Saucony Triumph 17 Shoe Review

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell RebelReebok Float Ride Run fast ProHoka RinconNike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell RebelMizuno R2Hoka Cavu 2

Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280Nike Next%,  Reebok Run fast Pro 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

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