The New Balance 1080v11 has been one of my most anticipated shoes of 2021. Would the NB 1080v11 just as good?
Very few people appreciated and liked the NB 1080v10 as much as I did. I go through many shoes, and it’s rare for me to buy 2 of the same model. I bought 4 total pairs of New Balance 1080v10. You can read my shoe review here. Safe to say, it was one of my favorite shoes of 2019-2020.
New Balance 1080v11 Quick Facts:
Weight: 8.1 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 8 mm
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11 Intro:
When my pair of New Balance 1080v11 arrived, I was excited. They don’t really look “too different.” To me, if New Balance had just chosen some new colors and slapped a NB 1080v11, I would be good. When I put the New Balance 1080v11, it felt comfortable, and I knew it would be good out of the box.
New Balance 1080v11 Fit:
The major change from the NB 1080v10 to the NB 1080v11 is the fit. New Balance has updated a few components and kept the structured heel cup. When I first saw the NB 1080v10 heel, I was skeptical. Why did it flair out like that? To me, it looked goofy, and after the 1080v9, the heel was meh…I was nervous about this “new heel.” But it doesn’t rub on the Achilles and keeps natural. The bootie construction moves with your foot. It could stay forever as far as I’m concerned.
So what did New Balance update? The upper is more streamlined, and the fit is better. If you found yourself sliding in the NB 1080v10, you’ll find the NB 1080v11 to be a lot more dialed in. The only real issue I’ve found is the toe box to be slightly narrow. I found going to the women’s size 11 fit better, and I was good to go.
In most running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I’ve found the New Balance 1080v11 size 11 to fit well. It’s rare. I need a size 11 in New Balance, but it is what it is.
New Balance 1080v11 Ride:
Thankfully New Balance has kept the same sole as the NB 1080v10. The NB 1080v11 should feel similar, if anything, slightly firmer. The New Balance 1080v11 is a high cushioned trainer with a lower stack height of 8 mm.
There is about 30 mm of cushion under the heel and 22 mm under the forefoot. Despite being a high cushion shoe, the NB 1080v11 is one of the flatter shoes (many high cushioned trainers are 10-12 mm drops).
On the midsole, New Balance uses laser engravings that help compress and soften the landing. That way, it doesn’t feel “too firm,” but it also feels responsive when you want to run faster. The New Balance 1080v11 flexes well, and it feels like a natural but cushioned part of your foot.
The outsole has blown rubber which has plenty of grips but is also durable. With the traction, I can run in the torrential rain without the worry of slipping and sliding.
I’ve run in the New Balance 1080v11 for several different runs, including easy runs, long runs, fast runs, and workouts. I find it responds the best to easy runs or runs. I want to run faster but want a cushioned shoe.
My first few runs in the NB 1080v11 were weird (?). With the updated firmness, it didn’t feel the same or as my beloved 1080v10s. I almost gave up on them! I try and give shoes about 5 runs before I decide they aren’t for me. After about 30 miles of running, the 1080v11 felt like an old friend and one I’ve been running in for years.
Unlike many high cushioned trainers, I can pick up the pace and it can run faster. There aren’t many shoes I feel comfortable running at both a 10-minute pace and 7 minute. I wouldn’t use the New Balance 1080v11 is for planned speed work, track workouts, or races. For an everyday trainer, it’s great.
NB 1080v11 Cost:
Like many high cushioned trainers, it’s $150. You do get the standard amount of 400+ miles out of them.
New Balance 1080v11 Conclusion:
Like the NB 1080v10, the NB 1080v11 is great. I don’t have much of an issue with it. The toe box is more narrow than previous versions, but other than that, it’s one of the best high cushioned trainers out there. If you’re looking for a trainer that you can use for most any type of daily run, the New Balance 1080v11 is a great option.
Sometimes you worry when your “favorite trainer” has been updated, but no need to fear with the NB 1080v11. After a few miles, it should feel as good as the last version.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs Saloman Sonic 3 Balance, Brooks Glycerin 18, Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Brooks Ricochet 3, Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7, Asics GlideRide.
Speed Work: Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: adidas Adizero Pro, Asics MetaRacer, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the New Balance 1080v11?
What is your current favorite trainer?