The New Balance 1080v12 is probably my most anticipated shoe of 2022. I’ve been a big fan of the New Balance 1080 for several years. Until the NBv10, the shoe really appealed to the masses. Now it’s one of the most popular high cushioned trainers on the market.
The bad news about the New Balance 1080v12 is it’s gone up in price by $10. I do like the shoe. I’m so old. I remember when it was “only” $140, which we thought was expensive.
New Balance 1080v12 Quick Facts:
Heel to Toe Drop: 8 mm
Weight: 8.3 oz
Price: $159.95
New Balance 1080v12 Intro:
There have been some changes to the NBv12, so be prepared. The heel is back into a more traditional heel again. The heel was polarizing, and people either loved or hated it. It was a make or break for a lot of people. For me, I liked it, and it fits well. There is now more structure around the ankle.
As most people know, I’m all about sustainable brands. Something super exciting is the New Balance 1080v12 meets New Balance’s “Green Leaf Standard.” The standard means:
- The upper is made of 50% or more recycled content. (Seriously, that is a lot!)
- At least one midsole/outsole material contains a minimum of 3% bio-based or 5% recycled content.
You can learn more about New Balance’s green leaf standard here.
New Balance 1080v12 Fit:
As mentioned, the heel of the NBv12 has been updated, which makes the entire fit feel different. The upper material is similar to the previous versions. New Balance uses a hyperknit which gives more structure around the foot. You can’t tell they’ve used 50% recycled materials, and if no one told me, I would never know. I am all about sustainable and recycled product, but I also want and need a good fitting shoe. You don’t have to worry about New Balance sacrificing that.
The heel and heel counter are completely different in the shoe, which will obviously affect the fit. If you thought the 1080v11 heel slipped or that type of heel wasn’t for you, you’ll be happy to know the 1080v12 does do that anymore. It’s a “normal” heel. I miss the previous version, but I digress; the heel is the 1080v12 is fine too…
I find the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and you never notice them again. The NBv12 does just that. You don’t have to worry about feeling the shoe again.
New Balance is known to run wider, and the New Balance 1080v12 follows that trend. You don’t need to go into a narrow width if your foot is average, but the NB1080v12 runs wider than many brands. In running shoes, I typically wear between a 10-11 wide, and the NBv12 size 10.5 is great. I believe I’ve worn the same size in the 1080 since starting using it in 2018.
New Balance 1080v12 Ride:
If you liked how the previous 1080 felt, the NBv12 ride feels fairly similar. There is more foam in the 1080v12, which results in a slightly softer and heavier shoe, but it isn’t clunky and certainly not the same as the 2014 era of New Balance.
Unlike the New Balance More v3, the New Balance 1080v12 is more responsive, and you can pick up the pace. Running in the More v3 (for me) felt like running in a tank of a shoe, so it’s nice to be able to pick up the pace in the NBv12.
The New Balance v12 uses Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content. This means it is the most cushioned Fresh Foam experience from New Balance yet. Plus, the Bio-based content is made from renewable resources to help reduce the carbon footprint.
Durability and Traction: New Balance has been known for both. I’ve usually gotten around 400 miles in the New Balance 1080, and I expect this version to last that long. As far as traction, you don’t have to worry about sliding around on inclement weather days. I’ve used the New Balance 1080v12 in inclement weather and on sandy trails with no issues.
For me, the New Balance 1080v12 fits into my rotation as a “jack of all trades shoe” but with more cushion. I’ve done easy runs, long runs, hard runs, and daily runs, and it can handle them well. Obviously, you want a lighter and more responsive shoe for track work and races, but the NB 1080v12 can do them in a pinch. I typically bring it with me on runs. I don’t know exactly what I’ll do, or I might want to pick up the pace.
New Balance 1080v12 Conclusion:
The New Balance 1080v12 is a welcomed update that most people will appreciate. The people that don’t appreciate it are probably going to hate it went up by $10, but other than that, it’s a good shoe. I’ll continue using it, and I’ll probably going through a few colors of this model. If you are looking for a well-cushioned neutral trainer, the New Balance 1080v12 is an excellent option.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: New Balance 1080v12, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Saucony Triumph 19, Brooks Launch 9
Speed Work: Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, 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 1080v12?
What is your favorite daily trainer?