I was excited to try the New Balance 1080v13. I’ve been a big fan of the 1080 for the last few years. The only version I didn’t love was the 1080v12, but for the most part, I’ve always had a pair in my rotation. It’s light, soft, and with a ton of cushion. On paper, I thought I would like the New Balance More too, but that always felt like “too much shoe.” So I was excited for the latest version of the NB 1080.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is known for being highly cushioned, making it perfect for easy and recovery runs. A long time ago, New Balance used to be known as a clunky brand, but they’ve since overhauled everything, and the New Balance 1080v13 is lighter than many daily training shoes.
New Balance 1080v13 Quick Facts:
Weight: 7.3 oz
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm
Cost: $165
New Balance 1080v13 Fit
The New Balance 1080v13 has a breathable engineered mesh upper that features a second-skin fit for a structured, supportive feel. I’ve found the upper is soft and breathable without being too heavy and thick. It has a medium last, and I haven’t found any hot spots. The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the New Balance 1080v13 does just that. I really haven’t had a single issue with the upper. It’s a kind of boring upper because there isn’t a ton to say, but it does everything you need.
In running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I’ve found the New Balance 1080v13 in size 11 fits the best.
New Balance 1080v13 Ride:
The New Balance 1080v13 has a Fresh Foam X midsole with 3% bio-based content. I’m always a fan of brands that use recycled and sustainable materials, so I was excited to hear New Balance is trying to reduce their carbon footprint. According to New Balance, this year’s 1080 is the most cushioned version yet.
Immediately when trying it on, I was like, wow, this shoe is soft. I think the previous version felt a little firmer and stiff, which is why I wasn’t the biggest fan. Don’t get me wrong, I still ran my pair out, but it wasn’t a version I wanted a second pair of. This year, New Balance has really increased the softness to give a more plush ride. To be honest, it feels almost like a better version of the More. Why pay more for the More when the 1080v13 delivers a smoother ride?
I figured the New Balance 1080v13 would be an easy run/daily run trainer, and that is exactly what it is. You can pick up the pace a little bit, but it’s not a great shoe to run fast in. I first started running all of my miles in it after my sciatic nerve injury and since then it’s become an easy run shoe for me.
Outsole:
The New Balance 1080v13 uses an Ndurance rubber outsole that is made for increased durability in high-wear areas. I’ve found it does provide plenty of traction, and I’ve run in inclement weather and on sandy trails with no issues. My only issue is the shoe is definitely not white like when I purchased it. I expect it will likely last 300-400 miles, as most New Balance shoes do.
New Balance 1080v13 Conclusion:
This year is definitely one of my more favorite versions. Maybe that’s because it was the first shoe I started running in post-injury, or maybe it’s because I actually do like it. Finally, important to note is the shoe is now $165. Whew, I remember when the 1080 was $140!
Who should buy the New Balance 1080v13? Anyone looking for a high cushioned, soft daily trainer.
Who should not buy the 1080v13? If you are looking for a fast racing shoe, that’s not what it’s made for. Really, I don’t have anything that would hold you back from it; it’s a great maximum cushioned shoe.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Brooks Caldera 6, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
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 1080v13?
What is your favorite running shoe?
Love the 1080v13…I’ve tried several versions and this one is by far my favorite. I’ve only had it a couple of weeks but I could see myself getting an extra pair just to wear day-to-day because it’s so comfortable!
Since the redesign in about 2020 I can tell you most fun runners love this shoe.