Step into the New Balance 1080 v13 and your feet are instantly welcomed by the plush, luxurious-feeling cushion underfoot. Fresh Foam X, New Balance’s proprietary midsole blend, delivers a soft yet energetic ride.
What’s a midsole? Learn about the parts that make up a running shoe.
While your feet sink into the midsole as you land, they spring back up during your toe-off phase for energetic strides that feel as smooth as butter sliding across your post-run pancakes.
“Running in the 1080 v13 feels like running on one of those huge bouncy balls that you’d get as a kid, and the experience is just as exciting as picking a new ball out,” says Mandy. “It’s soft, it’s bouncy and it’s exciting for every mile.”
Part of the bounciness can be attributed to a solid rubber outsole, which provides a rigid platform under the forefoot to create a more propulsive toe-off sensation. A gentle rocker shape also adds to the energetic feeling.
“The rocker geometry of the 1080 really helps propel me through my stride, allowing me to easily pick up the pace,” says Travis. “This is truly one of the most versatile daily training shoes I have worn—it’s a very comfortable recovery shoe but also super energetic for faster paces.”
However, some reviewers disagreed and found the 1080 v13 too soft for hard efforts.