Shoe Review: New Balance 1080 v9

Cushion to Go the Distance

The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v9 cruises into 2019 as a first-class road running shoe capable of helping you crush your New Year’s resolutions.

Built with a formidable cushion-to-weight ratio, the new 1080 checks all the boxes you’d expect from a high-end everyday training shoe. The Fresh Foam midsole packs superior protection against the pounding of big mileage while its light weight make it well-equipped to pick up the pace.

These updates to the 1080 are sure to make it one of the top New Balance running shoes this year.

• Heel-to-Toe drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 9 oz, women’s; 10.4 oz, men’s
• Category: Road, neutral
• MSRP: $150

New Balance tweaked the design of the 1080 v9 for a more minimal look, but the new version is still a classic neutral running shoe with plump cushion.

The aesthetic changes between the outgoing and current models are evident when you compare the shoes side by side. New Balance removed some overlays from the v8, opting instead for a clean engineered mesh forefoot that extends into the midfoot. Designers also reworked the design of the molded foam collar and heel.

A generous helping of Fresh Foam cushion runs the entire length of the new shoe, just like the v8, though New Balance says the v9 includes more foam than its predecessors. Engineers also used a laser to engrave a new pattern on the midsole.

The outsole received a couple small changes, as well. New Balance used five flex grooves in the forefoot instead of the two grooves worked into last year's model. The result is a natural bend in the shoe that doesn't fight your foot when you toe off.

New Balance 1080 v9 Technology

New Balance uses some of its top technology in the 1080 v9. Here's what's inside:

• Fresh Foam. New Balance's premier cushioning is the result of data collected from thousands of athletes. It's NB's softest, lightest cushioning ever
• Blown rubber outsole. The rubber outsole provides excellent durability to keep shoes in top shape, and it's designed with pressure mapping colors to show common impact zones
• Laser engraving. Designers used laser engraving to perforate the Fresh Foam midsole, which removed excess weight and increased comfort where you need it the most
• Ortholite insole. The sockliner insole provides serious comfort, mile after mile

Conclusion

With a modern look and comfortable fit, the New Balance 1080 v9 is a premium all-around neutral road running shoe. While it can manage speedier splits, the v9’s generous loaf of Fresh Foam in the midsole makes it best suited for everyday mileage, long runs or taking it easy after a hard workout.

Still not convinced? Don’t sweat it. Fleet Feet's return policy means you can test drive your shoes and gear without risk. If you’re not happy with the way your gear performs, looks or fits, we’ll take it back within 60 days. Plus, you’ll get free return shipping on all fleetfeet.com orders. That's our Happy Fit Guarantee.

By Evan Matsumoto. Evan played many sports growing up but didn’t go pro in any of them. Now, he’s the digital copywriter for fleetfeet.com and editor for the Fleet Feet blog where he writes about different foam densities and engineered mesh uppers.