New Balance’s 1080 series has been quietly setting the standard for premium daily runners since 2011, when the original 1080 v1 first landed – still, arguably, the best-looking shoe of the entire franchise. From the outset, the idea was simple: comfort-first mileage, done properly. That philosophy has largely held true ever since.
The series hit a genuine turning point in 2016 with the introduction of Fresh Foam, a midsole that reshaped not just the 1080 but New Balance’s entire running line-up. I’ve personally logged miles in multiple Fresh Foam iterations – from the v6 right through to the v14 – and consistently found the shoe to be a dependable easy-miler. Over time, the 1080 has edged further into maximal territory. More stack, more softness, more protection. I don’t mind that at all.
Which brings us to the 1080v15.
For the first time in nearly a decade, New Balance has made a meaningful change underfoot. Fresh Foam is out, replaced by a new compound called Infinion. It’s New Balance’s latest cushioning platform, designed to deliver a softer, more responsive ride while improving long-term durability -essentially aiming to keep the comfort high without the foam feeling dead or packed out over time. I keep wanting to call it Infinium. It feels like it should be…
Midsole naming aside, this change is a big part of why the v15 works so well for me. I found the v12 too firm, and while the v14 was solid, the v15 feels like a step forward. The ride is noticeably softer and livelier without tipping into instability. There’s a gentle bounce to it, not aggressive, not race-shoe snappy, but enough to keep things feeling light on your feet.
I don’t enjoy firm rides unless I’m lining up for something fast and need something stiff. For everyday running, I want cushioning I can sink into, paired with a weight and geometry that doesn’t rule out a few strides or a casual fartlek if the mood strikes. The 1080v15 hits that balance well.
I’ve now run just over 100 miles in the shoe before writing this, across easy runs, steady efforts and the odd pick-up, and it’s quietly become my go-to daily trainer. The ride is narrow enough to feel sharp and guided – something I personally prefer – without feeling restrictive. That narrower platform, combined with the softer midsole, makes the shoe feel more agile than its stack height suggests.
Durability-wise, there’s been no issues. After 100 miles, the outsole shows minimal wear, the midsole still feels as it did on mile one, and the upper has held its shape without hotspots or irritation. It’s the kind of shoe you stop thinking about halfway through a run – which is usually the highest compliment you can give a daily runner.
The 1080v15 doesn’t try to reinvent anything major, and that’s kind of the point. It’s a refined evolution of a shoe that already knew what it was. For me, it’s soft without being sloppy, cushioned without being dull, and versatile enough to handle the reality of everyday running. If you’re after a dependable daily trainer that still feels good when you open the taps slightly, this one earns its place.
The 1080v15 launches on January 15 and will cost £170. Available at newbalance.co.uk
