New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14: The Ultimate Daily Trainer for 2025 – Full Review and Insights

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 has arrived, stepping into 2024 as a refined iteration of one of the most beloved premium daily trainers in the running world. Known for its plush cushioning, reliable performance, and versatility, the 1080 series has long been a go-to for runners seeking a workhorse shoe that balances comfort and durability. With subtle yet impactful updates from its predecessor, the V13, this latest version aims to enhance the experience without reinventing the wheel. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into every aspect of the 1080 V14—its design, performance, fit, and value—offering insights for both casual joggers and seasoned marathoners. Whether you’re eyeing it as your next daily trainer or simply curious about how it stacks up, here’s everything you need to know as of 2025.

🏃‍♂️ Overview: What Makes the 1080 V14 Stand Out?

The New Balance 1080 V14 is a neutral road running shoe designed to excel as a premium daily trainer. It’s built for runners who need a reliable companion for racking up kilometers—think easy runs, recovery days, and long-distance efforts—while offering enough versatility to handle occasional tempo surges. Retailing at $165 USD, it sits in the upper tier of daily trainers price-wise, competing with heavyweights like the ASICS Gel-Nimbus, Brooks Glycerin, and Saucony Triumph.

At its core, the 1080 V14 retains the signature Fresh Foam X midsole, a staple of the series known for its soft yet responsive cushioning. Updates for 2025 include a slightly firmer foam formulation, enhanced forefoot stiffness, a revamped outsole for durability, and a new triple jacquard mesh upper aimed at improving breathability. Weighing in at 298g (10.5 oz) for a US men’s size 9, it’s slightly heavier than the V13 but remains competitive in its category. With a 38mm heel stack, 32mm forefoot stack, and 6mm drop, the geometry is unchanged, but tweaks to the rocker and sidewalls promise a smoother, more stable ride.

So, is it worth the hype? Let’s break it down section by section.

🛠️ Design and Construction: A Closer Look

The 1080 V14 blends premium materials with functional design, aiming to deliver both comfort and longevity. Here’s how it’s built:

🧵 Upper: Triple Jacquard Mesh Evolution

The most noticeable update is the new triple jacquard mesh upper, replacing the V13’s softer, less structured weave. This engineered mesh is thicker and more robust, featuring targeted breathability zones—larger perforations across the toe box and midfoot—designed to combat the V13’s reputation for running hot. While testers note improved airflow, the upper remains on the thicker side, with a plush tongue and heel collar that prioritize comfort over maximum ventilation. This makes it ideal for cooler climates but potentially less so for hot, humid runs.

• Fit and Lockdown: The upper hugs the foot snugly, with a gusseted tongue and standard lacing system ensuring excellent lockdown. It’s true to size in length, though some runners with wider feet report a slightly narrow midfoot due to the structured mesh—opting for a wide version or thinner socks can mitigate this. The toe box offers moderate volume, wider than the V13, accommodating natural toe splay without feeling sloppy.
• Details: A rigid heel counter paired with generous padding around the collar and a plush Achilles pillow locks the heel in place, preventing slippage. Reflective “N” logos on the lateral and medial sides add visibility, while subtle overlays reinforce durability without sacrificing flexibility.

🧊 Midsole: Fresh Foam X – Refined, Not Reinvented

The heart of the 1080 V14 is its Fresh Foam X midsole, a full-length foam that’s been tweaked for 2025. While still soft and cushioned, it’s firmer than the V13’s ultra-plush setup, addressing complaints of “bottoming out” (where the foam compresses fully under heavier runners or during long runs). Higher sidewalls cradle the foot, enhancing stability without adding a plate, and a subtle forefoot rocker—slightly more pronounced than before—smooths transitions.

• Weight: At 298g (10.5 oz) in a US 9, it’s a touch heavier than the V13 (280g or 9.9 oz), reflecting added rubber and foam tweaks. This keeps it competitive with peers like the Brooks Glycerin 21 (276g or 9.7 oz) and ASICS Gel-Nimbus (302g or 10.6 oz).
• Flexibility: The midsole remains moderately flexible, with increased forefoot stiffness (up to 10% per New Balance) aiding toe-off efficiency. It’s not as lively as bouncy foams like FuelCell or PWRRUN PB, but it strikes a balance between comfort and subtle energy return.

🛡️ Outsole: Durability Meets Grip

The outsole sees a significant upgrade, with wider, thicker rubber strips strategically placed in high-wear areas—heel, midfoot, and forefoot. This addresses the V13’s durability issues, where exposed foam wore quickly for some runners. The rubber compound offers excellent wet and dry traction, performing surprisingly well even on slick roads, despite a non-aggressive tread pattern.

• Wear Report: After 100 km (62 miles) of predominantly road running, testers report minimal wear, suggesting the V14 could easily hit 500–600 km (310–373 miles) of use, a marked improvement over its predecessor.
• Exposed Foam: Areas of exposed Fresh Foam X between rubber zones keep weight in check while showing resilience against abrasion, thanks to smart placement.

🏃‍♀️ Performance: How It Feels on the Run

The 1080 V14 shines as a daily trainer, delivering a ride that’s plush yet controlled. Here’s how it performs across different scenarios:

🚶‍♂️ Easy and Recovery Runs

This is where the 1080 V14 excels. The Fresh Foam X cushions each step with a pillowy softness that absorbs impact, making it a dream for recovery runs or post-race soreness. Testers describe it as “forgiving” and “smooth,” ideal for low-effort paces around 5:15–6:00 min/km (8:30–9:40 min/mile). The rocker geometry eliminates any harsh slap, guiding the foot through a natural gait cycle.

• Pros: Exceptional comfort, minimal joint stress, and a “forget-it’s-there” feel.
• Cons: Heavier runners (over 80 kg or 176 lbs) may notice forefoot compression on runs exceeding 13 km (8 miles), reducing that plush sensation.

🏃 Tempo and Moderate Paces

While not a speed demon, the V14 handles moderate surges admirably. The firmer foam and stiffer forefoot provide enough snap to pick up the pace—think 4:30–5:00 min/km (7:15–8:00 min/mile)—without feeling mushy. It’s not as responsive as plated trainers or bouncy alternatives like the ASICS Novablast, but it won’t hold you back for short tempo efforts or negative-split runs.

• Pros: Versatile enough for occasional upticks, stable at speed.
• Cons: Lacks the energy return of race-oriented shoes; feels slightly wobbly above threshold pace.

🏞️ Long Runs and Endurance

For long, slow distance (LSD) runs, the 1080 V14 is a workhorse. Testers logged 50–100 km (31–62 miles) without significant foam breakdown, praising its ability to maintain comfort over hours. The stability from higher sidewalls and wider rubber coverage shines here, though heavier runners note a “ground feel” increase past 16 km (10 miles) as the forefoot compresses.

• Pros: Eats up kilometers with ease, smooth rocker aids fatigued legs.
• Cons: Softness fades late in runs for some; not ideal for hilly or uneven terrain due to wobble.

🌧️ Traction and Versatility

The outsole grips confidently on wet pavement, and the rubber placement minimizes wear. While primarily a road shoe, it can handle light trails or gravel paths in a pinch—just don’t expect aggressive lugs or trail-specific stability.

📊 Comparison: 1080 V14 vs. Competitors

How does the 1080 V14 stack up against other premium daily trainers? Here’s a detailed comparison:

• Vs. Novablast 5: The ASICS is lighter and livelier, ideal for runners wanting more bounce, but sacrifices some durability and stability.
• Vs. Glycerin 21: The Brooks offers a similar plush feel with a wider footprint for stability, though it’s less responsive at faster paces.
• Vs. Triumph 22: Saucony’s option is more versatile with PWRRUN PB’s energy return, but lacks the 1080’s plushness.
• Vs. Vomero 17: Nike’s trainer matches the weight and adds mixed-surface capability, but its firmer ride contrasts with the 1080’s softness.

The 1080 V14 sits in a sweet spot: softer than most, stable enough for daily use, and durable for high mileage—though it’s not the lightest or most dynamic.

👍 Pros and Cons: Weighing the Good and Bad

Pros

• Exceptional Comfort: Plush cushioning and a premium upper make it a joy for easy runs.
• Improved Durability: Thicker rubber and refined foam promise longevity.
• Versatile Ride: Handles recovery to moderate paces with a smooth rocker.
• Breathability Boost: New mesh improves airflow over the V13.
• True-to-Size Fit: Reliable sizing with width options for customization.

Cons

• Weight: At 298g (10.5 oz), it’s heavier than some competitors.
• Limited Speed: Not ideal for workouts or races needing high energy return.
• Narrow Feel: Structured upper may pinch wider feet without adjustment.
• Heat Retention: Still warm for humid conditions despite upgrades.

💡 Who Should Buy the 1080 V14?

The New Balance 1080 V14 is perfect for:

• Daily Mileage Runners: Those logging consistent kilometers (20–50 km or 12–31 miles weekly) who prioritize comfort over speed.
• Recovery-Focused Athletes: Runners needing a soft, forgiving shoe post-race or hard effort.
• Neutral Runners: No stability features, so best for those with efficient biomechanics.
• Casual Walkers: Its plushness doubles as an all-day comfort option.

It’s less ideal for:

• Speed Seekers: Lacks the pop for intervals or races.
• Trail Runners: Road-focused design falters on rugged terrain.
• Budget Buyers: At $165, it’s a premium investment.

🌟 Final Verdict: A Solid Evolution

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 doesn’t reinvent the series but refines it with purpose. It’s not amazing at any one thing—lacking the explosive bounce of a race shoe or the featherlight feel of a minimalist trainer—but it’s excellent at being a dependable daily companion. Sitting at “80% of everything,” as one tester put it, it delivers a plush, stable ride that eats up kilometers without fanfare. Updates like the firmer foam, enhanced outsole, and breathable upper address past critiques, making it a worthy successor to the V13, though the price bump and modest changes might not compel an immediate upgrade if you already own the previous model.

For new buyers or those replacing a worn-out pair, the 1080 V14 is a green-light choice in 2025’s crowded daily trainer market. Pair it with a tempo shoe like the New Balance Rebel V4 or a race-day option like the SC Trainer V3, and you’ve got a rotation ready to tackle any run.

Copyright © 2025 WhateverRun.com