After logging miles on easy runs, tempo days, and some longer sessions, I have to say, this update feels like more than just a minor tweak.
At £169.99, it’s definitely a premium daily trainer, so it really needs to earn its price tag. Does the new foam and lighter build actually make a difference, or is it just marketing talk? I ran it through different paces and conditions to find out if it delivers.
In this review, I’m breaking down what’s changed from the v14, how the new foam feels underfoot, and whether this shoe deserves a spot in your rotation. I’ll get into the fit, ride quality, and how it handles different types of runs so you can decide if it’s worth the investment.
Key Updates and First Impressions
This year’s 1080v15 brings the biggest change in a while: a completely new midsole foam called Infinion, replacing the old Fresh Foam X. Along with that, it’s lighter overall and the upper is a bit more streamlined and comfortable.
What’s New in the 1080v15
Infinion foam is the big headline here. It’s New Balance’s new super-critical, nitrogen-infused compound, promising more bounce and better durability than the Fresh Foam X from the v14. The shoe feels lighter and more responsive, but still has that soft cushioning the 1080 series is known for.
The upper’s changed as well. New Balance went with a double-layer mesh: the outside is all about breathability, while the inside adds structure. The collar and tongue got more padding, which I noticed right away slipping them on.
Weight is down, too. The men’s version is 9.2 oz (261 g), the women’s is 7.3 oz (208 g). That’s lighter than most daily trainers with this much cushion. Stack height stays at 40mm in the heel and 34mm in the forefoot, so you still get the usual 6mm drop.
Comparison to Previous Versions
The switch from Fresh Foam X to Infinion is really what sets the 1080v15 apart from the v14. The v14 was soft and comfy, but the v15 has more energy return—it’s a bit springier, especially when you pick up the pace.
The upper feels a bit more premium now. The extra padding in the collar and the gusseted tongue are small changes, but they do add comfort. The v14’s upper was solid, but this one just feels more dialed in, somehow, and doesn’t add any weight.
The lighter feel is noticeable, too. It just doesn’t feel as bulky as past versions. You don’t really get that high-stack, clunky sensation, so it’s easier to use for more than just slow days.
Initial Fit and Step-In Feel
Fit is true to size for me, though the forefoot’s got a bit more room than I expected. If your foot’s on the wider side, that’s probably a plus. Once I tightened the laces, the midfoot felt secure, and the gusseted tongue keeps everything in place.
The heel counter gives good support without being stiff. I didn’t have any heel slip in my first few runs, though if you have narrow heels, you might have to play around with lacing to get that locked-in feel.
Run Performance and Everyday Use
The 1080v15 gives a balanced ride that works for a bunch of different paces and distances. The Infinion foam brings softer landings and more bounce than before, while the 40mm heel stack offers plenty of protection for daily miles.
Cushioning and Ride Quality
The supercritical foam midsole gives a plush feel right away. The cushioning is soft enough to soak up impact on longer runs, but it doesn’t get mushy or unstable. The 6mm drop and the big stack height mean you’ve got a lot of shoe between you and the ground.
The ride quality feels steady across different surfaces. On pavement, the Infinion foam compresses nicely at heel strike and moves smoothly to toe-off. I did notice the lateral heel felt a bit firmer at very slow paces, especially if you land hard on the outside edge. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing if you do a lot of slow shuffling.
The geometry works for different foot strikes, too. Whether you land heel-first or more midfoot, transitions feel smooth—no harsh moments.
Energy Return and Responsiveness
When I picked up the pace, the shoe gave back enough rebound to feel lively, but it still feels comfortable.
I tried it on a few moderate tempo workouts around 4:30-4:45 per kilometre, and the midsole responded well. It’s not a racing flat, but it handles uptempo work better than most premium daily trainers I’ve used.
That said, I wouldn’t pick it for track intervals or super fast sessions. It really shines at easy to moderate paces—when you want protection but still a bit of pop.
Long Runs and Recovery Sessions
This is where the 1080v15 really earns its spot as a daily trainer. I’ve taken it out for runs up to 20 kilometres, and the cushioning holds up well. The foam keeps that protective feel even when fatigue creeps in, which honestly makes a difference on tough days.
For recovery runs the day after a hard session, the soft landing takes some pressure off tired legs. With all that cushioning, I can just focus on keeping things easy and not stress about pounding the pavement. If you’re logging moderate weekly mileage, it’s a solid one-shoe option for everyday training.
The lightweight build (261g for men’s) means it never feels bulky, even when your legs are dragging. After several long runs, I haven’t noticed any hot spots or issues with the midsole holding up.
