REASONS TO BUY
Plush cushioning
Comfortable upper
Smooth landings
REASONS TO AVOID
Unstable
Heavy
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 Review
A premium, pillowy ride for easy mileage, this shoe is perfect for never feeling the ground
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
By Nathaniel Bailey ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 10, 2025
RELATED: The Best Running Shoes for Men
Our Verdict
"Running on clouds" or “pillowy ride” are probably used too often to describe shoes. We're guilty of saying that about more than a few shoes. But those descriptions are perfect for the New Balance FreshFoam X 1080v14. This shoe may be heavy, and it may not be particularly stable, but it genuinely has one of the softest rides we've ever experienced. There's no fancy geometry, no plate, no super lightweight upper. But there is a slab of pillowy foam. Sure, it has its drawbacks. It's heavy, can be a little unstable, and isn't particularly fast, but it offers premium comfort at a reasonable price. We love it for easy mileage when we don't care about pace, and we think you will too.
Our Analysis and Test Results
This could be a great choice if you want plush cushioning in your running shoe. However, runners who want a fast shoe should probably look elsewhere.
Soft, smooth, and enjoyable, the 1080v14 is a go-to choice for easy runs.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Cushioning
The best part of the 1080v14 is the midsole. To say the 40mm slab of FreshFoam X in the heel with a 5mm drop to the toe is soft is an understatement. This shoe really feels like you're running on pillows. There's just enough structure to prevent bottoming out discomfort, but the compression underfoot is seriously impressive.
The 1080 has a thick foam base but a relatively small heel-to-toe drop, which is often favorable to beginners.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Of course, that soft feeling comes with a compromise: poor bounce-back energy return. It does a great job of absorbing impacts, but it doesn't spring back and propel you forward, making it best for easy runs at very relaxed paces.
The 1080v14 compresses a lot underfoot, but we never felt it bottom out.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
While the 1080 has a rocker to help you move forward, it isn't noticeable. This is not your shoe if you want an all-arounder shoe for faster running and easy mileage. But if you want top-notch cushioning, it is one of the best we've seen.
We appreciate the breathability of the FreshFoam.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Upper Comfort
The materials on the 1080 are premium, soft to the touch, and well-designed. They prevent hotspots and blisters well, and the lacing is easy to nail for perfect lockdown without compromising comfort.
The forefoot and toebox feel a little cramped, with an early taper that causes some rubbing on the pinky toe. This was resolved with a change in lacing, but runners with wide forefeet should be wary and try multiple sizes and widths before settling on a pair. It comes in a wide and an extra wide, offering various options for the perfect fit.
The 1080 has a wide base to provide a bit of stability, but it doesn't otherwise offer much for stability.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Stability
The 1080v14's stability is not great. While the shoe doesn't feel prone to causing a rolled ankle, the very soft foam deforms easily and doesn't provide much direction. The result is a shoe that doesn't inspire confidence on uneven terrain, especially if large rocks or ruts require precise and solid foot placement.
Runners who need support or suffer from pronation-related injuries will likely want to avoid this shoe. While there is significant support along the medial side of the arch and a noticeable sidewall along the medial heel, the forefoot can feel wobbly. The wider base offers some inherent stability, but not enough to overcome our reservations about recommending it for runners needing support.
All the Foam in the 1080 is pretty heavy.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Weight
As with most premium cushioning shoes, the 1080v14 is not the lightest. Weighing 10.62 ounces in a US M 10.5, it doesn't feel precise, and the bulk is noticeable. However, if you aren't looking to shave seconds off your best lap time, it might not be a deciding factor in your purchase.
Traction
Overall, traction on paved roads was solid. The rubber outsole, though limited, bites well in a range of conditions. However, once we hit loose gravel, things changed. The lag of lugs or grooves was immediately apparent when we went to push off. At the speeds this shoe is meant for (slower), this isn't a big issue, but a little more grip would be appreciated.
We didn't have any grip issues on pavement. But dirt roads felt a little looser than we'd like.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Should You Buy the New Balance FreshFoam X 1080v14?
If your most important criteria in choosing a running shoe is cushioning, and you want a shoe that feels cloud-like, then this could be the shoe for you. However, if you want an all-arounder or your training for a race, we'd look elsewhere. In addition, if you need support, we strongly recommend looking elsewhere as the thick cushion and lack of support features make this one less stable than many competitors. However, for runners who want plush comfort above all else, we think this is a great option with excellent value.
What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?
The Nike Vomero 18 is likely a better option for runners who want more support or need more structure. It also has a little more ability to change pace. The Hoka Clifton 10 is also a reliable and comfortable shoe that is slightly firmer than the 1080 and provides more support. With more structure to aid in stability and a similar cushion height, we think those seeking stability will like what they feel.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 versus top competing products:
—Nathaniel Bailey
You Might Also Like
