New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 - Women's Review

Comfort and Fit

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 offers a comfortable experience that will appeal to a wide variety of runners, solidifying its standing as our favorite maximally cushioned shoe.

The 1080v14 feels familiar in the best way, offering a classic running shoe fit across the top of the foot that many runners will appreciate. Its tongue has just the right amount of padding, and the heel collar strikes a thoughtful balance between cushioning and support, giving the shoe a steady, trusted feel from the moment you lace up. With a 37 mm heel stack, the design naturally creates a cuplike hold around the heel, helping it stay centered and secure as you move through each step. Small design choices like this can make a surprisingly big difference, guiding your stride, reducing wobble, and keeping transitions consistently smooth on both short and long runs.

In terms of fit, the standard width feels comfortably accommodating for most runners, but New Balance goes a step further by offering three additional width options. With narrow, wide, and extra wide choices available, runners with all types of foot shapes can find a version that feels tailored to them, allowing more people to enjoy a secure midfoot lockdown and a roomy, natural toe splay. This range of options makes the shoe especially appealing for those who often struggle to find a daily trainer that truly fits.

Cushioning

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 stands out for its exceptional cushioning, offering a soft yet strong, welcoming feel that makes every step more enjoyable. Its Fresh Foam X midsole provides a tall, plush platform designed to keep your feet comfortable no matter how many miles you're covering.

Whether you're heading out for an easy weekday run, recovering from a tougher workout, or tackling a longer effort, the cushioning of the 1080v14 stays consistent, reliable, and pleasantly supportive.

The 37 mm heel stack and gentle slope to 31 mm of forefoot height work together to create a smooth, natural ride that feels balanced rather than overly springy, allowing your stride to settle into an effortless rhythm. This thoughtful geometry makes the shoe feel approachable for all types of runners, especially beginners who want something forgiving, stable, and confidence-boosting right from the start. The underfoot cushion helps reduce impact on joints, while the overall structure keeps you feeling steady through transitions and protected on extended miles. With its blend of comfort, stability, and everyday versatility, the 1080v14 is a dependable trainer that adapts well to nearly any road running routine, offering a level of ease and durability that can carry you comfortably through countless daily miles.

Breathability

The upper of the 1080v14 offers solid, dependable breathability thanks to its straightforward mesh design that allows air to circulate without compromising structure.

It doesn't rely on flashy ventilation features, but the balanced construction keeps feet comfortably cool during easy runs, longer efforts, and warm weather miles. The upper of the 1080v14 enhances the shoe's comfort by staying breathable, stable, and reliably enjoyable for everyday training.

Traction

The Fresh Foam X 1080v14 features a thoughtfully designed rubber outsole that combines durability with dependable traction, providing runners with a confident and secure feel underfoot.

Updates to high-wear areas improve grip and long-term performance, helping the shoe maintain stability mile after mile. The pattern and materials work together to provide a steady connection to the ground, supporting each stride with reassurance. Whether running on dry roads or slightly damp surfaces, the outsole inspires confidence, allowing runners to focus on their pace and form without worrying about slipping. The reliable foundation of the 1080v14 complements the shoe's cushioning and balanced ride.

Should You Buy the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14?

For runners who want a comfort-focused daily shoe that feels supportive during both short outings and extended efforts, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 earns some of our strongest recommendations. The substantial stack height may not appeal to everyone, but for those seeking maximum protection and generous underfoot softness, this is the model we'd point to first. Its cushioning provides a plush yet stable foundation that helps reduce fatigue over time, making it an excellent option for consistent mileage. The shape of the 1080v14's outsole further enhances the experience, encouraging smooth, fluid strides as its gentle rocker helps each footfall roll naturally into the next without disrupting your momentum. Altogether, these elements create a shoe that supports a calm, efficient rhythm, ideal for runners who prize comfort, consistency, and ease on the road.

What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?

Maximally-minded runners who want a bit of flair and bounce in their daily running shoe choice should check out the Asics Novablast 5. The Novablast is a bit more energetic underfoot, but offers a similarly tall stack height, helping runners feel protected and well-cushioned. Runners who want all of the cushion and are less concerned with the energy return a shoe provides should check out the Hoka Bondi 9. The Bondi takes a near gold standard approach to underfoot cushion, combining a Hoka-tall stack with an embedded frame and solid traction for a confidence-inspiring shoe. The Bondi weighs in on the heavier side, which can sway some runners in one way or the other.