We appreciated how the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13's plush cushioning prevented foot fatigue during our 10,000-step sessions, although we noticed that the padding feels heavier on the outer edges, which caused our feet to roll inward during long walks. While we appreciated the arch support and found no rubbing or pressure points during our evaluations, our feet did become notably warm during autumn testing, suggesting that these shoes might be uncomfortable in summer heat. Despite these concerns, we found the supportive fit and comfortable padding made these suitable walking companions, particularly for neutral walkers.
After putting these shoes through our comprehensive testing protocol, which included multiple 2,500-step sessions over four consecutive days and a standard 10,000-step test, the Fresh Foam 1080 delivered solid overall comfort for neutral walkers. The arch support proved particularly noteworthy, as it effectively prevented foot fatigue even during extended walking sessions. However, we did notice that the padding distribution feels uneven, with more cushioning toward the outer edges of the feet. This design quirk can potentially cause knee discomfort, especially for those who tend to overpronate.
The fit runs true to size and accommodates various foot widths thanks to its multiple width options. I appreciated that the padded heel collar provides cushioning without creating friction or pulling down socks - a common annoyance in many walking shoes. The standard lacing system requires traditional tying and untying for each use, sacrificing some convenience but ensuring a secure fit.
One notable drawback I discovered during summer testing is the limited breathability. While perfectly comfortable during cooler autumn walks, our feet felt notably warm when temperatures climbed.
During our rigidity testing, the Fresh Foam 1080 demonstrated good overall structure while maintaining appropriate flexibility at the toe. The shoe bends where it should - at the ball of the foot - while maintaining firmness through the midfoot. This combination provides solid support for most walking situations.
The standard lacing system allows for a customizable fit, and I experienced no pinch points during our extensive walking tests. However, our twist test revealed some concerning results - the shoe allows more torsional movement than ideal, particularly given its premium positioning. While it does provide adequate support for neutral feet, the padding distribution raised concerns for us. The outsole design, with stronger cushioning on the lateral edge, can encourage inward rolling, making these shoes potentially problematic for walkers with any tendency to overpronate. We recommend these shoes primarily for neutral walkers or those with slight supination. If you need pronounced stability features or tend to roll inward while walking, look elsewhere.
The Fresh Foam 1080's outsole features a distinctive bubbly traction pattern that performs admirably across various surfaces. The blown rubber compound and strategic lug placement create a reliable grip on most walking surfaces.
It particularly excels on concrete and indoor surfaces, where the rubber compound provides a confident grip without marking floors. While adequate for occasional gravel use, the lug pattern isn't optimized for loose surfaces, making it best suited for urban environments.
I did notice some early signs of wear on high-impact areas, suggesting the softer rubber compound might prioritize grip over longevity. This trade-off is worth considering for those who frequently walk on abrasive surfaces.
At 7.72 ounces per shoe, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 achieves a respectable weight considering its thick cushioning and substantial support features. The weight is most noticeable in the heavily padded sections, particularly on the outer edges of the foot, which we found could contribute to overpronation during longer walks - an issue that became more apparent as leg fatigue set in during our multi-day walking tests.
While not the lightest shoe in our lineup, the Fresh Foam's weight penalty comes with the benefit of excellent impact absorption, though we think the uneven weight distribution could be improved to help prevent the inward foot roll we experienced during testing.
Initial quality impressions are positive, with robust materials and thoughtful construction details, such as reinforced eyelets and sturdy laces. The knit upper feels substantial enough for long-term use, though the extra-soft Fresh Foam midsole raised some durability concerns.
After logging more than 10,000 steps, I observed noticeable compression lines in the foam, particularly in high-impact areas. While this didn't immediately affect performance, it suggests potential long-term durability issues. User reports confirm our observations, with some noting premature outsole wear and upper stretch over time.
The Fresh Foam 1080 makes an excellent choice for neutral walkers seeking premium cushioning and are willing to pay more for comfort. We recommend it, particularly for those with normal to high arches who primarily walk on paved surfaces and value underfoot comfort over minimalist design. However, if you tend to overpronate or need a highly breathable shoe for warm-weather walking, you might want to consider alternatives.
If stability is a priority, we recommend looking at the Brooks Ghost Max 2, which offers similar premium features with better pronation control. For a more breathable option with comparable comfort, consider the Altra Experience Flow.
