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

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 delivers a whole lotta padding, while remaining decently responsive. Anyone not used to maximally cushioned shoes will find there is an adjustment period if you're new to the large rocker and platform.

Comfort

The Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 is a shoe that rewards patience. The rocker takes a bit to get used to – we definitely noticed how it altered our natural gait during the first 1,000 steps.

Unlike some heavily cushioned shoes that make us feel disconnected from the ground, the v14 maintained a surprisingly neutral feel. We never noticed our feet rolling inward or outward, which can sometimes be the case with extra-padded shoes. The raised sidewalls and slightly firmer foam (compared to the v13) likely contributed to this stability.

After 5,000 continuous steps, we had zero foot complaints. The cushioning provided excellent protection, and we didn't develop any hot spots. That said, we found we liked these more when we wore them for extended periods of walking. During shorter walks, the rocker felt more intrusive, as if we had to reacquaint ourselves with the unusual gait pattern every single time.

The fit runs true to size, though the toe box isn't particularly generous. Based on our testing experience and comparing notes with other testers, people with wide feet would likely find the narrow toe box constraining. It's worth noting, though, that New Balance offers the shoe in a wide version, which should accommodate most foot types.

One frustrating aspect emerged during daily use: the heavily padded heel cup tends to fold down when attempting to slip the shoes on without fully unlacing them. This was annoying during our testing and caused unusual wear patterns in the heel area that made us wonder about long-term durability.

Support

Off the foot, the sole of the v14 showed minimal bending, indicating excellent support through the midfoot. This rigidity, combined with balanced arch support, should help prevent both supination and pronation that could lead to ankle rolling. However, the higher platform and substantial drop do create a slightly elevated risk of ankle instability compared to lower-profile options.

The traditional lacing system features thin, flat laces that stayed tied throughout our testing. We appreciated their length, which allowed us to achieve either a snug competition fit or a more relaxed configuration for casual walking. The flat profile distributed pressure evenly across our foot without creating uncomfortable pressure points.

The v14 showed almost zero torsional flex, or “twist.” This indicates a very stable platform with a strong midsole construction that should provide excellent support for neutral-gaited walkers and mild overpronators alike.

The shoe's support characteristics make it well-suited for walkers logging high mileage on paved surfaces who need protection from impact forces. The substantial cushioning and stable platform would benefit those with mild joint discomfort or anyone transitioning from less supportive footwear.

Traction

The v14's redesigned outsole represents a significant departure from its predecessor. Where the v13 featured thin, articulated rubber strips, this version employs thicker, more substantial lugs, including a prominent piece positioned under the forefoot. The strategic placement of these wider rubber segments, combined with the soft yet durable compound, creates a dual benefit: preventing the Fresh Foam midsole from excessive spreading during impact while adding stiffness that complements the rocker geometry.

The lug pattern on the v14 isn't particularly aggressive, but the rubber compound provides impressive stickiness on dry surfaces. The unique bubble-inspired design works effectively across various terrains. While not the absolute best on loose gravel, it held its own adequately. On tile floors, traction remained reliable, though we noticed some slippage on wet surfaces – a common weakness among road-focused walking shoes.

Weight

At 8.01 ounces per shoe, the Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 has gained noticeable heft compared to its predecessor.

The weight increase has pros and cons. We could feel the additional mass on longer walks, particularly when maintaining a brisk pace. Research supports what we felt – lighter shoes generally allow for faster, more precise movement and reduced fatigue over distance. However, the v14's weight provides tangible benefits in cushioning and protection that lighter shoes simply can't match. And its weight is in line with all of the other max cushioned shoes we've tested.

If you're seeking maximum protection and cushioning, this weight penalty is reasonable. However, walkers prioritizing speed or those with existing lower leg fatigue might prefer lighter alternatives.

Durability

Upon unboxing, the v14's materials impressed us with their quality and robust construction. The engineered mesh upper felt substantial without being overly stiff, while the redesigned outsole rubber appeared thicker and more durable than previous versions.

After several months of testing and well over 10,000 cumulative steps, the shoes show expected wear patterns. The thick foam sole has developed slight wrinkles – a common occurrence with ultra-cushioned shoes. However, the outsole's built-in ridge design helps mask these compression lines better than competitors, which often showed more pronounced wrinkling.

Common user complaints we've researched align with some of our observations. There are many reports of midsole degradation around 300 miles, suggesting careful mileage tracking is essential.

For maintenance, we followed New Balance's recommended cleaning protocol: using a soft-bristled toothbrush with mild detergent, scrubbing gently, then wiping with a damp cloth. If needed, the shoes can be immersed in water, but must air dry for 24 hours. Machine washing is explicitly not recommended and would likely compromise the midsole integrity.

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

The Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 excels as a maximum cushioning trainer for walkers logging serious mileage on paved surfaces who prioritize protection over ground feel. Its combination of plush yet responsive cushioning, stable platform, and versatile traction makes it ideal for daily fitness walking, especially for those with mild joint sensitivity. The shoe particularly suits neutral to mild overpronators who appreciate premium cushioning but don't require motion control features. However, walkers seeking a more natural gait pattern, lighter weight, or wider toe box should explore other options in our lineup.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

If maximum cushioning appeals to you but the v14's rocker feels too aggressive, consider the Brooks Ghost Max 2, which offers similar protection with a more traditional ride. The Hoka Transport provides reasonable cushioning with innovative quick-toggle laces for easier on/off access. For those wanting a cushioned shoe with a wider toe box, the Altra Experience Flow delivers comfort with a foot-shaped design and lower drop.