New Balance 1080v15 Review: A Premium Daily Trainer With a New Feel
- FORDY RUNS
- Dec 15, 2025
- 3 min read
The New Balance 1080 has long been known as the brand’s premium daily trainer — a shoe built for comfort, versatility, and steady mileage. With the 1080v15, New Balance has made some significant updates, most notably to the midsole foam. The big question is: do these changes improve the shoe, or does it lose some of what made the 1080 so popular? After logging miles at a variety of paces, here’s a full breakdown of how the New Balance 1080v15 performs.
Overview: What the 1080v15 Is Designed For
The 1080v15 sits firmly in the premium daily trainer category. It’s designed for runners who want a comfortable, well-cushioned shoe that can handle:
Easy daily miles
Medium to long runs
Steady pacing up to half-marathon distance
This is not a speed-focused shoe, but rather a dependable, comfortable option for racking up mileage without beating up your legs.
Key Specs & Features
Price: £170
Weight: 280g (UK 10 / US 10.5)
Stack Height: 39mm heel / 33mm forefoot
Drop: 6mm
Midsole: New Infinion foam (80% TPE / 20% EVA)
Upper: Woven knit
Outsole: Updated rubber coverage
The headline change here is the Infinion midsole, which replaces Fresh Foam X from the previous version. This new TPE-based blend is lighter and noticeably changes the ride.
Upper & Fit
The 1080v15 features a thick woven knit upper, which feels premium and well-padded around the heel and tongue. Comfort is excellent, and there are no pressure points during runs. However, there are a couple of things to be aware of:
The shoe fits slightly narrower than previous versions
The overall platform feels slimmer, especially underfoot
When wet, the upper tends to hold moisture and dries slowly
That narrower feel won’t suit everyone, but New Balance does offer wide fit options, which helps offset this change.
Midsole & Ride Feel
The new Infinion foam is the standout upgrade.
Compared to Fresh Foam X, it feels:
Lighter on foot
Softer underfoot
More responsive with better rebound
The foam compresses nicely and springs back smoothly, giving the shoe a very fluid, cushioned ride. It’s not bouncy in a racing-shoe sense, but it feels more lively and refined than previous 1080 models. Across easy runs, daily miles, and moderate distances (up to around 8 miles tested), the shoe performs consistently well and remains comfortable throughout.
Outsole & Grip
The outsole is another strong point.
Excellent grip in wet conditions
Feels slightly tacky on the road
Performs reliably on damp and slippery surfaces
Given how often poor weather can affect daily training, this is a welcome improvement.
Performance Summary
The 1080v15 handles a wide range of training well:
Easy runs
Steady daily mileage
Moderate long runs
Mixed pacing
The new midsole feels like a genuine step forward, offering a smoother and more responsive ride than previous versions. Early signs suggest it may also hold its performance better over time, though long-term durability will only become clear with more mileage.
Value & Price Concerns
At £170, the New Balance 1080v15 is undeniably expensive.
That price puts it up against strong competition — including shoes that deliver similar performance for significantly less money. At full retail, it’s a difficult recommendation purely on value. However, with discounts of 10–15%, the picture changes. At a reduced price, the 1080v15 becomes far more appealing and easier to justify as a high-quality daily trainer.
Final Verdict
The New Balance 1080v15 is a very good daily trainer:
Pros
Excellent comfort
Improved midsole feel
Smooth, stable ride
Strong outsole grip
Lighter than previous versions
Cons
High retail price
Slightly narrower fit
Upper holds water in wet conditions
