New Balance 1080v15: 100km Review
After 100km: Here's what actually stands out
The New Balance 1080 has long been the benchmark for cushioned daily training, combining comfort and reliability for a soft, plush ride that runners return to year after year. With the arrival of the 1080 v15, that trusted formula takes its biggest step forward in years thanks to the introduction of the all-new Infinion midsole.
At its core, the 1080 v15 is a true daily trainer. It’s built for everyday running, whether you’re an everyday runner clocking consistent mileage, or a long-time New Balance fan who values comfort and reliability above all else.
The objective of this shoe is simple: reduce perceived effort, protect the body, and help you show up again tomorrow. You’re left with a shoe that feels smoother, lighter, and more enjoyable.
The Big Update
While the silhouette feels familiar, the experience underfoot has been noticeably elevated. The new Infinion™ foam delivers a soft, more energetic and dynamic ride, while the refined knit upper enhances comfort and lockdown, and the reworked outsole improves durability and transition. Together, these updates mark one of the most comprehensive evolutions the 1080 franchise has seen, transforming it from a dependable daily trainer into something noticeably more dynamic and energetic.
What is Infinion™ Foam?
The most significant evolution in the 1080 franchise in years is the introduction of the new Infinion™ midsole.
Moving away from the long-standing Fresh Foam X compound that we've seen for generations. New Balance has introduced an 80/20 blend of TPE and EVA called Infinion™ foam. Designed to deliver a softer, lighter and more responsive ride, there’s more foam underfoot, yet the overall weight has dropped. That combination has transformed it from simply a comfortable daily trainer into one that feels smooth, effortless, and more refined across consistent mileage.
Explore the New Balance 1080v15 here.
On the run, Infinion compresses easily on landing, delivering a soft, protective feel. But doesn't feel overly plush that it will flatten quickly, it rebounds with a subtle liveliness through toe-off. The forefoot feels more responsive, transitions are smoother, and maintaining rhythm feels easier.
Importantly, after 100km the midsole has retained its character. The softness remains consistent, and the energy return hasn’t dulled, a strong sign for long-term daily mileage.
Plush Comfort Meets Refined Fit
The upper takes a noticeable step toward a more premium feel. Moving from engineered mesh to a knit construction, the v15 feels thicker and more structured than the v14.
While slightly less breathable, the trade-off is improved comfort and a more secure fit. The upper appears sleeker and is slightly narrower on foot, yet still accommodating even for those looking for that familiar New Balance fit.
The gusseted tongue plays a key role here. Lockdown feels secure without needing to over-tighten the laces, creating a stable midfoot hold that complements the softer experience.
Reworked Outsole
Underneath we see a redesigned outsole that trims weight without losing the durability you want from a daily trainer. Rubber placement is focused on high friction zones, giving you reliable grip and durability where first contact occurs.
Through the forefoot, the vertical flex grooves are slightly deeper and more decoupled, working with the narrower base to allow greater compression and a smoother, more responsive toe-off. The result is an outsole that not only trims weight, but actively enhances the shoe’s more dynamic ride.
Ed's Perspective
After 100km, I’ve done some shorter jogs, a few warm-ups and a longer easy run in the 1080v15. I’m really impressed with the resilience of the new midsole which in my opinion handles runs up to 60 minutes well. The shoe still feels very soft but lively, even towards the back end of runs. You compress into the foam quickly, which reinforces that this is built for relaxed, flowing efforts rather than aggressive speed sessions. It works well for warm-ups and cool-downs, and even once worn in, the Infinion™ foam retains that subtle pop. I’ve especially enjoyed jogging in this shoe as a refreshing change from the Superblast 2 and other more rigid, performance-focused options in my rotation.
The upper also plays a big role in the overall feel. It’s noticeably thicker and more plush than the v14. While not quite as breathable, it feels secure and comfortable on foot. The refined fit is slightly narrower and sleeker in appearance, but still accommodating for my slightly wider foot. The lockdown is strong thanks to the gusseted tongue and felt like I didn’t need to over tighten the laces to feel secure.
For runners who value consistency and comfort, this is a reliable daily option that feels just that little bit more dynamic.
Josh's Perspective
I’ve had the 1080 in my rotation for nearly a decade, so when New Balance introduced such a significant midsole change, I had some hesitation.
The most immediate difference I noticed was the weight reduction and the shift in responsiveness. The 1080v15 is lighter and noticeably more reactive through the forefoot. Picking up the pace feels easier compared to the v14, which is as an honest, reliable daily trainer but not one I would lean into for faster efforts.
The outsole geometry has also changed. The forefoot base is narrower, while the heel is slightly broader. Combined with deeper vertical flex grooves, this enhances compression and improves toe-off, contributing to the shoe’s more energetic feel. The rocker geometry is positioned slightly further forward compared to the v14, making it less pronounced but still effective.
Up top, the move from engineered mesh to a knitted upper adds structure and security. With a more responsive midsole, this refined upper ensures lockdown without sacrificing ventilation. The gusseted tongue and well-executed heel counter maintain comfort while supporting the new ride profile.
My takeaway? The Infinion™ platform is light, soft and responsive. While it may not feel identical to previous versions, it delivers exactly what I expect from a modern daily neutral trainer.
1080v15 vs 1080v14
Runners coming from the v14 will immediately notice the difference. The v15 feels softer, more energetic, and lighter overall, with a more refined fit and a sleeker look. The upper is noticeably plusher, and the ride feels calmer and more controlled over longer periods.
This is a clear evolution rather than a drastic change — one that rewards consistency and comfort without losing the DNA that made the 1080 so popular.
What's Changed?
- New Infinion™ midsole replacing Fresh Foam X
- Lighter overall weight
- Slightly higher platform underfoot
- Narrower forefoot base, wider heel base
- Refined knit upper replacing engineered mesh
- Subtle shift in rocker geometry
The v14 was an honest, stable and highly reliable daily trainer. One that many runners loved for its predictable cushioning and smooth ride.
The v15 introduces more energy and responsiveness. It feels more dynamic and versatile, potentially appealing to a broader audience. However, runners who loved the more traditional rocker feel and platform width of the v14 may notice the difference.
How It Compares to Other Daily Trainers
Compared to max-cushioned trainers, the 1080 v15 feels lighter and more responsive, without the bulk or stiffness. Against performance-oriented daily trainers, it offers a calm and forgiving ride that still places comfort and longevity first. Unlike traditional daily trainers, it still has enough structure and versatility to handle everyday mileage with confidence.
It sits perfectly in the middle; premium comfort, everyday usability, and long-term reliability. Although it does have a slightly different look and feel to the 1080 brand, long term 1080 wearers who don’t love this update will hopefully find comfort in the new Ellipse to be released in March 2026.
Final Thoughts After 100km
After 100 kilometres, the New Balance 1080v15 feels like a confident evolution of one of the most trusted names in daily training. The introduction of Infinion™ foam brings a softer yet more dynamic ride, the knit upper adds a more secure and premium feel, and the refined outsole geometry enhances the overall transition underfoot. Together, these updates create a shoe that feels lighter, smoother and more responsive, without losing the comfort and reliability that define the 1080 franchise.
For runners who value consistency, protection and a shoe that makes everyday kilometres feel easier, the 1080v15 delivers. And while it may feel slightly different to long-time wearers of the 1080, the core purpose remains the same: reduce perceived effort, support your run, and help you show up again tomorrow.
About the author
Ed - Runner & Content Creator
I’m passionate about all types of running, road and gravel cycling, content creation, quality gear and the stories that follow effort and adventure. Triathlon and long distance road running are my current focus as I love pushing the boundaries of the body and mind.
