New Balance 1080 v14 Review: A Return to Form, and How It Stacks Up Against the Novablast 4 and More v5

Introduction

The New Balance 1080 has been a staple daily trainer for years, and for a long stretch it was one of the most reliable recommendations in the category. Versions 10, 11 and 12 were excellent all-rounders. Then version 13 arrived, still comfortable but so soft and unstable that it lost its way as a proper running shoe.

Version 14 is the correction. The cushioning is firmer, the platform is more stable, and the shoe once again works as a genuine daily trainer. It also sits in a busy market, so this guide looks at how it compares with two strong alternatives: the Asics Novablast 4, arguably the best daily trainer available right now, and the New Balance Fresh Foam More v5, a maximum-cushion option for pure easy and recovery runs.

What’s New in the 1080 v14

New Balance has made a few meaningful changes compared to the outgoing version 13. There is a new triple jacquard mesh upper, an updated outsole with repositioned rubber for better grip and durability in high-wear areas, and updated geometry that adds stability. The midsole is the classic Fresh Foam X with no plate, and the ride is now slightly firmer and far less marshmallow-like than before.

Here are the key specs:

• Stack and drop: 38 mm heel stack with a 6 mm drop
• Weight: 360 g, up from 323 g in version 13
• Midsole: Fresh Foam X, no plate
• Stability: Neutral
• Upper: Triple jacquard mesh
• Widths: Four in the US (narrow, standard, wide, extra wide); two in the UK (standard and wide). Availability varies by country.
• Sizing: True to size, with a slightly more accommodating width than before
• Price: £160 in the UK, $165 in the US, $270 Australian, around $210 Canadian

The Standout Strengths

The headline improvement is stability. The firmer foam, slightly wider base and updated rubber outsole together make this a shoe you can actually run in again, which will please anyone who loved versions 10 through 12. The geometry works well through the foot strike, and the tapered heel feels especially good for heel strikers.

Comfort is the other big win. This is an extremely comfortable shoe for easy runs, recovery days and everyday walking. The lockdown is spot on, there are no hot spots or sliding around, and the padding around the ankle collar is particularly well done. If you have wide feet, the wide option is worth considering.

Finally, the 1080 v14 is simply dependable. There are no fancy plates, rods or exotic foams, just a well-built premium shoe that gets the job done with minimal fuss. It feels like a product built to last, making it a strong choice for beginners after one premium shoe or intermediate runners who want a no-drama trainer.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The new upper is a mixed bag. New Balance claims improved breathability, but in practice there is a slight tendency to overheat, especially when picking up the pace. In cooler months that is less of an issue, but warm-weather runners should take note.

The weight gain is also frustrating. At 360 g versus 323 g for version 13, this is now firmly on the heavier side for a daily trainer. Wet-weather grip is another weak point, with a bit more sliding than you would like on soaked pavement.

Most importantly, the 1080 v14 is no longer a do-everything shoe. Anything faster than marathon pace is hard work, and you will want a lighter, speedier shoe for those days. What it is excellent at: the day after a big effort, easy runs, recovery runs, long walks and long hours on your feet.

Asics Novablast 4: The More Versatile Daily Trainer

The Novablast 4 has a very similar fit overall, just slightly narrower. It is firmer, bouncier, and offers noticeably better energy return through the foot strike. It simply has more pop and can pick up the pace far more readily, which is exactly where the 1080 falls short.

It is also lighter and easier on the wallet, at around £135 in the UK. If you want a classic daily do-it-all shoe, the Novablast 4 is the clear pick and the better value. The 1080’s advantages are a touch more softness and slightly better impact absorption on very easy days.

New Balance Fresh Foam More v5: Maximum Cushion, Maximum Bulk

The More v5 is the shoe most people ask about when comparing options. It uses the same Fresh Foam X midsole, but with a lot more of it, and the result is a very soft, pure easy-run and recovery-run experience that looks after tired legs.

The trade-off is bulk. The More v5 has a much larger footprint, especially at the heel, and you genuinely feel that size on your foot while running. It is heavier than the 1080 v14, though not by as much as you might expect, and it offers a wider, more accommodating toe box with higher sidewalls that make it slightly more stable overall. Neither shoe has a plate. The 1080 simply feels more traditional and less bulky through the foot strike.

Choose the 1080 if you want a bit more versatility and less weight. Choose the More v5 if pure softness and energy absorption are your priority.

Which Shoe Should You Buy?

The 1080 v14 is recommended for runners who want a soft, very comfortable shoe for easy and recovery runs that is not as bulky as many max-cushion options. If the More v5 sounds slightly too extreme, the 1080 is the sensible middle ground.

As for whether it is worth upgrading from version 13: yes, very much so. Version 13 was simply too soft and unstable for many runners, while version 14 is a shoe you can happily head out in without overthinking it.

Final Verdict

Is the 1080 v14 the most comfortable daily shoe ever? It is very close, and it increasingly competes with the most comfort-focused trainers in the segment rather than the do-it-all daily trainers. The Asics Novablast 4 remains the best daily trainer overall, while the 1080 v14 has become something closer to a premium comfort trainer, and a very good one.

Any runner who wants a simple, no-fuss, comfortable trainer that handles the majority of their runs well will be more than happy with the 1080 v14. Just pair it with a lighter shoe for faster days and you have a very complete setup.