New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V13 Review: A Softer, Lighter Max-Cushion Cruiser

Introduction

The Fresh Foam 1080 range has long been one of New Balance’s most popular cushioned daily trainers, but it has historically veered toward a firmer ride despite its chunky midsole foam. The V13 changes that. It introduces a new, softer Fresh Foam midsole, a redesigned breathable mesh upper with more structure than earlier versions, and a noticeably lighter build.

Priced at £160 or $164.99, the men’s version weighs in at 262 g or 9.2 oz in a US size 8, with a 6 mm drop. The result is a shoe that feels much closer to the plush, comfort-first max-cushion shoes now dominating the easy-day category, and a clear step change from the solid, slightly dull workhorses of recent generations.

Who This Shoe Is For

The 1080 V13 is built for comfort above all else. It suits easy-paced daily miles, recovery runs, and longer relaxed efforts where you simply want reliable protection underfoot. If you want a soft, pillowy shoe for slow, mild comfort, this is squarely that kind of shoe.

It also works well for bigger runners who need more cushioning underfoot, beginners who want guaranteed comfort, and anyone mixing running and walking. The plushness makes it genuinely comfortable for run-walk use, and it held up well on runs of up to 90 minutes over road and light off-road river paths. Marathon trainers looking for a long-run shoe, or first-time half and full marathoners who want one shoe to survive the training plan and get them around race day, will find plenty to like here.

Main Strengths

The headline improvement is the midsole. Previous 1080 versions felt firm and a little lifeless; the V13’s updated Fresh Foam X is significantly lighter, softer, and more energetic, with a gentle rocker ride that stays consistent through a run. It rolls you in nicely, nestles the foot, and gives back a small but welcome bit of rebound, making cruising paces around 4:50 to 5:30 per km feel like its sweet spot.

The upper is another highlight. A breathable mesh offers more structure than before, with generous padding around the ankle, collar, and tongue that avoids lace pinch. The shoe hugs the foot without restricting, holds securely through the heel and midfoot, and leaves ample room in the toe box in both length and height. Fit testing consistently came out true to size: testers ran in their normal size, found a locked-in but forgiving feel, and reported no heel slip. The V13 also drops roughly 30 g versus the V12 (218 g versus about 260 g in a UK 5), and that saving is noticeable on foot.

Durability looks strong too. An endurance rubber outsole provides grip and wear resistance, and early testing showed no significant outsole wear on roads or light trails, which bodes well for long-term mileage.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The softness cuts both ways. The V13 skews firmly toward the cushioned end of the spectrum, and that sink-in feel limits its versatility. There is little bounce back when you try to pick up the pace, and on a 90-minute long run the ride felt slightly energy-sapping by the end. If you like a direct, connected feel, this is not your shoe.

It is also a bit more shoe on the foot than the V12: denser upper, more padding, a bigger stack of foam, and a ride that rolls slightly onto the lateral side, with marginally less stability than the flatter previous generation. Compared with rivals, the Gel Nimbus 25 keeps more resilience in its foam over long runs, and shoes like the Saucony Triumph 21 or Puma Magnify Nitro 2 offer more versatility for a do-everything cushion trainer, with the Puma coming in cheaper.

Buying Advice

Go true to size in this shoe. Even testers who usually size up in New Balance found their normal size worked here, so if you are between sizes, there is no need to size up.

If you want a pure easy-day, recovery-run companion with maximum comfort, the 1080 V13 is a very good option and slightly cheaper than some plush rivals in this category. If you need one shoe for everything, including faster sessions, look at more versatile alternatives. And if you prefer the firmer, more direct feel of the V12, that shoe remains a sensible pick, particularly on discount.

Conclusion

The Fresh Foam 1080 V13 is a genuine overhaul rather than an incremental update. New Balance has taken its flagship cushioned trainer and pulled it decisively into max-cushion, comfort-first territory: softer and more energetic foam, a lighter build, and a plush, accommodating upper. It is not the most versatile trainer, and it is not the shoe for tempo work, but for easy miles, recovery days, and long comfortable time on your feet, it delivers comfort by the bucket load at a competitive price.