New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 Review: A Softer, Lighter Daily Trainer

Introduction

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 is the latest version of New Balance’s flagship cushioned daily trainer, priced at 160 pounds in the UK and 170 dollars in the US. That places it directly against shoes like the Nike Invincible 3, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, and the Brooks Glycerin 20.

There is a fair amount that has changed compared to the 1080 v12, and the early signs are positive. The midsole is still Fresh Foam X, but it is a softer and lighter version. The outsole remains blown rubber with a slightly revised design, and the upper moves away from the stretchy knit of recent versions to an engineered mesh. The result is a shoe that feels lighter and more comfortable than its predecessor, and one that may well convert runners who found previous 1080 models unmemorable.

Who the 1080 v13 Is For

This remains a cushioned daily trainer, built primarily for easy and moderately paced running. If you want a shoe to soak up a lot of time on your feet, handle easy miles comfortably, and still allow you to pick up the pace a little when you feel like it, this fits that brief.

It sits in a fiercely competitive price bracket, competing with the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, Nike Invincible 3, Brooks Glycerin 20, and Saucony Triumph 21. Compared with some of those, the 1080 v13 leans more toward supreme comfort, though it carries more life in the ride than you might expect.

Fit and Comfort

The upper is an engineered mesh rather than the stretchy knit used on more recent 1080 versions. It is built to deliver comfort and snugness rather than aggressive lockdown. The forefoot offers a good amount of toe space, the midfoot feels secure, and there is generous padding at the heel that extends that comfortable, snug feeling through the whole upper.

In a UK size 8, the fit has been spot on for a runner who has previously worn both size 8 and size 8.5 without issues. New Balance also offers this shoe in multiple width options, so there is flexibility if a standard fit does not quite work for you.

Midsole and Ride

The headline change is the midsole. It is still Fresh Foam X, but this version is noticeably softer and lighter, a trend New Balance has carried across several of its launches this year. The lightness is one of the biggest pluses here: while many cushioned daily trainers have been getting heavier, the 1080 v13 has gone the other way.

The ride is plush but not overly plush, with a pleasing bounce. There is also a noticeable rocker feeling that produces smooth heel-to-toe transitions, something previous 1080 versions did not really offer. The revised outsole pattern seems to contribute to that lively, flowing feel as well.

When the pace was pushed on the first run, the shoe handled it fine. You would not do dedicated speed work in it, but moderately paced tempo running feels well within its range, helped by the lighter weight and the rocker geometry. On pavement and roads, grip was absolutely fine, and durability is likely to be similar to the v12.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The softer midsole may have cost the 1080 v13 a little versatility compared with stiffer, more performance-leaning trainers. It is not a speed-work shoe, and runners who want a snappier, more up-tempo daily trainer might look at the Brooks Glycerin 20, which feels more naturally suited to quicker running.

The upper also prioritizes comfort over lockdown, so if you want a performance-oriented fit, that is worth weighing up. At 160 pounds or 170 dollars, this is a premium daily trainer, and the competition at this price is serious.

Buying Advice

Against its direct rivals, the 1080 v13 holds its own well. The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 is excellent for easy and slow runs, but the New Balance feels livelier. The Nike Invincible 3 has more energy return from its ZoomX midsole and a more performance-focused upper, while the 1080 v13 is more about supreme comfort. The Brooks Glycerin 20 is probably a touch more versatile for tempo work.

If you were underwhelmed by previous 1080 models, this version feels like a genuine upgrade. It is lighter, softer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable to run in, while keeping the ability to handle easy and moderately paced runs. As a first impression, it looks like a strong competitor in this category and a shoe that could work its way into a regular rotation.

Conclusion

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 takes a shoe that was fine but forgettable and makes it genuinely appealing. The lighter, softer Fresh Foam X midsole, the smooth rocker-based transitions, and the comfortable engineered mesh upper all add up to a better daily trainer. It may not be the pick for dedicated speed sessions, but for easy miles with room to pick up the pace, it competes confidently with the best cushioned trainers at its price.