Trying to get into running? This shoe will make it easy

IF YOU’VE EVER stared at a pair of running shoes in a shop, shrugged, and thought maybe someday, the New Balance 1080v15 might be the pair that finally pushes you out the door and gets you into running. The 1080v15 is an approachable daily trainer that’s delivers whether you’re preparing for your tenth marathon or your first 5K.

The 1080 model has long been a fan favourite, renowned for its durability and balance between cushioning and responsiveness. In fact, the 1080v14 has been a mainstay in this writer’s rotation since release. Naturally, my expectations for the 1080v15 were high.

Then I learned that the newest 1080 would not be getting just a minor cosmetic update, but would instead be introducing an entirely new foam in the midsole, and my cautious optimism turned to wariness. Was New Balance about to ruin its best model? Thankfully, that isn’t the case. Should the 1080v15 become your workhorse? Find our honest thoughts below.

Why it looks good

While the biggest change to the 1080 is indeed the new foam, its overall design has also been updated. The 1080v15 carries forward the clean, athletic silhouette that has become synonymous with the line, but a new mesh upper gives it a more sculpted profile, with perforations across the upper to enhance airflow.

The shoe feels lighter and more modern without losing the approachable aesthetic that makes it easy to wear outside of training. Subtle colourways dominate the spectrum, but small accents do provide some visual interest without overwhelming the overall look.

Why it feels good

The biggest update is indeed the switch from Fresh Foam to Infinion Foam. At first, I was wary – Fresh Foam had been used since the 1080v1 and balanced comfort and energy return. Infinion Foam is more than just a softer version of Fresh Foam, however, it’s designed with long-term resiliency in mind. The midsole resists compression over time, and for a high-mileage runner, that makes all the difference and means every run feels like your first run in a fresh pair of shoes.

The new foam has also allowed for a (massive!) weight reduction of 39 grams, when compared with the previous version. If you’re not the type of person to nerd out about something as niche as the weight of a shoe, just know that brands will spend a lot of money trying to shave off just a few grams. To shed almost 40 is a huge deal, and it creates a real light on the feet feeling that’s boosted by the foam’s extreme softness.

Putting it to the test

As I’ve said, as a longtime fan of the 1080v14, I approached the v15 with cautious optimism, but my fears were quickly quelled. The difference between the ride of the shoes is noticeable, but the v15 beats the v14 in nearly every category. It maintains that balance between cushioning and responsiveness, but it has even more bounce and you can really feel the spongy cushioning with every step. The foam’s resiliency also ensures that the plushness doesn’t fade after just a few weeks of training.

A big strength of the 1080v14 was its versatility. I used it for everything from pacy 3-5km efforts to long runs of 20km and more. I tested the 1080v15 on a similarly varied training plan and found it to be suitable for all my runs. Truly, it doesn’t have many weaknesses.

Should you get the 1080v15?

The New Balance 1080v15 is a rare example of a running shoe that manages to significantly innovate without losing the qualities that made its predecessors so beloved. The switch to Infinion Foam brings a new level of comfort and resiliency, making the shoes feel fresh for longer while handling the demands of a high-mileage routine. The redesigned upper, meanwhile, adds breathability, reduces weight and modernises the silhouette. For anyone looking for a dependable daily trainer that offers cushioning, responsiveness and long-term performance, the 1080v15 is hard to beat. Highly recommended.

The New Balance 1080v15 is available now.