This material paired with strategically-placed flex grooves that help with the flexibility of the sole unit, and help your toes flex on the toe off. Honestly, at the end of the day, I would compare them mostly to the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 (perhaps my #4 shoe of 2020). It’s not as soft as the Mores but has much more energy return.

The heel counter is very odd, it dips in the middle and the upper portion is just foam and this stretchy neoprene-like material. It acts as a low heel cup to keep your heel from moving laterally, which it does, but you sure do get a ton of heel slip vertically. Below the midsole, the 1080 offers a very nice outsole. Using mostly blown rubber, the outsole is very durable and offers a great amount of grip for an everyday trainer.

Recently Viewed

Like most shoes, finding the best running shoe for your preferences will depend on unique factors like your foot, arches, goals, and stability needs. The best running shoe will offer the ideal balance of softness and stability, comfortable fit, and the preferred amount of cushioning for comfort and longevity. How do you break-in running shoes? On the midsole, the company uses laser engravings to create a honeycomb design that helps compress and soften your landing. This is noticeable on heel strikes, but not as much on forefoot strikes. It secures the heel, while not putting any pressure on my Achilles. This is important to me, because of my experience with Achilles Tendonitis.

The New Balance Fresh Foam women’s collection includes the 1080v12s and the 1080v13s – both of which are renowned running shoes. The 1080v12 features the signature Fresh Foam midsole for plush cushioning and supportive fit, a moulded heel counter for stability and durable rubber outsole for impeccable traction. In contrast, the 1080v13 offers updates in the midsole, upper design and heel counter for improved comfort and support. While both provide stellar performance, runners can expect refinements in fit and comfort in the newer model. Kitting yourself out with the right shoes is just the beginning to a successful running journey. Take a look at our handy running equipment guide to take your running experience to the next level. Running shoes for womenThis is also because of the 30mm of cushion under the heel, with 22mm under the forefoot (8mm drop). The 1080 is the flagship of the the New Balance trainers line, and will go against similar shoes from other companies.