New Balance 1080 v13 Review: The Comfort King of Daily Trainers

Hey everyone, I’m Alastair from Trail & Kale Running Co., and for this review I’m sharing my results after running with the New Balance 1080 v13 this last week. As someone who’s accustomed to running most days (testing new running shoes), and who has run countless ultra marathons and my fair share (although it’s never enough) of cheeky half marathons, I know a thing or two about what makes a running shoe perform well, both on the road and on the trail.

Soo without keeping you in too much suspense, let’s get straight to it becuase I have alot of share about the New Balance 1080 v13. This daily trainer is immensely popular and a best seller for New Balance; it didn’t take long for me to see why.

This shoe is like the Swiss Army knife of running footwear: highly versatile, super cushioned, and yes, it’s a daily trainer. But don’t let its plush persona fool you; it actually runs pretty fast too, considering all that comfort you get.

Key Specifications

• Price: $165 at New Balance (US) | £160 at Sportsshoes.com (UK)
• Fit and Feel: True to size, medium width Also available in wide and extra-wide
• Upper: Supportive with a traditional lacing system, breathable despite its soft thick material
• Midsole: Fresh Foam X, plush yet delivers a good response
• Outsole: Ndurance rubber, durable in high-wear areas
• Drop: 6mm from heel to toe
• Weight: 9.3oz (263g) for a US men’s 9

👋🏼 Hey there! If you’re thinking about getting these shoes, using our links would be a huge help for Trail & Kale Running Co. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which lets us keep creating awesome content like this review. Thanks so much for your support – we really appreciate it!

Who are they best suited to and for what types of running?

Who is the New Balance 1080 v13 for, you ask? Well, it’s designed for anyone who loves a comfy jog or needs a reliable partner for those long recovery miles. Its exceptional cushioning comes from the Fresh Foam X midsole, balanced perfectly between a soft comfortable landing and a surprisingly responsive push-off.

Our highly technical squish test below shows just how cushioned and plush the Fresh Foam X is – sorry guys, not cutting shoes in half here 🤣, we respect our running shoes too much to do stupid shit like that.

This means you get the plush feel without sacrificing the energy return that propels you forward. Whether you’re a jogger or a high-mileage runner, this shoe caters to a broad spectrum of needs.

These aren’t just for running though; they’re a dream for walkers too – and now I’ve mentioned that you’ll probably start noticing lots of people walking around in these. The additional support built into the design makes them ideal for anyone who’s on their feet a lot.

Pair them with the right conditions, and they’ll even support those with Achilles tendinitis, thanks to their flexible, pressure-free heel design which I demonstrate in my video performance review here.

If you suffer from Achilles tendinitis, visit this blog post which shares my tips to recover it quickly -, unfortunately I’m an expert in the matter but haven’t had the issue in years since following my own advice.

Performance Review

As a seasoned runner who’s tackled every type of terrain and countless races (road and trail), I know that the true test of any running shoe is its performance during actual runs, not by cutting them in half and poking at them in a sterile lab, lol. What is the world coming to? 🤣 So, let’s break down how the New Balance 1080 v13 holds up under various training sessions and running conditions.

You can also watch my performance review by hitting that play button on the video below (don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more reviews just like this one):

My first outing with the 1080 v13 was a straightforward 5-mile jog on a cool morning. Right off the bat, the comfort was clearly the unique selling point of these shoes. The Fresh Foam X midsole provides a soft landing with each step, yet it’s responsive enough that I didn’t feel like I was sinking into the shoe. This balance is crucial for a daily trainer because it impacts how the shoe performs on long runs versus short, fast sessions.

Throughout the week, I pushed the 1080 v13 through longer runs at a relaxed ‘recovery run‘ pace. The plush Fresh Foam X midsole foam really shone here. Despite the miles ticking upward, my feet felt protected and supported.

The ‘pillow-like’ sensation is palpable and beneficial, especially during recovery runs when your feet are grateful for any extra comfort.

Switching gears, I took the 1080 v13 for a tempo run. While these shoes aren’t built as race shoes or for high-speed work, they handled the increased pace better than expected. The energy return from the Fresh Foam X wasn’t overwhelming but was sufficient to keep my strides feeling lively. I wouldn’t recommend them as your primary speedwork shoe, but for moderate paces, they hold their own surprisingly well.

the durability of the Ndurance rubber outsole is very good too. High-wear areas showed minimal signs of wear, which is promising for runners looking for a shoe that lasts.

For those with specific needs, such as suffering from Achilles tendinitis, the 1080 v13 offers design features that provide relief. The heel’s flexible design reduces pressure on the Achilles tendon, a thoughtful touch that showcases New Balance’s attention to runner’s, and walkers’ health.

Moreover, the supportive upper, soft padded tongue, and traditional lacing system ensure a secure fit that adjusts easily and stays put.

Reflecting on the various runs that i did in these, the New Balance 1080 v13 performs best for its exceptional comfort and reliable performance across many different types of workouts. It’s a shoe that encourages you to go the extra mile, quite literally, by reducing the usual stress on your feet.

A great complimentary running shoe for faster workouts

If you’re looking for a shoe that complements the NB Fresh Foam x 1080 v13 for faster workouts, consider the HOKA Mach 6. It’s geared more towards speed and responsiveness, which pairs nicely with the 1080’s comfort-focused design.

Are the New Balance 1080 v13 worth buying?

So, is the New Balance 1080 v13 worth the $165 (£160) price tag? Absolutely. It’s a shoe that can handle the demands of daily training with ease while providing the comfort and support needed for longer distances. Whether you’re wearing them for running or walking, they’ll be a go-to in your shoe rotation.

👋🏼 Hey there! If you’re thinking about getting these shoes, using our links would be a huge help for Trail & Kale Running Co. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which lets us keep creating awesome content like this review. Thanks so much for your support – we really appreciate it!

Don’t forget, if you want more insights like this, swing by our Instagram @trailandkale. It’s where we share more about our running life, gear tests, and all things that make running such a joy. Whether you’re new to the trail or an old hand at the marathon, we’re here to keep you in the loop.

Thanks for joining me on this review. If you found it helpful, share it with a friend, and subscribe for more honest, detailed reviews like this one. Until next time, peace! ✌🏼 – Alastair