Saucony Ride VS Guide: The Winner Is…
Saucony Ride 18 vs. Guide 18: A clear look at how these daily trainers compare, with a goal of helping you decide which one is best for you.
After putting the Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 through its paces during my regular runs, and on dog walks around my neighborhood, I’ve got plenty to share on this fresh update to one of New Balance’s most popular shoe models.
The 1080 v14 builds on the strengths of its predecessor while making a few adjustments that should appeal to most runners looking for a comfortable, durable daily trainer for easy and recovery runs.
I know many older runners absolutely love the 1080 series (based on all the comments I get on my YouTube Channel) for their incredible shock absorption, and I’m pleased to say these will not disappoint those looking for more of the same.
Key specifications
- Price: $165 at New Balance / Road Runner Sports / Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Weight: 10oz / 298g (US M9)
- Heel/Toe Drop: 6 mm
- Cushioning: Extra Soft (Fresh Foam X midsole)
- Upper: Triple jacquard mesh for improved breathability
- Support: Neutral
- Use Case: Everyday Running, Walking, All Day Wear
Sizing and fit
The Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 fits true to size in length and has a medium width.
It provides ample room in the forefoot while locking down your heel securely. Although overall, it’s incredibly comfortable for both running, walking, and everyday use, it may run warm on longer outings due to the soft triple layer upper mesh material.
What I love
There’s a lot to love about the 1080 v14, and it’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into balancing comfort, stability, and increased durability in this updated version.
The Fresh Foam X midsole still has that soft cushioning, that you’ll be familiar with if you ran in the last version. It absorbs all shock on your leg joints, when you land, yet provides responsive, bouncy feedback as your foot eaves the ground.
Even though it’s ever so slightly less plush than previous models, this added firmness adds some much needed stability, especially on recovery days when a little extra support can make a difference to getting mileage in without risking injury.
The updated midsole geometry is another highlight for me with its pronounced heel rocker and wider footprint, which provides a smoother heel to toe transition, and a more stable ride respectively.
I noticed that my feet feel more secure during those easy, rhythmic miles, which translates to a smoother running experience overall.
This subtle design tweak is a welcome change, making the transition from heel to toe feel more intuitive without sacrificing the cushioned feel that I loved in the New Balance 1080 v13 (links to review).
Increased outsole durability is another strong addition, making these worthy of an upgrade this year. The design includes extra rubber in high-wear areas and a wider, stiffer forefoot, which gives me confidence that these shoes will hold up well, even if you rack up a lot of training miles.
I’ve experienced reliable traction on wet roads, which I know a lot of you will be pleased to hear.
I think the aesthetics deserve a mention too – The classic New Balance look (which is SO IN right now, by the way), highlighted by the prominent New Balance logo, keeps the design clean and simplistic.
This makes the shoe versatile, suitable not only for running but also for everyday wear and walking – which is how I’ve been using them because they’re just so incredibly soft and comfortable.
The lacing system does a great job too (see photo below), even though it’s very traditional in design, it just works! And I like that!
It’s refreshing to have a shoe that doesn’t try to do too much in the design department, focusing instead on delivering performance where it counts, the ride.
Overall, the 1080 v14 delivers a well-rounded package for daily training, and it has, deservedly, made it onto both my Best Daily Trainers and Best Max Cushioned Daily Trainers roundups.
How it could be improved
Despite its many positives, there are a few areas where the 1080 v14 could see some refinement. The upper’s engineered triple layer mesh, while supportive and super soft, may lead to a warmer feel on longer runs, on hot days, or if you live somewhere humid.
This won’t be an issue if you are using them for just walking, or standing around all day.
There’s also the matter of weight, coming in at around 10oz for a size US(M)9, the shoe might not be the best option if you’re chasing an ultra-light setup for faster-paced sessions but to be fair these are not designed for speed training, they’re a daily trainer for bagging easy miles, or for recovery runs.
So this weight increase over v13, hasn’t been an issue for how I have been using them (their intended use).
New Balance 1080 v13 VS 1080 v14: Is the new version better?
Comparing the v14 to its predecessor, the improvements are subtle but will be meaningful for some. The updated midsole and refined geometry provide a more guided and stable ride.
The durability enhancements, including extra rubber in critical areas, suggest a longer lifespan for daily mileage. However, the increased weight might give some runners pause if they’re used to the lighter, more forgiving feel of the previous version.
Overall, if your priority is comfort, and shock absorption for your legs for everyday runs or walking, the v14 is a solid step forward because it feels more stable than before.
| Specification | New Balance 1080 v13 | New Balance 1080 v14 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $165 | $165 |
| Weight (US M9) | 9.3oz (263g) | 10oz (283g) |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6mm | 6mm |
| Ride | Plush cushioning with a responsive, bouncy feel | Soft, cushioned ride with a very slightly firmer, more stable sensation |
My verdict
The Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 is, once again, a reliable daily trainer that stands up well to the demands of regular running.
With its soft yet stable cushioning, updated midfoot geometry, and more durable build, it offers plenty of benefits for recovery and easy-paced runs and also walking or standing around all day.
The previous version make it a worthwhile upgrade for those who value plush comfort and want that little bit of extra stability in their everyday running shoes.
I hope this review gives you a clear picture of what to expect with the 1080 v14 but if you have any questions at all, please drop them in the comments and I’ll get back to you asap. Happy running! 🙂 -A
👋🏼 Not sure about these but still looking for your next pair of dreamy daily training shoes? Head over to my Best Daily Trainers roundup. See you on the next review! -Alastair
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