The New Balance 1080v15 is a comfort-oriented daily trainer and a significant update within one of the brand's most popular running shoe series. It has a new midsole compound called Infinion, which has a very different feel from the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 and its other predecessors. Most notable is the increased bounciness, which also weighs less than the old Fresh Foam. The 1080v15 still has New Balance's typical accommodating foot bed geometry, but the upper is a bit more snug than previous 1080s. Although the 1080v15 is still primarily a comfort cruiser, the updates in this version add a bit more fun to those easy day miles.
Our Verdict
The New Balance 1080v15 is a satisfactory shoe for running a marathon. While it does have very good cushioning, the soft foam can bottom out over longer distances, becoming increasingly firm and even harsh. Nevertheless, the shoe has an inherently stable design that helps keep your stride from breaking down late in the race when fatigue sets in.
Infinion foam is noticeably bouncy.
Good lateral stability.
Forefoot bottoms out during longer runs.
Bulky dimensions.
The New Balance 1080v15 is an okay shoe for racing a 5K or 10K. The Infinion foam is decently bouncy, but the platform's bulky dimensions make it feel too clunky to push the pace aggressively. That said, the firmer forefoot makes the 1080v15 feel more responsive than the mushy Fresh Foam of previous iterations.
Infinion foam is noticeably bouncy.
Bulky dimensions.
The New Balance 1080v15 is a decent long-run shoe. The very good cushioning keeps the ride protective early on, and the good stability means it's trustworthy underfoot. The great heel rocker also helps heel strikers move smoothly through the stride. However, protection fades as the miles build, and the forefoot rocker provides little help at toe-off.
Heel rocker is very assistive for heel strikers.
Forefoot bottoms out during longer runs.
Forefoot rocker isn't very assistive.
The New Balance 1080v15 is a very good daily trainer. The very good cushioning provides plenty of impact protection for regular mileage, while its good stability keeps the tall platform trustworthy underfoot. The great heel rocker also helps heel strikers move smoothly through the stride. However, it's not the most propulsive ride and struggles during faster efforts.
Cushioning is very protective for daily miles.
Shoe is very trustworthy underfoot.
Not a pace pushing shoe.
Changelog
- Updated Aug 27, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.14, which adds new lace-specific results. We've included a close-up photo of the laces, as well as details including lace type, width, thickness, and stretch. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Aug 26, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.13, which identifies the different foams used in the shoe's midsole. We've included a microscopic image of the foam cells to give you an idea of what the microstructure looks like. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
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Updated Aug 11, 2026:
We've added text to the new usage boxes after converting this shoe to a different Test Bench. We've also updated the Popular Comparisons section to include a link to the newly reviewed New Balance Fresh Foam 520v9.
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Updated Jul 21, 2026:
We updated the Popular Running Shoe Comparisons to mention the latest New Balance models in the lineup section.
- Updated Jun 17, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.12, which fixes how we measure firmness, a component of the Stability and 5K/10K Racing usages. There may be inconsistencies between the text and the scores for these usages, but the scores should still be considered valid. We've also brought back the Energy Return score and added two new usages: Daily Training and Long Run. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
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Updated Jun 12, 2026:
We recalculated the toe spring angle in the Forefoot Rocker Geometry test after noticing an inaccuracy.
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Updated Apr 30, 2026:
We've updated this review to add text for the new Responsiveness and True To Size usage boxes.
- Updated Apr 28, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.11, adding two new rocker measurements to the Design section, and three new responsiveness tests to the Performance section. The Energy Return usage score has been replaced with Responsiveness. Check out the details in our changelog.
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Updated Apr 15, 2026:
We mentioned the New Balance Ellipse in the Popular Running Shoe Comparisons section of the review.
- Updated Mar 25, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.10, adding a new set of fit tests to the Design section and an overall fit performance usage. Check out the details in our changelog.
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Updated Feb 13, 2026:
We've updated the Popular Comparisons section to include the recently reviewed New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15.
- Updated Feb 06, 2026: Review published.
- Updated Feb 02, 2026: Early access published.
- Updated Jan 14, 2026: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Jan 08, 2026: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Jan 08, 2026: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
We've bought and tested more than 250 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
Test Results
Energy Return
The New Balance 1080v15 has decent energy return. The forefoot gives back a good amount of energy at toe-off, but the heel is much less energetic, so heel strikers get less rebound from each landing.
Good forefoot rebound adds some life at toe-off.
Heel rebound is only mediocre.
The New Balance 1080v15's forefoot also feels much livelier and bounces back much better than its predecessor. It's still not quite as bouncy as a premium trainer like the Saucony Triumph 23, but considerably better at returning energy than the Nike Vomero 18.
The shoe's heel returns energy significantly better than the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14. This improved bounce helps heel strikers get forward onto their toes more quickly.
Stability
The New Balance 1080v15 has good lateral stability. The broad midsole platform gives the shoe inherent stability, and although the Infinion foam is quite soft in the heel, the forefoot firms up significantly when pressure is applied, providing a solid base for pushing off.
Wide midsole platform.
The heel isn't that firm, although if you land with significant force, it actually becomes firmer than the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14. For a comfort cruiser, the midsole is just firm enough to provide stability for easy runs.
Cushioning
The New Balance 1080v15 has very good cushioning. The change from the old Fresh Foam to the updated Infinion midsole gives a soft, but not overly mushy, feel underfoot. The heel, in particular, is very well cushioned and provides protective landings for heel strikers.
Great heel cushioning.
The heel cushioning is very good, much better than the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14. Runners who don't land with much force in the heel will have more than enough protection, but heavier heel strikers might find the Saucony Triumph 23 or the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 more protective.
The forefoot cushioning of the New Balance 1080v15 is good, although it doesn't feel as soft when significant force is applied as the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14. If you are a heavy forefoot striker, the Nike Vomero 18 or the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 will have softer landings.
Responsiveness
The New Balance 1080v15 is not the most responsive shoe, but it's not bad. This is the first shoe in the 1080 series to use a supercritical foam, and the improved bounce is noticeable, making daily miles a bit more fun. But the shoe's overall geometry is better suited to easy cruising than to pushing the pace.
Infinion foam is noticeably bouncy.
Mediocre energy return in heel.
True To Size
The New Balance 1080 v15 is close to true to size, with good length, and a wide enough toe box. The arch is quite narrow, though, so runners with wider feet should opt for the Wide or even Extra Wide versions of this shoe.
Good length.
Wide toe box.
Narrow arch.
The New Balance 1080v15 has shed 33 grams of weight compared to the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14. Much of this is due to the lighter, bouncier Infinion foam.
The shoe has okay cushioning for long runs, but the forefoot bottoms out more quickly than the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, due to the softer foam. Most of the loss in cushioning in the forefoot occurs after the first 10K.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The New Balance 1080v15 is a cushioned daily trainer and a big step forward for one of the most popular running shoes from the American brand. As other brands began introducing supercritical foams into their premium daily trainers, the Fresh Foam in the 1080 series was becoming increasingly outmoded, sinking in while other premium daily trainers were bouncing back. With its bouncier new Infinion foam, the 1080v15 is now lighter and more energetic than other premium daily trainers, like the Brooks Glycerin 22 or the Nike Vomero 18. Part of New Balance's appeal has been that they make shoes available in versions up to extra-wide, and that continues with the 1080v15. Runners with extra-wide feet face limited options, but several other models available in extra wide include the Brooks Ghost 17, the HOKA Clifton 10, and the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28.
The New Balance 1080v15 anchors New Balance's daily trainer lineup. It's lighter and better cushioned than the similarly stacked New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15, while runners who need more support should look to the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15. If price matters most, the New Balance Fresh Foam 520v9 is the brand's basic budget option.
If you're looking for more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, the best long-distance running shoes, and the best shoes for running a marathon.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 and Nike Vomero Plus are two popular cushioned trainers, but they deliver it with a different personality. The New Balance comes in lighter and not quite as high-stacked, which helps it feel more stable and grounded overall, giving it a reliable, no-fuss ride that stays predictable from start to finish. The Nike sits higher and feels more cushioned and more energetic, translating into a more pronounced, more dynamic experience that feels a bit more unique and fun underfoot.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 and New Balance 1080v15 are two daily trainers from the American brand that offer slightly different running experiences. The Rebel v5 is a bit lower-stacked, lighter, and firmer. The 1080v15 is better cushioned and bouncier, but less stable. The Rebel is a good shoe for shorter runs or for runners who like a bit more ground feel. The 1080v15 is a comfort cruiser, best suited for everyday miles and for runners who prioritise cushioning over nimbleness.
The New Balance Ellipse and New Balance 1080v15 both sit in the cushioned daily trainer category, but they deliver that comfort in different ways. The 1080v15 uses a higher stack and a more premium Infinion midsole, giving it a more cushioned and protective ride, though it feels less stable overall. The Ellipse relies on a Fresh Foam midsole that offers a similar level of bounce, but with less overall cushioning and a more stable and grounded platform. In terms of fit, both are generally true to size, but the 1080 feels a bit snugger through the arch.
The New Balance 1080v15 and Nike Vomero 18 are two comfort-focused daily trainers that are available in a variety of widths, ranging all the way up to extra wide. The New Balance shoe has a fun but simple set-up underfoot, with a midsole composed entirely of Infinion, a softer, bouncier foam that replaces the older Fresh Foam. The Nike shoe is a bit more complex, with a layer of their bouncy ZoomX foam, sitting on top of a base of denser ReactX foam. Consequently, the New Balance shoe has better energy return, but it doesn't absorb heavy impacts as well, and it bottoms out a bit earlier in long runs. If you are a lighter runner or you just want the livelier shoe, consider the New Balance. If you land with a lot of force, especially in your heel, or you plan to use this as your long-run shoe, choose the Nike.
The New Balance 1080v15 and New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15 are both well-cushioned daily trainers, but they serve different runners. The 1080v15 is New Balance's premium neutral trainer and the more versatile option for most daily mileage. It has plenty of cushioning, a stable shape for a neutral shoe, and a lighter build, so it feels easier to use if you want something comfortable but still relatively natural underfoot. The 860v15 is the more supportive option, with dedicated stability features, including firmer foam in targeted areas and a plastic Stability Plane layer to help guide the foot. However, the 860v15 is much heavier and doesn't feel especially bouncy or nimble, so it works better for runners who prioritize support and overpronation control over a smoother, lighter daily-training feel.
The New Balance X 1080v15 is a major update to the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14. After several years of relatively minor updates, the 15th iteration of the 1080 series replaced the entire midsole, getting rid of the actual Fresh Foam and replacing it with a bouncier, supercritical component that New Balance calls Infinion. This makes the v15 a much livelier daily trainer, with more cushioning in the heel. While it's a worthwhile upgrade over the v14, it's not without tradeoffs: the softer foam of the v15 bottoms out a bit faster during long runs, and the forefoot doesn't provide as much protection against heavy impacts.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 and adidas Supernova Rise 3 are two daily trainers, but they emphasize different aspects of comfort and performance. The New Balance uses a higher stack and a more modern Infinion midsole, delivering more cushioning and a bit more bounce, which makes it better suited for longer runs and more relaxed mileage. The adidas feels more grounded, with more road feel and a more stable platform, but it is heavier and less well suited to longer distances where cushioning matters more.
The Mizuno Neo Zen and New Balance 1080v15 are two well-cushioned trainers that deliver a good amount of bounce per ounce. The Neo Zen is the lighter of the two, thanks to its thin, sock-like upper that hugs your foot. The New Balance shoe has a more structured upper with substantial padding. Both shoes have a similarly bouncy midsole, but the Neo Zen's higher stack and deeper cushioning make it a better choice for long runs.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the New Balance 1080v15 in men's U.S. size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. The color shown here is AFTERGLOW/BLUE BIRD/SILVER METALLIC, but the shoe is available in a variety of other tasteful colorways, depending on your region. The 1080v15 is available in a whole range of widths, from Narrow (2A for women, B for men) to Standard (B for women, D for men) to Wide (D for women, 2E for men), as well as extra wide (4E for men and 2E for women). The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other variants to perform similarly.
