The New Balance 1080v15 is a moderate-stack premium daily trainer designed to handle most of your weekly miles. It sits above the 880 in New Balance's line-up, which is the more affordable shoe for regular running. The very good cushioning provides ample impact protection, while the soft platform maintains good stability, keeping the shoe reliable underfoot. It can handle longer runs decently and get you through a marathon fairly comfortably if you're not looking to race. However, the ride isn't particularly smooth, and it isn't the shoe to pick for faster running or racing.
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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.
Midsole is much harsher at the end of marathon distance.
Bulky dimensions make it hard to turnover.
The New Balance 1080v15 is an okay shoe for 5K and 10K racing. Its forefoot is firm enough to give you a relatively trustworthy base to push against, while the good rebound up front helps make holding pace more efficient. However, it's too heavy to turn over efficiently when you're running fast, and the flexible forefoot limits how much leverage you get at toe-off. The modest rocker provides little forward assistance, too, so it lacks the propulsion of a dedicated short-distance racer.
Forefoot provides a trusty enough base for push-off.
Good forefoot rebound makes holding pace efficient.
Flexible forefoot limits leverage at toe-off.
Modest rocker provides little forward assistance.
Too heavy to turnover efficiently at pace.
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.
Midsole is much harsher at the end of marathon distance.
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 Oct 26, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.0! This update adds Traction and Outsole Durability verdict scores to the review, making it easier to make a buying decision. Read the changelog for a full list of changes.
- Updated Sep 23, 2026: We've updated this review to Test Bench 0.16, expanding our coverage with new tests for breathability, water absorption, and drying time. For more details, see the changelog.
- Updated Sep 17, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.15, which replaces Responsiveness with three specific performance usages: Bounciness, Snappiness, and Roll. To read more about the changes, see the 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 300 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
Design
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 foam.
The New Balance 1080v15 uses a TPEE-based formulation of Infinion foam. The New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 and New Balance SuperComp Rebel also use Infinion, but their foam is listed as A-TPU, so these aren't the same formulations.
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 stability. Its broad platform provides ample support in the middle and rear of the shoe, helping landings feel secure despite the soft cushioning. The forefoot also firms up when you load it, giving you a dependable base to push against, while the semi-gusseted tongue helps keep lockdown secure. The excellent heel width-to-stack ratio means there are no issues when cornering. However, the softer heel can feel a little less planted than the front of the shoe.
Wide base provides very dependable landings.
Broad platform keeps landings secure.
Semi-gusseted tongue helps achieve a solid lockdown.
Reliable on uneven ground or corners.
Soft heel is less planted than the front of the shoe.
The forefoot of the New Balance 1080v15 is quite firm, disproportionately so compared with other premium daily trainers when significant force is applied. Again, this is fine for easy runs, but could feel increasingly harsh at harder paces over prolonged periods.
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 overall. The heel is impressively cushioned and holds up well under the highest forces we tested. The forefoot has good cushioning overall, though it will feel harsher for larger runners at high speeds. It holds up adequately over the course of a long run, too.
Great heel cushioning keeps legs well protected.
Forefoot holds up well under light and moderate forces.
Front of shoe is less cushioned for heavier runners going quick.
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.
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 shoe has okay cushioning for long runs, but the forefoot bottoms out more quickly than the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14. Most of the loss in cushioning in the forefoot occurs after the first 10K.
Traction
The New Balance 1080v15 has good traction overall, particularly on paved surfaces. It provides outstanding grip on dry concrete and excellent grip on wet concrete, giving you secure footing when pushing off on roads or sidewalks, even in the rain. Its grip on wet aluminum is only okay, though, so you'll need to be more careful on slippery drain covers or wet paint. It also performs poorly on gravel and mud, making it a bad choice for unpaved paths or muddy trails.
Outstanding grip when pushing off on dry roads.
Excellent wet concrete grip makes running in the rain secure.
Wet drains or paint require more care.
Poor gravel and mud grip makes trails or unpaved paths a bad choice.
Outsole Durability
The New Balance 1080v15 has good overall outsole durability. Both the heel and forefoot have great abrasion resistance, so the rubber holds up well against repeated landings and push-offs. Most of the foam beneath the forefoot is also protected from road contact, helping it withstand regular use. However, there's considerably more exposed foam at the heel, leaving that part of the midsole more vulnerable to wear if you're a heel striker.
Heel does a great job of resisting wear.
Forefoot holds up impressively too.
Forefoot is very well protected from road contact.
More exposed foam leaves the heel vulnerable to wear.
The New Balance 1080v15 has great abrasion resistance throughout the outsole. Both the heel and forefoot resist wear impressively, so the rubber holds up against repeated use regardless of where you land.
The New Balance 1080v15 has decent outsole coverage overall. Most of the foam beneath the forefoot is protected by rubber, limiting direct contact with the road when pushing off. However, there's much more exposed foam at the heel, so runners who land farther back will wear through that part of the midsole more quickly.
Wet & Warm Weather
The New Balance 1080v15 is disappointing for wet and warm weather. Its mediocre ventilation can leave your feet feeling warm, while high water absorption adds noticeable weight when it gets soaked. It also takes a long time to dry, so repeated rainy runs can leave you with a heavy, damp shoe.
Absorbs a lot of weight in water when wet.
Takes a long time to dry.
Airflow through the upper is limited, resulting in mediocre breathability. The shoe can feel warm during longer runs or in hot weather, especially if your feet tend to overheat.
Bounciness
The New Balance 1080v15 has adequate bounce. The heel and forefoot compress enough to give the shoe some spring when you land and push off, while the forefoot returns a good amount of energy as it rebounds. However, neither end compresses deeply, and the heel returns less energy, so the shoe never develops a particularly springy feel.
Good forefoot rebound adds some spring through toe-off.
Shallow compression overall reduces trampoline-like bounce.
Snappiness
The New Balance 1080v15 is moderately snappy. There's some spring-back as the forefoot unbends, and the fairly firm foam provides a solid surface to push against. However, the flexible forefoot and gentle rocker angle prevent that response from feeling particularly dynamic at toe-off.
Some spring as the forefoot unbends.
Forefoot rocker isn't very assistive.
Flexible forefoot limits leverage at toe-off.
The New Balance 1080v15 is quite flexible through the forefoot. It bends readily under load without maintaining a rigid shape, making toe-off feel less structured and limiting the leverage needed for a snappy response.
Up front, the rocker is modest, with a gentle upward curve toward the toes. It offers some guidance through toe-off, but the shape doesn't create a strong forward-tipping sensation.
There's a decent amount of spring-back as the forefoot unbends, adding some welcome liveliness for a daily trainer. However, it doesn't match the much more energetic response of the New Balance SuperComp Elite v6, which springs back far more strongly after bending.
Roll
The New Balance 1080v15 has mediocre roll. Its pronounced heel rocker helps guide landings forward, while the modest forefoot curve provides some guidance through toe-off. However, the rocker flattens fairly easily under load, and the flexible forefoot bends without maintaining a firm, curved shape. This limits the rolling sensation as you push off.
Heel rocker is very assistive for heel strikers.
Rocker flattens quite easily under load, reducing assistance.
The rocker flattens quite easily under load, reducing its effectiveness in guiding you through toe-off. The New Balance SuperComp Rebel takes more force to flatten its rocker, so it holds its curved shape more firmly and provides a more consistent rolling sensation.
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.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The New Balance 1080v15 is a premium cushioned daily trainer that marks a major update from the previous generation, with a new foam that makes it lighter, more cushioned, and much more energetic. In the wider market, it sits alongside taller shoes such as the HOKA Bondi 9 and the Nike Vomero 18. The HOKA is much more cushioned, especially over long runs, but it's considerably heavier and is more tiring to run in. The Nike is more stable, but it's essentially the same weight as the HOKA and much less cushioned, returning far less of the effort you put in. The New Balance is the lighter, more all-around option of the three for regular miles. That said, it's also the most expensive, though runners with especially wide feet will have an easier time finding the right fit, since its extra-wide sizing adds room throughout the shoe rather than mainly through the forefoot, as with the HOKA.
For more options, see our picks for the best New Balance running shoes, the most comfortable running shoes, and the best running shoes overall.
The Nike Vomero Plus is a better choice than the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 if you want a fun, energetic ride. It's more cushioned and livelier. The New Balance is lighter, lower, and more stable, giving it a reliable, no-fuss ride that stays predictable from start to finish.
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 midsole, giving it a more cushioned and protective ride, though it feels less stable overall. The Ellipse relies on a midsole that offers a similar level of bounce but with less overall cushioning and a more stable, 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 is a better choice than the HOKA Bondi 9 for most runners. Much lighter and a bit bouncier, the New Balance feels more lively, while its rockered heel and steadier platform keep transitions smooth. If maximum protection is your priority, though, the HOKA's deeper cushioning holds up better over long distances, making it a great fit for slower long runs. Note that the New Balance is narrow through the arch, but both shoes are available in wide versions.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 6 is a better choice than the New Balance 1080v15 for most runners. Both are similarly light and bouncy, but the ASICS's deeper cushioning holds up better on long runs. Heel strikers who want a steadier ride should still consider the New Balance shoe, which feels a bit more planted and has a more rockered heel for smoother landings.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better shoe than the New Balance 1080v15. Lighter, bouncier, and far more cushioned, the ASICS can handle everything from long runs to faster sessions without your legs feeling too beat up. The New Balance shoe is the more grounded, stable option, and it's also cheaper, which could tip the balance for runners who mainly log easy miles. The New Balance is also available in more widths, so it's a more accessible option for runners with very narrow or very wide feet.
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 prioritize cushioning over nimbleness.
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 ASICS NOVABLAST 5 and New Balance 1080v15 are both great daily trainers, but the New Balance is the better pick for most runners. It's slightly more stable and returns a bit more energy, so despite being marginally heavier, it takes less effort to run in and is a more reliable option for daily miles. The ASICS is marginally more cushioned and protects your legs a bit better on longer runs; however, if you regularly run more than 10K, the ASICS will better protect your legs from the road.
The New Balance 1080v15 is the better daily trainer for runners who want a livelier ride, while the Nike Vomero 18 provides better protection under heavier impacts and over longer distances. The New Balance also weighs less, making it easier to turn over for regular mileage. Get the New Balance for more versatility; get the Nike if cushioning under higher forces matters most.
The New Balance 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 Mizuno Neo Zen and New Balance 1080v15 are two well-cushioned trainers that deliver a good amount of bounce per ounce. The Mizuno 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 Mizuno shoe's higher stack and deeper cushioning make it a better choice for long runs.
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.
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.
