New Balance 1080 v15.

The Gavler Review.

New Balance 1080 v15 Review: The Softest Daily Trainer Finally Feels Fast

The New Balance 1080 v15 ranks third on our Best Running Shoes list with a 9.4 — and after years of the 1080 being the plush trainer that never quite kept up on the numbers, RunRepeat's lab testing calls this the strongest version of the shoe New Balance has ever made. At $165, it's the pick for a neutral runner who wants the deepest, softest cushioning available for easy and long miles. The honest catch: that same soft, tall platform is polarizing, and if you overpronate or want a planted feel, this isn't the shoe.

What it actually is

New Balance retired Fresh Foam for Infinion, a TPEE-based midsole foam blended with 20% EVA, and the change is the whole story of the v15. RunRepeat's lab testing is unusually direct about it: "Based on our lab tests and time on the road, we think this is the strongest 1080 ever." The shoe also shed more than an ounce compared to the v14 — a large weight cut for a max-cushion trainer, and the reason a shoe this soft no longer feels sluggish underfoot.

The numbers back up the plushness: a 40mm heel / 34mm forefoot stack on a 6mm drop, weighing roughly 9.2 oz in a men's 9. That's tall, ultra-cushioned geometry, built specifically for runners who want a deep, protective ride rather than a firm, connected one.

In use

The v15's whole appeal is that it finally closes the gap between "plush" and "energetic," two qualities that rarely coexist in a max-cushion shoe. RunRepeat's testers were direct about the improvement: "We really liked how the shoe now feels lighter and more energetic without losing its signature ultra-plush cushioning and cozy upper." The Infinion foam is described as similar in category to Lightstrike Pro — a genuine step up in energy return from the old Fresh Foam setup, not just a marketing refresh.

RunRepeat's category scoring reflects real range: the shoe grades strongly for daily running and holds its own at tempo effort, which is more versatility than the outgoing 1080 ever offered. For long, easy miles specifically — the shoe's core job — reviewers describe it as one of the best options on the market for runners who prioritize soft cushioning above everything else.

Strengths

• Genuinely improved energy return. RunRepeat's lab found "a clear jump in energy return over the previous version" — a real material change, not an incremental update.
• A meaningful weight cut. Shedding roughly 1.2 oz off the v14 is significant for a shoe in this category, and it's the reason the plush ride doesn't feel dead underfoot.
• Deep, protective cushioning for long miles. The 40mm/34mm stack is built for exactly what long-distance and recovery runners need most.
• Broader range than past versions. Strong daily-running scores that extend credibly into tempo effort, which was never the old 1080's strength.

The trade-offs — who should skip it

• Stability is a real, repeated caveat. RunRepeat's own conclusion doesn't soften this: "We believe it can feel unstable for many runners and too plush for some." That's a lab-documented finding about the tall, soft platform, not a stray opinion.
• Overpronators should look elsewhere first. A soft, tall shoe with less structural guidance is a harder recommendation for runners who need support through the gait cycle.
• It's a specialist, not an all-rounder. This is a shoe optimized for soft, deep cushioning on easy and long runs — runners chasing a firmer, more connected ride at faster paces will be happier with a different shoe on this list.

How it compares

Two ranks down on Gavler's Best Running Shoes list, the Saucony Triumph 24 makes a similar bet on maximum softness but does it in a lighter package — 8.8 oz on a 43mm stack, versus the 1080's 9.2 oz on 40mm. Both shoes ask the same question of a buyer: do you want deep, soft cushioning above all else? The Triumph 24 leans slightly further into "premium daily trainer that can pick up the pace," while the 1080 v15 leans into pure plush comfort.

For overpronators specifically, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 is the more direct answer. It sacrifices some of the 1080's outright softness for dedicated stability guidance — the shoe RunRepeat and Gavler's own data both point toward when a runner's gait needs more structure than a soft, tall platform can offer.

The Gavler verdict

A 9.4, backed by a 91 expert consensus that reflects genuine agreement: this is the best 1080 New Balance has built, with a new foam that finally makes "plush" and "energetic" coexist. It sits below the top of the list for one specific, lab-confirmed reason — the soft, tall ride is polarizing and can feel unstable, which is exactly the trade a max-cushion shoe like this makes. Buy it if you're a neutral runner chasing the deepest, most luxurious cushioning on this list. If you overpronate or want a firmer, more planted feel, the Gel-Kayano 33 is the smarter call.

Common Questions

Is the New Balance 1080 v15 worth it in 2026?

Yes, for neutral runners who want the softest, plushest ride available. It ranks third on Gavler's Best Running Shoes list with a 9.4, and RunRepeat's lab testing calls it the strongest 1080 ever — a shoe that finally feels light and energetic without losing the deep cushioning the line is known for. The catch is stability: the tall, soft platform is polarizing, and overpronators are better served by the Gel-Kayano 33.

Is the New Balance 1080 v15 good for overpronators or wide feet?

Not the strongest match. RunRepeat found the soft, tall Infinion platform can feel unstable for some runners, which is a real consideration for overpronators specifically. Gavler's own list points those runners to the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33, which trades some plushness for dedicated guidance.

What changed in the New Balance 1080 v15 versus the 1080 v14?

New Balance replaced Fresh Foam with Infinion, a TPEE-based foam blended with 20% EVA, and cut roughly 1.2 ounces off the shoe — a large drop for a max-cushion trainer. RunRepeat's lab testing found the result noticeably lighter and more energetic while keeping the ultra-plush ride and cozy upper the 1080 line built its reputation on.

New Balance 1080 v15 or ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 — which should I buy?

Buy the 1080 v15 if you're a neutral runner who wants the deepest, softest cushioning available for easy and long miles. Buy the Gel-Kayano 33 if you overpronate or want a more planted, secure ride — it trades some of the 1080's plushness for dedicated stability guidance.