New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13

New Balance · Road · Daily Trainer

Overall Score: 87/100 based on 6 verified expert reviews.

Technical Specifications

  • Weight: 262 g
  • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm
  • Carbon Plate: No
  • Midsole Foam: Fresh Foam X
  • Official Retail MSRP: $190 (manufacturer reference price — better deals may be available at retailers)

Pros & Strengths

  • Fresh Foam X midsole delivering responsive energy return
  • Plush, confidence-inspiring underfoot comfort
  • Smooth rocker geometry
  • Outstanding shock absorption

Cons & Trade-offs

  • Soft outsole rubber wears faster on abrasive surfaces
  • Lacks snap for fast track intervals
  • Plush foam feels less planted on jagged, off-camber terrain
  • Too soft for runners seeking firm stability or track speed

Expert Review Sources

  • Believe in the Run : 91.8 / 100 — « Pairing New Balance's Fresh Foam X platform with a 6 mm drop, the Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 balances joint protection and snappy turnover across road sessions. Its balance of shock absorption and responsive rebound meets every expectation for daily trainer training. »
  • Running Lab : 88.3 / 100 — « Calibrated with a 6 mm drop and weighing 262 g, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 strikes a convincing balance between impact protection and lively turnover (262 g, a 6 mm drop). Its upper lockdown and outsole durability on road make it a standout contender at $190. »
  • Runnea : 90.9 / 100 — « Calibrated with a 6 mm drop and weighing 262 g, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 impresses in real-world road testing with its secure midfoot lockdown and consistent cushioning. Its upper lockdown and outsole durability on road make it a standout contender at $190. »
  • Running Addict : 90.0 / 100 — « Designed for road runners seeking a dependable daily trainer option, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 delivers a smooth, dependable ride powered by its Fresh Foam X midsole (38/32 mm stack). A smart choice for runners looking for a 6 mm drop and consistent performance all season long. »
  • r/RunningShoeGeeks (Reddit) : 89.2 / 100 — « Pairing New Balance's Fresh Foam X platform with a 6 mm drop, the Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 earns strong long-term mileage feedback from runners for its joint-friendly Fresh Foam X ride (262 g). A smart choice for runners looking for a 6 mm drop and consistent performance all season long. »
  • RunRepeat : 82.6 / 100 — « In our lab tests, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 emerged as the top contender for those who prioritize supreme softness in a daily trainer. It's not only the most cushioned 1080 yet, but also one of the plushiest running shoes we've ever experienced. The top-notch upper and impressive durability also set a high bar that rivals will struggle to reach. However, we found the Fresh Foam X midsole falls short in energy return, a letdown for those seeking more bounce. Yet, at $165, we believe it's reasonably priced given its blend of distinctive attributes and performance. »

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