New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13

RoadTrailRun praises the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 as a noticeably softer, higher‑stacked, and lighter evolution of the long‑running 1080 line. Testers consistently highlight its plush, pillowy midsole, pronounced rocker, smooth transitions, and excellent cushion‑to‑weight ratio—making it an ideal choice for easy runs, recovery days, and walkers who value comfort. Criticisms are measured: the very soft foam plus a stretchy knit upper reduces lockdown and snappiness, and the softer blown rubber outsole mutes forefoot “pop,” limiting uptempo performance. Reviewers note broad width options help fit, though some recommend sizing narrower if you prefer a more secure hold. Unique insights include detailed stack/weight comparisons to the v12 and clear tester-weighted scores (around 9/10), plus transparency about test samples and affiliate links. Overall, the tone is enthusiastic but balanced: rapturous about comfort and geometry, cautiously reserved about responsiveness for faster paces.

Believe in the Run praises the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 as a welcome return to form—comfortably cushioned, noticeably bouncy, and far improved over recent iterations. The multi-writer review expresses clear enthusiasm: the reworked mesh upper delivers a more secure, padded fit, and the new Fresh Foam X formulation strikes a sweet spot between softness and responsiveness that works for recovery runs, long miles, and everyday wear. Testers note sensible weight for a daily trainer, stable step-in comfort, and comparisons favoring it against rivals like the Asics Gel‑Nimbus 25 and Hoka Clifton 9. Criticisms are minor and specific—some wished for a lighter shoe, a different aesthetic midsole treatment, a slightly less bulky tongue, and the shoe is decidedly neutral (not for those needing extra stability). Overall tone is upbeat and recommending, highlighting a meaningful “glow-up” that restores the 1080 to top‑tier daily‑trainer status.

Runner’s World (UK) contributor Ali Ball praises the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 as a softer, bouncier, and lighter evolution of a trusted daily trainer. Enthusiastic but measured, Ball—an obvious longtime 1080 fan—highlights meaningful upgrades: a higher stack (38/32mm), reduced 6mm drop, lighter Fresh Foam X midsole, improved rocker profile, and a more supportive upper that fixed the v12’s stretchiness. Real-world testing (including a 20-mile run) produced no hot spots and confirmed roomy toe-box fit and secure heel lockdown, though the shoe isn’t intended for high-speed intervals or trails. Comparisons to plush rivals (Nimbus 25, Invincible 3) and mention of forefoot stiffening and potential lineup cannibalization are notable insights. Overall, the tone is warmly approving—this is presented as a safe, versatile choice for long runs, recovery days, and novice marathoners.

RunRepeat praises the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 as an ultra-plush daily trainer that prioritizes comfort above all else. The reviewer highlights an overhauled Fresh Foam X midsole with marshmallow-like softness (very low durometer), roomy yet true-to-size fit, excellent breathability, and surprisingly durable blown-rubber outsole—backed by lab figures for cushioning, stack height, energy return, grip, flexibility, and wear tests. Criticisms focus on limited energy return and modest stability—making the shoe best for neutral runners and easy-to-moderate paces rather than faster workouts—and a slightly stiff heel counter that may bother some. At $165 it’s judged reasonably priced for its cushioning and longevity. The piece stands out for its detailed lab measurements (e.g., 34.1 mm heel stack, 58%–60% energy return, Shore A ~10), practical fit notes, and clear recommendations for alternative models for those seeking more bounce or support.

Marley Dickinson from Canadian Running praises the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 as a softer, lighter, and more versatile iteration of the long-running 1080 line. She highlights a full Fresh Foam X midsole that raises stack height while reducing weight, and a reengineered Hypoknit upper made from over 50% recycled materials that improves lockdown, breathability, and fit for varied foot shapes. Dickinson applauds the shoe’s smooth, responsive ride—suitable for easy runs, long miles, recovery, and up-tempo efforts—while noting it can feel a bit bulky for fast intervals. She tested traction and found no meaningful grip changes versus the v12, though v13 felt softer and lighter. The main criticism is sizing: the fit runs large, so she recommends trying a half size down. Overall, she calls it an ideal “everything” trainer and a dependable staple for many runners.

Running Shoes Guru praises the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 as a plush, bouncy daily trainer that excels at easy runs, recovery miles, and high mileage thanks to its Fresh Foam X midsole and rocker-assisted transition. The reviewer is clearly enthusiastic about the shoe’s cloud-like cushioning, lightness relative to the previous model, breathable knit upper, comfortable gusseted tongue and padded heel, reliable traction in wet conditions, and overall fit — calling it a mainstay in their rotation. Reservations are noted and candid: the shoe offers minimal stability, feels unsettled on tight turns or single-leg drills, and isn’t the ideal pick for sustained tempo or speed-focused workouts. At $165 the value is in line with competitors, and the tone is warm and approving while still acknowledging sensible limits.

Women’s Running tester Laura Fountain highlights the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 as a lighter, softer, and notably comfortable update to the long-running 1080 line. She writes with clear enthusiasm—calling it possibly the only running shoe she’d want—while also noting a potential fit issue for wider feet. The review emphasizes plush yet responsive Fresh Foam X cushioning, a higher stack but lower weight than the v12, and improved upper structure that holds the foot securely; real-world tests include easy club runs and a faster solo 6-mile where the shoe felt springy rather than sluggish. Overall the tone is strongly positive and personally convincing: the 1080v13 is presented as a versatile daily trainer that challenges rivals like the Asics Gel Nimbus 25 and Brooks Ghost Max, especially for neutral runners seeking comfort on easy and longer runs.

Meta Endurance praises the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 as a plush, well-cushioned daily trainer that noticeably improves on prior 1080 iterations. Alex and Tim both highlight a luxurious, heavily padded upper (true to size but potentially warm in hot weather) and a much softer Fresh Foam X midsole that delivers excellent leg-saving comfort from recovery to tempo paces, though it’s less lively than carbon or supershoe foams. They note minor stability quirks—some medial compression and lateral roll at toe-off—and raise durability concerns (midsole compression and outsole/upper wear after modest mileage). Value is rated highly at the U.S. price but questioned at the higher EU MSRP. Overall, the tone is clearly positive and enthusiastic about ride quality and fit, tempered by pragmatic caveats around breathability, stability, and long-term durability.

Tom's Guide praises the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 as the best iteration yet of the long-running 1080 line, calling it a softer, lighter, and more versatile everyday trainer that retains plush comfort while adding lively responsiveness. The reviewer enthusiastically highlights tangible upgrades — notably a lighter Fresh Foam X midsole, increased stack, improved outsole geometry, and roomy yet supportive engineered mesh — and reports successful testing across easy miles and tempo sessions, even suggesting it can handle distances from 5K to marathon recovery runs. Criticisms are measured: a slightly higher price than the predecessor and potential fit variability across New Balance models (the v13 runs a touch roomier) are noted, but these caveats don’t dampen the overall endorsement; the 1080v13 is recommended over the v12 and holds its own versus rivals like the Nimbus 25 and Nike Invincible 3.

Amanda Brooks from RunToTheFinish praises the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 as a plush, highly comfortable daily trainer that has shifted toward maximal cushioning and softness compared with prior versions. The reviewer—an avid longtime 1080 fan—notes increased stack height, puffier collar, and a bouncier ride that makes the shoe ideal for easy and long runs, while acknowledging it’s lost some of the speed and responsiveness that made earlier iterations useful for faster workouts. Unique insights include direct comparisons to the 1080v12 and v10, parallels with the Saucony Triumph 21, and a practical warning that the extra cushion may aggravate certain injuries (Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles, lower‑back issues). Overall the tone is fond but measured: enthusiastic about comfort and Fresh Foam X tech, yet realistically cautious about trade‑offs for speed and clinical concerns.

Steve Wright from Men’s Fitness highlights the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 as an exceptionally plush, luxurious daily trainer that prioritizes long-run comfort and cushioning. He praises its lighter weight, bigger Fresh Foam X stack, refined rocker and reinforced upper for superb step-in feel, smooth transitions and durable outsole — noting 9.2 oz weight, 38/32mm stack and over 400 km (400+ miles) of testing. However, Wright cautions that the v13’s max-cushion focus reduces ground feel and tempo potential compared with more versatile trainers, and the snugger upper can feel less airy. Overall he’s enthusiastic about its recovery- and easy-run capabilities, durability, and suitability for beginners or larger runners, while advising those seeking responsiveness or faster paces to consider alternatives.

Matt Kollat assesses the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 as an excellent, joyfully comfortable daily trainer that builds on its predecessor without losing what made the line great. The review is upbeat and enthusiastic—praising improved forefoot stiffness, a more pronounced rocker, slightly higher stack height, and livelier energy return while keeping the plush Fresh Foam X cushioning and glove-like 'Second-Skin' mesh fit. Kollat highlights practical wins (comfort for wide feet despite D width, useful heel support, good grip, and suitability for plantar fasciitis/recovery runs) and notes mild caveats—uncertainty about wet traction and a small UK price rise—but these barely temper the recommendation. He also situates the 1080v13 among peers (ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25, Nike Pegasus 40), emphasizing its do-it-all versatility and urging readers to hunt for deals.

Alastair Dixon from Trail & Kale highlights the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 as a plush, versatile daily trainer that balances exceptional cushioning with surprising responsiveness. He praises the Fresh Foam X midsole for delivering a “pillow-like” landing without feeling slow, calling the shoe ideal for recovery miles, long runs, and everyday walking, and notes durable Ndurance rubber and a supportive, breathable upper. Dixon reports the 1080v13 handles moderate tempo runs better than expected but isn’t a primary speed or racing shoe. He also emphasizes runner-focused touches—like a flexible heel that can help those with Achilles issues—and recommends the HOKA Mach 6 as a faster-workout complement. The tone is warm and enthusiastic, with clear real-world testing over multiple runs; minor caveats (not for fast race days) are acknowledged but don’t dent the overall positive endorsement.

WearTesters praises the New Balance 1080v13 as the brand’s best 1080 yet—a plush, bouncy daily trainer that combines a refined, true-to-size fit and comfortably engineered mesh upper with lively Fresh Foam X cushioning that feels protective yet surprisingly springy. The reviewers (Annie and Drew) are clearly enthusiastic about its ride, versatility for recovery runs, long miles, and even some speed work, and they highlight thoughtful fit details (good room for wide feet, stable lockdown, stretchy gusseted tongue). Reservations are measured: Drew flags potential outsole durability issues with the softer Ndurance rubber and both question whether the $165 price is fully justified versus similarly capable competitors. Overall, the tone is strongly positive and recommending, tempered by pragmatic concerns about longevity and value.