New Balance 1080v15 Review: Introducing Infinion™
The New Balance 1080v15 marks the most significant update in the history of New Balance’s flagship daily trainer. For nearly a decade, the 1080 has been synonymous with plush comfort thanks to Fresh Foam — but in version 15, New Balance finally turns the page.
The result?
A lighter, more energetic, more stable shoe that still delivers the comfort runners expect from the 1080 name.
This is not just an iteration.
It’s a full-scale evolution.
A New Era for the 1080: Goodbye Fresh Foam, Hello Infinion™
For years, Fresh Foam X defined the ride of the 1080 — soft, forgiving, and comfortable over long miles. But as supercritical foams have become the gold standard in modern daily trainers, EVA-based compounds were beginning to feel dated.
Enter Infinion™ midsole foam.
Built using a supercritical nitrogen-infusion process, Infinion replaces Fresh Foam X entirely in the v15. The benefits are immediately noticeable:
• Lighter weight
• Improved energy return
• Greater stability
• Longer-lasting cushioning resilience
New Balance states that Infinion outperformed Fresh Foam X in internal lab testing across cushioning consistency, responsiveness, and durability — and early real-world testing supports that claim.
Ride Feel: Plush, But No Longer “Too Soft”
One of the most common criticisms of previous 1080 versions was that they could feel too soft — particularly for runners dealing with knee, foot, or IT band sensitivity.
The v15 addresses this directly.
While still firmly in the max-cushioned daily trainer category, the Infinion foam introduces a slightly firmer, more stable platform underfoot. The heel absorbs impact smoothly, while the midfoot and forefoot transition with a controlled, energetic bounce.
This makes the New Balance 1080v15 Men’s Running Shoes and New Balance 1080v15 Women’s Running Shoes feel:
• More predictable
• Less sink-in
• Better suited to longer runs and steady mileage
It’s still comfortable — just smarter about how it delivers that comfort.
Weight Reduction That Actually Matters
Despite increasing stack height, the 1080v15 is significantly lighter than its predecessor.
Weight comparison:
• v15: 261g (Men), ~207g (Women)
• v14: +37g heavier
That’s a meaningful saving in a shoe designed for daily miles. Less weight means:
• Reduced fatigue over long runs
• A smoother, more natural stride
• Greater versatility across paces
The 1080v15 no longer feels like a shoe reserved only for slow or recovery runs — it’s capable of handling a wider range of training efforts.
Updated Stack Height, Same Trusted Geometry
New Balance has subtly increased the stack height while maintaining the familiar 1080 geometry.
Tech Specs:
• Stack height: 40mm heel / 34mm forefoot
• Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
This keeps the shoe well within World Athletics regulations while enhancing underfoot protection. The 6mm drop strikes a nice balance — promoting a smooth heel-to-toe transition without forcing an aggressive forward lean.
Upper Redesign: Modern, Lighter, More Breathable
The v15 receives an all-new contoured knit mesh upper, and visually, it’s one of the biggest changes to date.
Moulded contour detailing gives the shoe a more expressive, modern look, while the knit construction improves:
• Breathability
• Flexibility
• Weight reduction
The fit feels sock-like without being restrictive, and the plush padding in the heel collar and tongue adds step-in comfort without bulk.
Important fit note: Some testers found the v15 to run slightly longer than the v14. If the previous version fit you perfectly, you may want to consider half a size down. If you found the v14 too short, the v15 should feel spot-on.
Outsole: Grip Where You Need It, Weight Saved Where You Don’t
The outsole design is strategically minimalist.
High-abrasion rubber is placed only in key wear zones:
• Heel
• Forefoot
The midfoot is left exposed to reduce overall weight without compromising traction. Testers reported strong grip even in wet and wintery conditions, making the 1080v15 a reliable year-round option.
New Balance 1080v15 vs 1080v14
What’s changed?
• Infinion midsole replaces Fresh Foam X
• 37g weight reduction
• Increased heel stack from 38mm → 40mm
• Improved stability and energy return
• More breathable, contoured knit upper
The v15 retains the essence of the 1080 — but modernises it in every meaningful way.
How Does It Compare to Other Max-Cushion Shoes?
The 1080v15 sits alongside other premium daily trainers such as ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 & Brooks Glycerin 23.
Compared to these, the 1080v15 stands out for its:
• Lower drop (6mm vs 8mm)
• Lighter feel underfoot
• Balanced ride that avoids excessive softness
It’s an excellent option for runners who want cushioning without losing responsiveness.
Who Is the New Balance 1080v15 Best For?
The 1080v15 is ideal for:
• Runners logging high weekly mileage
• Those seeking a plush but stable daily trainer
• Walkers or professionals on their feet all day
• Runners who found earlier 1080 versions too soft
If you want one shoe that can handle easy runs, long runs, recovery days, and everyday wear, the 1080v15 is a standout choice.
Final Verdict
The New Balance 1080v15 collection is the most complete version of the 1080 to date.
By moving to Infinion foam, New Balance has future-proofed its flagship daily trainer — delivering lighter weight, improved stability, and longer-lasting cushioning, without sacrificing comfort.
This is the 1080 evolved — and one of the strongest daily trainers of 2026.