Few running shoes carry the weight of expectation like the New Balance 1080. For years, it has been the dependable daily trainer trusted to deliver comfort and consistency across countless miles. With the new 1080v15, New Balance takes a confident step forward. Rather than a minor tweak, this version represents a thoughtful reinvention that keeps the spirit of the 1080 intact while modernizing its performance foundation.
At the heart of this change is the introduction of Infinion, a new midsole foam designed to be lighter, softer, and more responsive than Fresh Foam X. The New Balance 1080v15 aims to deliver a smoother ride with improved energy return while maintaining the plush comfort that long defined the line.
Key specifications:
Brand: New Balance
Model: 1080v15
Weight: 8.9 oz. (253 g) for US 9 model
Heel: 40 mm
Toe: 34 mm
Heel drop: 6 mm
These numbers position the 1080v15 among the lightest high-cushion trainers available, balancing generous cushioning with a notably lighter footprint than the previous version.
Cushioning & Ride
Amount of cushioning: Highly cushioned
Purpose: Daily Trainer
Price of New Balance 1080v15
Price: $170 USD
Release date: January, 2026
How it differs from the New Balance 1080v14
| Area | 1080v14 | 1080v15 |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | Fresh Foam X | Infinion supercritical foam |
| Ride Feel | Cushioned but somewhat dense | Softer, lighter, more energetic |
| Weight | 10.5 oz (Men's US9) | 8.9 oz (Men's US9) |
| Stack Height | 38 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot | 40 mm heel / 34 mm forefoot |
| Upper | Thicker knit, less airflow | Double-layer mesh, more breathable |
| Price | $160 | 170 USD |
Upper
The upper design has been completely refreshed with a double-layer engineered mesh. The result is an upper that feels softer on the foot while offering better airflow than before.
Fit: The heel and midfoot provide a secure yet comfortable wrap, while the forefoot allows moderate room for toe splay. It feels slightly narrower than the older 1080 models but still more accommodating than many other brands.
Tongue and Collar: The padded tongue and ankle collar ensure comfort during long runs, eliminating pressure points even when the laces are snug.
Breathability: More ventilated than the New Balance 1080v14, the new mesh and gusseted tongue help the shoe feel cooler and lighter on extended efforts.
This upper keeps the traditional New Balance plush feel but trims away unnecessary weight and bulk.
Midsole
The defining feature of the 1080v15 is the Infinion foam, a supercritical compound replacing Fresh Foam X. Infinion is gas-infused during manufacturing, allowing for a lighter structure and a more responsive bounce while maintaining cushioning depth.
The ride feels noticeably more elastic. The foam compresses smoothly upon landing but rebounds with a bit of spring, which helps maintain rhythm over long runs. The rocker design remains gentle, guiding the foot forward without feeling forced or overly mechanical. A mild flexibility in the forefoot improves the flow of the stride, especially when transitioning from slower to moderate paces.
For many runners, this midsole will represent the best balance yet between cushioning and responsiveness in a 1080.
Outsole
The outsole design combines blown rubber in the forefoot for softness and traction with firmer rubber at the heel for stability and durability. Traction is reliable on dry pavement and light gravel, while the coverage pattern provides smooth landings and consistent transitions. Early testing suggests that durability remains strong, though the softer midsole material may compress sooner than the firmer Fresh Foam X from earlier models.
Pros
✅ Lighter weight without losing cushioning depth
✅ Enhanced upper breathability and step-in comfort
✅ Smooth transitions with a mild rocker geometry
✅ Versatile for easy runs, long runs, and moderate tempo work
Cons
❌ Foam may lose some spring over time for heavier runners
❌ Slightly narrower toe box than older models
Who is this shoe for?
The New Balance 1080v15 suits a broad range of runners, particularly:
- Daily trainers seeking maximum comfort for frequent mileage
- Marathon and half-marathon runners looking for dependable long-run cushioning
- Neutral runners wanting a natural, balanced stride feel
- Long-time 1080 fans hoping for a livelier update without losing the classic plush character
Verdict
The New Balance 1080v15 represents a strong, confident evolution of one of the most beloved everyday trainers in running. With its lighter and bouncier Infinion midsole, improved fit, and consistent comfort, it manages to advance the series while staying loyal to its trusted formula.
It is not designed to break records or serve as a flashy race-day shoe. Instead, it quietly excels in what most runners actually need—a versatile, well-cushioned companion that turns daily mileage into enjoyable, reliable running.
For those seeking one shoe that can handle nearly every kind of training run with comfort and class, the 1080v15 earns its place at the front of the rotation.