The 1080V10 is New Balance’s premium daily trainer, a competitor to the likes of Saucony’s Triumph 18 and Hoka’s Bondi, though it’s actually a very different beast. Though it boasts 30mm of New Balance’s revised Fresh Foam, the shoe’s rocker profile and relatively light weight make it well-suited for longer tempo runs. At the same time the firm ride, while not harsh, means that there are better choices for recovery days—the Bondi, Triumph, and New Balance’s Fresh Foam More are all better suited for easy days.
The 1080s unique, polarizing profile.
I don’t have last year’s model for comparison, but like the 880, the 1080 has undergone significant changes from last year’s model. The V10 is lighter, has a revised outsole, adopts New Balance’s Fresh Foam X, and uses an entirely new stretch knit upper. The result is a very different shoe that promises to do many things well.
Technical Information
Weighing in at 20.5 ounces per pair in a men’s size 10.5, the 1080 sits on 30mm of brand new Fresh Foam X material (22mm under the forefoot for an 8mm drop). New Balance claims that Fresh Foam X is lighter and more responsive than its predecessor. This is evident in the shoe’s weight, as the 1080V10 loses an ounce per shoe.
The channels between the darker portions of blown rubber contribute to the 1080’s flexibility.
The outsole is largely covered with blown rubber with a few portions of exposed midsole in low-wear areas. Several grooves in the rubber add flexibility. The outsole is well-protected and promises to be durable.
The Hypoknit uppers are soft, stretchy, and comparatively thin.
The upper makes the shoe virtually unrecognizable compared to the V9. New Balance’s Hypoknit upper is light, stretchy, and relatively thin. The heel is constructed of a different material with a rubberized texture and a raised heel collar to reduce pressure on the Achilles tendon. The design doubles as an effective pull-tab. Patterns molded into the heel counter and stitched into the knit fabric lend a textured appearance.
The heels have been likened to elf slippers or sharks’ fins.
The shoe is wide enough to accommodate my decidedly average size 10 feet, but I ended up going up half a size, as my big toes were almost to the end of the toe box. I’m not sure if this is limited to the shoes I tried on or if the 1080s run a little short, but it’s obviously an important consideration.
Impressions and Application
The new design is radical, polarizing, and unique. The 1080 is a premium daily trainer that eschews the plush padding seen in the Triumph or Bondi in favor of a stretchy knit upper combined with a flexible, structured, and distinctively tall heel counter. Even the tongue, which runs on the longer side, is comparatively thin.
The heel counters are comfortable and prevent slippage. The tall profile protects the Achilles tendon and make for easy entry.
It works. This is a comfortable shoe that should have better ventilation than some of its plusher competitors, though I would add that my feet were fine on a recent run in 43 degree weather with regular socks. As noted above, I had to go up half a size. I wondered if the additional room in the mid foot and toe box would lead to a sloppy fit and blisters, but the 1080s fit well with no slippage, hot spots, or rubbing. Others might wish to look at the 880V10, which shares the 1080’s Hypoknit material with a more padded upper and has a more traditional profile.
The 1080’s rocker. The Bondi’s rocker is more pronounced and propulsive, but the 1080 moves around with aplomb.
In spite of the high stack height, the shoes aren’t pillowy soft. The Bondi and Triumph both have softer rides, making them perhaps more suited for recovery runs.
That said, the 1080 is comfortable underfoot. The Fresh Foam X, which seems to firm up on a run, cushions impacts well while returning a considerable amount energy. This, in concert with the 1080’s rocker and the shoe’s comparatively light weight, provides the shoe with a propulsive feel. Its no Rincon or Kinvara, but the 1080 wouldn’t be a bad choice for longer tempo runs or even a half marathon.
The outsole is largely covered with thick sections of blown rubber and should be durable. I have a few reservations about the durability of the 880s outsoles based on the raised portions of the rubber, which are similar to those of the 1080, but numerous reviewers have praised the 1080’s durability.
The 1080 is yet another viable contender for an all-rounder, a shoe that can do many things reasonably well, though its $150 price tag puts it into a rarefied category. Comfortable enough for long runs with enough cushioning for longer runs, the 1080 is responsive enough for tempo runs and longer races. The appearance has polarized runners, and in my experience, it’s best to go up half a size, but these are comfortable shoes that can work for a variety of runs.
The Future
The 1080V10 was released last November. In a normal year, the next iteration of New Balance’s flagship daily trainer should be right around the corner. Heck, Saucony dropped the Triumph 18 half a year after releasing version 17. But 2020 has been a hellish nightmare that has wracked havoc on the industry. As of mid October, there doesn’t appear to be an imminent new release.
Uses: Daily trainer, tempo runs, long runs
Weight: 20.5 ounces. Pair, men’s size 10.5
Drop: 8mm
Cost: $150
Link: 1080V10
