New Balance 1080v15 vs 1080v14
1080v15 or Fresh Foam X 1080v14? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
The 1080v15 replaced the Fresh Foam X 1080v14.
A completely new foam (no longer Fresh Foam X), making it much lighter and bouncier. The Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is $40 less while it lasts.
Get the 1080v15 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want more bounce and energy back
- You’re on your feet all day or walk a lot
- You need a roomier fit
Get the Fresh Foam X 1080v14 if
- You’d like a little less squish underfoot
- You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit
- You’d rather spend $40 less
On the run
1080v15: The softest, lightest max cushion. A big change. New Balance’s new foam is the softest of any shoe here in lab tests, noticeably bouncy and much lighter than the v14. That softness can feel a little unstable for runners who need support.
Fresh Foam X 1080v14: The pillow-soft classic. Plush and cloud-soft, with a low drop and a curved toe that keeps you rolling. It’s comfortable at easy paces but isn’t built to go fast.
Specs side by side
| 1080v15 | Fresh Foam X 1080v14 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169.99 | $129.99 (was $165) |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 40 / 34mm* | 38 / 32mm* |
| Drop | 6mm | 6mm* |
| Weight, men’s | 9.2 oz | 9.9 oz* |
| Weight, women’s | 7.3 oz | 8.3 oz* |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra wide | Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Recovery runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Recovery runs, Long runs |
| Expected life | 300–400 miles | 400–500 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
1080v15. True to size. Reviewers disagree on width, with some calling it roomy and others narrow, so try it on. The heel can slip on turns.
Fresh Foam X 1080v14. True to size, but the toebox narrows early, so little toes can rub. Narrow through extra-wide.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the 1080v15 · Shop the Fresh Foam X 1080v14 · Compare other running shoes