RunRepeat83
Lab testing shows very soft, durable cushioning and a breathable premium upper that suit easy runs and recovery.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
8 expert reviews#4 of 7 running shoesChecked 1 Nov 2026
Quick answer
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 has a critic score of 82 out of 100 from 8 professional reviews, including RunRepeat, OutdoorGearLab and Believe in the Run. 6 of 8 recommend it, and scores range from 72 (OutdoorGearLab) to 89 (Believe in the Run). 2 of the scores are printed by the outlets and 6 are our estimates from the review text. Most praised: comfort and cushioning (8 of 8); performance (5 of 8). Most common complaints: size and weight (2 of 8). It ranks #4 of the 7 running shoes we score.
Reviews checked 1 Nov 2026
Photo coming
Best for: Best plush daily trainer
Our verdict
8 professional reviewers tested the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, and 6 recommend it. Most praised: comfort and cushioning and performance. Most common complaint: size and weight.
The catch: It gained weight and the upper runs warm.
Critic agreement: High
Scores run from 72 to 892 printed scores, 6 estimated · printed scores only: 78
6 of these 8 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text and corrected for the known tendency of estimates to run high.
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What do critics say about the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14?
OutdoorGearLab72
Extremely soft and comfortable for easy mileage, but the testers found it heavy, unstable and mushy.
Believe in the Run89est.
All three testers like it as a soft, stable cruiser and an easy-day max-cushion trainer, with one calling it among the year's best daily trainers.
Believe in the Run85est.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is a comfortable, reliable daily trainer that offers a smooth ride and a versatile fit.
Doctors of Running83est.
Two physical therapists see it as a plush, consistent daily workhorse for easy miles.
Trail & Kale83est.
A comfortable, shock-absorbing and more stable daily trainer for easy and recovery runs.
WearTesters83est.
A slightly more durable and stable version of the 1080v13 that makes a solid daily trainer.
The Run Testers74est.
The 1080v14 is a comfortable, stable daily trainer that feels slightly firmer and more protective than its predecessor.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict. How we score
What critics praise most
Comfort and cushioning8 of 8
Performance5 of 8
Build quality5 of 8
What critics dislike most
Size and weight2 of 8
Alternatives
Not sure about the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14?
Photo coming
Best for faster paces
Saucony Endorphin Speed 589
4 reviews · agreement mediumPhoto coming
Best overall
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6 reviews · agreement highPhoto coming
Best for a roomy fit
Hoka Clifton 1084
8 reviews · agreement highPhoto coming
Best for recovery runs
Asics Gel-Nimbus 2780
5 reviews · agreement mediumCommon questions
Is the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 worth it?
Most critics think so: 6 of 8 recommend it. It gained weight and the upper runs warm.
Do critics agree about the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14?
Agreement is high: scores range from 72 (OutdoorGearLab) to 89 (Believe in the Run), a spread of 17 points across 8 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.
What do critics dislike about the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14?
Size and weight (2 of 8 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14?
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 (critic score 89), best for faster paces.