Review: New Balance 1080v15 – Versatility Meets Responsiveness

The New Balance 1080 has been one of the most popular everyday trainers for years, known for its outstanding comfort, versatility and performance.

ㅤ
With the new 1080v15, New Balance introduces an update that feels noticeably more responsive than its predecessors and delivers an even smoother ride thanks to the lighter Infinion foam.

ㅤ

SportsShoes ambassador Lisa Knab tested the shoe on long runs and even during her HYROX workouts, sharing her experience in this review.

ㅤ

ㅤ

ㅤ

First Impressions

The New Balance 1080v15 impresses at first glance with its modern design. The bright lime green colourway with blue accents is a real eye-catcher and a great motivational boost on dull winter runs. In addition, the midsole reflects in the dark, which not only looks stylish but also helps improve visibility in low-light conditions.

ㅤ

ㅤ

Fit & Comfort

The New Balance 1080v15 fits true to size and offers plenty of space in the forefoot without feeling wide. The new contoured mesh upper feels soft while still providing stability, adapting comfortably to the foot. Even on longer runs the breathability remains consistently impressive.

ㅤ

The tongue is well padded, stays securely in place while running and causes no pressure points. Overall, the shoe feels relatively lightweight without sacrificing stability.

ㅤ

Lisa finds that the biggest changes compared to its predecessor can be felt in the midsole and outsole: “The cushioning is still very comfortable, but noticeably firmer than in the 1080v14. This makes the shoe feel more stable and offers much more control. The outsole also feels harder and more robust than in the previous model.”

ㅤ

ㅤ

Performance & Use

The New Balance 1080v15 is a true all-rounder, making it suitable for both beginner and more experienced runners. It really shines during daily training and long runs, but Lisa also notes that its increased responsiveness makes it a solid option for faster-paced sessions.

ㅤ

Even in winter conditions, the shoe impresses with its excellent grip, making the 1080v15 a reliable companion across a wide range of training scenarios: “The grip is very good on dry roads, and the shoe also remains dependable in wet conditions.”

ㅤ

ㅤ

Verdict

After roughly 25 kilometres of test runs and two HYROX workouts including sprint sessions, Lisa’s verdict is thoroughly positive. She is particularly impressed by the shoe’s successful combination of cushioning, responsiveness, and versatility, making the 1080v15 a reliable and enjoyable all-round trainer.

ㅤ

ㅤ

The New Balance 1080v15 offers plenty of comfort for relaxed endurance runs, yet remains stable and responsive enough to pick up the pace when needed: “In my current shoe rotation, it's my first choice for long training runs and when I'm not quite sure how I want to run.”

ㅤ

ㅤ

If you want to dive even deeper into details, check out our First Look article, which takes an in-depth look at the shoe’s features.

ㅤ

Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.