Here, we're not shy about calling some running shoes the best. We make many articles and videos about the best shoes for easy runs, tempo runs, and so on. But we've never called anything the “world's best running shoe,” let alone the “world's best running shoe for everyone.” Now, has used it for their , and although it might be a marketing trick, it has certainly raised my expectations for the shoe.
The 1080 series is New Balance's top running shoe for easy runs and versatile use. Traditionally a mileage training shoe, ensuring a comfortable run every time.
In my view, New Balance has done many things right with the 1080v13. They've looked at one of their latest successes, the More series, and adopted many of its good features. They focused on the large, soft midsole, low drop, and the smooth ride provided by the shoe's rocker geometry.
But the is also quite extreme. You can sense it from the name “More”—you get a lot, perhaps more than necessary? This is where the genius of the 1080v13 emerges. New Balance has created a shoe that isn't too much but precisely what you need.
With the 1080, you get both the soft midsole in a scaled-down package, and a 6mm drop, lower than the traditional 8-10mm in classic mileage shoes.
New Balance 1080v13 – Uncomplicated and Comfortable
I love simple running shoes. Not simple in a bad way, but simple with few, well-chosen materials. It doesn't need to be complicated, just good materials. I typically prefer one midsole material and an upper without many layers and reinforcements.
The New Balance 1080v13 is such a shoe. The midsole consists of Fresh Foam X foam, tuned to be soft yet responsive, so energy doesn't die in your stride.
New Balance 1080v13 – A Small (but Warm) Minus
Additionally, the upper is made of mesh material, keeping my foot in place without tightness. However, I'm not entirely thrilled with the upper, as it is the only downside in my eyes. The material is on the thicker side.
I've been lucky to get the shoe before its official release and have run many times during the Danish Indian summer, with temperatures around 20°C. In those conditions, my feet got warmer than I liked.
There are no other issues with the upper pressing or irritating my foot. It's also soft and comfortable to wear—it would have been perfect if it was slightly more ventilated.
New Balance 1080v13 – Outsole in a New Direction
On the outsole, has also changed the design. now features a different rubber pattern, intended to feel more natural during foot strikes. The rubber placements run along the foot instead of across. The grip still works well, and New Balance says the placement helps make the forefoot slightly stiffer. Whether it's due to the outsole, midsole, or a combination, I don't know, but I appreciate the slight structure under the forefoot aiding the stride.
Whether New Balance is right about it being the world's best running shoe for everyone is hard to say. Personally, it instantly became the shoe I reach for first when heading out for a run. I love the low weight, the comfortable yet responsive feel underfoot, and the effortless stride I get when running in it. So maybe it's the world's best running shoe for me, but is it also the world's best running shoe for you?
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