The previous version of (1080 v13) marked a new path for and the 1080 line. Some runners faced challenges with the shoes. They were simply too soft and too lively to be a solid daily trainer. Therefore, New Balance made several small updates, giving 1080 v14 a distinctly different feel than v13.
New Balance 1080 v14 remains soft and highly cushioned, but feels more stable underfoot. It feels more solid. More substantial. Yet still fun and bouncy.
New Balance 1080 v14 - Simple and stable
I like when a shoe is simply built yet well-crafted. That's v14. One foam type in the midsole that just works. Not too many extras, just a lot of Fresh Foam X, tightened up a bit more than the latest edition, and a good roll through the footstrike due to the shoe's 6mm drop.
6mm drop might sound low, but with the sole being softer, it feels more like an 8mm drop. I can struggle with low-drop shoes, as my calves and Achilles tendons typically get more strained when running a lot in low-drop shoes, but this hasn't been the case with 1080 v14, here it just feels natural.
The outsole has also received a different design. In the previous edition, the rubber layout resembled fingers running diagonally across the outsole. This provided more flexibility but might have also contributed to some finding the shoes slightly unstable. The new outsole design is more classic, providing great grip while delivering a more stable feel underfoot.
New Balance 1080 v14 - A modern classic
Another classic aspect is the shoe's upper. Recent editions of featured a sneaker-like upper. Meaning, they used very comfortable mesh types that didn’t always offer the structure needed in a running shoe.
The upper on 1080 v14 is very classic. There's reinforcement across the midfoot, holding the foot well and contributing to a good "lockdown" in the shoes. Additionally, there's a firm heel counter that also holds the foot well, along with plenty of padding both on the tongue and around the ankle. Otherwise, it's made of a breathable mesh that, as mentioned earlier, provides good structure and a great hold on the foot.
I think New Balance 1080 v14 is a running shoe that almost every runner can use. It's uncomplicated, solid, and really nice to run in. Although the drop is on the low side, it feels natural to run in these shoes, and if you're one of those who thought the previous version was a bit too lively, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
The only slight downside I can think of is that 1080 v14 is actually slightly heavier than the previous version. With a weight of 284g, it's still nicely under the 300g I prefer my
to stay under, but it would have been nice if 1080 v14 weighed 266g like the previous version.
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