Test: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11 Running Shoes
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11 we tested in this article are the eleventh version of these successful running shoes.
It is important to remember that since their inception, the Fresh Foam 1080 were a model designed for runners looking for cushioning, reactivity and comfort. These 3 aspects were enhanced thanks to the foam that gives the New Balance their name. Let’s see how all this technology has evolved in this latest version.
The upper area
The characteristic midsole is not the only remarkable feature of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11. So is their upper, which is made up of a mesh called Hypoknit in the shape of a sock that surrounds the entire foot.
The front has a large number of holes to promote breathability, as well as to prevent water ingress. In addition, they have some reinforcements in the toecap that will help us to protect our toes from any external element and improve the durability of the whole shoe.
On the outer side we see the New Balance logo with large dimensions, wider than in the predecessor version and with rigid elements in more parts of the upper, especially in the parts of our foot that do not need so much breathability and where it is preferred to increase the amount of fabric to give the shoes more rigidity against lateral movements.
In the rear part, the collar part, we can see the specific shape that helps us to easily put on the Fresh Foam 1080, something that is very noticeable and that is becoming standard in most other New Balance models.
In short, the upper of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11 brings important changes compared to the previous version and lets you go out without wearing socks if you are one of those who prefer this.
What the midsole looks like
New Balance keeps betting on the midsole based on the famous Fresh Foam that we have already mentioned above. It is a foam that completely surrounds the entire sole and that we can see in abundance on the sides and even on the bottom. This model maintains a soft but consistent feel, offering a high reactivity whatever the terrain you take them on.
What does change from the previous version is the pattern of the small side cuts that is featured. In these 1080 v11 there are some micro reliefs of hexagonal shape, which we must clarify, does not alter the performance of the foam.
Finally, let’s talk about the drop. In these New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11 it remains the same, 8mm. With a height of 19mm in the toe and 27mm in the heel.
The sole
In the new New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11 there is no change in the outsole compared to the v10, neither in the lug pattern nor in the layout. This one is still made with three different materials for different parts favouring one aspect or another, such as traction, grip or durability.
First of all, we have a very abrasion resistant rubber in a dark blue colour. It is located at the back, in the heel, to increase resistance for those runners who do not have such a tight technique and are used to heel. It is also found in the toe cap, to promote toe-off and increase durability.
Secondly, we find a lighter blue colour located on the external side of the midfoot and in the central area of the forefoot, areas where support is paramount but also where we try to place a rubber capable of supporting traction and transition during the stride cycle.
Finally, we find the Fresh Foam X foam without protection, in areas with minimal wear as this foam is very soft and although placing harder rubbers increases the weight of the whole, it cannot be left exposed in the whole sole.
A sole that will surely be able to last between 600 and 800 kilometres without difficulty (always depending on the terrain where you run, as well as the pace).
Putting in the miles
We put on the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11and the first thing we noticed is the tightness of the last together with its comfort. If you have thin feet and are looking for a running shoe that wraps around your foot, the 1080 v11 is a great choice. A comfortable, breathable upper that does not generate excessive pressure points when we tighten the laces. This is helped by the tongue, stitched on the sides to the upper mesh and with a considerable thickness.
The heel collar is something very characteristic in the asphalt models of the American company. It is not very obvious if we look at it from the outside, but inside it is noticeable.
The cushioning of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11 is their main feature. The Fresh Foam outsole provides reactivity, lightness and durability, key features for the type of user the shoes are intended for. The transition during the stride cycle is very smooth. We notice the reactivity when we land and from there the energy is transformed towards take-off.
If we go into the outsole, we have found it to be more than adequate as we haven’t had any scares nor have we noticed any lack of traction in the conditions in which we have been running with the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11. An outsole that will surely help us to cover a lot of kilometres.
Conclusions
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11 are running shoes that do not disappoint.
The eleventh version of these shoes from the American company offers great cushioning, comfort, lightness, reactivity and high durability to have kilometres to enjoy before retiring.
For who?
For those runners who do not have a lot of technique, who are over 75 kg or more, whose stride cycle is predominantly heel strike, who have a neutral stride and who are looking for a shoe with a lot of cushioning. A running shoe for slow training sessions between 5:35’/km and 5:45’/km very suitable for half marathon to marathon distances and even some 50kms races.
PROS
Upper comfort
Fit
Soft cushioning
CONS
Width of the collar
Technical information
Brand
New Balance
Model
Fresh Foam 1080 v11
Fit system
Lace-up
Upper
Engineered Mesh Hypoknit
Midsole
Fresh Foam
Sole
Blown rubber NB
Drop
8mm -19mm toe and 27mm heel-
Available sizes
From 38EU to 49EU
Weight
263g
Colours available
Blue and grey; Black, grey and white; Red, black and grey.
More information here
