Fresh Foam X 1080v13

Fashion & Footwear › Running Shoes

Fresh Foam X 1080v13

Model timeline

Men's foam running sneakers

New Balance logoby New Balancebrand #4 in Running Shoes

Should you buy it??

OverturnedDividedHolds up

Not enough evidence yet

One source so far — no reviewer, buyer or press cross-check yet.

Quick take

In short: what each side says

Reviewers — each opened up in full further down ↓

Reviewers3.55 video reviews

Reviewers agree the 1080v13 is an exceptionally comfortable, plush daily trainer that runs lighter and softer than its predecessor but has become too soft for faster paces and runs narrower than older versions.

Behind this verdict5 reviews~3 hrs of research 2 min to read

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01

The verdict

What the panel makes of it.

The 1080v13 ranks third for knee-pain relief and excels as a plush, lightweight daily trainer for easy runs and recovery, though reviewers and buyers agree its excessive softness undermines faster paces and its narrower fit requires sizing up. Best suited to comfort-first runners willing to sacrifice versatility, it commands strong approval for all-day wear despite durability concerns.

Act one

What the machines think.

Several AI models read the category and place this product — model by model, list by list, over time.

02

Rank trajectory?

Weeks of movement.

Act two · ★ new

What the people say.

The same product, judged by the owners who bought and filmed it — what they praise, what they knock, who it's for.

03

Video reviews?

What reviewers actually say.

3.5 / 5positive · 5 videosDivided
Spread2.0 · wide
135

AI summary of 5 reviews · as of May 2026

Reviewers agree the 1080v13 is an exceptionally comfortable, plush daily trainer that runs lighter and softer than its predecessor but has become too soft for faster paces and runs narrower than older versions.

What they praise

  • Extremely soft and plush Fresh Foam X cushioning that feels lighter and bouncier than earlier versions
  • Supremely comfortable upper with excellent lockdown, padding, and breathability for all-day wear
  • Noticeably lighter than the previous model while maintaining cushioning
  • Versatile enough for easy runs, recovery runs, and long distances
  • Comfortable heel counter design that flexes and avoids Achilles pressure

What they knock

  • Runs narrower than previous versions—standard width feels tight for average feet
  • Foam is too soft and energy-absorbing for tempo runs or speed work, making it slower than expected effort suggests
  • No longer versatile enough for all paces; now limited mainly to easy and recovery runs
  • Outsole rubber wears down faster than the midsole foam in high-traffic areas

Who reviewers think this product is — and isn’t — for

For you if

Runners seeking an exceptionally soft, comfortable daily trainer for easy runs, recovery miles, and long distances who prefer plush cushioning over responsiveness and can size up in width if needed.

Look elsewhere if

Runners who want one shoe for all paces including tempo work and speed sessions, or those with standard-width feet who cannot access wide sizing options.

In their own words

  • it's uncomplicated very honest

    RunningXpert

  • you just feel like you're absolutely melting into the pavement as you run

    Ben Parkes

  • it just Springs back in a very pleasant and fun way that makes logging in those everyday runs such a pleasure

    kofuzi

Synthesised from: Alastair Running · RunningXpert · Ben Parkes · kofuzi · Hes Kicks

Watch the reviews

New Balance 1080 v13 Review

Alastair Running

New Balance 1080 v13 Review - Fresh Foam X to the next level!

RunningXpert

Is The New Balance 1080 V13 Really As Bad As The Online Reviews Say? My honest & unbiased thoughts!

Ben Parkes

New Balance 1080v13 After 100 Miles

kofuzi

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 Review: Comparing to 1080v12

Hes Kicks

Act three · ★ new

Do they agree?

Put the machine's rank and the owners' score in one frame, settle it with a verdict, and answer the only question that matters: should you buy it?

04

The disagreement

Where the juries actually split.

The video critics split with each other.

RunningXpert

4.5/ 5

the warmest read in the room

Ben Parkes

2.5/ 5

the toughest read in the room

What splits them

Some reviewers find the shoe fast enough for moderate tempo efforts while others say it saps energy and slows pace by 15 seconds per kilome…

Per-critic scores from the video reviews above?

05

Frequently asked

What buyers want to know.

  • What is New Balance 1080 v13 best for?

    Reviewers say it's best for easy runs, recovery miles, and long distances where plush comfort matters more than speed. It works well for runners who want an exceptionally soft daily trainer and can size up if they have wider feet.

  • Is 1080 v13 too soft?

    Reviewers are split. Some say the softness is its main strength for comfort and all-day wear. Others say it's too soft for tempo runs and speed work, absorbing energy in a way that slows pace. The shoe runs narrower than earlier versions, so standard width may feel tight for average feet.

  • What is the difference between 1080 V12 and v13?

    Reviewers note the v13 is lighter and bouncier than the v12 while keeping the plush cushioning. It runs noticeably narrower than the previous model, which some see as a fit issue for standard widths.

  • Is 1080v13 good for walking?

    Reviewers highlight its supremely comfortable upper with excellent padding and breathability, plus a heel counter that flexes without Achilles pressure. These traits make it suitable for all-day wear and long distances, though it was designed as a running shoe.

06

The recap

Where it stands today.

  • MakerBy New Balance — see how it ranks across other intents on its brand profile.