New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13: The Best Running Shoes Around?

New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 1080 is one of the most beloved running shoes ever made, so much so that the company continues to stick with the winning formula, but tweak it year-on-year. The v13 has just launched and brings this same design philosophy, with this model’s iteration being one of the best in history.

For version 13, the team at New Balance set out to redefine the running experience, the result is a shoe that offers supreme soft cushioning, elevated comfort, and an improved fit for all runners. It combines the perfect fusion of comfort and high-performance features, making it the preferred choice for a wide range of running scenarios, from everyday jogs to competitive races.

Building upon the research and development from the New Balance Sports Research Lab, the Fresh Foam X 1080v13 introduces a new outsole design that increases forefoot stiffness and features an enhanced rocker profile. These enhancements improve transitions between strides, allowing runners to truly “run their way” with unmatched comfort.

Most significantly, the shoe boasts more cushioning for a soft and lightweight feel. The Fresh Foam X compound, paired with increased midsole stack heights and a 6 mm drop, ensures a comfortable run, regardless of the distance. With this shoe, it’s all about being able to run longer and harder without feeling any discomfort.

The shoe’s new breathable and supportive mesh upper seals the deal to make it the perfect choice for both performance and all-day wear. At just over 200g, it’s impressively lightweight, further contributing to its comfort levels for long runs. An Ndurance rubber outsole offers increased durability in high-wear areas to further prolong the life of your shoes.

I’ve done a few runs in the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 and have been wearing it non-stop for social occasions and running daily errands as well. If there’s one thing that stands out about this latest version of the running shoe, it’s comfort. If you’re searching for a versatile shoe you can wear all day, every day, then this is it. You’ll never grow tired of wearing the Fresh Foam X 1080v13 thanks to the cloud-like foam cushioning and the second skin-style mesh upper.

Slipping the shoe on for the first time felt like being reunited with an old friend, an old friend that always says all the right things and knows just what you need when you don’t have the words to express it. The snug-fit upper, with reflective details and a structured fit, ensures the shoe fits like a glove. New Balance has done an excellent job of creating a running shoe that is wholly addictive to wear and you’re going to love how running feels in this comfort-centric shoe.

The new rocker profile does well to enhance the smooth underfoot experience when running or walking. When you’re moving in this shoe, you not only feel the supremely soft cushioning but you also get great energy return and bounce with every stride.

If you’re new to running and are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice in the running shoe market then you can’t go wrong with investing in this shoe. The shoe may not be cheap, but those who feel comfortable splashing out on a high-end running shoe right out the gate, won’t be disappointed going home with this New Balance creation.

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 is a shoe for everyone; whether you’re running errands or chasing your PB at the comrades. It’s the intro to premium performance, offering walkers to racers a neutral, lightweight, and versatile high-cushion option that’s especially favoured for training and recovery.

The Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is now available online at a retail price of R3,599.