Are you an avid runner? Are you looking for running shoes that can provide you with stability, comfort, great traction, and support?
Well, if yes is your answer, then this article has some exciting news in store for you. Here, we’ll introduce to you, one of the best New Balance running shoes on the market, i.e., the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 running shoes.
To help you understand the useful features of these shoes, we have put together a detailed review which you’ll be reading in the later part of this article. Read on to find out more.
Contents
Why New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 running shoes?
Well, I have been a runner for quite a long time now, and for me, my running shoes are the most important accessory in my wardrobe. I don’t like to compromise on any feature when it comes to the comfort of my feet.
So, when I first read about the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8, I instantly got an urge to try them out.
They were comfortable, stable, responsive, flexible, supportive, and provided great traction on all kinds of terrains.
There were only one or two things that did not meet my expectations (we’ll discuss them in the later part of the article), but overall, the experience was very good.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 review – Everything you need to know
Let’s now look at the detailed product review to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Type | Running Shoes |
Price | $89.97 – $286.48 (Check out the latest prices here) |
Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8 mm (0.03 inches) |
Heel Height | 27 mm (1.06 inches) |
Forefoot Height | 19 mm (0.74 inches) |
Upper | Engineered Mesh Upper |
Outsole Technology | Blown Rubber and Ndurance Rubber Compound |
Midsole Technology | Fresh Foam |
Width | Narrow, Medium, Large, and Extra Large |
Arch Type | Neutral |
Terrain | Road |
Weight | 314 g (10.9 oz) |
Notable Features:
- The outsole comprises of blown rubber and Ndurance rubber
- The use of hexagonal lugs in the outsole provides better traction and flexibility
- Flex grooves in the forefront provide additional flexibility
- EVA Fresh Foam midsole provides cushioning, responsiveness, and support
- Fantom Fit upper provides breathability
- Molded toe bumper on the front side of the running shoes
- A wider platform provides stability
Sole Technology:
Outsole Technology
The outsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 uses blown rubber compound along with Ndurance rubber compound. Just like the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7, these shoes also feature hexagonal lugs. These lugs ensure proper traction on different kinds of paved surfaces.
The outsole also features a crash pad situated in the proximity of the edge of the heel. The forefront area is covered with flex grooves that provide better flexibility and offer a very smooth ride.
Midsole Technology
The midsole technology of these running shoes involves the use of EVA Fresh Foam that runs throughout the length of the shoes.
The midsole of these shoes comes with concave hexagon patterns. The manufacturers have incorporated this feature to bring down the stiffness in its cushioning. The presence of these patterns ensures a very smooth ride along with optimum support.
Upper
The upper of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 is made of Fantom Fit mesh fabric. This technology incorporates the use of two different mesh materials.
The fine-quality engineered mesh upper used in these shoes is extremely soft and offers a very snug fit. It adapts to the shape of the foot and provides utmost comfort.
The pliable upper is very breathable, and so, your foot will always be cool and dry even after a very intense running session. The Fantom Fit technology in the upper provides a lightweight finish.
The front of the shoes has a molded toe-bumper. The wide toe box makes it easy for you to move your toes without any restriction and offers a very smooth toe splay.
The midfoot area also utilizes overlays that offer structural integrity and a very supportive fit. The inner fabric sleeve feels extremely smooth against the skin and also, keeps the tongue properly aligned.
To keep the heel in place, the manufacturers have incorporated TPU (thermoplastic urethane).
360 degrees of premium performance technologies and incredible comfort bring this new null to life in the fresh foam 1080 V8. A redesigned, substantial and smooth midsole foam, with reconfigured flex grooves improves upon the reliable cushioning celebrated in previous models.
Size and fit
The shoes are available in the standard running shoe length. Whatever be your size, you are surely going to find a perfect fit for yourself.
Even if you have very wide or voluminous feet, you will definitely get the right sized shoes where you will be able to move your toes freely.
The available width profiles are narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide.
Breathability
If you have used the previous versions of these running shoes, you might be aware of how breathable these shoes are.
With the latest model, you will face any disappointment. In fact, the upper of the latest New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 is more breathable than its predecessor, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7.
In order to enhance the breathability, the manufacturers have used the finest quality engineered mesh material. The use of Fantom Fit material not just increases the breathability, but also helps in maintaining the structural integrity and offers more support.
The increase in breathability will also provide you with enhanced comfort.
Durability
When it comes to durability, the latest New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 is unbeatable. The shoes are extremely durable. Right from the upper, midsole unit to the outsole, every part of these shoes showcases excellent durability.
The engineered mesh used in the upper provides durability. The EVA fresh foam midsole along with the sturdy rubber outsole provides a very durable base and in turn, make the entire shoe very durable.
Protection
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 shoes keep your feet secure while running. They offer excellent protection.
The rubber outsole offers protection from the outer elements that are liable to harm your feet and also, from the sudden landing impact that could result in grave injuries. Protection from impact is enhanced by the midsole.
The toe cap fabricated from urethane adds up to the protective layer of the shoes.
Support
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 running shoes provide ample support. The EVA Fresh Foam midsole that runs along the entire length of these shoes offers responsiveness and support.
The Fantom Fit engineered mesh upper of these running shoes also provides added support. The asymmetrical heel counter keeps your heel in place and helps in maintaining the structure, as well as support while running.
If you are looking for supportive running shoes for different running tracks, you should consider purchasing the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 running shoes.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, the shoes are okay. As compared to other running shoes on the market, these shoes are a bit on the stiffer side.
The breathable upper designed with Fantom Fit mesh material offers breathability and comfort. The EVA foam midsole is very supportive, as well as comfortable.
Responsiveness
When I talk about responsiveness, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 running shoe scores full points. These shoes are excellent when it comes to providing foot responsiveness, as well as ground responsiveness.
The outsole of these shoes, which is constructed using Ndurance rubber and blown rubber, provides flexibility, along with a ground response.
The responsiveness is further enhanced by the EVA midsole running the entire length of the shoes.
The presence of Fantom Fit upper that offers a sock-lick feel allows you to move your feet very naturally and in a very responsive manner.
Although these running shoes don’t offer as much responsiveness as the minimally designed running shoes, they will definitely impress you if you have been running in traditional running shoes until now.
Stability
One of the most celebrated features of these running shoes is their wide platform. The wide platform provides excellent stability while running. It is further enhanced with the presence of the wide toe-cap made of urethane.
Ndurance rubber, which is present in the midsole provides durability and traction which in turn offers better stability.
Another feature that can be accredited for enhancing the stability of these running shoes is the presence of the asymmetrical heel counter.
The heel counter keeps the heel in place while running and also, provides structural integrity.
Flexibility
These running shoes are extremely flexible, and the credit goes to the flex grooves. These flex grooves adorn the forefoot section of these running shoes. The well-placed flex grooves move horizontally and enhance flexibility.
Apart from these flex grooves, the use of Ndurance rubber in the outsole also helps in enhancing the flexibility of these running shoes. The flexibility is further enhanced by the use of EVA Fresh Foam midsole. Engineered mesh material also lends to improving the flexibility.
Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 running shoes are extremely flexible.
Traction
The blown rubber and Ndurance rubber come together to offer excellent traction. the blown rubber provides better responsiveness and flexibility, the use of Ndurance rubber offers impact protection and shock absorption qualities. Both these rubbers amplify the amount of traction you get from these shoes.
Drop
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 running shoes provide a heel drop of 8 mm.
Where the average drop present in the running shoes is 10 mm, you might feel very comfortable in these shoes.
The heel-to-toe drop helps in minimizing the impact and propels your feet while running.
Weight
If you compare these running shoes with other traditional running shoes on the market, you will find that they are extremely lightweight.
Men’s New Balance shoes weigh 10.9 ounces and women’s shoes weigh around 9.2 ounces.
Though these shoes are not as light as the minimally designed shoes, they are lighter than many other traditional running shoes on the market.
Terrain
If you enjoy running on open roads, you shouldn’t give a second thought while buying these shoes. You can use these neutral running shoes for long-distance running.
Versatility
These shoes have a wide range of applications. As I have mentioned earlier, these shoes are ideal for long-distance running.
Let me tell you that I also use these shoes for my basic training and they are very responsive during exhaustive weight training.
You can also use these shoes for your training purposes, leisure runs, as well as for everyday use.
Style
What I like the most about the design aspect of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 shoes is the plethora of color options provided by the manufacturers.
The modern design, the sleek upper, and the classic N logo make these shoes very upscale.
Price
Many say that these shoes are priced high, but I believe that every good thing comes with a price tag. These shoes are priced between $140 to $150 (Check out the latest rates here!).
The manufacturers have introduced great modifications to the earlier version to make the New Balance Fresh Foam product line one of the most coveted running shoes available on the market today.
360 degrees of premium performance technologies and incredible comfort bring this new null to life in the fresh foam 1080 V8. A redesigned, substantial and smooth midsole foam, with reconfigured flex grooves improves upon the reliable cushioning celebrated in previous models.
Fresh Foam 1080v8 Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Very comfortable | Sole is a little heavier |
Durable | Midsole lacks responsiveness |
Offers excellent fit for the runners with wide forefoot | Expensive |
Firm and very supportive midfoot | |
Offers a great ride and a very efficient transition | |
Many width options available | |
Well tailored upper | |
Wider footprint provides a very supportive and stable ride | |
Hexagonal outsole provides a very amazing grip |
So, what do you think?
Now that you’ve gone through the detailed New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 review and are familiar with almost all the features of these uber cool shoes, what do you think?
Do you find them good enough to suit your requirements? Even though the shoes are a little stiff and heavy, they provide better support, comfort, and performance as compared to traditional running shoes.
Let us know what you think. If you have any questions about the product, we’ll be more than happy to answer them. Also, if there are any other shoes that you wish us to review, you can drop us a note, and we’ll do our best to review those as well.
Further Reading New Balance Shoes
- Best New Balance Running Shoes
- New Balance Trailbuster Review
- New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v3 Review
- New Balance vs Saucony Running Shoes
- Best Running Shoes for Arch Support
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