New Balance 1080v15: Infinion Cushioning Updates an Iconic Daily Trainer
The Specs
Key Features
- New Infinion midsole foam
- Enhanced outsole coverage
- Plush tongue and heel tab
- Reflective details on upper
ON THE RUN
Aleighsha: The 1080v15 is the definition of effortless comfort. The moment you slip your foot inside, it feels like floating on a cloud! The shoe is soft, responsive, and endlessly forgiving. The new INFINION foam truly shines, delivering a plush, bouncy ride that feels noticeably smoother and more energized than previous Fresh Foam versions.
The upper wraps your foot like butter, adapting to every shape and stride without pressure or restriction. Designed for true comfort seekers, this shoe is perfect whether you are logging mile after mile or spending long days on your feet. The 1080v15 doesn’t just support you it carries you.
Ken: I have only run a couple times in this shoe before this review but I have to say the run surprised me. I want to admit I am not a high stack, soft cushion training shoe guy. My sweet spot for training is Endorphin Speed, Deviate Nitro, or even the occasional Vanish Tempo from Altra. Those are all lightweight, responsive options. The 1080v15 ran really smooth. I take a lot of stock in transition from heel to toe when I try on a shoe and this shoe has that. I will talk about the cushion a little further down in my review but I felt protected, stable, and the shoe felt pretty light for what it is. I could see myself using this for a recovery run shoe in my mix after a long run and also using it as a daily comfort shoe. The change in foam NB made has really helped this shoe in the cushion category.

THE FIT
Aleighsha: The fit of this shoe offers a secure, gentle hug ideal for runners with a lower instep and a more streamlined foot shape. Underfoot, the foam feels luxurious and forgiving, delivering comfort with every step. The toe box is thoughtfully spacious, giving your toes room to relax and move naturally, while the heel cup locks you in with confidence for any type of activity. Slipping this shoe on feels like stepping into a cloud, one that’s ready to carry you mile after mile, all day long.
Ken: First thing I noticed when I put this shoe on was the heel really fit well and locked in. That is one of the most important things I look for when picking a shoe to run in. A heel that is not locked in can ruin a shoes experience almost immediately for me. Toe box felt like other versions of the 1080 so I did not feel any difference there. It was comfortable and shaped right. Enough space for all my toes and I get irritation at the pinky toe if something is not fitting well. This shoe fit true to size for me. The midfoot wrap felt locked down and secure. Sometimes my foot has too much gap in the arch area on many of these trainers that have a wide platform and higher stack but it did a great job wrapping around my borderline narrow foot. The only part I worry about is the upper seems slightly thicker which could pose an issue with breathability but I was not able to test this in warmer conditions.


THE FEEL
Aleighsha: The 1080v15 foam feels like running on a perfectly fluffed pillow that gently pushes back soft when you land, lively when you lift off.
Ken: The upgrade in this shoe to really talk about is the Infinion foam. This change has made this shoe less squishy which is a good thing. The previous versions were always too soft for my liking and it was always making my foot feel wobbly (even when walking around). This version does not do that anymore. It is a great blend of cushion and protection with providing a comfortable bounce that doesn't have that balance board feeling like some shoes do. The cushioning also feels like it will be more durable and hold up to the constant pounding a little better than previous versions.

THE NITTY GRITTY
Aleighsha: The 1080v15 is a comfort first daily trainer built for easy miles, long runs, and recovery days. It’s not a speed shoe, but it never feels clunky. Just smooth, soft, and protective with a natural transition underfoot. I loved it most in the 5–15+ mile range, where the cushioning really shines and keeps your legs feeling fresh or for a day I know I will be on my feet all day long. The new INFINION foam is noticeably softer and more refined than previous versions, offering a more premium, energetic feel without being unstable. Compared to other shoes, it sits in that plush category alongside models like the Asics Nimbus or Saucony Triumph.
Ken: I would sit this shoe in the recovery or everyday use category for myself personally but that's just because of my preference of shoe to run in generally. This shoe will be a go-to pull for people that just need a great all around training shoe to put miles in. I am confident it will hold up for most people and check the boxes of what they need if they cannot get various shoes for different types of training. Let's be honest it's bulky still for my liking but I don't think it has any excess bulk beyond what the shoe is intended to be. Highly cushioned. This definitely lives in the same category as a Brooks Glycerin 22 or the Saucony Triumph 23.

THE RUNDOWN
Aleighsha: Overall, I really love this shoe. It does run slightly narrow, but it shines as a recovery option when comfort is the priority. If I could change one thing, it would be adding a bit more room in the upper along the sides of the foot for an even more accommodating fit.
Ken: Overall the 1080v15 has created a new feel and that makes it more competitive in the high cushion trainer category. It's a space where you cannot miss the mark at all because there are so many other shoes making changes for the better also. If you haven't given the 1080 a try before this might be the one to take a look at.
Meet the Reviewers


Aleighsha Nichols
Aleighsha is an everyday runner who loves easy runs and walks with her dog, Oakley. She splits her time between quiet dirt roads and road runs with friends, always chasing fresh air and sunshine. When the sun is out, you will usually find her testing new shoes from Running Lab or simply soaking in the day.
ALL TIME FAVORITE SHOE: Saucony Zealot ISO 3

Ken Larscheid
Ken is the business brain behind Running Lab and its founder and co-owner, always thinking three steps ahead and cracking jokes along the way. He insists he doesn’t run, yet somehow we still spot him logging miles around town. When he’s not building the business, he’s spending time with his amazing wife and their three boys.
ALL TIME FAVORITE SHOE: Saucony Endorphin Speed 1 (OG!)
