The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12 is a highly popular running shoe that has been receiving rave reviews from athletes and runners around the world.
In this detailed review, we will take a closer look at the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this shoe to help you make an informed buying decision.
Pros
Cons
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12 - Detailed Review
Design and Fit:
The Fresh Foam 1080v12 is designed to provide maximum comfort and support to runners, thanks to its innovative construction and design features. The upper of the shoe is made from a stretchy, breathable mesh material that conforms to the shape of your foot, providing a snug and comfortable fit. The toe box is spacious, allowing for natural toe splay, and the overall fit is true to size.
One of the standout features of the Fresh Foam 1080v12 is the padded tongue and collar, which provide extra cushioning and support to your ankle and foot. The shoe also features a traditional lace-up closure, which allows for a customized fit and ensures that your foot stays securely in place while you run.
Midsole and Cushioning:
The midsole of the Fresh Foam 1080v12 is made from New Balance's proprietary Fresh Foam X technology, which is designed to provide a plush, cushioned ride with excellent energy return. This foam is made from a single piece of material that is molded into a three-dimensional shape, providing a consistent and responsive ride throughout your run.
The shoe also features a molded Ortholite footbed, which provides additional cushioning and support to your foot. This footbed is made from a high-density foam material that is designed to conform to the shape of your foot, providing a custom fit and enhancing the overall comfort of the shoe.
Stability
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 is designed to provide a stable ride for neutral runners. The shoe features a number of technologies and design elements that work together to enhance stability and prevent overpronation.
Firstly, the shoe features a Fresh Foam X midsole, which is a plush and responsive foam material that provides cushioning and support. The foam is designed to absorb shock and reduce impact, which can help to prevent excessive pronation and promote a more natural foot strike.
Additionally, the shoe has a full-length rubber outsole that provides traction and durability. The outsole is designed to provide a stable base for the foot, which can help to prevent rolling and promote a more stable stride.
The upper of the shoe also contributes to its stability. The engineered mesh upper is lightweight and breathable, but it also features a molded foam collar and a padded tongue that provide a snug and supportive fit. The upper also has a secure lace-up closure that allows for a customized fit that can help to enhance stability.
Outsole and Traction:
The outsole of the Fresh Foam 1080v12 is made from a durable rubber material that provides excellent traction and durability. The shoe features a hexagonal pattern on the outsole, which is designed to provide multi-directional traction and support on a variety of surfaces.
The shoe also features a blown rubber forefoot, which provides additional cushioning and support to your foot during toe-off. This helps to reduce the impact of your stride and enhance the overall comfort of the shoe.
Weight and Durability:
The Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 is slightly heavier than the v11. Despite its lightweight construction, the shoe is highly durable and can withstand the rigors of daily training and long-distance runs.
Breathability
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 is designed with breathability in mind, as the shoe features several elements that help to keep feet cool and dry during runs.
The upper of the shoe is made from an engineered mesh material, which is a lightweight and breathable fabric that allows air to flow freely in and out of the shoe. This mesh material is strategically placed in areas where the foot tends to heat up the most, such as the toe box and forefoot.
In addition, the shoe has a perforated Fresh Foam X midsole, which provides cushioning while also allowing for better airflow throughout the shoe. This helps to keep feet cool and dry, even during longer runs.
The shoe also features a moisture-wicking sockliner that helps to absorb sweat and moisture from the foot. This helps to prevent the buildup of sweat and odor inside the shoe, keeping feet feeling fresh and dry.
Comparison to similar running shoes
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 is a high-end neutral running shoe that competes with other popular models in the market, such as the Brooks Ghost 15, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, and the Saucony Triumph 20.
Here's how the Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 compares to these similar running shoes:
Brooks Ghost 15
The Brooks Ghost is a versatile and comfortable neutral running shoe that features a DNA Loft midsole for a plush and responsive ride.
Compared to the Fresh Foam X 1080 v12, the Ghost 15 is slightly lighter and has a more breathable upper, which may be more suitable for runners who prioritize speed and breathability.
However, the Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 offers more cushioning and a more secure fit, making it a better option for long-distance runs and slower paces.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
The Asics Gel-Nimbus is a popular neutral running shoe that features a Gel cushioning system in the midsole for a comfortable and shock-absorbing ride.
Compared to the Fresh Foam X 1080 v12, the Gel-Nimbus 25 has a more snug fit in the midfoot area and a higher arch support, which may be more suitable for runners with narrow feet and high arches.
However, the Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 offers more cushioning and a wider toe box, making it a better option for runners who prioritize comfort and space.
Saucony Triumph 20
The Saucony Triumph 20 is a high-end neutral running shoe that features a PWRRUN+ midsole for a responsive and energetic ride.
Compared to the Fresh Foam X 1080 v12, the Triumph 20 is slightly lighter and has a more flexible upper, which may be more suitable for runners who prioritize speed and agility.
However, the Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 offers more cushioning and a more secure fit, making it a better option for runners who prioritize comfort and stability.
Who should buy it
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 is a versatile and high-quality neutral running shoe that can work well for a variety of runners. Here are some types of runners who may benefit from the features of this shoe:
Long-distance runners
The Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 is designed to provide a plush and comfortable ride that can handle long distances with ease. The soft and responsive midsole, along with the comfortable and secure fit, makes it a great option for runners who want a shoe that can keep them comfortable and supported during extended runs.
Runners with joint pain or injuries
The cushioning in the Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 is designed to absorb shock and reduce impact, making it a good option for runners who are prone to joint pain or injuries. The shoe can help to reduce stress on the knees, hips, and other joints, making it a great choice for runners who need extra cushioning and support.
Neutral runners
The Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 is designed for neutral runners who do not overpronate or supinate. The shoe provides a stable and balanced ride that can help to promote a natural foot strike and reduce the risk of injury.
Runners who prioritize comfort
The Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 is a plush and comfortable shoe that prioritizes cushioning and support. The breathable mesh upper, padded tongue and collar, and roomy toe box all contribute to a comfortable and snug fit that can keep runners feeling good throughout their runs.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 is a great option for runners who prioritize comfort, support, and cushioning. Whether you're a long-distance runner, have joint pain, or simply want a shoe that can keep you comfortable and supported, the Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 is definitely worth considering.
Conclusion:
Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12 is an excellent running shoe that provides exceptional comfort, support, and durability. The shoe's innovative design features and construction materials make it an ideal choice for runners who want a plush and comfortable ride with excellent energy return and traction.
However, the shoe may not be suitable for runners with very wide feet or severe overpronation or flat feet, as it may not provide enough support in these areas. Additionally, the hexagonal pattern on the outsole may be a drawback for trail runners who want to avoid collecting small rocks and debris
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