New Balance 1080 v15

The New Balance 1080 v15 debuts a quiet revolution: it drops the well-known Fresh Foam X foam to welcome "Infinion", a new supercritical foam that promises more responsiveness and less weight, what else would they say. The result is a remarkable transformation: 39 g lighter than its predecessor (249 g in EU 42.5), which puts it at the forefront of modern daily trainers. With 40 mm at the heel and 34 mm at the forefoot (a 6 mm drop to make things easier), it keeps its commitment to generous cushioning but with a much more energetic and agile feel, within reason, since it is not a racer.

The engineered mesh upper offers a secure fit without sacrificing comfort, with a padded tongue and collar that hug the foot without pressure points. The new construction prioritises performance: more breathable, lighter, and with a lacing system that ensures a firm lockdown while you run. The outsole keeps the characteristic traction pattern of the 1080 range, with strategic rubber zones for durability without adding unnecessary weight.

Compared with earlier versions, the foam change already announced by the product name is the absolute star: the response is more immediate, the transition smoother and the overall feel closer to a lightweight trainer than to a traditional daily trainer. For those who wanted a more versatile 1080, capable of long runs but also intervals and lively paces, this v15 delivers perfectly. Direct rivals would be Hoka's Clifton 10, Brooks's Glycerin 23 or Asics's Nimbus 28, although the 1080 v15 stands out for its new midsole compound, which seeks the perfect balance between comfort and responsiveness. Nobody is better placed to answer the question than whoever puts up their own money, although any change is met with some scepticism in the search for the holy grail of running shoes.