Both are excellent, but v13 is plusher while v14 feels springier and quicker.
If your daily miles need a soft landing, but you also want a touch of speed, the new balance 1080 v13 vs v14 debate is worth your time. I’ve put both through long runs, recovery days, and strides. The 1080 v13 leans into pillowy comfort. The 1080 v14 brings more pop and a snappier roll. I’ll share what stood out in real use so you can pick the right shoe for your feet and goals.
Is New Balance 1080 v13 Good?
Yes—for most runners who value comfort first. The 1080 v13 is a plush daily trainer with a smooth, forgiving ride. It shines on easy runs, long, steady miles, and walks. If you want soft landings and low stress on tired legs, this is a great match. It is neutral, cushioned, and predictable.
On one recovery day after hill repeats, the v13 made the road feel gentle. My cadence flowed without effort. On a Sunday long run, I noticed how the shoe disappeared underfoot. No hot spots. No harsh edges. Just a quiet, cushioned roll that helped me stack miles without drama.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Soft Fresh Foam X cushioning for plush, forgiving landings
- Gentle rocker geometry for smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- Engineered knit/mesh upper with breathable comfort
- Ndurance rubber in high-wear areas for durability
- Neutral platform with a roomy toe box and multiple widths
What I Like
- Exceptional comfort on easy and long runs
- Stable, predictable ride that reduces leg fatigue
- Roomy forefoot that lets toes relax and splay
- Quiet, smooth transitions that feel effortless
- Durable outsole for high-mileage training
What Could Be Better
- Can feel a bit “mushy” at faster paces
- Traction is good but not elite on wet, slick corners
- Lightly padded tongue may need careful lacing to avoid lace bite
My Recommendation
If you want max comfort for daily miles, recovery days, and long runs, choose the 1080 v13. It’s widely available, comes in widths, and offers great value for high-mileage comfort.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Recovery runs | Very soft foam eases impact and helps legs bounce back |
| Long, steady miles | Stable, smooth ride minimizes fatigue over time |
| Walking and all-day wear | Plush feel and roomy toe box keep feet happy |
Is New Balance 1080 v14 Good?
Yes—especially if you like a bit more energy and snap. The 1080 v14 still feels cushioned, but the foam and rocker work together for a quicker, more responsive ride. It suits runners who want one shoe for easy days plus light uptempo work. Think daily trainer with some spark.
On a midweek run with strides, the v14 woke up at faster paces. The toe-off felt lively, and turnover came easier. During a long run with a progression finish, I held pace without fighting the shoe. The lockdown was secure, and the transitions felt more decisive than the v13.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Updated Fresh Foam X feel with more rebound
- Refined rocker for a quicker, snappier toe-off
- More structured upper and improved lockdown
- Reworked outsole layout for grip and smooth transitions
- Neutral platform tuned for daily training and light tempo
What I Like
- More energy return and pop at moderate paces
- Secure midfoot hold for confident cornering
- Better road feel without losing underfoot protection
- Breathable upper that manages heat on warm days
- Versatile for easy miles and uptempo finishes
What Could Be Better
- Firmer feel may not please runners who love ultra-soft shoes
- Midfoot can feel snug for very wide feet
- Short break-in needed to unlock full smoothness
My Recommendation
If you want cushion plus a livelier ride for mixed training, go with the 1080 v14. It’s a strong one-shoe quiver for many runners.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Daily training with pace changes | More rebound supports strides and progressions |
| Moderate tempo runs | Snappier rocker helps maintain turnover |
| City routes and corners | Secure fit and outsole grip inspire confidence |
new balance 1080 v13 vs v14: Side-by-Side Test
I ran both versions back-to-back on the same loops. Here is how the new balance 1080 v13 vs v14 stack up in the areas that matter most.
Cushioning & Ride Feel: Softness vs Snap
Both are cushioned. The question is feel: pillowy comfort or lively rebound?
| Aspect | 1080 v13 | 1080 v14 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall feel | Very plush, mellow | Cushioned with more pop |
| Energy return | Moderate | Higher |
| Best pace zone | Easy to steady | Easy to moderate/uptempo |
| Fatigue relief | Excellent | Very good |
Rating: 1080 v13 – 9/10 | 1080 v14 – 9.2/10
Edge: 1080 v14 for a livelier ride; 1080 v13 if you want maximum plush.
Fit & Upper Lockdown: Roomy vs Secure
Fit changes are subtle, but noticeable over long miles.
| Aspect | 1080 v13 | 1080 v14 |
|---|---|---|
| Toe box | Roomy and relaxed | Slightly more tapered feel |
| Midfoot hold | Comfort-first | More structured and secure |
| Tongue/comfort | Light padding | Improved wrap and padding |
| Breathability | Very good | Very good |
Rating: 1080 v13 – 8.7/10 | 1080 v14 – 9/10
Edge: 1080 v14 for lockdown; 1080 v13 if you love extra toe room.
Outsole & Traction: Grip and Longevity
Both use durable rubber. The layout affects grip and transitions.
| Aspect | 1080 v13 | 1080 v14 |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber coverage | Targeted high-wear zones | Refined pattern for smoother roll |
| Dry road grip | Strong | Strong |
| Wet grip | Good | Good to very good |
| Mileage durability | High | High |
Rating: 1080 v13 – 8.8/10 | 1080 v14 – 9/10
Edge: 1080 v14 for slightly better traction and smoother transitions.
Stability & Support: Neutral Confidence
Neither is a stability shoe, but platform feel matters.
| Aspect | 1080 v13 | 1080 v14 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform feel | Wide and planted | Wide with better midfoot hold |
| Cornering | Stable at easy pace | More secure at higher pace |
| Heel security | Comfortable | More locked-in |
| Guidance | Neutral | Neutral |
Rating: 1080 v13 – 8.6/10 | 1080 v14 – 9/10
Edge: 1080 v14 for midfoot/heel security at speed.
Speed & Versatility: One-Shoe Quiver?
Can you cover easy days and faster work in one shoe?
| Aspect | 1080 v13 | 1080 v14 |
|---|---|---|
| Easy runs | Excellent | Excellent |
| Progression runs | Fair to good | Good to very good |
| Strides/uptempo | Limited | Capable |
| Race-day use | Not ideal | Still not a racer, but OK in a pinch |
Rating: 1080 v13 – 8.2/10 | 1080 v14 – 9/10
Edge: 1080 v14 for broader pace range and pep.
Comfort & Feel Over Time: Long-Run Friend
How they treat your legs after an hour plus.
| Aspect | 1080 v13 | 1080 v14 |
|---|---|---|
| Underfoot plushness | Maximum | High |
| Hot spot risk | Low | Low |
| Leg freshness | Excellent | Very good to excellent |
| Fit comfort hours 2+ | Great | Great |
Rating: 1080 v13 – 9.3/10 | 1080 v14 – 9/10
Edge: 1080 v13 for pure plush comfort on very long outings.
Value for Money: What Do You Get?
Both are premium daily trainers; value depends on your priorities.
| Aspect | 1080 v13 | 1080 v14 |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort per dollar | Outstanding | Excellent |
| Performance per dollar | Good | Very good |
| Durability per dollar | High | High |
| Availability/widths | Strong | Strong |
Rating: 1080 v13 – 9/10 | 1080 v14 – 9/10
Edge: Draw—pick based on whether you want plush (v13) or pop (v14).
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If your priority is soft, easy comfort and long-run relief, the 1080 v13 wins. It is the soothing daily trainer that keeps impact low and smiles high.
If you want cushion with more energy and a faster feel, choose the 1080 v14. In the new balance 1080 v13 vs v14 choice, pick v13 for plush recovery and v14 for a lively, do-it-all ride.
FAQs Of new balance 1080 v13 vs v14
What is the main difference in ride feel?
The v13 is softer and more relaxed. The v14 is still cushioned but feels springier with a snappier toe-off.
Which is better for long, easy miles?
For long easy days, the 1080 v13 has the edge. It delivers maximum plush comfort and a calm, smooth roll.
Which version handles faster paces better?
The 1080 v14. It offers more rebound and a quicker rocker, so strides and progressions feel easier.
How does the fit compare?
The v13 feels roomier in the toe box with a comfort-first fit. The v14 holds the midfoot and heel more securely for better control at speed.
If I only buy one, which should I choose?
If you want plush comfort above all, pick the v13. If you want one shoe for easy runs plus light uptempo work, go v14. In short, new balance 1080 v13 vs v14 comes down to plush vs pop.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
