New Steadiness Contemporary Foam X 1080 v14 Introduction
When you don’t know why it’s known as the 1080, here’s a transient rationalization: the “10” is the quantity of cushioning on a scale from 6 to 10 (10 being probably the most cushioned) and the “80” is the New Steadiness code that tells us that it’s a impartial operating shoe.
If we go by this naming conference, the 1080 is meant to be New Steadiness’s most cushioned impartial shoe. Nevertheless, the Extra is an exception which doesn’t comply with this naming convention- it’s much more cushioned than the 1080.
The 1080 is New Steadiness’s greatest promoting operating shoe and it is a incontrovertible fact that they love promoting. It’s a plusher, extra premium model of the 880 and a lighter, leaner model of the Extra.
There are many runners who will agree with me that final 12 months’s 1080 v13 was the very best 1080 to this point. The largest distinction between v13 and former variations was how plush and opulent its experience felt. The one factor I didn’t like about it was how tight its toe-box was- I really useful going up a half measurement or getting the large model.
Comfy. Breathable. Versatile. These are the three adjectives which New Steadiness desires to greatest sum up the brand new 1080 v14. They’ve made adjustments to this 12 months’s 1080 midsole, outsole and higher to realize this.
The 1080 v14 has picked up weight. It now weighs 10.5 oz (298 g) for a males’s US 9. It is a substantial 1.3 oz (36 g) greater than model 13. It maintains the identical stack heights and the identical value.
New Steadiness Contemporary Foam X 1080 v14 First Impressions
In my native operating retailer, I attempted the 1080 v14 on in my common measurement and in a half measurement larger. The half measurement larger felt much more snug. In my true measurement, the toe-box felt too slim, which was the case with v13 for me too.
My first run was a simple 13 kilometre Sunday run. Essentially the most noticeable factor was that the experience was firmer than the earlier model. It felt about 20% firmer than v13 and it felt extra steady as a result of firmer experience. I loved the stiffer forefoot which made the rocker extra distinguished.
The higher felt cooler and extra breathable. It felt thinner and extra like a conventional engineered mesh, whereas v13 felt like a thick, stretchy knitted materials.
New Steadiness Contemporary Foam X 1080 v14 Higher
The higher of v14 is an enchancment over v13. It feels lighter, thinner and extra breathable; extra efficiency and fewer life-style pushed. It’s product of a brand new double-layer engineered mesh with massive air flow holes on the highest of the toe field.
The semi-gusseted tongue is calmly padded and doesn’t transfer round throughout runs- it has massive perforations for further air flow. The heel tab and collar are padded whereas an inside heel counter gives glorious heel lockdown.
Similar to the earlier model, the toe field could be very slim so I like to recommend going up a half measurement or getting the large model. The “N” logos on the aspect panels are reflective.
New Steadiness Contemporary Foam X 1080 v14 Sole Unit
New Steadiness wished to make the 1080 extra versatile and by firming up the midsole foam, they’ve succeeded in doing so. The firmer midsole doesn’t compress as a lot whenever you load it, and that makes it simpler to choose up the tempo.
The 1080 v14 continues to be greatest suited to straightforward runs however now it could possibly deal with steady-paced runs higher. It appears like a premium each day coach for absorbing on a regular basis miles and it’s nonetheless not a shoe that I’d use for exercises.
Although it has change into firmer, it’s nonetheless one of many softest each day trainers in the marketplace and it’s corresponding to the ASICS Nimbus 26 or Saucony Triumph 22 by way of softness. This 12 months’s 1080 feels extra balanced than its predecessor.
The brand new midsole density of v14 makes the cushioning really feel extra substantial as a result of it doesn’t backside out as simply so it could possibly deal with lengthy runs higher; it’s additionally extra suited to heavy runners now.
The Contemporary Foam X within the 1080 v14 is pure EVA and never a PEBA-EVA mix like within the extra premium Balos however truthfully, there isn’t a giant distinction by way of experience between the Balos and the 1080. The Balos prices $25 extra however the distinction in experience is just not vital.
One other new replace to the only is that v14 has increased midsole sidewalls than v13 to extend help and stability however New Steadiness doesn’t promote this on their web site. Typically information rails could make the experience uncomfortable however within the 1080 v14, the rails are very refined.
There’s a brand new outsole design with wider rubber items which aren’t as unfold out as v13. The rubber is gentle however thick so sturdiness is first rate. Traction is sweet on dry surfaces and common one moist ones.
The brand new outsole configuration additionally helps to make the forefoot stiffer in order that the rocker quickens transitions. You get livelier toe-offs in v14.
New Steadiness Contemporary Foam X 1080 v14 Conclusions
Whereas the 1080 v14 doesn’t appear to be a major replace, New Steadiness has made some small tweaks to enhance their hottest coaching shoe. The tweaks embody improved stability, higher breathability and livelier toe-offs.
The one draw back is that model 14 has picked up weight however most runners who had been followers of the 13 will just like the 14 much more as a result of it appears like a extra balanced each day coach.
Total, the 1080 v14 appears like a extremely polished, refined each day coach with a luxurious experience and it’s some of the snug sneakers I’ve examined this 12 months. I simply want New Steadiness would enhance the power return or bounce as a result of it’s missing responsiveness when in comparison with their FuelCell vary.
The 1080 v14’s largest competitor is the Nike Vomero 17, one other glorious premium each day coach which is $5 cheaper than the 1080. The Vomero has a extra energetic experience as a result of PEBA-based ZoomX in its midsole nevertheless it weighs barely extra.