New Balance 1080 v6 Running Shoe Review

You are considering choosing the best neutral shoes for your normal training among various types of running shoes in the market? With great cushioning system, high durability as well as stability support in the lightweight shoes, New Balance 1080 v6 is one of the best options I want to suggest to you.

New Balance 1080 v6 - Highlight features and technologies

In comparison with its predecessor, the New Balance 1080 v6 is updated with new features and technologies that promise to provide better experience to runners.

Generally, this version has more improvements and updates than previous ones. All of the above features created a really good product that provides runners with exceptional comfort, fit, support and lighter weight.

New Balance 1080 v6 description

Outsole

The outsole of the shoes is the combination of The Ndurance carbon rubber and blown rubber. These are highly durable materials. The Ndurance carbon rubber is the main source that offers durability while the enhanced blown rubber helps increases cushioning and responsiveness properties. Especially, flex grooves of the outsole enhance flexibility in the forefoot.

Midsole

The new Fresh Foam is used to replace the old New Balance midsole technologies in the midsole of shoes. The new foam is greatly improved to amazingly become more comfortable. The fresh foam series offer a soft and smooth cushioning with unparalleled support, comfort, and lightweight.

Upper

Light adaptive fabric is very durable and breathable that keeps runners’ feet always cool; it also allows you to adjust the shape of the shoes to match your feet. It has tabs on top to tie instead of built-in eyelets like other 1080s. The uppers are supportive, but feel like you are in a sock. The toe box is big and not restrictive if your feet swell on long runs. A nice thing about New Balance 1080 v6 that I've never seen before is the lace. They are a bit elastic and very long. I can snug them up to have better fit without cutting like other laces.

New Balance 1080 v6 Review

Comfort

The New Balance M1080V6 was surprisingly comfortable right out of the box, feeling only a tad too firm at first in its arch support. I'm on my feet the whole time with this pair of shoes and it is very comfortable from the beginning. Thanks to the comfort that New Balance 1080 v6 gives out, I have been able to increase my distance and time as well as the speed of my runs without the pain that often comes from bad shoes. Honestly, there is no significant change in terms of comfort or utility from previous model (V5). I only had a small complaint, that there is a seam at midfoot medial side that was an issue for the first two days. But now it no longer seems to bother me.

Fit

The shoes have spacious width and generous front size, allowing for comfortable toe splay. I got 1/2 size larger and the fit is just what I needed. They are wide enough for my feet and I have plenty of room in the toe box that seems to fix the V5’s toe box issue. The upper fits snugly but with no pressure points. The shoes do not slide around on my feet as others with a really comfortable fit and no blisters.

Cushioning

Despite the lightweight like most of New Balance running shoes, the cushioning of this model is still good and absorbs the shock of running on asphalt, pavements or concrete roads without being too springy. The heel cushioning is less effective, but that’s not an issue for me personally. The padding makes you feel like you're running on air. Not only me but my friend also said that these sneakers and their great cushioning support had saved him from aching feet & terrible back aches.

Support

These are the best running shoes I've ever had for my high arches. The shoes are the perfect balance of comfort and support. They give me a comfortable feel like on the pillow while offering noticeable arch support that no other shoes ever have. These neutral shoes are designed specifically for neutral pronators. Moreover, they also have treatment support feature. They help reduce or get rid of popular problems of runners such as plantar fasciitis, arch collapse, and heel pain or to calm down the inflamed nerve.

Stability

Overall, the New Balance M1080V6 is very stable. The stability is higher than average, giving you reliable and secure support although the shoes look a little bulky

Quality and durability

The New Balance 1080 is built with durable materials and features that increase its durability. The ABZORB Crash Pad found in the heel not only improves the cushioning but also offers better durability upon heel strike. These are durable to ensure that you don’t have to worry about getting hurt or something wrong might happen while running. It is the best investment you can make as a runner. I bought two pairs in different colors because I was afraid that the perfect shoes like this would be discontinued.

Breathability

They breathe well and now that I've had them for several months I can say that it is exceptional. The mesh upper is very breathable to keep my feet fresh and it also allows me to adjust the shape of the shoes to match my feet. There is often a good flow of air running into the shoes that helps your feet feel cool even in hot weather.

Grip and traction

The sole has an interesting low profile pattern that has gripped every surface I've run on thus far and it doesn't slip on flat wet surfaces. Besides, a carbon rubber material used to make the outer sole also gives a durable traction. With these great grip and traction, this model is able to deal with various terrains such as tracks, roads, gravels and even trails. But trails are more challenging, that is why your shoes will get damaged faster on this terrain.

Use

I use these for both running outside, gym and sometimes my Zumba classes. They work very well in every task. These are really good shoes. I think every runner from casual joggers to serious long distance runners should have a pair to boost their performance.

From terrible experience that I had when using cheap shoes, I feel like the price of these are not expensive, it is affordable due to the high quality and large benefits the shoes provide you. Don't hesitate to invest in the best products like this to get perfect results.​

Weight

This version is lightweight that makes me feel like I’m not wearing anything. However, this weight is still too heavy for runners to use for speed works. The men version comes at 294 grams, while the women’s is only 247 grams.

Look

I like the look of the design. I got a pair with gray/blue color with neon green soles, and it is very attractive. Moreover, if you’re on roads after dark or in low conditions, the M1080V6 has plenty of reflectivity – front, sides and back - that are so helpful.

The fifth update of the New Balance 1080 has more innovative qualities compared to previous versions. Providing comfort, durability and support is the main targets of the shoes. The N2 Cushioning System Technology absorbs most of the shock and impact to ensure runners have smoother rides while reducing material on the underfoot. A noticeable new feature of the shoes is the upper, which was designed with new synthetic overlays without a sewing construction to offer more breathability than previous model and thanks to quick moisture drainage to increase comfort as well as contributes to flexibility. This feature also helps prevent discomfort or itching. The stability of this version is mainly provided by the T-Beam (a midfoot support shank). Another redesigned feature is the N-Ergy elastomer found in the rear foot of the shoes, which promotes cushioning system to do better shock absorption.

The carbon rubber material used mainly in the outsole allows the shoes to deal with tracks, roads and gravels terrains. This material also increases the resilience to fight against excessive wearing and foot injury. With the all-new type of cushioning, New Balance 1080 v5 works well for runners with medium to high arches. The cushioning of the 1080 can also do more than neutral pronation because it gives exceptional protection and responsiveness. With great cushioning and durability as well as stability support, New Balance 1080 v5 is also a good choice for performance running and normal trainings. However, the price of this new version is still a bit high.

New Balance 1080 v4

This version has some improvements and updates to have more cushioning but still lightweight as its previous version. Look at the midsole of the shoes and you will see the different foam used. The Acteva Lite new foam is lighter than other types while providing better cushioning system. Aside from this, the NDurance technology used in the outsole intends to offer durability and increase traction on roads, tracks, and gravel terrains. This technology also combines with the Blown Rubber to provide essential responsiveness, cushioning and impact absorption during the run. The upper is designed with the Fantom Fit and the No-sew system for optimal fit. The material used to make the upper is very breathable that keeps runners’ feet cool and dry even in wet or hot weather.

In terms of flexibility, a foam and rubber in hexagon shape are designed in the forefoot part to enhance flexibility and give a smooth forefoot strike. It allows you to bend your foot easier without being hurt. NB also makes their shoes more flexible through the T Beam feature added in the midsole. TPU Shank is used to provide stability, support and flexibility and make these shoes become a good option for road running. The v4 provides good arch support for medium to high arches. Neutral pronators and even over pronators can also get benefit from these neutral shoes. With all those great features used to build up the shoes, it is ideal for road running, normal trainings, and other casual routines and sometimes for high mileage races.​

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New Balance 1080 v3

Like other neutral running shoes of New Balance, the v3 is also perfect for road running and support for neutral runners with some improvements to enhance comfort, stability and flexibility. It features the N2 Cushioning System, which only puts less material underfoot but still offers a fair amount of cushioning like other traditional cushioning systems. However, this model lacks of firmness and bounce for a comfortable, responsive ride so it is not ideal for long distance running. Additionally, the air mesh upper in the shoes was redesigned in order to provide better breathability and more comfort to the feet. The upper also comes with synthetic overlays that were not sewn during construction. These changes in the upper give runners better fit and allow them to enjoy running more without discomfort.

In terms of stability and flexibility, New Balance 1080 v3 has a T-Beam to make sure you will be comfortable and safe when running. The carbon rubber outsole can endure various terrains such as roads, gravels, and tracks. Plus, the N-ERGY found in the rear foot has responsibility to supply better initial shock absorption and decreasing unit pressure to provide more durability to the midsole. It provides good support for high arches and controlling foot motion for slight under pronators. Although these are not suitable for sprint running or speed performance, it will be an important part of your lifestyle or running routine.​

Similar running shoes to New Balance 1080 v6

Brooks Ghost

Brooks Ghost is the first shoe that is considered as similar to New Balance 1080. It comes with a heavier weight than The New Balance 1080 but because it seems to have better cushioning in the forefoot and heel section. However, it is rated as the lightest version among others of the Brooks Ghost. These are a great balance of stability, flexibility and comfort that really are a big help for neutral pronators. Its price is a bit cheaper compared to the New Balance 1080.

Pearl Izumi Road

The next similar running shoe to The New Balance 1080 is The Pearl Izumi Road. These two have the rather same weight and a large amount of heel and forefoot cushioning. They deliver some adequate support to variety of foot types thanks to stability mechanics and wide platform. The small different between these is that The Pearl Izumi Road is a bit stiffer than the New Balance. Despite this downside, this shoe still provides a smooth ride experience. This model is highly recommended for daily exercises and training.

Altra Provision

Another similar running shoe is the Altra Provision, which is designed with good cushioning, fit, flexibility and stability features. The special feature of this shoe is the removable wedge that works well in offering cushioning and extra support for the midsole. Runners can expect a wonderful road running experience from Altra Provision.​