New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12

New Balance launched the 12th version of its maximum cushioning shoe, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12. If the American brand is creating a twelfth version, it has to be for a good reason.

This current best-selling model continues to be characterized as New Balance's top maximum cushioning shoe for medium-weight runners (>75 kg). At first glance, this model of the Boston brand is what we expect. These are running shoes for rolling, and cushioning will not be a problem. However, when holding them in your hands it is surprising that, despite their voluptuousness, they are a relatively light model for the segment of shoes to which they belong (265 gr for a 95 USA).

User profile of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12

All runners with a neutral stride and medium to heavy weight who are looking for an reliable companion for long runs will find the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12 to be a safe choice.

The type of runner who can benefit the most from New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12 is a amateur runner who heel strides, with medium-high weight, whose 5 pace is between 6:00 and 6:00 min/km, who is looking for a shoe for daily use and where comfort is a priority above all else.

Although New Balance does not present a revolutionary model compared to previous designs, the "continuist" line is still based on two basic pillars: comfort and cushioning. These are definitely not shoes for running fast or to improving your times; they are for enjoying the race in a broad sense.

Buy the New Balance Fresh Foam 1082 v12 at the best price.

Personally these have been the first asphalt New Balance that I have had the opportunity to try and I was surprised by the stability of their midsole. At the beginning I thought that the midsole was going to yield a bit more at low paces (5:30-6:00 min/km), and they have behaved as a tremendously stable model. The truth is that this has pleasantly surprised me, we should not confuse cushioning with a feeling of floating on each stride.

Undoubtedly, this top-selling model is a "must" in every closet for runners who own several models to wear in different types of sessions. These are also a good option for those who, far from wanting to compete, enjoy long jogs or walks.

The type of runner who can benefit most from these New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12 is an amateur runner who heel strides, with medium-high weight, whose pace is between 5:00 and 6:00 min/km, who wants a shoe for daily use with comfort coming first above all else.

Running paces

This model of New Balance is not intended for very fast paces; they are shoes designed by and for the amateur runner looking for protection and comfort.

The paces where this model will perform perfectly are between <6:00 and 5:00 min/km. However, the Fresh Foam compound in the midsole performs so well that we will be able to run some runs at speeds below 5:00 min/km (without overdoing it). Beyond these paces the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12 model shows limited responsiveness, is somewhat soft and does not allow for a clean midfoot entry.

Main features of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12

However, and despite this not being their ultimate purpose, the Fresh Foam 1080 v12 can be somewhat versatile for runners with some competitive history as they provide very good cushioning and considerable energy return for a runner. This section should be taken into account, as it is a distinctive feature of this model in its segment.

If we also take into account that this model comes with some more flexion lines in the outsole than its predecessors, we find a shoe that is somewhat more flexible and adaptable to changes of pace. This is noticeable because when we tighten the Fresh Foam 1080 v12 a little more, they are not as "rough" as their predecessor models.

Distances

Being a primarily training shoe, I believe it is more important to talk about duration than distance. This model is made for long, steady paced runs. However, the duration is set by the user. In my case I have run for more than two hours with them and my perception of comfort and cushioning has been very good. If you add to this a contained weight, it is less likely to have those typical stumbles when we are a little tired.

Therefore, if you are looking for a shoes that will accompany you on long runs, or if you are just starting out in the world of running and above all you value good cushioning, these shoes are your ideal training partner.

What we liked best about the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12

Above all I would highlight the comfort, especially the mix of lightness and cushioning. I think it is an excellent choice for 90% of amateur runners.

What are the opportunities for improvement in the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12?

One of the things that has caught my attention after about 100 km with them is the premature wear of the sole. Their grip to the ground is very good, but I think that the compound used is not very durable for a shoes that is meant to devour kilometers.

What shoes can the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12 be compared to?

Of all the maximum cushioning shoes, these New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12 directly rival:

• Saucony Triumph 19
• Brooks Glycerin 20
• Skechers GOrun Ride 9
• adidas Solarboost 5
• Nike Pegasus 38

RUNNEA Tester Rating:

• Lightweight: 8
• Responsiveness: 7
• Cushioning: 95.
• Stability: 8
• Flexibility: 75
• Grip: 9