New Balance 1080 v14

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

· The wide sole provides excellent stability on uneven terrain

· Thanks to its masterful design, it is a very comfortable shoe, you almost don't feel it on your feet.

· Although not the focus of our test, it is still a very important point from a practical point of view: due to the advantageous design of the shoe tongue and the rear heel stabilizer, it is quite easy to put your foot in. It literally slides in when you put your foot in.

· I think the biggest advantage of the shoe is its cushioning. I specifically recommend it to runners who are forced to run on concrete or asphalt.

· What is an advantage is also a disadvantage: the shoe sole, which provides a high degree of stabilization, only allows for slow rolling on the ground. Don't expect a fast shoe!

· It represents a step back in value compared to its predecessor, the 1080 v13. Although there have been some significant improvements in some areas (such as the design of the upper part and the damping), the improvements are also reflected in the hefty price tag. While a 1080 v13 can be had for around 50,000 HUF, its successor, the v14, is priced at 72,000 HUF. Believe me, the aforementioned improvements are not worth 20,000-25,000 HUF!

· The shoe falls into the category of heavy running shoes with its weight of 300g (F)/ 235g (N)

· Comfort (10/10)

              In addition to its cushioning, the comfort is what makes this shoe great. From the moment I put it on, through my workout, to the moment I took it off, the shoe felt like it was an integral part of my body, not an external entity. I can confidently say that it is in the top 5 most comfortable shoes of my life.

· Material quality (9/10)

After the first few workouts, the shoe gave me the impression that it would be a loyal companion on my runs for a long time, thanks to its durability. However, durability and robustness come at a price: the shoe is heavy. So, while New Balance's design engineers did a good job with the shoe, they could have used a lighter material.

· Upper part (9/10)

While its predecessors had sneaker-like uppers, the v14 has returned to the familiar mesh upper. Personally, I don't like shoes with a "sock-like" upper. So I really like this upper, which gives a "closed" feeling in a positive sense. Furthermore, the breathability of the shoe has also improved greatly compared to the previous model. That was the first thing that caught my eye.

· Shoe sole (8/10)

Similar to previous models, New Balance used the so-called Fresh Foam X foam 100% in this shoe. However, in this model, they have compressed the foam even more. Fresh Foam X does a great job in terms of flexibility and cushioning. However, I personally still miss the outer, protective rubber cover. Just think of the Adidas family, where the Continental rubber cover has contributed to the extreme durability of the shoes for many years.

· Landing (7.5/10)

On the one hand, the Fresh Foam X provides the shoe with a high degree of flexibility, on the other hand, the wide sole provides stabilization and reduces the aggressive ground grip of the shoe. Of course, this depends on the individual: some people prefer a more aggressive grip, while others prefer a softer feel.

· Transmission (8.5/10)

The shoe allows for a nice roll over the ground. When I ran with midfoot contact, the shoe probably allowed for the most efficient transition.

Toe touch (8/10)

When I ran with this technique, the transition was still effective, but to a lesser extent than when I struck the ground with my midfoot.

· Progress (8.5/10)

This shoe deserves solid marks for progression. It's certainly not a Vaporfly, but it's nowhere near a Hoka Clifton...

· Durability (?/10)

It's holding up well for now, but that will be revealed after 300-400 kilometers...

· Value for money (6/10)

Unfortunately, the shoe is currently so new that it is not being discounted either at home or abroad. For example, on foreign websites, its price has been frozen at 165 USD. Although it is a reliable training companion with countless good features, its prominent role in the New Balance family is also reflected in its price...