New Balance is one of the most well-recognized names in the shoe business. This company was founded in 1906, and has always focused on comfort. The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v9 is a great neutral running shoe for the recreational jogger, or for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet.
The Fresh Foam 1080v9 is a neutral running shoe, meaning that it is not meant to correct your foot’s positioning. If you are looking for a shoe to correct overpronation, then you are in the market for a stability shoe (like the Fresh Foam 860v11). However, if you have neutral pronation with a medium to high arch, then this shoe may be the perfect fit.
Support for Higher Arched Feet
With an 8mm heel drop, the 1080v9 is designed to support a higher arched foot. This shoe is also a great choice for someone who tends to under pronate, which can lead to ankle injuries. Also known as supination, under pronation may be corrected with a neutral shoe with extra cushion, such as the Fresh Foam 1080v9.
Super Comfortable Foam Midsole
Many runners love the plush feel of this shoe. Extremely comfortable and cushy, the 1080v9 has New Balance’s Fresh Foam midsole and Ortholite sock-liner. However, you do lose a bit of road feel and responsiveness due to the extra cushion. For many people that is a fair trade-off for the comfort they gain. There are many reviewers who are grateful for less pain in their knees and backs, which they attribute to the extra cushion and excellent fit. This shoe is designed for comfort.
Works Well for Wider Feet
New Balance has long been a popular choice for people looking for a wider shoe. This is the most common theme in the positive reviews…these shoes fit wide feet. Many shoes with wide toe boxes will still narrow towards the heel. The Fresh Foam, though, tends towards a wider fit, as well as coming in sizes up to extra-wide, previously 4E. Many customers who report being more heavy-set were especially happy with the performance of this shoe. It is also common to experience swelling during longer runs, or just while standing for long periods of time at work. New Balance has the right fit to relieve this issue.
Although New Balance has almost always catered to those looking for wider styles, there are some customers who feel that this shoe is more narrow than other New Balance models, specifically the older Fresh Foam 1080v7. It’s always the best idea to try on your new shoes before buying them. If you are ordering online, make sure there is a good return policy, and don’t hesitate to return a shoe for a different size. These shoes should run true to size, but when people try to base their size on the shoes they wore before, then it is simply hard to judge how a new pair will fit.
Might Wear Quicker Than Expected
The biggest complaint about this shoe is that they wear out more quickly than other running shoes or of previous versions of this shoe. The heel is especially prone to wear and tear, and others complain that the cushioning is quick to wear out. There are hundreds of positive reviews, but many people buy these shoes for simple, everyday wear. Other buyers who love these shoes are on their feet all day at their jobs. For some, it makes a great jogging shoe. If you are looking for a great neutral shoe for a daily 3 mile run, these will be comfortable and supportive. However, for longer runs or more intense training, you may want to explore a more durable option.
Excellent Comfortable Running Shoe
The Fresh Foam 1080v9 is a very attractive shoe…not your stereotypical New Balance solid white dad shoe. There’s a great selection of colors, from your standard blacks and greys to the more colorful and bright reds and blues. You will feel good about how you look while lacing up these shoes before hitting the pavement or the gym.
Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v9 is an excellent shoe. Neutral in design and extra plush, it may be just what you need to ease your aches and pains, allowing you to better enjoy your run. However, if you are training for your next marathon, you’d be better off searching for a more durable option.
SEE ALSO: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v10 and New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11
