New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 vs Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
Our pick: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 takes it — 84 vs 76.
Both are strong — the call comes down to what you prioritise:
- New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 — You coach neutral runners who want a plush daily trainer for easy and long runs that can still handle a steady pace.
- Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III — Buy if you want maximum ground feel for lifting and functional training and you are ready to transition to barefoot gradually.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15
The biggest 1080 update in years: a new supercritical foam makes it lighter, softer and livelier. The forefoot is still narrow and stability is limited.
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III is the reference barefoot gym shoe: a wafer-thin, zero-drop platform with class-leading ground feel that makes it superb for lifting, functional training and hard-floor work. It is polarizing though — the adaptation curve is real, versatility is limited, and the price is steep for what it is.
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