Verified / Training apparel · Updated 17 Oct 2026
Newer model available: New Balance 1080v15 (since January 2026). This review covers the previous model.
Sqwod Verified · Training apparel
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
A plush, dependable premium daily trainer that shines on easy and recovery runs: comfort-first, not speed-first.
Not an affiliate link · live price shown at the retailer
The read
Should you buy it?
Buy it if…
Buy if you want a max-cushion, comfort-first daily trainer for easy runs, recovery days and long slow miles.
Skip it if…
Skip it if you want a lightweight, snappy shoe for tempo work or races, or if you have wide feet and can't get the 2E width.
How the score breaks down
Crowd Signal
45 reviews · 3 platforms
Sqwod Assessment
Value / Deal
Crowd & price figures from public sources, as of 17 Oct 2026. Live aggregation is rolling out, so figures may change.
The Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is New Balance’s flagship max-cushion neutral trainer, and v14 doubles down on plush comfort. Experts consistently praise the soft, forgiving Fresh Foam X midsole (RunRepeat 83/100, Running Shoes Guru 8.0/10 expert with a perfect 10 for comfort), calling it one of the best cruisers for easy and recovery running. The engineered-mesh upper is more breathable and the ride slightly more stable than the v13.
The trade-offs are weight and shape: at roughly 295 g it’s noticeably heavier than before and not meant for speed, and the tapered toe box feels narrow for many runners; the 2E wide width solves this. At full €170 RRP the value is only okay, but German street prices sit near €135, which pushes it into strong-buy territory for comfort-focused daily mileage.
In the guides
All buyer's guides 2026Every product in the category, ranked on the same scorecard.See the rankings →How we score
Crowd 45 · Assessment 40 · Value 15Brands cannot pay for a score. Affiliate links are labelled and never move a number.Read the methodology →For coaches in Berlin
Train clients in a private Sqwod Pod.Fully equipped private training rooms in Prenzlauer Berg and Weißensee.Book a Pod →Get sharper in 5 minutes a day
Sqwod Daily: what moved in the fitness industry, and what to do about it. Every weekday, free.
Transparency