Six Minute Mile Gear Review: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11

Specifications (according to New Balance)

Weight: 8.1 oz (W) 9.2 oz (M)

Stack: 27mm/19mm

Drop: 8mm

Category: Neutral/Everyday Trainer

($150)

What You’ll Love:

• Bootie upper construction hugs your foot for a snug, supportive fit

• Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision-engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride

• Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit

Last year's FreshFoam 1080v10 was unanimously loved, so many held their breath to see what sort of changes New Balance would add to the v11. Truth be told, besides a snugger fitting upper, not much was altered to the flagship model and it seems most NB fans were pretty content with that. There are a few reasons we really love the 1080 v11. First, as a good everyday trainer should, this shoe can handle any type of mileage or pace you're looking to tackle. Second, between the snug upper and Ultra heel design, this shoe supported our feet perfectly right out of the box and kept form after dozens of runs. Last, the sleek design and beautiful 'wave blue' colorway make this shoe a perfect pair to rock even off the trail or track. New Balance was gracious enough to send some of our testers a pair so we'll dive into some of their thoughts here.

Thoughts from tester one in Boston, MA: "A smooth, comfortable ride and a flexible knit upper made the 1080v11 one of my favorite shoes for grinding out miles. The FreshFoam midsole was the star of the show: lightweight without sacrificing cushioning and a responsive feel. The knit upper feels snug but is very flexible with plenty of volume. If I could find one critique, it would be the laces, the stretchy material made it a little tough to get the perfect tightness I like. Overall a perfect trainer for runners of all skill level."

Here's another review from tester two, also in Boston: "This was my first time logging some miles in the New Balance 1080s in several years and they did not disappoint. The slip-on comfort makes a good first impression and they continue to provide a sturdy, stable ride on both trails and pavement. The 1080s are considerably less squishy than some of the competing brand's everyday trainer models, lending to the feeling of more stability. I found the styling to be improved over prior models and definitely snazzier than the competing brands. I found myself reaching for the 1080s when dressing for a long day on the sidelines of a youth soccer tournament or anticipating a return to our company offices. They didn't look out of place with khakis or jeans."

The New Balance FreshFoam1080v11 is out now in all colors and sizes. Click here to pick up a pair.