Yay! Partial redemption for New Balance with the 1080V2, after blowing it big-time with its predecessor, the 1080 (which we'll call 'V1' to avoid confusion).
New Balance had a SWEET thing going before the 1080V1, namely the 1060 Series (i.e. NB 1060 through 1064)... which were all more or less awesome shoes. Terrific shock absorption, great fit, very neutral, made in the USA, came in widths. Even usually had a few 'grown up' color schemes. 1060 Series was pretty much EVERYTHING you'd want in a shoe, or close.
Then New Balance decided to 'fix' what didn't need fixing. Result was the crap-tastic 1080V1.
The V1 somehow managed to be a neutral cushioning shoe that was neither neutral nor cushioning. The fit was still good, but the shoe's tendency to roll your foot strongly to the outside was ridiculous for an allegedly 'neutral' shoe, and this only got worse with age as the foam broke down. They also felt stiff and downright 'weird'. This was the shoe that sent me back to Nike briefly.
But Nike screwed the pooch too... the Vomeros I had were superior cushioning-wise, but they were also very high and narrow in the last (i.e. were 'ankle-breakers'), even in their allegedly 'wide' width (I take a 2E). Nike apparently likes to save money by using the same last in different-width shoes, only the uppers get wider, apparently. New Balance, on the other hand, will usually give you a wider last/platform in their wide shoes, as the shoe gods and common sense intended.
So okay, let's give New B another chance. Will they screw it up twice?
1080V2 comes out. Cushioning is improved over the 1080, though still not quite back to 1060 Series standard. But they're 'cushiony enough', and I like the low ride height, which helps keep me from turning an ankle on potholes/ruts and the like. Fit is generally good, tight enough in the heel to prevent slippage, yet there's plenty of width in the toe box... exactly the combination you want. Shoe is noticeably light too, hopefully this does not have any major implications for durability, but it sure feels nice.
But most of all, the 1080s actually do feel very *neutral* this time around. Am crossing my fingers that it stays this way through the life-cycle of the shoe. Have a feeling it will.
Criticisms/areas for improvement?
* They may have taken the whole 'fitted' thing too far in the ankle area. The collar of the shoe is quite aggressively/tightly fitted to you... some may like this, but it definitely annoyed me. Size-wise, I can wear either a 9.5 or a 10, and I chose the larger shoe just to get some relief from the aggressive collar. With the size-10s it's no longer an issue for me, and I can definitely see others choosing to buy these a bit large too. With the V1s and the 1060 series shoes, I was wearing the 9.5s.
* In the forefoot area, the V2s nail it in terms of width, but the amount of *vertical* room inside the shoe @the forefoot is a bit lacking. Again, another overly-aggressive stab at making the shoe extremely 'fitted' to you. And again, another reason to go a tiny bit large when buying this shoe.
* NB could up the cushioning slightly. These feel more 'bouncy' than plush, as if they used a more resilient foam with lots of 'recoil'. Is fairly cushiony even so, but the bouncy foam seems slightly harder on my knees than the plusher shoes I've worn. However, 'more plush' shouldn't be done if it will turn the shoe into a tall, high ride-height 'ankle-breaker' -type deal. But if it's just a matter of the shoes weighing a half-ounce more...
* Could use the tiniest bit more arch support. Are a tad bit too 'flat' front-to-back. Even a significantly inferior (but popular) shoe such as the Nike Pegasus gets this more right than the 1080 does, last I checked anyway.
* Needs a color option for grown-ups. Yes, the silver & navy color scheme is that, but it's only readily available in the UK, not the US. The three color schemes that *are* available here are varying degrees of 'almost, but not quite'. C'mon New Balance, many of your buyers are over 30 and aren't afraid to look it. In other words, you don't have to be a 'Nike' about this... you aren't hip, and that's what's hip about you. Just ONE fully grown-up color scheme, that's all we ask.
(editJust saw the color choices on the new 1080 V3, and sadly NB seems to have ignored the advice in the above paragraph... all 3 color schemes are varying degrees of getting whomped with the ugly stick. What's so hard about that ONE grown-up color choice, NB? Some of us not only run in our shoes but also like to go to work in them too. Sigh.)
Points for improvement aside, the V2's still a worthy shoe overall, and a vast improvement over the V1. I'm happy I got 'em in fact, I'm now on my third pair, and I may order a couple pairs more before they're sold out (in part to avoid the awful V3 color schemes =o ).
And if future 1080 versions fine-tune the 'fitted feel' and cushioning for the better, the unthinkable may actually occur... we might not miss the amazing 1060 Series anymore.
Well, at least until New Balance again 'fixes' what doesn't need fixing, of course. =\
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I Purchased the 1080 V2 shoes at the same time as New Balance 610s. I intended the 610s for casual wear and the 1080s for running. The 610s crapped out within a month and a half (see my Amazon review). The 1080 V2s are AWESOME! I purchased these for running and they met the challenge. I'm 6'3" 240 lbs, a neutral gait runner. The 1080s fit great, were plenty wide for my super wide feet, were lightweight, and provided great cushioning. Perhaps my most favorite running shoe ever! 5 months in I still love them.
Best Deals on New Balance Men's M1080 Running Shoe
I am 260lbs and was looking for a running shoe that will provide me with good support but light weight, this is the shoe I was dreaming of. This is a shoe New Balance said is for a large frame runners and, it holds up to what the reviews say. Also the price was the best i could find off Amazon, thanks for again.
Terry, Olathe KS
Honest reviews on New Balance Men's M1080 Running Shoe
I love New Balance products, so it pains me to give this one three stars. Although it seems to be made well enough...the sides by the outside of the balls of my feet "pooch out" when running or exercising in them.
I offer that these may be too lightly constructed. However, in all fairness am I a "big boy", so these may work just fine for a smaller, lighter person.
The fit was great though.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for New Balance Men's M1080 Running Shoe
I'm getting old and my foot grow wider plus most of the shoes just hurt my heels. I have Ascis, Nike, Mizuno and never have New Balance Shoe in my life until now, I did some research , talk to friends and try different shoes on until I found this one, with 2E and it's really comfortable and my heels say thanks to me. it's night and day. if you have foot problem, my advise will be take a look at New Balance Men's M1080v2 Running Shoe. Make in USA..
