This is the Third-Best Sneaker for Beginner Runners
A review of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13.
A couple of years ago, I examined Nike Running’s lineup for a shopping guide. Although the piece was an S.E.O. play ahead of the Nike Streakfly’s launch, it allowed me to nerd out about running shoes.
Converting sales through affiliate links was an additional goal of the guide, but, as I’ve learned through my own running journey, new shoes aren’t mandatory to engage in the sport – and I wrote so in the piece’s preamble. The best sneaker for beginner runners, then, is whatever pair they can get their feet into.
The second-best running shoe I recommend is any older Nike Pegasus model.
It’s hard to argue against Nike’s “workhorse with wings.” Debuted in 1983, the Pegasus has been a consistent road-ready shoe for decades. The model’s heyday is behind it, but not because it’s no longer a viable running shoe; over the last handfuls of years, the neutral, daily-trainer category has exploded with options from even the most unexpected brands. Loyalists of the Nike Pegasus line may criticize some of the series’ modern iterations, but they’ve been mostly treated to the familiar. And therein lies the “problem” with the historic range: it’s outright boring when compared to some of the competition. Before this year’s, the last four Pegasus models featured a similar geometry, as well as combination of React foam and Zoom Air. While reliable, the Swoosh’s daily-trainer paled in excitement and comfort (read: “bounce”) to similarly-positioned offerings from HOKA, PUMA, or Saucony.
And yet, I recommended the Nike Pegasus 40 to people more than I have any product from the aforementioned brands. Why?: Price. With the right codes and in the right places, the current “workhorse with wings” could be had for at least 50% off its MSRP of $130. Who wouldn’t recommend a reliable, all-around running sneaker for $65, especially considering how expensive running shoes have gotten over the last three years? Nike Outlet stores are prime locations for super-discounted Pegasus sneakers, so I’d recommend visiting those closest to you to stock up on a couple of pairs if you’re a fan of their ride and look. (The Nike Pegasus 41 debuted in June 2024 and drastically changed things [ReactX foam, mesh zones across the upper] from the last handful of iterations.) I currently have 18 miles on a pair of the Pegasus 40 (and who knows how many on a pair of the near-identical Pegasus 38) and I’ve appreciated the ride. Its upper feels bulkier than some of its competitors’, but some runners might get a sense of protection from the layered Flyknit upper. My brother has put over 100 miles on two different pairs of the Pegasus 39 and he can’t rave about the Nike Pegasus line enough, praising its neutral ride and all-aroundability.
However, what does the older, wiser sibling recommend?: New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 1080v13.
For full disclosure, the folks at New Balance gifted me a pair of the 1080v13 (as it’s more commonly referred to) at an event in the lead up to the New York City Marathon 2023. As the race’s official sportswear outfitter, New Balance tends to pull out all the stops for the last Marathon Major of the year. The 1080v13 didn’t debut for or at the race, but it released in a special makeup in celebration of the event. I didn’t have any obligation to review or promote the sneaker, so I put off running in it for a week or two after receiving it. I did, however, try the shoes on immediately upon arriving home, and was quickly impressed with how much the Fresh Foam X midsole compressed with each step. The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 25 and Nike React Infinity Run had been my go-to trainers for daily miles, but they paled in initial step-in comfort to New Balance’s 1080v13. Running in the sneaker only solidified my initial impression, which eventually transformed into a type of devoutness that prompted me to publish this post.
Prior to trying on the 1080v13, my only experiences with New Balance footwear had been a pair of the 990v4 and of the 1906R, two lifestyle-focused options. I found the former a lot more comfortable than the latter, but its cushioning solution was nothing to rave about, especially when compared to performance-first models. Having never run in any of New Balance’s products, I didn’t know what to expect, but Fresh Foam X is a delight underfoot.
Similar in responsiveness to the Pure GEL and FF Blast+ setup in ASICS’ GEL-Nimbus 25, the New Balance 1080v13’s cushioning feels a lot lighter in-hand and on-foot. The sneaker’s 6 millimeter drop from heel to toe and less dramatic general shape are also easier to get accustomed to than some other running models I’ve tried, so much so that I’ve considered buying another pair of the 1080v13 for everyday walking. Everything else about New Balance’s trainer also felt “right” straight out-of-the-box – and even more so on runs. By comparison, laces and tongues across adidas’ Adizero lineup are too flimsy, and uppers on Nike’s Pegasus 40 and Invincible Run 3 feel a bit constrictive, causing hot spots and points of discomfort after certain milage. I haven’t experienced these or any other issues with the 1080v13.
Since November 2023, I’ve logged 221.2 miles (355 kilometers) in New Balance’s Fresh Foam X-cushioned model. The pair still feels soft, bouncy, and comfortable, although its ride isn’t as peppy now. It’s become the sneaker for me – I’ve scattered runs in other daily trainers here and there and I’ve had the same conclusion time and time again: “I can’t wait to run in the 1080’s again.” And that I have.
Over the last several months, I’ve laced up the New Balance 1080v13 dozens of times. Most of my sessions since last November have been easy runs, with 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) being the most common distance I’ve tackled per run. Fresh Foam X can be pushed beyond slower paces, but – at least in this implementation – it begs for easy running. And unlike in other daily trainers, I don’t mind taking things slow in the 1080v13, largely because I never feel discomfort in New Balance’s shoe as I have in other models after a certain distance or outside of specific paces. My longest session in the pair has been a 12 mile walk/jog over the course of almost four hours, with a few 6.2 mile (10 kilometer) efforts in the mix.
Whereas I’ve had issues with other sneakers in the “Daily Trainer” category, I haven’t had any with the 1080v13. What I’ve enjoyed most about the shoe is that I’m able to “set it and forget it,” which has only been possible because of how well every part of the sneaker works with each other. The Fresh Foam X underfoot might not feel as bouncy as it once did, but it’s still easy on the legs. And while I tend to keep sessions extremely tame in the 1080v13, the shoe’s relative light weight makes the occasional strides feel less clunky than other similar options. If there is one area of concern for New Balance’s soft-cushioned runner, it would have to be the outsole. I don’t know the specific rubber compound used for the tread, but New Balance’s outsole solution is visually less aggressive and physically softer. Coverage is fine, but the outsole isn’t as reassuring as what’s on the Nike Pegasus or adidas’ Supernova Rise. My pair is holding up well, so I can’t complain, but your milage might vary.
New Balance is expected to launch the 1080v14 soon. Early leaks shared to Reddit suggest the pair will be fairly similar to its predecessor, which is great news. Visually, both the upper and midsole are different from what’s offered on the 1080v13, but the sneaker should still run the same. Interestingly enough, rubber coverage across the outsole has been notably modified, perhaps to save some weight. If the New Balance 1080v14 debuts before the 2024 NYC Marathon, it’s possible the 1080v13 goes on a slight discount by Black Friday (Nov. 29). I recommend waiting to see what happens, but if you can’t, rest assured you won’t regret picking up New Balance’s 1080v13 – what you might regret is lacing up any other shoe after.