Details
Brand
New Balance
Heel To Toe Drop
8 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Removable insole for customization• Ndurance Outsole• Full-length EVA Fresh Foam midsole• Fantom Fit upper, featuring an improved engineered mesh• Well placed Flex grooves for improved flexibility• Wide, molded urethane toe-cap
Upper
The upper unit of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is distinctly different from previous models. This shoe features a Fantom Fit engineered mesh material. This material is actually made out of two mesh materials. These materials are fused together to create a seamless design. The Fantom Fit is created to be both seamless and comfortable, offering breathability. The concept of this shoe is that it can be worn with or without socks. The Upper also features a plush tongue. The only issue that can be found with this design is that the tongue is connected with a seam. Some reviewers found this seam to be irritating when wearing this shoe without socks. The Fresh Foam upper also utilizes an asymmetrical heel counter that maintains structure and keeps your foot in place while running.
Midsole
The midsole is made out of a thick piece of well designed EVA Fresh Foam. The dense Fresh Foam runs consistently throughout the entire length of the shoe. This midsole offers responsiveness and durability. Some reviewers found the EVA Midsole to be firmer than other traditional running shoes. Another feature of the Fresh Foam 1080 v7 midsole is the removable insole. These features allow for personal customization.
Outsole
The upper unit of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is made out of two types of rubber. One type of rubber is made out of blown rubber. The rubber is durable and responsive. Blown rubber is flexible and offers a subtle amount of cushioning. The other rubber featured in the outsole is a specially designed Ndurance rubber. This rubber is concentrated in the lateral and heel portion of the shoe. This rubber is designed to be durable and to reduce shock upon impact. Both of these rubbers offer excellent traction. The outsole of the Fresh Foam 1080 v7 also features well-placed flex grooves. One of the differences between the v7 and previous models are the flex grooves placed in the forefoot of the shoe. These flex grooves bend horizontally, offering ideal amounts of flexibility.
Breathability
One of the improvements made to the Fresh Foam 1080 v7 version is more breathability. To increase breathability, the upper unit is constructed out of a newer engineered mesh material. This Fantom Fit material increases breathability while still maintaining structure and support. Many reviewers found this increased amount of breathability to add to the level of comfort offered when running.
Comfort
Many reviewers found the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 to be a bit firm when compared to other traditional running shoes. The Fresh Foam 1080 v7 has a specially designed upper that is made out of a seamless Fantom Fit mesh material. This material is designed to have a sock-like fit for added comfort. The EVA Fresh Foam midsole is also designed to be supportive and comfortable. Keep in mind that the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 has a firmer feel when compared to other traditional running shoe.
Style
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is an aesthetically pleasing shoe. Many reviewers are drawn to the various color options that this shoe offers for both men and women. This traditional running shoe features a modernized design, with a sleek upper unit and a thick midsole. New Balance’s classic “N” logo is placed on the side of the shoe. Overall, the style of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is quite pleasant.
Durability
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is a durable running shoe. The upper unit of this shoe is made out of an engineered mesh that retains durability while increasing breathability. The full length EVA Fresh Foam midsole and the combination rubber outsole also add to the durability of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7.
Protection
The traditional elements of the Fresh Foam 1080 v7 offer protection to your feet while running. The rubber outsole of this shoe provides protection and traction, both from exterior elements and from the impact. The EVA Fresh Foam midsole also helps to protect your feet from impact. The wide urethane toe-cap also adds an element of comfort and protection.
Responsiveness
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 offers runners both ground responsiveness and foot responsiveness. The outsole, comprised of both blown rubber and Ndurance rubber, offers a flexible and an adequate amount of ground response. The midsole, comprised of full-length EVA Fresh Foam, is both durable and responsive. When combined, the outsole and midsole of the Fresh Foam 1080 v7 provide a stable but responsive element while running. The upper unit, with the Fantom Fit mesh, provides a sock-like feel that is able to bend and move with the natural movements of your foot. When compared to more minimally designed running shoe, the Fresh Foam 1080 v7 may not seem exceptionally responsive, but when compared to other traditional running shoes, this shoe offers adequate responsiveness.
Support
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is designed to be a supportive shoe. The EVA Fresh Foam midsole, that is also found in the previous models, runs the full length of the shoe. This midsole is designed to be responsive and supportive. Another feature of the Fresh Foam 1080 v7 that offers support is the new designed upper. The upper unit of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 received the most change when compared to the previous models. A new Fantom Fit engineered mesh is used to increase breathability, while still maintaining support. The asymmetrical heel counter holds the heel in place and also aids in structure and support while running. Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is a supportive shoe.
Terrain
Essentially, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 should be used on roads and pavements. This is a neutral running shoe that offers versatility while running. The Fresh Foam 1080 v7 can be used for long distance running, leisure runs, basic training, and everyday use. Some reviewers even found this shoe to perform well during speed training. The Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is not designed for heavy trail runs and may not perform well or be durable enough for offroad running.
Price
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is priced at around $140.00 to $150.00. This shoe is a slightly high priced shoe considering that it does not offer any specializations to running. This shoe is similar to its predecessors, with the exception of the enhanced upper design, and the added flex grooves to the outsole. While the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is a well balanced running shoe with a lot to offer, some reviewers felt that overall this shoe felt a little too firm for the price, and opted towards a softer running shoe. However, the reviewers that appreciated the previous models and felt that the added improvements made to the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 made it worth the purchase price.
Drop
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 has a drop of 8mm. This is a slightly lower drop than the average amount of 10mm. Many runners will feel comfortable with this drop due to the fact that most traditional running shoes feature a similar drop. This slight slope from the heel to toe is designed to minimize impact and also to help propel your foot forward while running.
Stability
One unique feature of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is the wide platform. This wide base, along with the wide urethane toe-cap help to increase stability while running. The outsole is made out of Ndurance blown rubber, providing durability and traction. The amount of traction that this shoe offers also increases the amounts of stability. Another feature that contributes to the stability found in the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is the asymmetrical heel counter. This heel counter holds your heel in place while running and adds to the structural integrity of the shoe. Overall, the Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is a well-designed shoe offering adequate stability.
Flexibility
To increase the flexibility of the Fresh Foam 1080 v7, flex grooves were added to the forefront area of the shoe. This flex grooves are well placed and move horizontally along the bottom, increasing flexibility. These flex grooves are one of the improvements made to the v7 model. Many reviewers noted that added amount of flexibility in the Fresh Foam 1080 v7. The Ndurance rubber outsole is also known to be flexible and durable. The EVA Fresh Foam midsole that is consistent with the previous models offers flexibility and responsiveness. The engineered mesh material found in the upper is another improvement made to the Fresh Foam 1080 v7 model. This material adds more breathability and flexibility towards the shoe. For a traditional running shoe, the Fresh Foam 1080 v7 does an excellent job of maintaining a comfortable amount of flexibility.
Traction
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 features both Blown rubber and Ndurance rubber. The Blown rubber is responsive and flexible. It adds a subtle amount of comfort to the outsole, but also adds excellent traction. The Ndurance rubber is concentrated towards the rear and lateral portions of the running shoe, providing shock absorption and impact protection while running. The outsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is well designed for roads and pavements. Many reviewers found this shoe to offer the ideal amount of traction.
Bottom Line
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is ideal for runners looking for a traditional running shoe. This shoe is slightly lighter than other traditional running shoes and offers multiple elements of durability, comfort, and support. The Fresh Foam 1080 v7 offers a traditional drop of 8mm, neutralizing impact and making it a comfortable option for many runners. The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 has subtle improvements from the previous models, a more breathable upper, added forefront flex grooves, and a more customizable insole. Keep in mind that this shoe tends to be firmer than other other traditional running shoes and the seam that connects the tongue can cause some irritation when worn without socks. Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v7 is a well designed traditional running shoe that is versatile, flexible, and aesthetically appealing.
