You know that one friend who’s always ready for a long conversation, a leisurely stroll, or even a quick jog to the coffee shop? That’s the New Balance 1080 v14—a reliable companion with comfort to spare and just enough flair to turn heads. But even the best buddies have their quirks. Does the latest iteration of New Balance’s flagship trainer live up to the hype? Let’s lace up and find out.

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Tech Specs

• Midsole: FreshFoam X (tuned for a firmer ride)

• Weight: 10.3 oz (men's)

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm

• Price: $160

• Total Miles: 38 miles

• Types of Runs Tested: Daily Runs, Long Runs, Recovery runs

• Review of the New Balance 1080 v14: A Cushioned Cruiser with a Few Quirks

  Introduction

  You know that one friend who’s always ready for a long conversation, a leisurely stroll, or even a quick jog to the coffee shop? That’s the New Balance 1080 v14—a reliable companion with comfort to spare and just enough flair to turn heads. But even the best buddies have their quirks. Does the latest iteration of New Balance’s flagship trainer live up to the hype? Let’s lace up and find out.

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  Tech Specs

  • Midsole: FreshFoam X (tuned for a firmer ride)

  • Outsole: Durable rubber with zonal traction

  • Upper: Engineered knit with a focus on comfort

  • Weight: 10.3 oz (men's), 8.3 oz (women's)

  • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm

  • Price: $160

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  The Good

  1. FreshFoam X Midsole

  The star of the show here is FreshFoam X. New Balance tweaked the foam for v14, making it slightly firmer—and honestly, it’s a welcomed update. The firmer feel doesn’t sacrifice comfort; instead, it strikes the sweet spot between plush and responsive. This change makes the 1080 v14 far more versatile than its predecessor. While the v13 leaned heavily into squishiness—perfect for daily miles but less ideal for anything requiring more structure—the firmer foam of the v14 broadens its capabilities. Now, it feels just as at home on recovery runs as it does on longer efforts or tempo-paced workouts.

  2. Ride

  The 1080 v14 delivers the smooth, comfortable ride we’ve come to expect from this series. It’s not trying to be flashy or fast—it’s here to provide a reliable, cushioned platform that keeps your legs feeling fresh mile after mile. Think of it as your favorite lounge chair: not the sleekest, but undeniably comfortable.

  3.Versatility

  Daily miles? Check. Long runs? Double check. Recovery days? Oh, absolutely. The 1080 v14 is the Swiss Army knife of running shoes, ready to tackle whatever your training plan throws at it. It might not be a race-day rocket, but for everything else, it’s a workhorse you can count on.

The Bad

1. Weight

   At over 10 ounces for the men’s version, the 1080 v14 is on the heavier side for a daily trainer. While the FreshFoam X midsole compensates by offering supreme comfort, the weight might be noticeable during quicker runs or uptempo workouts. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re seeking something lightweight.

2. Durability

   If there’s a downside to the otherwise stellar engineered knit upper, it’s durability. While it feels great against your foot, the material starts to show wear a little too quickly for a $160 shoe. After a few weeks of testing, I noticed small tears beginning to form around the collar—a disappointing flaw in an otherwise premium product.

The Verdict

The New Balance 1080 v14 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it refines an already exceptional formula. The firmer FreshFoam X foam, smooth ride, and unmatched versatility make it a daily trainer you’ll reach for again and again. While the weight and upper durability aren’t perfect, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

Should you buy it? Yes. It’s a comfortable, reliable workhorse that earns its spot in your rotation. Just don’t expect it to win any durability awards.

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Eric:

Total Miles: 41 miles

Types of Runs Tested: Progression Runs, Intervals, Multi-pace, Long Runs

Length: Sliiiiiiightly long but probably best to go TTS

Width: NARROW. This is a very low volume shoe

The On Cloudboom Strike is one of the most confusing shoes I’ve ever worn. Visually its sleek and looks the Supershoe part, but on foot you immediately notice that something is unique. If I’m being completely honest, every time I put on this shoe I was slightly uncomfortable, then once I got running I found that no pace felt too hard or out of reach. All that being said, lets get into it!

Blake:

Total Miles: 32 miles

Types of Runs Tested: Progression Runs, Intervals, Fartleks, Long Runs

Length:True To Size

Width: Racing Flat Snug

On the outside the Cloudboom Strike doesn’t look like anything crazy, but once you put this shoe on, it feels different from the rest. On is getting serious about their racing shoes.

The Good:

Eric:

The Midsole: The midsole is made up of 3 pieces, a drop-in midsole of Helion HF foam (Pebax), a carbon fiber speed board, and a Helion HF outer shell(?)

As I mentioned in the intro, paces felt effortless in this shoe. I did intervals, pyramid workouts, tempo runs, progression runs, and at points where I feel like normally I’d start to fade the legs just kept moving. I saw someone describe the shoe as “humbly fast” which I think is probably the best way to describe the feeling. The shoe lacks the POP that many have come to expect in a supershoe but subtly propels you forward allowing you to complete whatever you throw its way.

The Outsole: I couldn’t find if this was a unique compound but I had the opportunity to test the outsole on track, road, treadmill, and often times in rain or during some lightly snow. The outsole isn’t overly sticky but kept me secure and had no noticeable slippage. Outsoles are often overlooked but when it comes to a racing shoe I prefer to have something reliable underfoot just in-case mother nature decides to downpour on race day.

The Weight: 7.5oz in a men’s size 9 is music to my ears! I am a very weight sensitive runner and I believe its because my stride is very powerful rather than graceful. As a former ball sport athlete who found running after years of being stagnant due to mental health struggles I take the lighter you 9/10. Especially when the goal is to go long and fast, give me 8oz or less please!

Blake:

The Midsole: To pack as much of their Helion-HF (Pebax) foam into this shoe and still be right at under 40mm, On stripped out the typical sockliner and strobel board and utilized their new BounceBoard drop-in midsole. From the outside it doesn’t look like there’s a lot of cushioning in this shoe, but once you put it on, you realize why they call it a BounceBoard. I felt like there was so much protection and bounce coming from it. It’s not super soft like ZoomX, I’d say leans more towards a Lightstrike Pro feel. No matter the workout, the Cloudboom Strike felt lively, energetic, and fast.

The Weight: I’m right there with Eric, the weight of this shoe is definitely a plus. A lot of this weight savings come from getting rid of the sockliner and strobel board, and I’m here for it. Simplifying a shoe to give you more cushion and less weight is where I hope more brands go.

The Bad:

Eric:

The Midsole: You’re probably confused but to be fair, so am I. I strongly dislike the underfoot feel of this shoe. Something about the bounceboard drop in midsole being contained by the outer layer just doesn’t vibe in my mind…or feet…

The drop-in midsole is soft and compresses underfoot. It reminds me a little of the New Balance SC Elite foam BUT imagine that squish stuffed into a container. So despite the fact that this shoe makes me feel fast and I like feeling fast, I did have to call out that I don’t love the underfoot feel. Do I hate it? Well no, I’d likely still choose the CBS for a half marathon because I do think it would really shine for me at that distance.

The other thing I want to call out about the midsole is that it feels very unstable to me. Honestly that’s the only reason I wouldn’t take it for the full 26.2. For many runners I don’t think this will be an issue but for those like myself who have had ankle issues in the past it’s something to note.

The Upper: Before I talk about my concerns with the upper I do want to just mention that I love the lockdown. Nothings annoys me more than sliding around in my shoe when I’m trying to move fast so I do appreciate the sleek fit, however this shoe is super narrow AND low volume.

Due to the way the tongue is constructed you almost don’t need to lace the shoe. The upper is light weight and breathable but I don’t feel that my feet have room to swell at all. Also I wouldn’t recommend sizing up because it already fits just slightly long.

Lastly the upper rubs in a few spots. The heel in particular has rubbed a few people raw and led to a few graphic images on Instagram. I wore Balega Blister Resist socks to take care of potential heel issue and saw no problems. I did however get some rubbing on the top of my big toe where the tongue ends. For the most part my feet have made it through unscathed but again for a shoe built to go the distance ever detail matters as those things stack up over the miles.

Blake:

The Midsole: With the carbon plate being bottom loaded (meaning the majority of the foam is above the plate), I thought that it helped stiffen the shoe, but didn’t necessarily provide that same snap off the toe you find in other racers.

However, unlike Eric I thought the shoe felt pretty stable overall and I enjoyed the underfoot feel. I’d definitely race anything from a 10k-marathon in this shoe.

The Upper: Like Eric mentioned, there are a few issues with the upper. On a positive note, I actually thought the length and volume were good. It wasn’t baggy fitting like some models from On I’ve worn, but the laces are WAAAYYY too long. Especially in a more snug-fitting, low volume shoe, you don’t need all this extra lace flopping around.

The real issue for me though, was the ankle collar. For some reason, I’ve been having issues with the suede-like material brands seem to be using around the achilles this year. I got some pretty gnarly blisters on my first couple of runs. To remedy the issue I put a small piece of duct tape over the pull tab and this seemed to help reduce the friction it was causing. Eric also convinced me to buy a pair of the Blister Resist socks, and those did a great job at preventing blisters as well.

The Verdict:

Eric:

Ultimately I like this shoe a lot. After my first run I thought it was going to be a struggle to get the miles on it but run after run I felt better and better in it. There is a weird sensation with the CBS that the first mile or two always feels a little off but once you find your stride in it the paces come effortlessly.

Now for me this shoe is probably not a marathon option as I said above and for the 5k/10k I think I would want something that gives me a little more of that POP. Personally my sweet spot would be the half-marathon distance but I do think its a shoe that works so long as you are wanting to go FAST.

Blake:

I was a little unsure of what to expect from the drop-in midsole, but I ended up really enjoying it. I liked how protective and cushioned it felt without all the additional bulk and weight.

This is definitely a shoe I’d wear for a half or a full marathon (wearing my blister resistance socks), but if I’m trying to get a 5k or 10k PR, I’d probably opt for something a little snappier feeling.

Overall I think the Cloudboom Strike is showing that On is serious about trying new things and creating serious running shoes.

Reviewers

Eric McIntyre Height: 5’10” Weight: 175lbs

Blake Graf Height: 6’2” Weight: 160lbs

Let me set the stage: This is my first-ever INOV8 shoe—road or trail—and honestly, I had no clue what I was getting into. Whenever I lace up a new brand, it’s a mix of kid-on-Christmas-morning excitement and “What if my feet file a formal complaint?” anxiety. The INOV8 Roadfly promised premium foam in a minimalist package, and I was ready to find out if it was a hero or a zero.

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Specs

• Drop: 6mm (27mm heel, 21mm forefoot)

• Weight: 9.3 oz (Men’s size 9)

• Midsole: Powerflow Pro

• Price: $130

• Total Miles: 34 miles

• Types of Runs Tested: Intervals, Daily Runs, Long Runs

The Good

1. Foam Performance
As a certified member of the Max Cushion Fan CluB, I wasn’t expecting much from a minimalist shoe. But lo and behold, the Powerflow Pro foam impressed me. It’s like that quiet coworker who suddenly crushes the karaoke night—responsive, light, and surprisingly fun. It kept me cruising without feeling like I was pounding the pavement into submission.

2. Fit
The Roadfly fits true to size and provides enough room for my slightly wider feet. It’s always a relief when a shoe doesn’t pinch or feel restrictive, and Inov-8 nailed it with this design.

3. Comfort
Despite its minimalist design, the Roadfly felt cozy. They somehow combined a comfy foam, supportive insole, and an upper that hugs your foot without suffocating it. It’s like the Goldilocks of shoes: not too tight, not too loose, juuuust right.

The Bad

1. Stack Height
In today’s running shoe landscape, a heel stack of 27mm is on the low side. While this does enhance ground feel, it also limits the shoe’s versatility. If you’re used to higher-stacked, more cushioned trainers, this might be a dealbreaker, especially for longer runs.

2. Distance Limitations
For me, the Roadfly excels as a daily trainer but falls short when it comes to longer distances. After about 8 miles, the lack of stack becomes noticeable, and my legs start to feel the impact. I wouldn’t recommend this shoe for runs beyond that range unless you’re a seasoned minimalist runner.

The Verdict

The INOV8 Roadfly is like a minimalist ninja—sleek, responsive, and surprisingly comfortable for short to mid-distance runs. If you’re a ground-feel enthusiast who likes your trainers lean and mean, this shoe might just be your new best friend. However, if you’re training for long distances or you prefer running on clouds, you might want to swipe left.

In short: it’s fun, it’s light, and it’s comfy—but don’t expect it to be your long-run buddy. The Roadfly is a perfect “short-run hero,” but for now, my max cushion shoes can sleep easy.

Reviewer

Cody - Height 5’10, Weight - 160lbs

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There’s a funny thing about runners: once we find a shoe brand that vibes with us, we’re loyal to the end. Through thick and thin, every mile and every blister, we hold out hope that our beloved brand will keep delivering the goods year after year. And while sometimes we get lucky, more often than not, we’re left clutching our wallets, shaking our heads, and muttering, “Why did they change it?!”

But every so often, there’s a brand that gets it right—time and time again. For me, that’s ASICS. They’ve become my ride-or-die, the MVP of my running rotation. And when a brand delivers homeruns with every release, it’s hard not to stick around. Let me introduce you to my dream team—the perfect ASICS rotation that keeps me logging miles and chasing PRs like a kid after the ice cream truck.

Here is my ASICS 2024 “perfect” running shoe rotation:

Daily Trainer: Novablast 4

The Novablast 4 is my go-to for daily training. It’s versatile, offering a balance of comfort and responsiveness that’s ideal for a variety of runs. Whether I’m logging easy miles or throwing in some light tempo work, the Novablast 4 delivers a smooth, bouncy ride. The FF Blast+ foam provides excellent energy return, making every step feel lively without sacrificing cushioning.

Recovery Day: Nimbus 26

Recovery runs are critical for allowing your body to rebuild and prepare for the next hard effort, and the Nimbus 26 is perfect for those slower, easier miles. This shoe is all about plush comfort, featuring ASICS’ GEL technology and soft FF Blast+ cushioning to protect your joints and muscles. The ride is smooth and forgiving, ensuring my legs feel fresh even after a tough training block

Speed Day: Magic Speed 4

When it’s time to focus on speed, the Magic Speed 4 shines. This lightweight trainer features a carbon-infused plate and FF Blast Turbo midsole foam, offering the propulsion and responsiveness needed for faster-paced runs. Whether I’m doing intervals, tempo sessions, or fartlek workouts, this shoe gives me the edge I need to hit my splits while staying efficient.

Long Run: Superblast 2

Long runs demand a shoe that can go the distance without compromising comfort or performance, and the Superblast 2 is my top pick. Its dual-layer midsole combines FF Blast+ and FF Blast Turbo foams for an ideal mix of cushioning and energy return. It’s lightweight for its stack height, making it easy to maintain a steady pace while minimizing fatigue during extended efforts.

Race Day: Metaspeed Sky Paris

For race day, everything comes down to performance, and the Metaspeed Sky Paris is built for speed. Designed for runners who increase their stride length as they pick up the pace, this shoe maximizes efficiency with its full-length carbon plate and FF Blast Turbo midsole. It’s engineered for top-tier performance, helping me set a PR at the Delaware Running Festival. If you’re serious about shaving seconds (or minutes) off your time, this is the shoe to consider.

Why ASICS Works for My Rotation

Each shoe in this rotation serves a specific purpose, helping me optimize every aspect of my training. The Novablast 4 handles the bulk of my weekly mileage, while the Nimbus 26 keeps me comfortable during recovery. The Magic Speed 4 sharpens my speed, and the Superblast 2 supports me on those crucial long runs. And when it’s time to race, the Metaspeed Sky Paris helps me perform at my best.

What makes this rotation particularly effective is the balance between comfort, durability, and performance. ASICS has carefully tuned each model to excel in its category, ensuring that I have the right tool for every workout. This approach not only helps me train smarter but also minimizes the risk of injury by providing variety in my footwear.