New Balance unveils the new 1080 v15 in Paris, its everyday running shoe, with Marathons.com in attendance
An iconic model from New Balance, the 1080 has established itself for more than a decade as a benchmark for comfort and cushioning among runners. On January 15, 2026, the American brand unveiled the new version, the v15. More than a simple update, New Balance presented in Paris a thoroughly redesigned take on its flagship shoe, the 1080 v15. Lighter, more responsive, more stable and above all more dynamic, this new edition marks a real turning point for the model. Marathons.com had the opportunity to discover and test it during a dedicated event organised by the brand in the French capital.
2026 is only just getting underway, and the running world is already buzzing. Records, shifts among sponsored athletes, new collections and major product launches, the year is shaping up to be an exciting one for running enthusiasts. In that context, New Balance made a strong impression with the unveiling of one of the most anticipated shoes in its lineup, the 1080 v15. A cornerstone of the brand’s training range, this model continues to evolve with each new iteration, especially in recent years.
| Fresh Foam X replaced by Infinion Foam
This fifteenth version of New Balance’s flagship model clearly sets itself apart from its predecessors through two major changes. The first concerns the midsole. The Fresh Foam X used for several generations has been replaced by a new, higher-performance technology, Infinion Foam Super Critical. To improve durability, lightness and energy return, the brand has injected nitrogen into the TPU that makes up the material. “The goal of this new process is to create a lightweight foam that retains its properties over time. Between the first and the hundredth run, the cushioning doesn’t collapse,” explained a brand representative.
The second major update lies in the upper. Closer to the foot and more form-fitting, it provides improved support, particularly in the forefoot, while maintaining excellent breathability. This new mesh also sharpens the shoe’s overall look, making it appear less bulky than the v14. Its silhouette even echoes that of a performance-oriented racing shoe. From an aesthetic standpoint, New Balance opted for a lemon-yellow colourway, a bold shade that catches the eye, enhanced by reflective details and precise, flat elastic laces.
| The ideal shoe for juggling easy runs and selected workouts
With this redesign, the 1080 v15 remains above all a shoe built for easy runs and everyday training. It should appeal to runners looking for comfort and stability without giving up lightness or a touch of responsiveness. The hallmark of this iconic line, comfort, is still very much there. The cushioning feels more modern and reactive, delivering smoother sensations underfoot. This new version is around 40 grams lighter than the v14 (261 grams in size 42 compared to 298 for the v14), “with no compromise on cushioning or stability,” the brand spokesperson insisted.
Thanks to the new foam, the 1080 v15 gains in responsiveness and addresses one of the main criticisms levelled at previous versions. Without becoming a shoe built purely for performance, it feels very comfortable when the pace picks up. “It’s the ideal model if you head away for the weekend with just one pair. It can do almost everything. You can even occasionally run at sub-4:00 per kilometre pace, even if that’s not its primary purpose,” summed up a member of the staff.
The 1080 v15 therefore positions itself as a versatile ally. The shoe is well suited to relaxed runs as well as certain light interval sessions, hill workouts or threshold efforts. This shift towards greater versatility is now a trend seen across most major running brands. In terms of feel, the soft cushioning is still there, albeit less pronounced than on the v14, in favour of improved energy return.
| A shoe that hugs the foot more closely
New Balance has also reworked other elements, including the upper, which now features a softer, more breathable double-layer mesh. Visually, the shoe looks more compact and less bulky. From the moment you slip it on, the comfort is immediately apparent, almost slipper-like. The feel comes close to that of a performance-oriented shoe, albeit with some caveats. The fit is not overly wide and adapts well to the shape of the foot.
When accelerating, a subtle rebound sensation can be felt thanks to the new foam. The 1080 v15 will suit more demanding runners looking to limit the number of pairs in their rotation, with a single shoe capable of covering a wide range of uses. Even experienced athletes can find value in it, particularly for combining an easy run with a few faster-paced efforts.
| Baptiste Guyon, a New Balance athlete for 8 years
This view is shared by Baptiste Guyon, a French distance runner and New Balance athlete since 2018. The 24-year-old international has seen the model evolve over the seasons. Having enjoyed the v14, he acknowledges that the v15 is even better. A native of Romorantin, who ran 27:43 over 10 km in Valencia10 km in Valencia in early January, believes the v15 takes the shoe to a new level.
“The two main updates are the foam and the mesh, which change both the support and the weight. This shoe is much more dynamic and versatile while remaining comfortable and well suited to easy endurance runs. The 1080 has become very appealing, and the overall running experience is even more enjoyable. I use it for all my easy runs, my steady endurance runs around 3:45 per kilometre, and even for easy runs with strides. For the past two or three years, it’s been one of the pairs I use the most. I can take them up to 1,000 kilometres. In the early years, they were mainly there to absorb mileage. Today, they offer better support, are lighter and deliver much better running sensations.”
Baptiste Guyon
New Balance also relies on feedback from its athletes to design and refine its products. Recently, the brand welcomed Liv Westphal into its ranks, the former French 10 km record holder. “The 1080 v15 is a cornerstone shoe for all types of runners,” added the athlete, who retired from competition a few months ago. “We work with a wide range of athletes, including runners who also test other brands, to deliver the most complete models possible.”
The American brand is very likely to make a strong impression with the new 1080 v15. As light as it is versatile and comfortable, this iconic model has successfully reinvented itself to meet runners’ expectations. New Balance has once again demonstrated its expertise in a highly advanced and competitive running market. Released on January 15, 2026, the shoe is sure to appeal to athletes looking for an all-rounder, capable of handling everything from daily easy runs to slightly faster sessions.
✔ New Balance 1080 v15 is available on the official website of the brand
Emma BERT
Journaliste
