On the heels of the New York City Marathon, New Balance just dropped a major update to its flagship daily trainer. After years of using Fresh Foam X, the brand is taking a bold step forward with Infinion, a completely new, bouncier midsole technology that signals where the running game is headed in 2026 and beyond. The New Balance 1080v15 launches on January 15, 2026, for $170.
At the heart of this new model is Infinion foam, replacing the Fresh Foam X that’s been a staple of the 1080 line for generations. The new foam delivers a more responsive and snappier ride while maintaining the plush comfort the 1080 series is known for. The heel is 39.9 mm, with a 33.9 mm forefoot stack (6mm drop), which means you’re getting serious cushioning without the mushy, disconnected feeling that plagues some max-cushioned trainers.
What’s particularly impressive is how New Balance managed to shed weight while adding cushioning. At 9.2 oz for men’s size 9.5 and 7.3 oz for women’s size 7, the v15 comes in notably lighter than the v14 (which was almost an ounce heavier). That weight reduction transforms the shoe’s personality—this isn’t just an easy-day cruiser anymore.
Where the 1080v15 truly shines is in its versatility. Previous versions excelled at easy miles but felt sluggish when you wanted to pick up the pace. The Infinion foam changes that dynamic almost entirely. You can comfortably cruise through recovery runs, then seamlessly transition into tempo work without feeling like the shoe is holding you back.
The ride strikes an impressive balance: cushioned enough for long runs without feeling disconnected from the ground. You’re sitting on top of the midsole rather than sinking into it, which translates to better ground feel and responsiveness when you need it.
At $170, the 1080v15 positions itself as a premium daily trainer, and the price bump from the v14 reflects the significant upgrades under the hood. This isn’t just New Balance keeping pace with the competition, it’s pushing the max cushioning category forward.
After testing the 1080v15, the new model is for people seeking one shoe that can genuinely do it all without compromise. New Balance has delivered on modernizing the 1080 series that respects its heritage while embracing the future of running technology.
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