New Balance 1080 is a neutral running shoe that will provide you with excellent cushioning and is lightweight. It is great for daily training as well as running and will keep you comfortable throughout the running session.
However, since you are reading this post, you will are interested in running shoes that are similar to New Balance 1080. We have picked the best New Balance 1080 alternatives for you by using New Balance 1080 v11 as our baseline. This is the latest model at the time of writing this post.
Let’s find out what are the top alternatives for New Balance 1080 v11.
The Best New Balance 1080 Alternative
Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why it is the best match?
- Neutral running shoes are the same as New Balance 1080.
- Soft and stable cushioning like New Balance 1080.
- Good for running on the treadmill, training, and roads.
- Almost the same weight as New Balance 1080.
- Stylish.
Let’s understand New Balance 1080 v11
Before we look into the replacements of New Balance 1080, let’s understand it a bit more so that we can pick something that is as close to its qualities as possible.
Without a deeper understanding of New Balance 1080, you may pick up something like this one, which may only burn your money and mess with your comfort while running.
Unless you are not aware of the features and design of New Balance 1080 v11, you may not be able to compare it with its alternatives.
New Balance 1080 v11 is a well-cushioned neutral running shoe that can be used for daily running or training. The midsole cushioning has Fresh Foam X which is an improved version of Fresh Foam and provides you with a cushy and soft running experience.
The heel stack is around 34mm and the forefoot stack of New Balance 1080 is 26mm. This provides you with a heel-to-toe offset of 8mm. This makes New Balance 1080, not a low drop running shoe. Also, due to this heel-to-toe offset, you will get good Achilles support as well.
It has added rubber in the forefoot to provide you with additional traction during landing and the bootie construction will provide you with a snug fit.
Best New Balance 1080 Alternatives
| # | Product | BPG Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brooks Ghost 14 Running Shoes |
(4.8) |
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| 2 | Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Running Shoes |
(4.7) |
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| 3 | Brooks Glycerin 19 Running Shoes |
(4.5) |
Check Price! |
| 4 | Adidas Ultraboost 21 Running Shoes |
(4.5) |
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| 5 | Nike Pegasus 38 Running Shoes |
(4.3) |
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| 6 | Asics Gel Nimbus 23 Running Shoes |
(4.3) |
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| 7 | Brooks Revel 5 Running Shoes |
(4.3) |
Check Price! |
Content
- ✅ Top 10 Best New Balance 1080 Replacements
- 1. Brooks Ghost 14 Running Shoes
- 2. Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Running Shoes
- 3. Brooks Glycerin 19 Running Shoes
- 4. Adidas Ultraboost 21 Running Shoe
- 5. Nike Pegasus 38 Running Shoes
- 6. Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 Running Shoe
- 7. Brooks Revel 5 Running Shoes
- 8. Saucony Kinvara 12 Running Shoes
- 9. 361 Degrees High-Performance Running Shoes
- 10. Reebok Forever Floatride Energy Running Shoes
- Winner
- • FAQs
Alternatives To New Balance 1080 – Running Shoes Similar To New Balance 1080
| Editor Rating: |  |
Brooks Ghost 14 is our first preference as the alternative to New Balance 1080. It has full DNA LOFT cushioning and will provide you with excellent cushioning.
This DNA LOFT cushioning is one of the softest cushioning available from Brooks and the softness is comparable to that of the Fresh Foam X present in New Balance 1080.
Also, it has a full-contact outsole with proper blown rubber coverage in the forefoot, much like New Balance 1080.
It will fit you properly as it has multiple toe box widths available. This is similar to New Balance 1080 which also has multiple toe-box widths available for a better fit.
However, although there are many similarities between New Balance 1080 and Brooks Ghost, there are some differences as well.
For example, New Balance 1080 has a heel-to-toe drop of 8mm whereas Brooks Ghost has a drop of 12mm which is a significant difference.
Although the heel-to-toe offset is more in Brooks Ghost, it has more cushioning in the heels compared to New Balance 1080. On the other hand, 1080 has more cushioning in the forefoot compared to Brooks Ghost.
Also, New Balance 1080 has Ultraheel to reduce Achilles irritation, Brooks Ghost doesn’t have that. However, the collar structure combined with the tongue provides you with a similar experience.
+ POSITIVES
- DNA LOFT cushioning provides an ultra-soft running experience.
- Very Comfortable, lightweight and durable.
- Multiple toe-box widths for an improved fit.
- Breathable upper so your feet feel dry all day long.
- True to size.
– NEGATIVES
- Color choices are a bit boring.
- May have to go one size up for a proper fit.
| Editor Rating: | |
Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is our next choice as an alternative to New Balance 1080. It is cushy, stable, and is durable.
The midsole of this one has two compounds to provide you with a stable ride. One is the Mizuno Enerzy Foam and the other is the U4ic compound.
Mizuno Enerzy provides you with a soft underfoot feel and provides you with a responsive toe-off while U4ic is a lightweight compound that provides you with a comfortable and cushy ride.
Both of these together form a responsive, resilient, and comfortable cushioning.
Also, there are multiple toe box widths available like New Balance 1080. This provides you with proper fit and you will not feel squished while running.
Much like New Balance 1080, the upper is made from engineered mesh which adapts to your feet providing you with an excellent fit.
However, Mizuno Wave Rider also has a higher drop than New Balance 1080. Mizuno Wave Rider has a drop of 12 mm whereas New Balance 1080 has a drop of 8mm. Also, to provide you with this amount of drop, Wave Rider comes with a higher heel stack of 36 mm instead of 34 mm like 1080.
That provides you with a tad bit more heel cushioning than 1080.
One thing that I personally like about Mizuno Wave Rider is that the materials that are being used are eco-friendly be it the wave plate in the heel, foam, upper, or heel plate.
+ POSITIVES
- These running shoes are very comfortable and cushy.
- Good responsiveness along with softness.
- Customized fit.
- Excellent heel protection.
- Lightweight.
– NEGATIVES
- Boring colors.
- The number of toe-widths available could have been more.
| Editor Rating: | |
Brooks Glycerin 19 is an excellent shoe when it comes to cushioning. It is soft, and durable and will provide you with a buttery soft heel-to-toe transition.
This is one of the features that is most similar to the New Balance 1080.
Other than that, the heel-to-toe drop of Brooks Glycerin is almost similar to New Balance 1080 and has a drop of 10 mm. This is only 2 mm more than New Balance 1080 and will provide you with a similar kind of experience.
However, the cushioning level of Brooks Glycerin is a bit higher than New Balance 1080 with a heel stack of 38 mm and a forefoot stack of 28mm. Whereas New Balance 1080 has a heel height of 34mm and a forefoot stack of 26mm.
For a better fit, Brooks Glycerin also has two widths present. This will make you feel really comfortable and your toes will not get squished.
Also, the forefoot has blown rubber as in New Balance 1080 and provides you with proper grip, durability, and responsiveness.
It also has a plush interior lining that moves with your foot to provide you with a comfortable and non-restrictive running experience.
+ POSITIVES
- These running shoes are very comfortable and cushy.
- Responsive and light-weight.
- Sock-like fit which makes the stride secure.
- The outsole gives a good grip for running on dry or wet surfaces.
- Long lasting.
+ NEGATIVES
- More number of width would have been better.
- Boring to look at.
| Editor Rating: | |
Adidas Ultraboost 21 is a very popular running shoe for its cushioning and will provide you with excellent ride quality.
It is a consistent performer throughout the years and will provide you with a kind of durability that is unique to this running shoe.
The outsole of Adidas Ultraboost is made from continental rubber and this provides them with exceptional durability and grip. The rubber is actually made from the same rubber as Continental tires which is why it provides you with similar durability.
The amount of Ultraboost cushioning that is present in this shoe is more than the previous version and provides you with an ultrasoft and adaptable cushioning.
However, if you look at the thickness of the cushioning you will find that it is thinner than that of New Balance 1080 although the drop is almost similar. New Balance 1080 has a drop of 8 mm whereas Adidas Ultraboost has a drop of 10 mm.
The heel stack of New Balance 1080 is around 34 mm whereas that of Adidas Ultraboost has a heel stack of 33 mm. Also, the forefoot stack of 1080 is around 26 mm whereas that of Adidas Ultraboost is 23 mm.
However, with the cushioning, you will hardly feel any difference apart from the drop.
Also, the fitting of Adidas Ultraboost is also very nice and will provide you with a non-restrictive and natural ride.
+ POSITIVES
- More cushioning.
- Torsion system.
- Recycled material in the upper.
- Good responsiveness.
- Good shock absorption.
- Durable and lightweight.
- Good breathability.
– NEGATIVES
- Some runners are not happy with the fit.
- Heavy.
| Editor Rating: |  |
Nike Pegasus 38 or Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 as it is called is a cushy running shoe that will provide you with good responsiveness and a lot of mileage.
The cushioning is thick and is adaptable to your stride providing you with an excellent running experience.
However, the cushy feel of this foam is a bit different than the feel of New Balance 1080. The fresh foam’s responsiveness feels a bit dampened than Nike Pegasus.
Also, the cushioning level that is present in New Balance 1080 is a bit more than Nike Pegasus, however, you will not feel the difference much.
Weightwise, Nike Pegasus is a bit more than New Balance 1080, however, you will not be weighed down due to this weight difference.
I was a bit surprised after seeing this as the overall thickness of the cushioning is a bit less in Nike Pegasus than New Balance 1080. The heel stack of Nike Pegasus is 33 mm whereas that of New Balance 1080 is 34 mm. The forefoot stack is 23 mm whereas that of New Balance 1080 is 26 mm.
The fit of Nike Pegasus is also good and provides you with a customized fit. This is similar to New Balance 1080 which also provides a fit according to your feet.
The upper of both of these shoes have a mesh kind of material providing you with not only a good fit but also excellent breathability.
+ POSITIVES
- Comfortable and cushy.
- Lightweight and plush.
- Roomy toe-box.
- Good for long-distance running.
- Good for heavier runners.
+ NEGATIVES
- Boring colors.
- Tongue and collar padding could have been better.
| Editor Rating: | |
Asics Gel Nimbus 23 is a neutral running shoe that is excellent with cushioning It is lightweight and will provide you with good shock absorption.
The shock absorption of this shoe comes from the silicone-based gel cushioning that is present at both the forefoot and the rear foot.
Also, the lightness of the cushioning comes from FlyteFoam which is one of the lightest midsole materials from Asics.
There is one interesting difference between Asics Gel Nimbus and New Balance 1080. New Balance 1080 has the same heel-to-toe drop (8mm) for both genders, whereas New Balance 1080 has two different heel-to-toe drops for men’s and women’s shoes. For men’s shoes, it is 10mm whereas for the women’s shoes it is around 13mm.
The weight of both of these shoes is similar and you will not feel much of a difference between the two.
However, some runners find the sole unit of Asics Nimbus to be a bit stiffer than New Balance 1080.
+ POSITIVES
- Good cushioning and lightweight.
- Excellent responsiveness.
- Excellent shock absorption.
- Good ankle stability.
- Very stylish.
+ NEGATIVES
- The sole unit may be a bit stiffer.
- May squeak a bit.
| Editor Rating: | |
Brooks Revel 5 can serve as a good New Balance 1080 alternative. It is well-cushioned and provides you with a good fit.
One thing of Brooks Revel that is most similar to New Balance 1080 is the heel-to-toe drop. Both of these shoes have a heel-to-toe drop of around 8mm.
However, the heel stack and the forefoot stack of these two shoes are completely different from each other. While New Balance 1080 has a heel stack of 34 mm and a forefoot stack of 26 mm, Brooks Revel has a heel stack of 28 mm and a forefoot stack of 20 mm.
This means that the overall cushioning of Brooks Revel is a bit less than New Balance 1080. But you will not feel that due the comfort that this running shoe provides.
Also, weight wise, Brooks Revel is slightly lighter than New Balance 1080.
Then what about arch support?
Both of these shoes are capable of providing support to arches up to medium height which is what we see in most of the neutral runners.
The midsole of Brooks Revel is a bit snappier than New Balance 1080 and is a bit more responsive than it. This great for runners who wants to run shorter distances.
However, if you are a running long distances, then New Balance 1080 may be a better choice solely because of the softness of the sole.
Like New Balance 1080, Brooks Revel also has a full-contact outsole made from blown rubber. This rubber will provide you with excellent grip and durability and is great for providing a bit of extra cushioning to your shoe.
+ POSITIVES
- Comfortable and cushioned running experience.
- Responsive and lightweight.
- Easy heel-to-toe transition.
- Durable.
- Great for short runs.
– NEGATIVES
- Toe box depth seems to be a bit less.
- Looks almost the same as the previous model. Styling is not much upgraded.
Saucony Kinvara 12 can be a great alternative to New Balance 1080. It is a no-fuss well-cushioned running shoe that will provide you with good cushioning, protection, and running experience.
However, Saucony Kinvara is more like a minimalist running shoe with only the features that are absolutely required is present.
Also, it is a very lightweight running shoe that is great for almost any distance running.
To be lightweight, Saucony Kinvara doesn’t have a full-contact outsole. In general, if you observe, rubber is very heavy compared to foam. So, if you take away that component from a running shoe, it will become a lot lighter.
However, this poses another problem. The durability of this shoe goes down, especially in the heel and the forefoot.
For that, it has strategic rubber placements that enhance its durability.
Although the cushioning of Saucony Kinvara is comparable to New Balance 1080, it is not exactly the same.
The overall cushioning of New Balance 1080 is thicker than that of Saucony Kinvara. The heel stack of Saucony Kinvara is 28 mm and the forefoot stack is 24 mm.
This makes the heel-to-toe offset to be around 4mm which is half of that of New Balance 1080. Also, this makes Saucony Kinvara a low drop running shoe which we cannot say about New Balance 1080.
+ POSITIVES
- Very Lightweight.
- Responsive.
- Strategic placement of rubber for durability.
- Excellent for runners with neutral pronation.
- Low drop.
- Great shock absorption.
– NEGATIVES
- Early wear and tear signs may develop.
- For some, the back of the shoe felt narrow.
Meet Reebok Forever Floatride Energy, our next candidate on this list. This is a lightweight running shoe that is perfect for your day-to-day running and training.
It has a full-blown carbon rubber outsole, that provides you with excellent grip. Inherently carbon rubbers are more durable and this enhances the overall lifespan of your running shoe.
This running shoe comes with a Floatride Energy Foam midsole that provides you with lightweight and responsive cushioning.
However, these running shoes are not great after a distance of 10K.
It has a mesh upper that provides you with lightweight breathability and support. This keeps the in-shoe environment healthy and keeps you cool and dry while running.
Also, it has flex grooves made in the forefoot of the outsole. This provides you with an easier heel-to-toe transition.
+ POSITIVES
- Comfortable and lightweight.
- Good responsiveness.
- Good for day-to-day running and training.
- Durable.
- Good breathability.
- True to size.
– NEGATIVES
- The heel area seems to be a bit stiffer.
361 Degrees Fierce High-Performance Neutral Trainer Running Shoes is our last recommendation as an alternative to New Balance 1080.
This is a lightweight everyday sneaker that will provide you with excellent responsiveness and cushioning.
Also, it has optimal insoles that provide you with excellent comfort, moisture management, and breathability.
You will not have to deal with the movement of the tongue due to the STAYPUT design.
Also, it has reflective printing for providing you with low light visibility thus protecting you while running in low light conditions.
This provides you with a decent fit and is great for training and short-distance running.
+ POSITIVES
- These running shoes are very comfortable and cushy.
- Good responsiveness.
- Lightweight.
- Multipurpose running shoe.
- Strikingly stylish.
– NEGATIVES
- Sizing seems to be a bit off.
Madhusree Basu
Author, Admin
Blogger and a fitness enthusiast. She loves running and Yoga and everything in between. She started running to manage her weight and to eat to her heart’s content. A true foodie at heart she shares whatever knowledge she has gained throughout the years about weight management and fitness.
