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It doesn’t take more than a walk through the airport or city to know that maximal cushioning is all the rage these days. While Hoka might be king of cushy sneakers, we found a pair from New Balance that might knock it off its throne — or so say reviews of the brand’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V13 running shoe.
“I have NEVER liked New Balance in the past, but my podiatrist recommended these for my ankle and foot injury that kept me from walking,” says another review. “This one is an actually good looking, well fitting, and the most comfortable shoe I have ever tried.”
Walkers and runners alike say these highly cushioned shoes are incredibly comfortable, great for high arches, propel you forward faster and provide soft landings. Right now, you can grab a pair at a rare discount on Amazon at 21% off. According to our price trackers, this pair never goes on sale, so act now and you can grab them for as low as $130, down from its typical $165 MSRP.
The 1080 V13 running shoes use New Balance’s Fresh Foam X technology for an ultra-bouncy and supportive midsole, helping reduce impact on landings fatigue in the foot. They have airy uppers made of breathable mesh, and as many users state, they have an excellent wide fit for roomy comfort. They’ve also got plenty of reflective elements to show others you’re walking, running or jogging in low-light environments. They come in sizes women’s sizes 5-13 and men’s 7-16, and in narrow, wide and extra wide widths.
Users also prefer these to maximal shoes from other brands. “[I] chose this over Hoka Bondi 8 and Gaviota 5 and Brooks Glycerin and Ghost Max,” says one. “This was just SOFTER than any of them and had the most room to accommodate orthotics.”
If you’re looking for that new workhorse pair of sneakers to support your next trek, grab a pair on Amazon before this sale ends! Read on for more promising reviews from other fans of this ultra-cushy sneaker.
Read on for more promising reviews of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V13 running shoes:
“Looking for an all-black shoe to wear to work function without looking like I am heading to the gym. Chose this over Hoka Bondi 8 and Gaviota 5 and Brooks Glycerin and Ghost Max: this was just SOFTER than any of them and had the most room to accomodate orthotics (and the logos are black on black). Comparing this shoe to my previous New Balance Fresh Foam X More V4 – THAT one is definitely cushier, but I also got a SLIGHT “I am going to fall off this Jenga set” feeling (I have had them a year+, including 10 days of walking all over Europe and NEVER did fall or twist an ankle, but I never quite shook that feeling.) THIS one really feels like a better shoe, never giving me that feeling. It propels me forward while still having more cushion than anyone who has not bought a ‘MAX’ shoe could possibly imagine. New Balance’s website says ‘if we only made one shoe, this would be it.’ Might be my shoe for life.” — Kestner family
“I have NEVER liked New Balance in the past, but my podiatrist recommended these to me for my ankle and foot injury that kept me from walking. This one is an actually good looking, well fitting, and the most comfortable shoe I have ever tried. Worth the high price – especially if you are injured! I love them!” — Kevin James Greene
“Let me tell you that I am hard to fit, have a wide foot with a high arch and multiple foot issues including recent Achilles surgery and plantar fasciitis. I’ve tried on and owned an obscene amount of shoes and can never find anything that doesn’t flare up my fasciitis after even a gentle short walk. I wore these to the airport and had an extremely tight connection between flights. I’m amazed to say that I had no pain in the arches, soles or heels of my feet after that crazy speed walk! The cushioning is seriously next level. I feel like I’m walking on bouncy clouds. I wore these all day every day for a week long vacation almost right out of the box with no blisters or break in needed. They fit me in my normal size of 9.5 wide. The little tab at the back of the heel is so cushioned that it feels just great with zero rubbing and no hard edges. There’s no doubt in my mind I’ll be buying these on repeat when they finally wear out. Like I said, I’ve tried them all including Hokas and I will swear by these til the day I die. The color is gorgeous and goes with everything. They do show dirt easily, but that’s to be expected when you buy a light colored shoe. These are super super light too.” — Christine N. Holt
“Most shoes and OTC insoles are designed for those with a neutral gait or overpronators, who roll their feet inward as they walk because this is apparently more common. I am a supinator or underpronator, in that I put more weight on the outer edge of the foot as I walk. People with high arches or insteps are often underpronator. You are likely an underpronator if your shoes show wear faster in the outer edge of your shoes. I saw these shoes recommended for supinators, among others, but these were the only ones recommended that came in wide, that I need, The shoes are working out great, no pain, though I am also inserting a Wedge Heel Straightener Insert by Pedaq, which only help at the heel. If you are a supinator, these are great shoes. I am looking for an all black or gray pair for the winter!” — Amazon Customer
“No dislikes! These shoes are incredibly comfortable. The shock absorption of the ‘fresh foam’ sole is excellent. Because I run some hills in my normal run, shock absorption on the downhills is especially important. My times actually decreased (I ran faster) in these shoes and the ‘heel strike’ part of the running stride was much less impactful. Wear on the soles is minimal after 100 miles, but I would expect this. I wish the price was a little lower, but otherwise, definitely worth a try.” — Watson