New Balance is a well-admired brand in the world of athletic shoes, providing many options to fit the requirements of runners of all standards. Two famous models, the New Balance 860 and 1080, are often compared because of their similar attributes, particularly their use of Fresh Foam technology. However, these shoes contain differences that make them better suited to distinct kinds of runners.
The New Balance 860 is a stability shoe engineered for high-mileage runners who need a balance of padding and support. It offers a solid, sturdy design that gives a stable ride while surprisingly delicate. Conversely, the New Balance 1080 is an ultra-padded, mushy trainer that provides a more opulent feel on the feet. Despite their dissimilarities, both shoes use Fresh Foam technology for balanced padding.
Feature table for New Balance 860 Vs New Balance 1080
| Feature | New Balance 860 | New Balance 1080 |
| Design and Aesthetics | Stable and stylish design, available in various colors. | Streamlined and modern appearance, various color options. |
| Performance and Comfort | Stability shoe for high-mileage runners, dual-density midsole, stability post. | Ultra-padded trainer, Fresh Foam midsole, responsive and soft ride. |
| Price and Value | Competitive pricing, excellent value for stability runners. | Priced higher but offers remarkable value for comfort and support. |
| Fit and Sizing | Snug and adaptive fit, suitable for runners needing stability. | Comfortable fit with a slightly tighter toe box, adaptable for various foot shapes. |
| Cushioning | Balanced padding, more rigid. | Maximum padding, softer and more plush. |
| Weight | Moderately heavier, provides a stable underfoot ride. | Lightweight, ideal for speed and agility training. |
| Heel Counter | Traditional design. | Iconic heel collar, prevents heel slippage. |
| Outsole | Blown rubber for durability and grip. | Blown rubber with remarkable traction and longevity. |
| Price Range (approx.) | Around $130 | Around $150 |
Key Takeaways
- The New Balance 860 and 1080 are famous models often compared because of their similar use of Fresh Foam technology.
- The New Balance 860 is a sturdy shoe designed for top-mileage runners who need a balance of padding and support; on the other hand, the New Balance 1080 is an ultra-padded, soft trainer that gives a more deluxe feel on the feet.
- Both shoes use Fresh Foam technology to offer balanced padding throughout, but the New Balance 860 is more rigid; on the other hand, the New Balance 1080 is more padded and squishy.
New Balance 860 Overview
Design and Aesthetics
The New Balance 860 is a stable running shoe structured to aid and comfort athletes who overpronate. The shoe offers a streamlined and stylish pattern, a porous mesh upper, and a comfy and snug fit. The shoe is accessible in various colors to match different tastes and inclinations.
Performance and Comfort
The New Balance 860 is structured to be a snug and adaptive shoe for runners who require additional stability. The shoe offers a dual-density midsole with remarkable padding and support; on the contrary, the blown rubber outsole provides durability and grip. The shoe also gives a stability post that aids in controlling pronation and gives a smooth and sturdy ride.
Price and Value
The New Balance 860 costs competitively compared to other stability running shoes in the industry. The shoe provides excellent value for money with its hard-wearing construction and snug fit. Overall, the New Balance 860 is a perfect option for athletes who need exceptional stability and aid.
New Balance 1080 Overview
Design and Aesthetics
The New Balance 1080 is a streamlined and stylish running shoe verified to turn heads. It is obtainable in various colorways, so runners can select the one that best matches their style. The shoe provides a lightweight, absorbent, comfortable netting upper and a full-length Fresh Foam midsole with cushioning and aid.
Performance and Comfort
The New Balance 1080 is designed for players who want a snug and supportive shoe for their regular training runs. The shoe provides excellent padding and support thanks to its Fresh Foam midsole technology. The midsole is constructed to be mushy and reactive, providing a snug ride that is perfect for long runs. The shoe also offers a blown rubber outsole with remarkable traction and longevity.
Price and Value
The New Balance 1080 is a standard running shoe that is priced accordingly. However, it gives remarkable value for the price, thanks to its top-quality materials and construction. Runners searching for a top-performing shoe with excellent ease and support will discover that the New Balance 1080 is worth the investment.
The New Balance 1080 is a top-performing running shoe with outstanding comfort, aid, and value. Its slender design and modish colorways make it a famous choice among runners; on the other hand, its Fresh Foam midsole technology gives padding and support for long runs.
Comparative Analysis
Design Differences
The New Balance 860 and 1080 running shoes have some pattern differences that separate them. The 860 is designed for daily running and offers a spacious fit; on the other hand, the 1080 is designed for runners who require additional padding and support. The 1080 is also moderately more expensive than the 860.
In the matter of weight, the 1080 is incredibly lightweight, making it a remarkable choice for runners who prefer speed and agility. Conversely, the 860 is moderately heavier but gives a comfy underfoot ride.
The upper 1080 has a more iconic heel collar averts heel slippage comfortably; on the other side, the 860 has a more customary design. The 1080 also has a massive layer of blown rubber on the outsole, contributing longevity to the trainer.
Performance Comparison
Regarding performance, both the New Balance 860 and 1080 give excellent advantages. The 860 is perfect for regular running and offers a snug underfoot ride. It also provides a roomier fit for runners with broader feet.
The 1080, the other hand, is engineered for runners requiring maximum padding and support. It gives an incredibly delicate ride ideal for speed and agility training. The shoe’s massive layer of blown rubber on the outsole also contributes to its durability.
Overall, the New Balance 860 and 1080 are perfect running shoes that offer a diversity of attributes and benefits. Runners should select the shoe that best fits their requirements and preferences.
Price Evaluation
Concerning price, the New Balance 860 and 1080 are both on the greater end of the spectrum, but they are worth the investment for athletes who prefer comfort and performance.
The New Balance 860 generally costs approximately $130, while the New Balance 1080 costs around $150. While the 1080 is more costly, it offers more padding and support, making it a finer option for long-distance running.
It’s important to mention that the prices of both shoes may differ based on the size, color, and style. Furthermore, sales and promotions may be accessible at certain times of the year, so it’s worth considering discounts.
Overall, the New Balance 860 and 1080 are top-quality running shoes at a standard price. However, for runners who prefer ease and performance, they are worth the investment.
Pros & Cons Of New Balance 860
The New Balance 860 has been a famous running shoe for several years. Following are a few advantages and disadvantages of this shoe:
Pros
- Comfortable: The New Balance 860 is popular for its comfort, with a padded midsole that provides a mushy landing and an even ride.
- Durable: The shoe is made with top-quality materials structured to last, making it a perfect investment for runners who desire a shoe that will hold up over time.
- Good for long runs: The padding in the midsole makes the New Balance 860 a good choice, as it gives additional support and helps minimize fatigue.
- Breathable: The shoe is constructed with a porous upper that permits air to flow through, keeping feet cool, fresh, and dry during runs.
Cons
- Heavy: The New Balance 860 is not the featheriest running shoe in the industry, which may be a downside for runners who prioritize a lighter shoe.
- Not the most responsive: While the padding in the midsole provides a snug ride, it may not be as reactive as some other running shoes, which may disadvantage runners who desire a shoe that offers a lot of energy return.
- Limited color options: Some athletes may be disappointed by the limited color choices accessible for the New Balance 860, as it may not provide the same standard of customization as several other running shoes in the market.
Pros & Cons Of New Balance 1080
The New Balance 1080 is a famous running shoe that has attracted much attention from runners. Following are several pros and cons of the New Balance 1080.
Pros
- The New Balance 1080 contains a full-length Fresh Foam midsole with remarkable padding and support, making it a perfect choice for long-distance running.
- The shoe has a modern appearance and comes in various colors, so runners can select a style that matches their taste.
- The New Balance 1080 has a delicate mesh upper, giving permeability and comfort while running.
- The shoe has a long-lasting outsole that offers remarkable traction and grip on various surfaces.
Cons
- Some players have discovered that the New Balance 1080 has a tight toe box, which can be intolerable for those with extensive feet.
- The shoe is moderately more costly than other running shoes in the industry, which may be a downside for budget-conscious athletes.
- While the shoe offers remarkable padding and support, some runners have discovered that it lacks reactiveness, which can disadvantage those searching for a more dynamic running experience.
The New Balance 1080 is a perfect running shoe with remarkable padding and support. While it may not be ideal for athletes with wider feet or those searching for a more reactive shoe, it is a firm choice for long-distance running and features a comfortable, hard-wearing running experience.
Sizing Comparison
Considering sizing, the New Balance 860 and 1080 have their versatile fit. Following is a breakdown of the sizing tables for both models:
Sizing Chart Of NB 860
The New Balance 860 has a premium fit with a snug and spacious toe box. It is accessible in men’s and women’s sizes, with a 1.5 size difference. The shoe is also obtainable in wide and extra-wide sizes, giving a more accommodating fit for those with extensive feet.
Sizing Chart Of NB 1080
The New Balance 1080 has a premium fit but a moderately tighter toe box than the 880. It is also accessible in men’s and women’s sizes, containing the same 1.5 size difference. The shoe is also accessible in wide and extra-wide sizes.
Overall, the New Balance 880 and 1080 have an ordinary fit, with the 880 having a more spacious toe box. It’s obligatory to note that sizing can differ based on the individual’s foot appearance and size, so it’s suggested to try on both models to detect the best fit.
What is the difference between New Balance 860 and 1080?
New Balance 880 and 1080 are both famous running shoes from New Balance. While they contain similarities, there are some chief differences that runners should be aware of before purchasing.
Cushioning
The New Balance 1080 is popular for its maximum padding, making it a great option for runners who desire a plush ride. Conversely, the New Balance 860 has a more moderate standard of cushioning, making it an iconic choice for a diversity of runs.
Heel Counter
The heel counter is among the greatest differences between the New Balance 860 and 1080. The 1080 v11 had a peculiar shape that caused discomfort for several runners, but the 860 v11 was finer overall. However, New Balance fixed this problem in 1080 v12, available with a more iconic heel collar, averting heel slippage snugly.
Drop
The shoe’s drop is another major difference between the New Balance 860 and 1080. The 860 contains a 12mm drop, making it a perfect option for neutral aid. The 1080, on the other side, has an 8mm drop, making it a finer choice for athletes who desire a more natural feel.
Weight
The New Balance 860 is moderately lighter than the 1080, with the 860 v13 weighing approximately 10.6 oz for men and 8.4 oz for women. The 1080 v12 weighs around 10.8 oz for men and 8.4 oz for women.
Overall, the New Balance 1080 is a perfect option for runners who desire maximum padding and an opulent ride; on the other hand, the New Balance 860 is an iconic option offering adequate padding and support.
Which is true to size New Balance 860 and 1080?
Regarding sizing, the New Balance 860 and 1080 are true to size. However, some athletes may discover that the 1080 runs moderately smaller than the 860. This may be because the 1080 fits more comfortably in the midfoot and heel areas.
It’s necessary to mention that every runner’s feet are different, and what fits one individual perfectly does not include another person similarly. It’s always a perfect idea to test shoes before purchasing or ordering from a retailer with a good backup policy in case the shoes don’t fit as anticipated.
New Balance provides a size and width guide on its website, which can help detect the perfect size and width for your feet. They also suggest getting fitted by one of their professionals at a local store to verify the best fit feasible.
In summary, while the New Balance 860 and 1080 are typically true to size, individual fit may differ. Testing shoes or ordering from a retailer with a good return policy efficiently certifies the best fit.
Which is best for walking & running: New Balance 860 and 1080?
Selecting between New Balance 860 and 1080 depends on the individual’s preferences and requirements. Both shoes are structured to provide additional comfort, aid, and stability for walking and running.
The New Balance 860 is a shoe adaptable for all kinds of runs. It has a moderately more aggressive profile and is engineered for performance. The shoe has a Fresh Foam midsole that gives excellent padding and reactiveness. The outsole is designed of blown rubber, which features excellent grip and durability.
On the other side, the New Balance 1080 is a shoe that is structured for maximum padding. It has always been the more padded New Balance shoe. The shoe has a Fresh Foam X midsole with excellent padding and reactiveness. The outsole is built of blown rubber, which offers excellent grip and durability.
Regarding price, the New Balance 1080 is more costly than the New Balance 860. However, the New Balance 880 is still a top-quality shoe that provides remarkable value for money.
Overall, the New Balance 860 and 1080 are outstanding shoes for walking and running. It eventually inclines on the individual’s preferences and requirements. If you want a shoe with maximum padding, the New Balance 1080 is the perfect choice. If you desire a shoe that is adaptable for all kinds of runs and gives excellent performance, then the New Balance 860 is the best option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the New Balance 860 and 1080 are two famous running shoes from the New Balance brand. Both shoes contain iconic features that make them perfect for runners.
The 1080 model features superior padding, a better pattern, and a lower cost tag, making it the obvious option for runners who prefer these features. On the other side, the 860 model is not an ultra-padded, soft trainer, and it is more sturdy and rigid than the 1080 but still gives balanced padding throughout and is surprisingly feathery.
When comparing the New Balance 860, 880, and 1080 running shoes, the 860 offers Abzorb cushioning and weighs 11.3 oz with a 10 mm drop for stability aid. The 880 gives Acteva cushioning and weighs around 11.7 oz with a 12 mm drop of neutral assistance. The 1080 provides Fresh Foam cushioning and weighs 10.5 oz, having an 8 mm drop for a more natural feel.
Overall, the selection between the New Balance 860 and 1080 eventually depends on personal preference and the particular requirements of the runner. Both models feature diverse features that make them perfect for runners of all levels.
Read more on:
