Shoes are important for an athlete’s performance, and one cannot rely on any random brand in this case.
The highly reputable brand New Balance has been making elite-quality training shoes for running and everyday activities for a long time and two of their models the “New Balance 860 and 1080” are noteworthy names in the category of running shoes.
It is difficult to spot differences between them, so in this article, I will try to answer all your queries regarding these models so you can make an informed decision:
Similarities and Differences between New Balance 860 And 1080:
| Features | New Balance 860 | New Balance 1080 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched in | 2011 | 2010 |
| Stability | Highly stable | Stable |
| Flexibility | Less Flexible | Highly Flexible |
| Sizing | 7-16 for Men5-13 for Women | 7-16 for Men5-13 for Women |
| Weight | 9-14 oz. | 8- 9.5 oz. |
| Cushion | Balanced Cushioning | Well-Cushioned |
| Outsole | Rubber | Rubber |
| Insole | Fabric | OrthoLite |
| Midsole | Fresh Foam X | Fresh Foam X |
| Upper | Mesh/ Synthetic | Hypo knit/ Mesh |
| Retail Price | $79-$139 | $159- $169 |
New Balance 860 Vs 1080: Good, Bad, and the Worst:
Now I am going to take you through different features provided by New Balance 860 and 1080 so that you can determine which one suits your needs.
1) Comfort:
The New Balance 860 and 1080 feature the same Fresh Foam technology, however, they do not feel the same on the feet. The 860 model is not an ultra-cushioned, soft trainer, and it is more solid and rigid than the 1080 but still provides balanced cushioning throughout and is surprisingly lightweight.
New Balance 860 also features a good amount of padding above the heel bone that wraps comfortably around the cup to secure the fit. In addition, a newly updated mesh upper maintains the 860’s lightweight feel and allows for easy ventilation to keep you cool in hotter weather. Also, this soft yet breathable top wraps your feet in all the right places to keep you comfy throughout the day.
Alternatively, anyone looking for shoes with well-rounded cushioning should go no further than the New Balance 1080. The soft, blown rubber used under the forefoot enhances the cushioning of its midsole. Also, the split outsole not only makes your every step smoother, but the high-volume Fresh Foam midsole delivers a superbly cushioned ride.
However, the standard width of its upper is snug, but the mesh is stretchy enough to fit comfortably on most regular-shaped feet.
The newest models of the New Balance 1080 will be the best for you if you’re searching for extra cushioning and added comfort, even for the longest runs and your feet will be well-protected by its sole’s thick layer of foam.
2) Popularity:
The New Balance 860 is one of the most popular New Balance daily trainers which has improved its performance with every new iteration and is well-known for its stability. In addition to sneakerheads, these shoes are a favorite choice among people who have foot issues.
Conversely, The New Balance 1080 is one of the top-selling running shoes in the past ten years by the brand, and the latest version shows that these continue to upgrade in quality for modern runners.
3) Running:
According to New Balance, if they could only manufacture one running shoe, it would be “1080”. The uniqueness of 1080 lies not only in the fact that it is the best running model for the brand but also in the aspect that it can be used for a wide variety of different activities.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or just trying to beat the commute, the New Balance 1080 will provide elite performance. Keep in mind that because the Fresh Foam midsole has a lot of soft cushioning, 1080 isn’t the best shoe for speed runs.
In contrast, runners who overpronate, or have their heels slide outward too far, can benefit from wearing the latest versions of New Balance 860. This works best for light runs or training at a slower pace, since it is slightly heavy, you should use it for slower, easier miles.
4) Walking:
The New Balance 860 and 1080 can be suitable for those who walk a lot and desire comfy footwear. So far, the New Balance 860 is a smart choice for people who seek a daily training shoe with considerable stability and a wider fit, also their firm yet gentle cushioning makes your walks more productive.
5) Flat Feet:
New Balance 860 is best for anyone who has flat feet as the arch support provided by the midsole helps to prevent foot pain caused by walking or standing all day due to its responsive cushioning.
Also, most flat feet runners can benefit from the enhanced comfort of the New Balance 1080. Fresh Foam X used in the new versions of 1080 runs the entire length of the shoe, allowing for a smoother experience from the heel to the toes, and features a roomy toe box that is highly suitable for a variety of foot shapes.
6) Design:
The New Balance 1080 has one of the best rocker designs among the top-rated running shoes, which promotes a smooth foot strike and powerful forefoot push-off. In recent models of 1080, an improved heel cup enhances the support while ample padding helps in reducing discomfort during long-distance runs.
When it comes to overall performance, this model is hard to beat. The considerable cushioning is great for comfort, but it can make the shoe feel squishy and unresponsive at times. This style is ideal for you if you want footwear that’s versatile in every way, however, if you don’t want to run or do heavy exercise sessions in these then still there will be a good value for your money for daily training and walking.
On the other hand, the brand designed the 860 to meet the needs of the everyday runner who prioritizes stability and are the perfect go-to shoes since they are designed for long-term dependability for mid-range distances. Their soft engineered mesh upper covering is designed to hold the foot snuggly in the shoes, which provides most of the support. The upper then narrows over the midfoot and widens in the forefoot, giving your feet room to move.
Furthermore, the 860 model provides exceptional features for overpronators and is good for normal running and walking. Overall it will be your best choice if you want stability and require a snug fit around the heel to prevent inward rolling of the foot.
What do Customers think?
The majority of people love both the 1080 and 860 and also believe that the new versions of both models are better.
Some reviews report that the New Balance 860 is incredibly stylish but feels heavy and causes discomfort on their feet before breaking in, whereas the New Balance 1080 felt nearly like walking on clouds.
Also, many on the internet claim that the New Balance 1080 is one of the most comfortable road trainers presently available, that molds to the contour of the foot. However, some reporters are not happy about the upper material being too thin, so 1080 might not be the best choice for cold weather. Some also said the foam of 1080 delivers a bouncy cushion without feeling bulky, and those who have foot problems love the spacious toe box.
Alternately, The New Balance 860 was praised for its very comfortable fit, and some reviewers remarked that the heel fits their foot gently; there’s no slipping or rubbing there. Buyers also noted that the heel and midfoot of the New Balance 860 are sized generously, making it suitable for a variety of foot types as well as for people who require additional space. On the flip side, a few people said that their heels don’t match the shape of that cup, which makes the fit more painful for them than a traditional heel counter.
One thing people really like about that they feel the same level of stability in every iteration of 860 and said that the design did not change much. However, some people did not like the looks and claimed that the sizes are not appropriate.
Conclusion: What To Buy?
We highly recommend checking out New Balance 860 and 1080 according to your needs, both of these models provide excellent benefits.
However, you should consider New Balance 1080 if you need maximum cushioning as it provides a comfortable underfoot ride and is incredibly lightweight. The 860, on the other hand, is significantly firmer and may be more suitable for people desiring stability. As stability footwear should not be bouncy in nature you should expect the same from the 806.
In a Nutshell, the New Balance 1080 is the company’s flagship neutral, maximum-performance trainer whereas the New Balance 860 is a daily trainer and better suited for slower-paced training or recovery runs.
Now, if you had to choose between these two trainers after knowing their benefits and drawbacks, which would you pick tell us in the comments.