Next up is the Hoka Clifton 8 – a familiar running shoe with tempo-friendly ride comfort. The Asics Nimbus Lite 3 isn’t bad either, and it feels slightly peppier than the standard Nimbus 24. Six years ago, New Balance made a bold move by transitioning the 1080 series to the ‘Fresh Foam’ platform. That’s no longer the case. The neutral running shoe landscape has evolved, and so have the shoes within this category. The design makeover was bold because the previous version – namely the 1080V5– was a traditional, albeit tech-heavy running shoe with Nitrogen-infused bits. It was a formula that had successfully worked for a very long time, so abandoning a tried-and-tested model was risky, to say the least.

For a very long time, ‘Fresh Foam’ glorified EVA foam that was molded in a fancy shape. Things started looking up a couple of years ago with the 1080 V9, when the shoe finally began delivering on what was originally promised– a plush ride with high-mileage comfort.New Balance shoes have been around for what feels like forever. Solid and dependable, the brand has a reputation for shoes that guarantee stable and steady performance. The brand’s latest daily trainer is no exception, offering a highly padded shoe designed for longer hauls and daily runs. Enter the New Balance 880 v11–available in a lovely robin’s egg blue color–that’s consistent across 5ks and (half-)marathons alike. This layout is similar to the 1080V11, but with one difference. The area of exposed Fresh Foam under the heel is longer, so the rearfoot transitions are softer and smoother. A lifespan of 400 miles should be expected of the 1080 V12. The inherent stretch of the knit upper minimizes the chances of developing stress points, and the soft midsole sidewall poses a low risk of friction-induced damage. There’s plenty of reflectivity available for low-visibility running conditions – which has now become something of a rarity within the industry. COMPARISON: THE NEW BALANCE 1080V12 VERSUS 880V12 Following the discontinuation of the 1400V6 and 1500V6, New Balance doesn’t have a credible racing flat assortment.

And what of the recently launched Nike React Infinity Run 3? It has a cushioned React foam midsole, but its weak spot is the stiff heel stabilizer that creates a pressure spot under the arch. We’ll spend time discussing the finer points of the Infinity 3 in our upcoming review. Even though both the 1080 and 880 are members of New Balance’s neutral cushioning family, they maintain a healthy distance from a performance standpoint. The outsole disappears into the midsole during runs, and that’s because of how the lugs are designed. The forefoot has soft and thin lugs which are separated by flex grooves. The heel and toe sections are reinforced with a harder rubber compound. The New Balance 1080 V12 is a great example of running shoe evolution done right, but the process wasn’t without its fair share of hiccups. Weather conditions, different terrain types and various trails are just a few of the factors that you need to consider when looking for new trail running shoes. Whether you want shoes that are designed to keep pace with you on ultra-long-distance trail runs, or trainers that are designed for comfort in whatever the British weather throws at you, we’ve got lightweight women’s running shoes that won’t slow you down. Stray off the beaten path in comfort and style with the Fresh Foam X Hierro V7s, which provide great traction thanks to the Vibram® Megagrip outside sole. If you’re after women’s trail running shoes that offer a bit more support around the ankles, the Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid do just that, while still providing the signature Fresh Foam X cushioning for ultimate comfort when you’re in the great outdoors. If the trails don’t call to you and prefer to hit the road (or pavement) instead, our collection of women’s running shoes is designed to help you perform at your best – no matter the terrain. Waterproof trail running shoes

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The dual-density 880 V12 doesn’t have the liveliness of the 1080, so the cushioning experience is ‘traditional’ and muted. The 10 mm offset midsole’s transition doesn’t have the roll-off quality that the 1080 possesses. Like many running shoe brands, New Balance claims that the 1080 uses recycled and bio-based content. That’s what the ‘Green Leaf’ signifies. There’s a growing pressure on apparel brands to use environmentally-preferred manufacturing methods, so it’s good to see New Balance doing something about it. PROS AND CONS The adidas adizero adios 6 is an excellent racing shoe for short-distance races, and so is the affordable Asics Hyper Speed. We currently do not have an opinion of the Nike ZoomX Streakfly as we haven’t run in them yet.