New Balance 1080 vs 1260: Which Is Best For Your Feet?

 

New Balance is the creator of dozens of high-end running shoes fit for various types of feet. When deciding between pairs of New Balance shoes, you will see that there are several different series to choose from. It can be difficult to distinguish between them, as comparisons are not made on the New Balance website.

In order to help you choose, we have created this New Balance 1080 vs 1260 comparison. Each of these series is tailored specifically to a particular taste or need.

In making this comparison, we will list what makes each of these series different from one another.

Looking for running shoes that offer maximum cushioning and support? Read our Skechers Go Walk 3 vs Go Walk 4 review. 

New Balance 1080 vs 1260

Preview
New Balance 1080
New Balance Men's FuelCell 1260 V7 Running Shoe, Grey, 11.5 2E US
New Balance 1260
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe, Black/Steel, 11 Wide
Title
New Balance Men's FuelCell 1260 V7 Running Shoe, Grey, 11.5 2E US
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe, Black/Steel, 11 Wide
Price
Price not available
Price not available
Weight
9.3 oz
10.4 oz
Shoe Drop
8 mm
8mm
Upper
50% Synthetic, 50% Mesh
50% Synthetic, 50% Mesh
Midsole
ABZORB Underfoot Cushioning
Fuel cell + Abzorb
More Information
New Balance 1080
Preview
New Balance Men's FuelCell 1260 V7 Running Shoe, Grey, 11.5 2E US
Title
New Balance Men's FuelCell 1260 V7 Running Shoe, Grey, 11.5 2E US
Price
Price not available
Weight
9.3 oz
Shoe Drop
8 mm
Upper
50% Synthetic, 50% Mesh
Midsole
ABZORB Underfoot Cushioning
More Information
New Balance 1260
Preview
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe, Black/Steel, 11 Wide
Title
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe, Black/Steel, 11 Wide
Price
Price not available
Weight
10.4 oz
Shoe Drop
8mm
Upper
50% Synthetic, 50% Mesh
Midsole
Fuel cell + Abzorb
More Information

New Balance 1080 vs 1260: The Differences 

Both of these New Balance series come with some of the same features. They have a blown rubber outsole to enhance the durability of the shoe. In addition to that, these shoes come with an upper mesh for breathability, not just a mesh at the toe. They also provide more cushioning than other New Balance shoes. Like all of the New Balance runners, they come in attractive color combinations.

Apart from these basic similarities, perhaps one of the most differentiating similarities is the fact that they have an 8 millimeter drop between the heel and the toe. Average runners tend to have a 10 millimeter drop, but it has been found that an 8 millimeter drop can be more comfortable.

That being said, we will get right into the main differences between these two runners.

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 Features

The 1080 New Balance shoe is part of the ‘Fresh Foam’ series. The shoe provides plenty of cushioning for those who just want the extra comfort and luxury while running.

  • Fresh Foam cushioning: The Fresh Foam line is New Balance’s most cushioned runner line. They have created it after doing research into what some runners are looking for a shoe. Some are looking for the luxurious comfort of a shoe that has a whole lot of cushioning around the ankle and on the midsole.

    By having this extra cushioning, heavy strikers will not feel as much of a pounce when hitting the ground. The cushioning in this series is made to last a long time. No need to worry about the cushioning losing its comfort after a few weeks. Because of the luxury comfort that is provided by the 1080 series, some of their models qualify for Medicare. For example, style M1080BY7 is eligible.
  • Roomy toe box: The 1080 series has a roomier toe box than the others. This was created in order to allow for more natural movement within the shoe. Also, some people have feet that are extra wide and find it uncomfortable to wear regular running shoes. The key with the 1080’s is luxury and comfort. You will definitely not feel restricted with this type of shoe.

  • Ride stability: As with some of the other New Balance runners, the Fresh Foam 1080 series was especially created with stability in mind. The rubber outsoles have been designed specifically to provide the stability.

New Balance 1260 Features

The New Balance 1260 series was created with the overpronator in mind. Overpronation happens when the inside of the foot is turned outward, thus creating what is called the ‘flat foot’. Overpronators are at a higher risk of injury due to the way that their feet hit the ground while running. In general, overpronation can cause stress to the muscles and ligaments, and increase the likelihood of injuries.

If you are an overpronator, the New Balance 1260 is a wonderful addition to your shoe collection.

  • Mid-foot shank: The outsole has a mid-foot shank. This shank is simply a raised portion of the rubber on the outsole. This was designed in order to accommodate for overpronators and make them feel more comfortable as their feet hit the ground.

  • N2 cushioning: ‘N2’ is a technology created to add an extra layer of cushioning above the midsole. This is why you will see New Balance 1260 series shoes with a layer over the mid-foot that has the acronym N2 etched into it. While this cushioning provides more than the average running shoe, it still has a dual density midsole. The cushioning on the 1260 series shoes is not quite as soft as that of the New Balance 1080 series.

New Balance 1080 vs 1260 Price Comparison

Both of these shoe series are comparable in price. Yet, prices will still differ slightly based on the actual version of the shoe. To see some of the cheapest prices for these shoes, please follow the links below:

The Verdict

As you can see from the above, there is no clear winner between these two New Balance shoes. They are simply made for different tastes and different purposes. If you like a shoe that has a lot of cushioning and a roomy toe box, perhaps the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 would be best for you. But if you are an overpronator, the New balance 1260  would be an awesome find.

Do any of these running shoes appeal to you? If you have any questions or comments about either of these runners, please leave it in the comment box below.

 

New Balance is the creator of dozens of high-end running shoes fit for various types of feet. When deciding between pairs of New Balance shoes, you will see that there are several different series to choose from. It can be difficult to distinguish between them, as comparisons are not made on the New Balance website.

In order to help you choose, we have created this New Balance 1080 vs 1260 comparison. Each of these series is tailored specifically to a particular taste or need.

In making this comparison, we will list what makes each of these series different from one another.

Looking for running shoes that offer maximum cushioning and support? Read our Skechers Go Walk 3 vs Go Walk 4 review. 

New Balance 1080 vs 1260

Preview
New Balance 1080
New Balance Men's FuelCell 1260 V7 Running Shoe, Grey, 11.5 2E US
New Balance 1260
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe, Black/Steel, 11 Wide
Title
New Balance Men's FuelCell 1260 V7 Running Shoe, Grey, 11.5 2E US
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe, Black/Steel, 11 Wide
Price
Price not available
Price not available
Weight
9.3 oz
10.4 oz
Shoe Drop
8 mm
8mm
Upper
50% Synthetic, 50% Mesh
50% Synthetic, 50% Mesh
Midsole
ABZORB Underfoot Cushioning
Fuel cell + Abzorb
More Information
New Balance 1080
Preview
New Balance Men's FuelCell 1260 V7 Running Shoe, Grey, 11.5 2E US
Title
New Balance Men's FuelCell 1260 V7 Running Shoe, Grey, 11.5 2E US
Price
Price not available
Weight
9.3 oz
Shoe Drop
8 mm
Upper
50% Synthetic, 50% Mesh
Midsole
ABZORB Underfoot Cushioning
More Information
New Balance 1260
Preview
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe, Black/Steel, 11 Wide
Title
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe, Black/Steel, 11 Wide
Price
Price not available
Weight
10.4 oz
Shoe Drop
8mm
Upper
50% Synthetic, 50% Mesh
Midsole
Fuel cell + Abzorb
More Information

New Balance 1080 vs 1260: The Differences 

Both of these New Balance series come with some of the same features. They have a blown rubber outsole to enhance the durability of the shoe. In addition to that, these shoes come with an upper mesh for breathability, not just a mesh at the toe. They also provide more cushioning than other New Balance shoes. Like all of the New Balance runners, they come in attractive color combinations.

Apart from these basic similarities, perhaps one of the most differentiating similarities is the fact that they have an 8 millimeter drop between the heel and the toe. Average runners tend to have a 10 millimeter drop, but it has been found that an 8 millimeter drop can be more comfortable.

That being said, we will get right into the main differences between these two runners.

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 Features

The 1080 New Balance shoe is part of the ‘Fresh Foam’ series. The shoe provides plenty of cushioning for those who just want the extra comfort and luxury while running.

  • Fresh Foam cushioning: The Fresh Foam line is New Balance’s most cushioned runner line. They have created it after doing research into what some runners are looking for a shoe. Some are looking for the luxurious comfort of a shoe that has a whole lot of cushioning around the ankle and on the midsole.

    By having this extra cushioning, heavy strikers will not feel as much of a pounce when hitting the ground. The cushioning in this series is made to last a long time. No need to worry about the cushioning losing its comfort after a few weeks. Because of the luxury comfort that is provided by the 1080 series, some of their models qualify for Medicare. For example, style M1080BY7 is eligible.
  • Roomy toe box: The 1080 series has a roomier toe box than the others. This was created in order to allow for more natural movement within the shoe. Also, some people have feet that are extra wide and find it uncomfortable to wear regular running shoes. The key with the 1080’s is luxury and comfort. You will definitely not feel restricted with this type of shoe.

  • Ride stability: As with some of the other New Balance runners, the Fresh Foam 1080 series was especially created with stability in mind. The rubber outsoles have been designed specifically to provide the stability.

New Balance 1260 Features

The New Balance 1260 series was created with the overpronator in mind. Overpronation happens when the inside of the foot is turned outward, thus creating what is called the ‘flat foot’. Overpronators are at a higher risk of injury due to the way that their feet hit the ground while running. In general, overpronation can cause stress to the muscles and ligaments, and increase the likelihood of injuries.

If you are an overpronator, the New Balance 1260 is a wonderful addition to your shoe collection.

  • Mid-foot shank: The outsole has a mid-foot shank. This shank is simply a raised portion of the rubber on the outsole. This was designed in order to accommodate for overpronators and make them feel more comfortable as their feet hit the ground.

  • N2 cushioning: ‘N2’ is a technology created to add an extra layer of cushioning above the midsole. This is why you will see New Balance 1260 series shoes with a layer over the mid-foot that has the acronym N2 etched into it. While this cushioning provides more than the average running shoe, it still has a dual density midsole. The cushioning on the 1260 series shoes is not quite as soft as that of the New Balance 1080 series.

New Balance 1080 vs 1260 Price Comparison

Both of these shoe series are comparable in price. Yet, prices will still differ slightly based on the actual version of the shoe. To see some of the cheapest prices for these shoes, please follow the links below:

The Verdict

As you can see from the above, there is no clear winner between these two New Balance shoes. They are simply made for different tastes and different purposes. If you like a shoe that has a lot of cushioning and a roomy toe box, perhaps the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 would be best for you. But if you are an overpronator, the New balance 1260  would be an awesome find.

Do any of these running shoes appeal to you? If you have any questions or comments about either of these runners, please leave it in the comment box below.

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