Our verdict

In our lab tests, the Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray emerged as the top contender for those who prioritise supreme softness in a daily trainer. It's not only the most cushioned 1080 yet, but also one of the plushiest running shoes we've ever experienced. The top-notch upper and impressive durability also set a high bar that rivals will struggle to reach. However, we found the Fresh Foam X midsole falls short in energy return, a letdown for those seeking more bounce. Yet, at £170, we believe it's reasonably priced given its blend of distinctive attributes and performance.

New Balance 2002R Bone Light Aluminum Womens Pros

  • Exceptional comfort
  • Outstanding breathability
  • The first time I ever laced the New Balance
  • Long-lasting outsole
  • Lightweight for its size
  • High-quality materials throughout the shoe
  • ms574yse mens new balance x salehe bembury 574 yurt
  • Suitable for a wide range of foot shapes

New Balance 2002R Bone Light Aluminum Womens Cons

  • The EVA-based midsole falls short in energy return
  • Lacks stability
  • Not suitable for quick-paced running

Audience verdict

89
Great!

Who should buy

We determined that the Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray is an excellent choice for:

  • Neutral runners who crave the ultimate softness in their shoes, as this model tops the charts as the plushest daily trainer available.
  • Those looking for a long-lasting and trustworthy trainer crafted with top-notch, comfortable materials.
  • Beginners seeking a single, ultra-comfortable shoe to kickstart their running journey.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray

Who should NOT buy

The 1080 v13 showcases some impressive strengths, yet it falls short in energy return due to its EVA midsole. For runners seeking a more dynamic bounce with each step, we suggest exploring options like the ASICS Superblast or the New Balance 440 low-top sneakers Schwarz.

Moreover, the 1080 v13 doesn't offer much in terms of stability, making it a fit primarily for neutral runners who possess solid, straight running technique. For those facing even mild stability issues, we recommend a more supportive experience in stable daily trainers such as the New Balance Mujer Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX in Verde Azul or the Shoes NEW BALANCE YS515RD2 Navy Blue.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray

New Balance 2002R Bone Light Aluminum Womens | Cushioning

Heel stack

Now let's talk about the stack height. In the heel, it measures 34.1 mm, which is very reasonable for a cushioned daily trainer.

For easy or aerobic runs over short to medium distances, this is all you need, despite the current trend of packing in as much foam as possible. And yes, you can definitely handle a long run with this heel stack.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray stack
brand new with original box New Balance MT410LN7.

It's important to remember that a daily trainer should be versatile enough for a variety of runs. It should be agile and nimble, serving as a do-it-all shoe for those who prefer a single pair in their rotation. That's why we believe this approach is spot-on for this type of shoe.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Heel stack
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 34.1 mm
Average 34.0 mm
Compared to 369 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot features a moderately-high design, offering ample cushioning at 28.5 mm, ideal for both midfoot and forefoot strikers.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Forefoot stack
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 28.5 mm
Average 25.4 mm
Compared to 369 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

New Balance claims a 6-mm drop, and we measured it at 5.6 mm following the official World Athletics guidelines. Kudos to New Balance for providing measurements close to reality, a rarity among brands.

This means the shoe is more suited for forefoot and midfoot strikers. However, heel strikers can still use it, but they should be comfortable with a shoe that has a lower drop than what's typical for daily trainers. If that's not your preference, we suggest checking out the Nike Pegasus 40.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Drop
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 5.6 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 369 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
0.0 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Let's dive into the most game-changing update in the 1080 v13. While it's still labelled as "Fresh Foam X", New Balance has revamped the formula, creating an out-of-this-world softness.

After testing over 300 shoes in the lab, we found very few that could rival this one's marshmallow-like feel.

Driven to quantify our experience, we used the Shore A durometer and recorded a 10.0 HA measurement, solidifying our initial thoughts. It's like running on a feather pillow.

The standout feature is the mind-blowingly-incredible comfort in every step. There's no arguing about it. However, this new Fresh Foam X is still an EVA midsole, which means the energy return is somewhat limited—you sink into the foam, but it doesn’t spring you back much.

This characteristic makes the shoe ideal for easy runs or days when your feet crave the ultimate comfort. But for faster paces, we think the shoe is too mushy.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Midsole softness
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 10.0 HA
Average 21.2 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 296 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.9 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

Even under cold temperatures, the foam remains ultra-soft at 12.9 HA, though it becomes 28.8% firmer.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Difference in midsole softness in cold
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 29%
Average 26%
Compared to 296 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
0%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

The Ortholite insole, at 5 mm, is incredibly soft. It gave us a preview of the comfort we can expect from the midsole...

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Insole thickness
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 5.0 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 365 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray is true to size (163 votes).

New Balance 2002R Dark Grey Black WhiteM2002RBM?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 324 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

New Balance x Aime Leon Dore 550 Purple

One of the advantages of knit uppers is their ability to stretch after a few runs. Yet, the 1080 v13 likely won't need to rely on this feature because it provides a regular fit that's slightly on the roomier side.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray upper fit

Caractéristiques New balance Formateurs 373 V2 Classic.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray INVINCIBLE & YWOOD Rejoin For The New Balance 1906R "Grey Swan"
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 99.7 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
91.6 mm
New Balance x Aime Leon Dore 550 Purple
104.9 mm

New Balance Homme FuelCell Shift TR

Our second measurement focused on the big toe area, coming in at 77.9 mm. This is pretty much average, indicating that New Balance chose a safe taper, which is sensible for a daily running shoe.

By the way, those with wide should now that the brand offers the 1080 in three widths: regular, wide, and extra-wide (in some markets).

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Tênis New Balance Masculino Evoz
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 77.9 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 243 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
67.6 mm
New Balance Homme FuelCell Shift TR
89.2 mm

Heel feel

We found the tongue of the 1080 v13 is semi-gusseted, offering an excellent lockdown. It's impressively comfortable without being too tight or intrusive. We believe this choice is perfect for this shoe.

Stability

Lateral stability test

Regarding stability, it's clear that the 1080 v13 is not the most stable daily trainer out there.

Even though it has sidewalls, as we mentioned in a previous test, the foam is just too soft to offer any real stability boost. Therefore, we recommend the 1080 v13 only for neutral runners.

Torsional rigidity

Brands are increasingly creating more rigid shoes in their latest daily trainers, but New Balance is taking a different approach. This makes sense for us—why compromise on comfort when the focus is solely on neutral runners with the 1080?

This is why we recorded a 2/5 in our torsional rigidity test. Yep, it's a step back in terms of stability, but it significantly enhances comfort for everyday runs.

Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 2
Average 3.3
Compared to 347 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Conoce la Historia de New Balance

The heel counter is on the stiffer side, a necessary choice when paired with such cloud-like foam. We rated it a 4/5.

It might slightly bother those with Haglund's deformity or other Achilles area issues, but in our view, most runners should find it comfortable.

Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 4
Average 2.9
Compared to 331 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
1
Conoce la Historia de New Balance
5

Midsole width - forefoot

Now, let's look at the midsole dimensions. From the moment we first held the shoe in the lab, it felt really large, clearly one of the widest daily trainers we've tested.

Measuring the forefoot at its widest point, we got a measurement of 119.5 mm, confirming our initial impressions. Basically, it's a result of the pillow-like midsole, they had no choice!

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 119.5 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
103.3 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

Donna New Balance 997H Rose Water Sea Salt

The same design concept is seen in the heel, which is slightly wider compared to most running shoes. Our calliper measured it at 95.9 mm.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 95.9 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
73.0 mm
Donna New Balance 997H Rose Water Sea Salt
106.6 mm

New Balance Xc-72 Nb Beige Yellow Gum Men Unisex Casual

Earlier in our lab review, we found that this shoe offers impressive flexibility in terms of torsion. But how does it perform longitudinally?

Remarkably, it remains highly flexible! We needed just 20.5N of force to bend it to a 90-degree angle. This level of flexibility makes the shoe not just ideal for running, but also perfect for comfortable all-day wear.

Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 20.5N
Average 28.2N
New Balance 2002R Bone Light Aluminum Womens.
Compared to 352 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Stiffness in cold (%)

After spending another 20 boring minutes in the freezer, we repeated the stiffness test. The results showed a mere 15.1% change in stiffness, which is barely noticeable.

Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 15%
Average 33%
Compared to 352 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
0%
Stiffness in cold
105%

Weight

NEW BALANCE M1500 UKF 40TH ANNIVERSARY GREY BLUE.

The 1080 v13 weighs just 9.3 oz (264g), which is quite reasonable for its size. This shows their solid progress in combining lightweight design with comfort.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Weight
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 9.31 oz (264g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 370 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

We must admit that we had our doubts about the 1080 v13 at first. Knit uppers usually don't breathe well, and it seemed like this one might lack airflow.

But we're here to test shoes, not make assumptions—and our smoke test revealed the 1080 v13 has exceptional airflow, a 5/5 in our opinion. Thumbs up to New Balance for creating a knit upper with such outstanding ventilation.

Next, we conducted the light test to discover how New Balance achieved this. The secret? Hundreds of microperforations throughout the upper.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray microscope

Under our microscope, these tiny holes were visible everywhere. The upper isn't just comfortable; it excels in performance too.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray microscope

In fact, the upper is packed with pillow-like padding, making the back half of the shoe one of the most comfortable we've ever tested in the lab.

Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 298 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

One major concern with highly breathable uppers is often reduced durability. So, did the 1080 v13 fall into this trap?

Luckily, the 1080 v13 impressed us with a solid 3/5 score. It's not the top of the charts, but considering the odds, we're quite pleased with this outcome.

The key lies in its double-layered knit. If it were a single layer, we might be looking at a mere 1/5 score.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Toebox durability
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 3
Average 2.5
Compared to 232 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
1
Toebox durability
5

Camisola New Balance Relentless Fashion Sweat sem mangas rosa branco azul mulher

Let's dive into our second Dremel test. In this one, we focus on the heel area's resistance, a spot that often shows early wear and tear in many shoes.

After putting it through the Dremel test, we were thrilled to find barely any damage, earning a fantastic 4/5 score. Up to this point, the 1080 v13 is doing an outstanding job here in the lab.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Camisola New Balance Relentless Fashion Sweat sem mangas rosa branco azul mulher
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 228 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
1
Camisola New Balance Relentless Fashion Sweat sem mangas rosa branco azul mulher
5

Outsole hardness

Now, let's focus on another crucial aspect of a road running shoe—the outsole. No matter how exceptional the upper is, if the outsole wears down too soon, it can ruin the whole value of the shoe.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray outsole
The outsole is strategically covered in key areas with blown rubber, significantly reducing the shoe's weight in comparison with standard rubber. 

First off, we assessed the outsole's hardness. The Shore C durometer test gave us an average reading of 80.1 HC. This suggests the outsole should have pretty decent durability. However, keep in mind that there's a lot of exposed foam and we don't recommend using this one on trails.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Outsole hardness
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 81.5 HC
Average 80.1 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 350 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
60.3 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

We then tested how the blown rubber held up under our Dremel, applying more duration and force than we do with the upper, for obvious reasons.

And the results were truly incredible. With just 0.2-mm of wear, you can be confident that this outsole won't wear down prematurely. And the traction, while not the best in the market by any means, it's good enough for road running.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Outsole durability
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 0.2 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 210 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

The impressive durability of the rubber likely inspired the team at New Balance HQ to design a thinner outsole than usual.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray

We measured it at 2.5-mm thick, which is below average but more than sufficient for this shoe. This design choice also helps keep the weight as low as possible.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Outsole thickness
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 2.5 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 369 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

We initially worried that the 1080 v13 might join other brands in cutting costs on often-overlooked features. However, New Balance pleasantly surprised us by maintaining its reflective elements, and we absolutely love it.

Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 Yes

Tongue padding

The tongue of the shoe, at 7.3 mm, is padded and very comfortable. Yet, we think New Balance could trim it down a bit, maybe to around 4-6 mm. This would save some weight while still maintaining plenty of comfort for a daily workhorse.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Tongue padding
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 7.3 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 367 running shoes
New Balance 2002R Beige 26.5cm
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

New Balance Hombre 237 in Azul

We found the tongue of the 1080 v13 is semi-gusseted, offering an excellent lockdown. It's impressively comfortable without being too tight or intrusive. We believe this choice is perfect for this shoe.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray New Balance Hombre 237 in Azul
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 Both sides (semi)

Heel tab

The v13 doesn't have a heel tab, but it does have a more padded area around the heel. This makes it easier to grab the heel when we need to.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Heel tab
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 None

Removable insole

The 1080 v13 features a standard insole that's easy to remove and replace if necessary. And thanks to the shoe's average dimensions, slipping in third-party insoles is not a problem at all.

Кросівки чоловічі new balance 57 40 gray Removable insole
Test results
Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 Yes