BY The New Balance 1080v10 is the latest evolution in a celebrated line of long distance trainers from the American brand. The 10th-generation version of the 1080 gets an updated, full-length FreshFoamX midsole for consistent cushioning and energy return, plus a new 3D Heel for increased support and comfort over longer distances. Three local athletes who have recently been training with the NB 1080v10 tell us what they think about the new kicks.
Vanessa Lee, who represented Singapore at 2018 ASEAN University Games and bagged a silver medal in 3000m steeplechase plus a bronze medal in the 5000m run, tells us, “The 1080v10 has really great cushioning, so I use it for my long training runs. I’m a heel striker and sometimes shin splints become a problem over longer distances with less cushioned shoes. The v10 inspires more confidence as it offers me injury protection and allows me to really enjoy my training.”
Nicole Low, who took home a bronze medal with her finish time of 40:40.22 in the 10,000m race at the same event, agrees, “The new 1080v10 is my go-to shoe whenever I head out for a long run. I prefer softer shoes with more cushioning as I rack up a lot of mileage every week with my long distance training, so the plushness of the 1080v10 really helps to reduce the load on my legs.”
Both runners displayed their rising form at the recent Straits Times Run 2019, with Vanessa winning the 10km category with a time of 00:39.05 and Nicole finishing second, 15 seconds behind. Both of them set new Personal Best times with their results.
Incredibly, they beat their own PBs again at the Great Eastern Women’s Run on 3rd November, where Vanessa beat Nicole to the 10km finish line with a time of 0:38.26. Nicole kept up a speedy pace as well, completing the race in second with a time of 0:38.47.
Over the years, the NB1080 has become highly acclaimed as a distance trainer, thanks to its combination of support and cushioning. The new NB1080v10 is built with an 8mm heel drop, which is the favoured height of many runners currently as it offers enough underfoot cushioning at the heel, but without the forward tilt feel of higher drop heights.
Marathoner Tan Wei Jie explains, “It’s a great piece of footwear for my long recovery runs, as it feels like I can run on forever at a comfortable pace with them. I cover an average of 100km a week, so having a supportive, cushioned daily trainer like the 1080v10 really protects my feet well and gives me the confidence to keep going. It is not a lightweight race shoe, but it is still much lighter than expected. The fit of NB shoes really work for me as daily trainers like the 1080v10 feel comfortable with plenty of toe box space, while the faster shoes like the 1500 feel firm and snug, allowing me to run at optimal race pace.”
Nicole adds, “I really like the new FreshFoam X used in the 1080v10. There is a real sense of consistent energy return and it has a springy feel to it. It almost feels like I’m running on a firm, responsive piece of foam all the way.”
“I trained with the 1080v9 previously. The v10 version feels slightly wider and lighter than the last-gen shoe and I really like the feel,” says Vanessa. “Furthermore, I love the black and white colourway option on the v10, as it is easy to pair with any running outfit!”
Check out the New Balance 1080v10, retailing at S$239 in stores now and get your long distance running form into shape!
Comment (0)