The 1080v14 is one of the most popular New Balance trainers. It has a compression molded Fresh Foam X midsole which provides deep-cushioned comfort for marathon distances and beyond.
The Beacon v3 is a relatively new lightweight trainer with a high cushioning-to-weight ratio. It has an injection molded Fresh Foam X midsole which is padded and resilient. The Beacon v3 is lighter than the the 1080v13 and $45 cheaper. Which of theses shoes is the right choice for you?
The 1080 has a single-density, full length Fresh Foam X midsole. The ride of the 1080 is soft and it has smooth transitions. It has an 8mm heel-to-toe offset which is suitable for heel strikers.
The Beacon also has a single-density, full length midsole Fresh Foam X midsole and it has a 6mm heel-to-toe offset.
The 1080 is best suited to long runs. The thick stack of Fresh Foam X offers lots of bottomless cushioning and the midsole is lively enough to not feel mushy. The 1080 can also handle the occasional tempo run thanks to its midsole that isn’t overly soft.
The Beacon is more versatile than the 1080. Its Fresh Foam X midsole has enough padding for long distance runs and also doesn’t compress much so can be used a a tempo trainer. It’s light and firm enough for fast runs below 5 minutes per kilometre.
Stability in the 1080 is excellent due to its forefoot and rearfoot which flare out at the base. The midsole edges raise up around the foot so the foot stays centred. The Beacon is also very neutral and stable with no lean bias.
The outsole of the 1080 has blown rubber on the forefoot and rearfoot with exposed midsole foam on the midfoot. Traction is excellent but the oval lugs on the forefoot can be felt through the midsole and results in a lumpy ride if you are a forefoot striker.
The Beacon has an outsole which is mostly exposed midsole. There are 5 lugs strategically placed on the high wear areas- 3 on the forefoot and 2 on the heel. Traction is good but the outsole will show accelerated wear on the exposed midsole foam areas. The 1080 has the far more durable outsole.
The 1080 has an engineered mesh upper which is softer and more stretchy than the mesh found on the Beacon. The tongue of the 1080 is generously padded and has no tongue slide thanks to the tongue being attached on both sides to the midsole of the shoe. The 1080 has a heel which flares away from the achilles and locks your heel securely in place. There are also double last-row eyelets for a more secure fit. The 1080 fits a half size too small and is available in narrow, regular, wide and extra-wide versions.
The Beacon has an engineered mesh upper which is light and breathable. It has a smooth mesh heel counter that flares away from the Achilles. The upper has a comfortable fit and a secure heel lockdown. The Beacon’s upper is not as sock-like and stretchy as the 1080’s upper. The Beacon fits true to size and is available in regular and wide (2E) versions.
If you’re a runner looking for a comfortable long-distance trainer, the 1080 is for you. The 1080 is a max-cushioned workhorse which shines on long slow runs. It has a Fresh Foam X midsole with just the right amount of cushioning and a superb upper which stays comfortable for the duration of the run.
If you’re a runner looking for a lightweight, versatile trainer, the Beacon is for you. The Beacon has a Fresh Foam X midsole which feels smooth and efficient on tempo runs. It also has enough cushioning for long distances but doesn’t feel as responsive as the 1080. The Beacon is $45 cheaper than the 1080 but isn’t as comfortable on long-distance runs and has a less durable outsole.
