Shoe Review : New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v11

Here's my first ever shoe review on this blog!

New Balance 1080v11 Fresh Foam X

Brand : New Balance
Model : 1080v11
Midsole : Fresh Foam X
Drop : 8mm
Stack Height : 30mm+/-1 (Heel), 22mm+/-1 (Forefoot)
Width : 2E
Category : Cushioning
Weight : 265g (Size US8)

The estimated total lifespan for most pair of running shoes is around 500-800km depending on the amount of usage and terrain(s) they were used on.

The 1080v11 comes with the newest Fresh Foam technology, Fresh Foam X, a compound that is 18% more flexible, 8.5% softer, 7.5% lighter and also 11.23% more energy return than Fresh Foam.

First look:

Thick cushioning and comfortable fit.

How does it feel: 

Upon slipping on a pair of v11, it just feel so plush and comfortable. The cushioning is really soft and you feel like you're bouncing your way through with every step taken. The heel cup feels a little lower and the toe box area seems to be more snug fitting. The knitted upper wraps around your feet nicely yet does not restrict any movements. Though it is a 8mm drop shoe, it feels like a 6mm drop when wearing and running with them. The underfoot too felt more firm and sturdier and thus giving you enough support. 

Running in it:

With its thick and soft cushioning, it just makes me want to run miles after miles with it. Though the heel cup seems to fit a little lower down the heel, when running at a lower intensity at a constant pace it felt comfortable and does not feel like it is slipping off unless you go at a faster pace. The stretchy knitted upper secures your feet down and gives you enough support throughout your run.

Comparison with the 1080v10:

The 1080v11 have a very similar outlook as compared to the 1080v10. Just some slight tweaks over at the upper knit and heel counter mainly.

Weight wise, v11 US8 is at 265g while v10 US8.5 is at 269g. But when on feet, the v11 does feel somewhat lighter as compared to the v10 and it feels like a 6mm drop whereas for the v10 it feels like a 10mm drop shoe.

Upper material:

1080v11 (left) - 1080v10 (right)

• v11 have a more stretchy knit
• v11 have a more sturdy toe cap
• v10 have a band above first eyelet that wraps your instep

Overall:

1080v11 (left) - 1080v10 (right)

• Booty construction for both v11 and v10
• v11 have a stiffer forefoot cushion for added stability
• v10 have more arc with its booty construction
• v10 feels more rocky

1080v11 (left) - 1080v10 (right)

•    Comfortable heel tab for both v11 and v10
•    3D heel cup to protect the Achilles for both v11 and v10
•    v11 have a lower heel cup
•    v10 have a 'V' shaped collar

Both the v11 and v10 have blown rubber outsoles targeted at the heel, mid/forefoot and medial side for better traction and durability + minimal support for the arch. A small area of foam outsole on the lateral side is to provide flexibility, softness and comfort.

Recommended for:

Long easy runs

Daily walking 

Not recommended for:

Vigorous exercises with lots of lateral movements

Hiking (A higher stacked shoe will increase the risk of ankle sprains when it comes to uneven ground)

Which is your favorite pair of running shoes? Feel free to leave your comment down and share with everyone!

Disclaimer! 

*This review is solely based on my personal views & thoughts.*

Jon of all trades,
Sportznathan

(This is not a sponsored post)

Different types of shoes for different terrains

There are a few different terrains in which runners will run on. In this post, I will focus on Road, Trail and Track terrain.

For ROAD, most shoes in the market caters to pavements and cement concrete use.
Also depending on your usage, for long runs you can go for a thicker cushioning pair of shoes and for faster days like tempo runs or fartlek, you can go for a pair with thinner cushioning as your main focus is speed. 

For TRAIL, runners can go for shoes with 'stud' like designed soles as it helps to get more traction when running in the trail with stones and gravels lying around. I will also recommend that it's cushioning to not be too thick (claims to be better cushioning) as in the trail its mainly if not mostly uneven ground(footing) and a thicker cushioning shoe means you will not be able to feel the ground as much and tendency of spraining your ankle is much higher. (Remember, safety first!)     

A few example of trail running shoes would be :
Salomon S/lab Ultra 2
Inov-8 X-Talon 212

Some would prefer a hybrid pair of running shoes :
Asics Tartheredge
Asics Sortiemagic RP5
Nike Pegasus 37 Trail
Mizuno Wave Duel

Of course, there are many more brands and models that cater to trail/hybrid use too.

For TRACK, that is where runners usually get their speed or interval workout done so, I will recommend a pair of 'fast shoes'. A pair of shoes with slightly lesser(thinner) cushioning. Also the track itself acts like a 'cushion' and it'll feel better with a slightly lighter shoe to get your speed workout done.

Shoes like New Balance 1500v6, Nike Pegasus 37, Mizuno Wave Shadow 3,Asics Gel-DS Trainer 25 are shoes that you can consider. Not to mention that there's more shoes to be taken into consideration too. Those shoes that are hybrid could be of your choice also! 

Which is your favorite pair of running shoes? Feel free to leave your comment down and share with everyone!

Jon of all trades,
Sportznathan

(This is not a sponsored post)

Different types of insoles for different activities

What is an insole?

An insole is a cushioning platform underneath your feet, inside your shoe that helps give you a better fit and comfort for your shoes. Insoles, also known as foot beds, inserts or inner soles, can give you added cushioning, support and even athletic improvements too. Some insoles even help with keeping your feet warm in cold weather.

Most insoles are removable so that you can interchange them between your shoes for different occasion with ease. 

Here are a few different types of insoles :

Athlete/Sports insoles

Gel insoles

Memory Foam insoles

OrthoLite insoles
Custom-Made insoles
Moldable insoles

Heel Lift insoles

Wool insoles

Heavy Duty insoles
Kid's insoles

In this blog post, I will be focusing more on the first five types of insoles.

ATHLETE/SPORTS insoles are those specifically designed for each particular sport for optimal performance. 

For example, Running shoe's insoles are usually more padded on the heel and forefoot to help take in the impact upon landing and taking off (Toe-off).

For Cyclist, their insoles are usually stiffer as it will help them in having a better power transfer from their foot to the shoes to the pedals. 

For Court Athletes (Badminton, Basketball, Tchoukball, Korfball, etc), their insoles are usually thicker for more cushioning and comes with heel + arch support as court athletes have more directional movements in court thus preventing them from getting injuries like sprained ankles.

GEL insoles are more shock absorbing and usually heavier compared to other types of insoles. 

Court Athletes might prefer Gel insoles or Gel padding for their shoes as there are a lot of jumping required for them in court. The Gel helps provide them with more energy return during jumps and also reduces the impact on their joints when landing thus minimizing the chance of getting injuries (shin splints, runner and jumper's knee, IT band and most leg related stress fractures/over strains).

MEMORY FOAM insoles are extremely soft and comfortable. It is able to retain your foot shape over time and helps relieve foot pains.

Though, some memory foams after a prolong time of usage, it stiffens up and can be quite painful on your foot. 

If so, I will recommend you to change insoles. It can be another pair of memory foam insoles or you can try out other types of insoles.

ORTHOLITE insoles are found in most shoes nowadays. Their insoles consist of eco-friendly materials like recycled rubbers and customized open-cell foam. It's properties provide lightweight cushioning, keeping your foot moist, breathable, washable, durability, odor-control and prevents permanent deformation of the insoles.
It have been regarded as one of the more comfortable insoles.

CUSTOM-MADE insoles use 3D laser scanners to get a more precise and accurate measurement of each individual's foot type. They are all uniquely manufactured to suit to each's foot profile and they fits nicely into your shoes too.
There are two kinds of custom-made insoles, full length and 2/3 partial length. 
Usually for full length insoles, they replace with the existing ones in your shoes. 
As for 2/3 partial length insoles, they can be used together with the existing ones and be either placed above or below them depending on the usage of the custom-made insoles and design of the shoes.
Custom-made insoles have reportedly helped many consumers with relieving pain on their leg/feet during long hours of standing/walking and also giving them the support they need for overpronators.

So which is the best among this first five insoles you may ask? 
Well it all depends on your own comfortability I'll say. Insoles are not a one-size-fits-all thing. You will have to try them out yourself to know which suits you best.

MOLDABLE insoles are insoles that you can heat in the oven for a short time and stand on them to mold your foot shape while it cools down.

All insoles after prolonged usage will form your foot mold but by using modable insoles it can help speed up the process. Of course, if you were to compare modable and custom-made insoles, custom-made insoles will still give a better overall standing in terms of comfort and support.

HEEL LIFT insoles have two main uses. First, it is to help to correct the differences in leg length. Secondly, it can help to alleviate tension from sore calves and relieve Achilles tendon strain.

WOOL insoles can help to regulates and maintain the temperature of your feet thus keeping your foot warm during winter and cool during summer.

HEAVY DUTY insoles provide one of the best shock absorption properties to target heavy workload consumers for example, construction workers. It's targeted cushioning and support are good for those whom stands for long hours on uneven grounds and prevents them from injury and relieve foot pain.

KID'S insoles are usually less restrictive on the foot and are flexible in order to develop a healthy feet. Even though, there are still insoles made specifically for more support too.

All in all, each individual have to try each insole types to know which best fits them and which are most comfortable.

Jon of all trades,
Sportznathan

Choosing the right shoes for your feet

Each individual have different foot types and run types. 
For shoes, there are different shoe types too.


These are the three different foot types :

Low arch
Neutral arch
High arch



















And these are the three different run types :

Pronator
Neutral
Supinator

Usually runners with lower arch tends to pronate more and runners with higher arch will supinate more during their runs. But it doesn't dispose that runners with low arch won't supinate. There are a rare few whom does supinate when they run and have low arch.

What are the shoes recommended for each individual foot and run types?
Here are a few different shoe types :

Cushioning
Stability
Motion Control

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v10
(Cushioning)

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v10
(Lateral side)

New Balance 860v10
(Stability)

New Balance 860v10
(Lateral side)

New Balance 940v4
(Motion Control)

New Balance 940v4
(Lateral side)

CUSHIONING shoes are recommended for runners whom have neutral-high arch and/or supinates when they run. High arches have lesser contact on the ground thus their ball of feet and heel takes in most of the impact upon landing. That being said, it also means that high arches are more prone to shin splints, plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and even stress fractures. So cushioning shoes help to reduce the impact of runners and minimize the risk of getting injured. 

STABILITY shoes on the other hand are recommended for runners whom have low(mild) arch and/or pronates when they run. Low arches tends to pronate more during their runs and stability shoes help to prevent them from over-pronating. Prolonged over-pronating can cause injuries like Achilles tendinitis (Achilles tendon), shin splints, iliotibial band (IT Band) and patellofemoral pain (Knee pain). So stability shoes help to prevent runners from over-pronating and also to minimize foot rotation that can cause injuries.

MOTION CONTROL shoes are recommended for runners whom have severe pronation and/or flat feet and also heavier runners. Motion control shoes are similar to Stability shoes whereby it gives support to the arch and prevent runners from over-pronating during their runs. The main difference you'll find is that motion control shoes are more sturdier. That being said, motion control shoes will usually be slightly heavier in weight. So motion control shoes are good for runners whom needs more support for their arch and for heavier runners as they can support the weight and prevent over excessive impact caused when landing thus minimizing the risk of getting injured. 

Of course, as for runners whom are looking for a pair of shoes to clock more mileage on per run, cushioning shoes are most preferable too.  

Disclaimer : All individuals have personal opinions on their footwear. There are no right or wrong answers to which shoes are the best but one must feel comfortable with the shoes itself.

Jon of all trades,
Sportznathan

(This is not a sponsored post)

Picture References :
Elite Physical Therapy. (unknown). Dr. David Cox on Arch Types and Shoe Fittings. Retrieved from https://www.eliteptandbalance.com/articles/physical-therapy/dr-david-cox-on-arch-types-and-shoe-fittings/

Luo, E L. (2019 July 23).Can Your Foot Shape Reveal Your Personality or Your Ancestry? Learn More. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-feet

For shoes : https://www.newbalance.com/