New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Sizing Guide: Does It Run Small or True to Size?

Fit Notes

Nike Air Force 1 (AF1)

The Nike Air Force 1 lifestyle baseline is notorious for running large and offering an inherently roomy toe box. Because the 1080 v14 features a performance-oriented, snug midfoot hold and an aggressively tapered toe box, you must size up a half-size from your casual AF1 size to prevent terminal forefoot constriction and protect the toes from hitting the front tip.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 27

Both models track closely on true-to-length linear sizing, meaning your base size remains identical. However, the Gel Nimbus 27 is built with a more flexible upper that naturally allows for greater toe-box volume. If you have wide feet or prioritize natural toe splay, you should avoid sizing up in length—which ruins sole alignment—and instead select the dedicated 2E width variant in the 1080 v14.

Brooks Glycerin 21

Linear lengths match up almost perfectly between these two competitors. The differentiating factor is volumetric shape: the Glycerin 21 delivers a slightly firmer underfoot sensation paired with a wider standard toe box, whereas the 1080 v14 yields a much softer ride underfoot but implements a significantly tighter distal toe taper that restricts lateral forefoot expansion.

HOKA Clifton 9

Standard HOKA models are traditionally engineered around narrow lasts with limited width profiles, often forcing runners to size up in length purely as a compensation factor to get more width. When transitioning to the 1080 v14, the linear lengths are a direct match, but the New Balance standard variant offers a slightly more accommodating midfoot and provides specialized standalone width options (up to Extra-Wide), allowing you to stick to your true linear length.