New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13

“**About me:** 62 kg, mid/forefoot striker, 15 mpw, started running about 6 months ago, only race time is a 28 minute 5k. My size is somewhere between 7.5 2E and 8 2E, and in particular I have a very wide forefoot. **Some shoes I've tried:** Propelv4 8.5 2E: was way too large, but my first running shoe so I didn't know my size yet. I have retired it. 1080v13 7.5 2E: My favorite shoe with a perfect fit. I use it for easy runs and long runs. 880v13 7.5 2E: Just a little too narrow in the forefoot. I use it for workouts. Rebelv4 8 2E: Shape doesn't sit well with me, causes arch pain if I wear it for even a 5 minute dog walk. Returned this. Boston 12 7.5 wide: Also gave me a little arch pain, but less than the Rebel. I know this shoe needs a lot of fiddling with laces and a break in, so I haven't decided if I will return it. **Why did I buy this shoe?** After having bad luck with Rebelv4 and Boston 12, I really wanted a shoe that fits the tempo long run category. I went to my local marathon sports and tried the foot scan thing. I was surprised when they recommended a size 8 nonwide because I know from experience that nonwide doesn't fit me (for the record: per their scan, at size 8 my right foot is in the 10th percentile of length but 67th percentile on width). A few of the shoes brought out (NovaBlast, Hoka Skyward X) indeed did not fit. I was surprised when the Cloudmonster Hyper came out and fit almost perfectly, I was so excited that I bought it on the spot despite the cost. Later, I checked runrepeat and indeed, Cloudmonster Hyper is at the very top end of their measurements in forefoot width, so it's almost perfect for me. (It actually has a very slight pinch on my pinky toes, but not as bad as the 880v13) **The experience** I've never had an On shoe before, but it feels quite premium, from the upper material to the laces themselves it feels like a high quality shoe. I suppose at this price point that's to be expected. When I step in and start walking I can feel a little springiness and pep on my toe off, which I'd only otherwise experienced with Boston 12 (and to a lesser extent). I took the shoe out for a 5k with paces ranging from 12:00/mi (easy) to 8:30/mi (roughly 5k pace). Like the Boston 12, I felt like the shoe wanted me to pick up my pace a little. For the paces I run at, it performs very well. If I consciously slow back down to my easy pace then it still rides very smoothly. I've read some reviews that this shoe can feel clunky but I didn't feel that at all, perhaps due to the shape of the shoe matching my foot well, or perhaps because I don't have enough comparison with other shoes as a newbie runner. Overall the ride was incredibly comfortable. I did feel a hot spot on my left pinky toe but I think with lacing or different socks, that shouldn't be an issue. **The target market:** I think I am the exact target market for this shoe. First, the fit: I have very wide feet that prevent me from enjoying a lot of other shoes that your average runner might enjoy, since most shoes in the super trainer category aren't offered in wide. Second, I'm a newbie, and I think this is a very newbie friendly shoe. It isn't fiddly and temperamental like Boston 12, but has that comfort and energy return that you expect from this category of shoe. But, based on the reviews I read online, this isn't the absolute best of the best for performance. Finally, I have the budget where I don't really care that it's a bit overpriced.”