Comparison Overview
In this popular matchup, the ASICS MegaBlast is our recommended choice.
How the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14 and ASICS MegaBlast differ
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14 and the ASICS MegaBlast sit in the same daily trainer bucket, so the question isn't what you'd use them for — it's which one matches your stride, your weekly mileage, and your budget.
Where they actually differ: the ASICS MegaBlast comes in roughly 2.3 oz lighter (10.4 oz vs 8.1 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (6mm on the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14, 8mm on the ASICS MegaBlast) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; the ASICS MegaBlast uses a modern super-foam (PEBA or similar), which gives a livelier, more responsive ride than traditional EVA; and the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14 is $60 cheaper at MSRP ($165 vs $225).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14 | ASICS MegaBlast |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | New Balance | ASICS |
| Model | Fresh Foam 1080 v14 | MegaBlast |
| Category | daily trainer | daily trainer |
| Weight | 10.4 oz | 8.1 oz |
| Drop | 6mm | 8mm |
| Price | $165 | $225 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14 or the ASICS MegaBlast?
- The ASICS MegaBlast is the lighter shoe at 8.1 oz versus 10.4 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14 is the more affordable option at $165 compared to $225.
- Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?
- No. The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14 has a 6mm drop and the ASICS MegaBlast has a 8mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.
- Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?
- Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.
Read the full reviews
- New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- ASICS MegaBlast — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Browse the full running shoe database
- See more shoe comparisons
Not sure which is right for you?
Use our AI-powered shoe finder for personalized recommendations, or build a smart shoe rotation with the rotation planner.