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New Balance 1080v15 vs Brooks Glycerin 23 for Plantar Fasciitis
Two premium neutral daily trainers at the same price point. Both APMA accepted. Here is how to choose between them for heel pain.
We don't just recommend shoes. We explain why they work for your feet.
What You Need to Know First
Plantar fasciitis develops when cumulative stress on the plantar fascia exceeds the tissue's recovery capacity, causing inflammation at its calcaneal attachment point. For neutral-gaited patients choosing between premium daily trainers, the two most clinically relevant variables are heel drop and foam response. A higher heel drop passively shortens the plantar fascia working length with every step, reducing the stretch load that drives insertional inflammation. A rocker geometry actively redirects the gait cycle to reduce toe-off fascial demand. The 1080v15 leads with rocker geometry and a 6mm drop. The Glycerin 23 leads with heel elevation at 8mm and zonal foam tuning that concentrates cushioning under the heel and forefoot where plantar fasciitis stress peaks.
The New Balance 1080v15 and Brooks Glycerin 23 occupy the same premium neutral daily trainer category, carry the same APMA Seal of Acceptance, and sit at nearly identical price points. They are the two shoes most likely to appear on the same podiatrist recommendation list for plantar fasciitis. And yet they feel and function differently in ways that matter clinically. The 1080v15 uses New Balance's Infinion midsole with a 6mm drop and rocker geometry, delivering a versatile balanced ride that transitions naturally between recovery days and faster training efforts. The Glycerin 23 uses Brooks' DNA TUNED nitrogen-infused dual-cell foam with an 8mm drop on a traditional platform, delivering a plush premium cushioning experience without rocker geometry but with more aggressive heel elevation. Both reduce plantar fascia load. The right choice depends on your drop preference, your activity range, and whether a rocker-assisted ride or a conventional cushioned platform is the better match for how your plantar fasciitis presents.
Specs Compared
Factual specs only. No brand is favored. You decide what matters most for your feet.
Which One Is Right for You?
Both are excellent. Here is the honest case for each based on your specific situation.
New Balance 1080v15
$165-$175
Choose this when
You need a versatile daily trainer that handles plantar fasciitis across easy, moderate, and tempo running paces without compromising performance. The 1080v15's Infinion midsole delivers a more responsive, energy-efficient ride than the Glycerin 23's softer DNA TUNED foam, making it appropriate across a wider range of training intensities. Its rocker geometry actively reduces fascial load at toe-off, and its 4E extra wide width option extends its clinical reach to patients with wider feet or bunions that the Glycerin 23's 2E maximum cannot accommodate. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, of Balance Foot and Ankle Michigan, cites the New Balance 1080 as his number one recommendation for plantar fasciitis, noting it resolves morning pain in 70 percent of patients within four weeks. It also lasts 400 to 500 miles versus the Glycerin 23's similar range, making both comparable in lifespan.
Next-Gen Infinion™ Midsole: Out with the old Fresh Foam X, in with Infinion. This upgraded, high-stack foam acts as a massive shock-absorber, neutralizing the sharp heel impact that triggers plantar fasciitis flares.
Breathable, Friction-Free Upper: A redesigned, perforated mesh upper allows maximum airflow while eliminating tight pressure points that can cause secondary irritation on the top or sides of the foot.
Ultra Heel design for secure fit
Brooks Glycerin 23
$160-$180
Choose this when
Your plantar fasciitis presents primarily as sharp first-step morning pain and heel strike impact pain, which responds best to passive heel elevation and zonal cushioning rather than rocker geometry. Dr. Priya Parthasarathy recommends the Glycerin 23 specifically for plantar fasciitis patients with neutral arches, noting that Brooks strategically concentrates the most foam in the heel and forefoot, absorbing shock on landing and providing a boost at toe-off. The Glycerin 23's 8mm drop is meaningfully higher than the 1080v15's 6mm, providing more aggressive passive reduction of plantar fascia stretch length. Its DNA TUNED dual-cell foam uses larger heel cells for plush landings and smaller forefoot cells for responsive toe-offs, a zonal design that directly addresses the two phases of gait where plantar fasciitis stress peaks.
Nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam provides a plush floating sensation with every step
Brooks' premium flagship neutral shoe with maximum cushioning for long distances
Engineered mesh upper wraps the foot in breathable structure for all-day comfort
The Honest Verdict
Both shoes are APMA accepted and among the most podiatrist-recommended premium neutral daily trainers for plantar fasciitis. The 1080v15 is the stronger choice for versatile training across paces, wider width accommodation, and rocker-assisted gait redirection. The Glycerin 23 is the stronger choice when higher heel elevation, zonal foam tuning, and a conventional plush platform are the primary clinical needs. If your plantar fasciitis is worst on first morning steps, the Glycerin 23's 8mm drop and heel-concentrated foam directly address that pattern. If your plantar fasciitis is worst during or after running, the 1080v15's rocker geometry and responsive foam are the more appropriate daily driver.
Answer These. Then Decide
Four quick questions that point you toward the right shoe for your specific situation.
Is your worst pain on first morning steps rather than during running?
Do you need a shoe that performs across easy, moderate, and tempo training paces?
Do you need 4E extra wide width to accommodate wide feet or bunions?
Do you prefer a conventional plush cushioned platform over rocker geometry?
Has a podiatrist confirmed a higher heel drop is appropriate for your plantar fasciitis?
Frequently Asked
Which is better for plantar fasciitis, New Balance 1080v15 or Brooks Glycerin 23?
Both are APMA accepted and podiatrist recommended for plantar fasciitis but address the condition differently. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, cites the New Balance 1080 as his top plantar fasciitis recommendation, noting it resolves morning pain in 70 percent of patients within four weeks. Dr. Priya Parthasarathy recommends the Glycerin 23 specifically for plantar fasciitis patients with neutral arches, citing its zonal foam concentration in the heel and forefoot. The 1080v15 is the stronger choice for runners needing versatility across paces and wider width options. The Glycerin 23 is the stronger choice when higher heel elevation and conventional plush cushioning are the clinical priority.
What is the difference between the New Balance 1080v15 and Brooks Glycerin 23?
The most clinically significant differences are drop and foam philosophy. The 1080v15 has a 6mm drop with Infinion foam and rocker geometry for a versatile responsive ride. The Glycerin 23 has an 8mm drop with DNA TUNED nitrogen-infused dual-cell foam on a traditional platform for a plush conventional ride. The 1080v15 offers 4E extra wide width while the Glycerin 23 caps at 2E. Both are APMA accepted and priced similarly in the $160 to $180 range.
Is the Brooks Glycerin 23 good for plantar fasciitis?
Yes. The Brooks Glycerin 23 carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance and is specifically recommended for plantar fasciitis by Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, APMA Communications Committee Chair, for patients with neutral arches. Its 8mm heel drop reduces plantar fascia stretch length passively with every step, and its DNA TUNED dual-cell foam concentrates cushioning under the heel and forefoot where plantar fasciitis stress is highest. It is most appropriate for patients whose plantar fasciitis is worst on first morning steps and who prefer a conventional cushioned platform over rocker geometry.
Is the New Balance 1080v15 good for plantar fasciitis?
Yes. The New Balance 1080v15 carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance and is Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM's top-rated plantar fasciitis shoe, citing a 70 percent morning pain resolution rate within four weeks in his clinical patient population. Its Infinion midsole delivers maximum cushioning with a responsive feel, and its rocker geometry reduces toe-off fascial demand. It is most appropriate for active runners managing plantar fasciitis who need a versatile daily trainer across multiple training paces, and for patients who need 4E extra wide width alongside plantar fasciitis relief.
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