New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5

• Posted on 7 August 2024
• By Running Lab Staff
• 0

THE INTRO

Now, sometimes more is not better. There is a saying... "everything in moderation." But not for the Fresh Foam X. You can never have enough Fresh Foam X under your feet and the More v5 proves just that. 

Back with MORE, meet the More v5! 

THE SPECS

Support: Neutral

Weight: 10.7 oz / 303 g (men), 9.2 oz / 260 g (women)

Stack Height: 43 mm in the heel, 39 mm in the forefoot

Midsole Drop: 4 mm

Cushion Level: High

ON THE RUN

Jacob: The Fresh Foam More V5 is the most high cushion shoe imaginable! The fit cradles my foot perfectly and I was blown away with the insane shock absorbing bounce. I have been suffering from terrible shin splints the last few weeks, and while wear testing these shoes, I felt like I couldn't even feel them bothering me! It was the only shoe that felt good to run in, mainly because of the airbag-like cushion surrounding your foot! I have worn this shoe on road, treadmill, and both felt comfortable to run. Even walking in it daily is so comfortable. Anybody who loves themselves two marshmallows on your feet is in for a treat!

Kennedy: This updated version of the New Balance Fresh Foam More v5 will blow your mind! Running in this shoe felt so easy and effortless. It provided me with MAX cushion, MAX support, and MAX bounce. The More v5 makes you feel like you’re running on a cloud. This shoe keeps me wanting "MORE"!

THE FIT

Jacob: The spacious yet secure fit of this shoe is amazing. It hugs my foot well from heel to toe, and it has some depth making it orthotic friendly. Sizing did feel about a half size small, which sometimes is common for New Balance. But sizing up just a half size from my normal 10.5 to an 11 was a perfect fit! The heel cup was great on this shoe too. I felt locked in, my heel wasn't going to be slipping anywhere. The toebox was very spacious, while still providing me with a snug feel. I had plenty of room to maneuver about the shoe.The upper material is a thicker mesh upper, but very breathable still! Like a castle; very spacious containing many rooms, but under lockdown with nothing getting out. Here here!

Kennedy: The More v5 fits like a glove. It provides room to wiggle your toes keeping that toebox nice and roomy. It fits like a glove and is also very breathable. This shoe provides "MORE" comfort than any shoe has ever provided me!

THE FEEL

Jacob: I can summarize all of my thoughts on the More's cushioning into one word; "MORE". It is very appropriately named, because there's just more cushion than any other shoe on the market. The height of the shoe is MORE, the stability factors of the shoe is MORE, and the overall softness of the shoe is MORE.

Imagine a double chocolate chip cookie. One set of chocolate chips is tasty, sure, but doubling the amount makes it out of this world.

With such a wide base to hold you up, it works well as a motion control shoe for someone who needs that extra protection from rolling out. My one issue with all of the cushion in this shoe is that sometimes I don't feel as much of the responsiveness and rebound in the foam as some other high cushion shoes, but this shoe is not built for responsiveness. It is built for MORE cushion and protection, which is very valuable. 

Kennedy: If you want a max cushion shoe, the More v5 is the perfect shoe for you. Not only does it provide you with comfort and cushion, the shoe is still very stable and supportive. The More v5 is a great motion control shoe with a wide base, so that you feel comfortable and supported! 

THE NITTY GRITTY

Jacob: This shoe would best be used for recovery runs. After a long training week, and you don't feel like getting off your lazy boy and want to rest a day, you might as well get a run in the lazy boy equivalent of running shoes.

It isn't the fastest shoe in the world, but it is surprisingly light weight compared to other high cushion models. The best comparison to this shoe from other brands are the Hoka Bondi 8, Asics Gel Nimbus 26, Brooks Ghost Max, and Saucony Triumph 22. Comparing this even to its predecessor, the More V4, they added a newly treated foam that somehow feels softer. Imagine if the More V4 had the 1080v13's foam. 

Kennedy: I would use this shoe for a daily trainer and recovery shoe. The runs I felt most confident and comfortable in this shoe is when I was doing easy long runs. During these long runs, the shoe felt very soft and made my body feel less fatigued. With the More v5 on my feet I felt as if I could keep doing MORE AND MORE!

THE RUNDOWN

Jacob: The New Balance Fresh Foam More is the Snorlax of running shoes. It is so high cushion and soft and squishy, but very secure! The upgrades to this shoe were all a massive improvement, and I would rate this one of the best max cushion shoes on the market.

Kennedy: Compared to the More v5, New Balance did an incredible job updating this shoe! This update has blown me away and has provided me with a new favorite daily trainer. I feel cushioned and confident to run MORE!

Get your own pair HERE!

MEET JACOB

Jacob is arguably one of the biggest sports fans you will ever meet and you can always count on him to make everything into a competition. Outside of running, Jacob also loves basketball, despite the Pistons breaking his heart every night.

All time favorite shoe: Saucony Freedom ISO

MEET KENNEDY

Hi, I’m Kennedy! After 3 knee surgeries and college soccer, I found my love for running. During my free time, I love spending time with my family and dogs, running, and helping others. I am hoping one day I can create a workout and sports program for our special needs community! I just recently got my personal training certification and am working on others!

All time favorite shoe: Hoka Bondi 8