New Balance has proven for years that it can make shoes that pamper runners’ feet. The Fresh Foam More v5 is the next step in maximum comfort and cushioning. A thick layer of Fresh Foam X foam, a wide platform and a secure construction make this a shoe that can compete with the best “hovercrafts” on the market. Still not enough? The price is also worth mentioning, as this is one of the cheapest maximum cushioning trainers on the market.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The New Balance Fresh Foam More v5 is a shoe for those who prefer maximum cushioning and comfort on hard surfaces. It is one of the softest models on the market, ideal for hard surfaces such as packed dirt, pavement and sidewalks. Its thick layer of foam acts as a cushion underfoot, absorbing shock and making every stride exceptionally comfortable. It is particularly suitable for runners with higher body weights, even well over 90kg, who need solid support and protection against overloading.
Pros
- very good cushioning,
- suitable for the heaviest,
- good ground insulation,
- good rear stability,
- soft and comfortable upper,
- very good price/cushioning ratio.
Cons
- quite heavy (11% heaviest running shoes).
New Balance running shoes – lineup breakdown
In the New Balance range, the Fresh Foam More v5 has a natural rival – the 1080. Both are designed for long distance running, maximum cushioning and comfort, so their intended use is very similar. What are the differences? The More v5 has a thicker midsole, a slightly lower drop and a slightly different fit. If you are looking for the absolute softest and most cushioned New Balance model, the More v5 is for you. This shoe offers the best the brand has to offer in this category.
What else does New Balance offer? Check out the shoe guide!
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  More v5  1080 v14 |  Vongo v6 |
| very high cushioning |  880 v14 |  860 v14 |
| high cushioning |  680 v8 |
Alternatives to New Balance More v5
Alternatives to the New Balance More v5 Looking at the tall, bulky and extremely cushioned silhouette of the New Balance More v5, the first association is obvious – Hoka Bondi. This model is the most natural alternative if you are looking for a similar shoe from another brand. Both models have a large amount of foam, are made for running on hard surfaces and offer a similar underfoot experience. However, these are not the only competitors for these huge shoes. You can find styles that look less bulky and offer the same level of cushioning and comfort. In this shoe guide you can find out more about shoes that offer similar levels of cushioning.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Ultraboost 5X | 38/28 | 10 | 275 | 237 | 180 |
| Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 | 43,5/35,5 | 8 | 305 | 265 | 200 |
| Brooks Glycerin 22 | 38/28 | 10 | 289 | 257 | 180 |
| Brooks Glycerin Max | 45/39 | 6 | 298 | 270 | 200 |
| Diadora Atomo Star | 40/34 | 6 | 275 | 215 | 190 |
| Hoka Bondi 9 | 43/38 | 5 | 323 | 263 | 180 |
| New Balance 1080 v14 | 36/32 | 6 | 298 | 236 | 190 |
| Nike Invincible 3 | 40/31 | 8 | 310 | 258 | 190 |
| New Balance More v5 | 43/39 | 4 | 313 | 244 | 170 |
| On Cloudmonster 2 | 35/26 | 6 | 295 | 245 | 190 |
| Saucony Triumph 22 | 37/27 | 10 | 286 | 250 | 190 |
Maximum foam – maximum cushioning
The cushioning concept of the New Balance More v5 is simple: more foam equals more softness. The brand relies on Fresh Foam X, its most cushioning blend, which is an improved version of EVA foam. Its main task is to ensure maximum softness, and only secondarily any dynamic properties.
And the foam is nothing to sneeze at. There is 43mm of cushioning under the heel and 39mm under the forefoot. These may not be record-breaking figures, but they definitely put this model in the top 4% of the most “cushioned” shoes on the market – statistically speaking, these are the models with the thickest midsole. The result? Pure comfort and the feeling of running on a soft sofa, especially noticeable for runners weighing 90-100kg, for whom very good cushioning is not only a comfort, but a necessity.
The drop is 4mm, which is quite low. This does not affect the rolling of the foot or the dynamics of running, but it does allow for one thing: the retention of a huge amount of foam, even in the front part of the shoe. And you can feel it. It is rare for a training shoe to have almost 4cm of height under the toes, and this is exactly the case here. The result? An extremely soft landing and comfort with every step, especially for runners who put a lot of pressure on the front of their feet.
Neutral but stable – the wide base makes the difference
The New Balance Fresh Foam More v5 is a neutral shoe, which means it is designed mainly for runners with a neutral foot type. However, despite the lack of classic stabilizing systems, it offers a surprising amount of stability. How is this achieved? The wide midsole plays a key role in making the foot feel stable and secure. You may not be able to see it with the naked eye, but when you put your foot in the shoe, you will feel that it stays in place and does not tend to lean sideways.
The second key element to stability is the heel counter, which has a typical, tried and tested solution. The heel is stiffened with a typical running shoe wedge, which is an extension of the slightly raised edges of the midsole. This further increases control over the foot and prevents it from moving uncontrollably from side to side. However, the heel counter itself is not completely rigid – it allows for some movement, but at the same time maintains sufficient stability.
Outsole? A classic for hard surfaces
The outsole of the New Balance More v5 is minimalist, flat and not very aggressive – exactly what you would expect from a shoe designed for hard surfaces. This model is made for running on roads, pavements and tarmac. There are no deep cuts or aggressive patterns – just a classic, smooth surface that makes solid contact with the ground.
There are no surprises when it comes to the placement of the rubber on the midsole. There are rubber elements under the forefoot and on the outer edges of the heel – where most runners hit and push the surface the hardest. Could there be more? Perhaps. As this is a typical long-distance training shoe, an extra layer of rubber might make it even more durable. On the other hand, the current outsole design does the job well and durability is good.
Classic upper, comfortable fit
The upper of the New Balance More v5 is a classic shape made from technical mesh for breathability and comfort. It is seamless, eliminating the risk of chafing and improving comfort. Finally, we have a traditional, soft, non-integrated tongue that fits freely on the foot, regardless of its shape.
Fit? Tighter than wide. At its widest point, the upper measures 102.1mm, which is slightly less than the standard average. This isn’t an extremely narrow shoe, but if you’re hoping for the same amount of room on the inside as on the outside, you may be disappointed. There is less room at the front of the shoe than you might think. It is worth bearing this in mind.
What about the heel counter? As mentioned, it is stiff on the inside and works well with the wide and stable midsole under the heel to keep it stable. It also has just the right amount of soft padding on the inside, but not too much, to make it more comfortable. It is a very classic construction that makes it comfortable and supportive at the same time. Nothing more, nothing less.
Weight – more
According to the producer, the New Balance More v5 for men weighs 313 g and the women’s version 244 g. These are fairly standard values for shoes with these characteristics. But what does it look like in reality when a larger size is weighed? In my case, I am a size 46 and the scale shows 369 g. This is quite a lot – it is in the top 11% of heaviest running shoes.
This is no coincidence, of course, but a consequence of the huge amount of Fresh Foam X and the sheer volume of the shoe. That much cushioning has to weigh a lot. Can you feel it? When you put the shoe on your foot, it doesn’t feel overly heavy – it is bulky, but its softness and comfort compensate for the weight. That’s the beauty of maximum cushioning shoes – they’re never going to be light, but when it comes to comfort, you can forgive them.
Summary
The New Balance More v5 is one of the most cushioned shoes on the market, making it extremely soft and comfortable over long distances, especially for heavier runners. The wide midsole provides stability, and the classic, well-fitting upper keeps the shoe snug on the foot, even though it is narrower rather than wider. Given its parameters, you can also forgive its higher weight, especially as it is one of the cheapest options in the maximum cushioning running shoe segment.
