New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 review: More of everything (2024)

• Weight: 310g (UK 8.5)
• Stack height: 44mm (heel), 40mm (forefoot)
• Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm
• Type: Neutral/max-cushioned
• Best for: Easy runs, recovery runs, walking

Last October, when I reviewed the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13, I said I wasn't quite sure what the future held for its plush, max-cushioned cousin, the Fresh Foam X More. The 1080 had received quite the overall, taking the reigns from the More v4 as New Balance's most cushioned running shoe (38mm/32mm), but with the added bonus of versatility. Well, here I am, ready to eat my words, because the More has survived for its fifth iteration and, well — it's got more of just about everything. That includes a lot more Fresh Foam X underfoot, a wider platform and a plusher mesh upper. So, do the updates pay off, or is less actually more? Here are my thoughts.

I opted for my usual size (UK 8.5) in the More v5 and it fits true to size, with a roomy toe box that accommodates the foot at the sides and the top of the toes. One thing to note is that the toe box is slightly shallow — a similar issue I noted on the most recent 1080 v14. While it hasn't caused me any issues, it's worth bearing in mind if you're someone prone to a bruised toenail.

The More v5's mesh upper is soft, borderline plush, with not a lot of give to it. This helps to hold the foot in place, despite the lack of overlays. In terms of the tongue, this one is extremely padded. Wide and gusseted, it securely cradles the top of the foot with no slipping or sliding and it means you're able to get a pretty tight lockdown on the midfoot without cutting off your blood supply or causing irritation. The downside to all that padding is that the More v5 isn't the most breathable shoe. In testing, it's not been a huge issue as we're in autumn in the UK, but in the warmer months it could result in some pretty sweaty socks.

Cushioning around the heel collar is moderate, rather than plush — similar to that on the 1080 v14 — which I assume is because weight savings need to come from somewhere on such a humungous shoe. It's more than enough, though, and hugs the ankle well for a secure lockdown.

With a total stack height of 44mm/40mm (4mm drop), the More v5 is up there with some of the chunkiest running shoes on the market. The midsole foam has changed slightly from the v4 to the v5, upgrading from standard Fresh Foam to Fresh Foam X — the same used in the 1080 v13. This creates a step-in that feels very soft, bordering on plush, and delivers plenty of bounce on the move.

However, bouncy doesn't necessarily translate to responsive. Don't expect much versatility from the More v5 — this chunky boy is very much made for recovery pace and not much else. It's not exactly surprising, though. Fresh Foam X is an EVA-based foam, and while the newer formula is softer and lighter than the one used in the v4, you'd need some sort of PEBA/EVA-blend (like the FuelCell foam used in the SuperComp Trainer v3) to add any sense of energy return to the shoe.

But versatility is not what the More v5 is designed for. This is a highly cushioned running shoe intended to provide the most comfort, padding and shock absorption for tired legs. I found the shoe worked best for distances up to 16 kilometres/10 miles, ran at my easy pace (5:20-5.45 min/km). It coped okay when I tried a tempo session (4:40-4:45 min/km), but it ultimately felt too soft and wasn't something I was desperate to lace up in for the next one. For longer runs (half-marathon upwards), I'd also opt for something a little firmer and more responsive like the 1080.

Stability is excellent, however, particularly for such a max-cushioned shoe, as this tends to be one of the biggest pitfalls of this category. That huge slab of foam is supported by a very wide base, while the subtle rocker geometry contributes to a smooth ride, particularly for heel strikers like myself.

In terms of the outsole, rubber is only placed in high-wear areas — in other words, the forefoot and the heel. The rest of the outsole is exposed midsole foam. I didn't find this to be a problem, but heavy runners may run into issues with durability. Grip is good, though — I've been running in the More v5s on fairly wet ground, plus I live at the top of a big hill, and the traction hasn't let me down yet.

Ben Hobson, multiplatform director: My testing thoughts...

I've been running in these chunky-monkeys too and I'm chiming in here as I completely agree with what Ali has said about this shoe, but I would add that as a bigger/taller human, I get more out of that big stack of foam than some lighter runners may. The shoe feels less bulky to me as I'm able to compress it more and in-turn I get more energy return from it due to that compression (it's not loads as Ali said, but it certainly helps alter the overall ride feel of the shoe). This makes me think that the NB More V5 is great shoe option for bigger, more powerful runners who are looking for a max-cushioned shoe to help ease out those miles. Due to our differing experiences, I'd say that this shoe is good for some longer runs than Ali found comfy; I found myself cruising those slow 20-30k runs in them with no discomfort.

If you're looking for a truly max-cushioned, plush, can't-feel-the-ground trainer for short to moderate plods, you're going to love the the More v5. I could also see healthcare workers, or those on their feet for significant periods, getting on board with these, much like the Hoka Bondi 8.

If you're after your next do-it-all daily trainer, however, you won't find it here. The More v5 is great for easy miles and recovery runs, but for anything longer or for runs that require picking up the pace, it's not your best option. Nor is this the shoe for you if you're someone who likes a more nimble feeling shoe with a lightweight upper — but frankly, the name 'More' should be enough to indicate that in the first place.

Providing shed loads of comfort, the More v5 really is one of those shoes you can cruise around in very happily at a steady pace. And this time around, I think I can confidentially say the More will be back for round six.

If you're after max-cushioning but want a firmer, more versatile ride for tempo sessions and long runs, consider a super trainer. These high-stack training shoes feature some of the same technology found in the best carbon plate running shoes, but with plusher uppers and more stability tech that keep you comfortable outside of race day. The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 delivers a fun, snappy ride, while the Asics Superblast 2 is a terrific all-rounder that you could even run a marathon in — if you don't mind a tad more weight.

Or, outside the super trainer realm, the Hoka Bondi 8 delivers a similarly pillowy soft ride to the More v5, with a slightly lower stack height (39mm/35mm). And if stability is your top priority, the Saucony Hurricane 24 delivers a fairly versatile ride for overpronators in a soft, max-cushioned package.