New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 introduction:
Silke: In 2014 I ran in the first Fresh Foam model on the market and back then it was an unknown high cushioned running shoe. The model’s name was Fresh Foam 980. Later, this turned into the successful 1080 series. 10 years later, you can follow the development of the Fresh foam midsole material because New Balance have printed it onto the insoles!
Throughout their history, New Balance has always offered running shoes with different midsoles. The More is their maximally cushioned line providing the most comfort and shock absorption. This year all Fresh Foam models have been upgraded to Fresh Foam X. Let’s find out how the Titanosaur of running shoes feels on foot.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 upper:
Silke: The More V5 is a giant. It is not only the increased height and width that makes it look big, it also feels this way on foot. Stepping in creates immediate comfort. With its spacious forefoot, my feet feel pampered by the upper. However, that comfort has its price. The double mesh upper is not the most breathable. Furthermore, the More v5 is also not featherlight.
The tongue is fully gusseted and – surprise – not super plush. What I love about the upper of the More V5 is the lining around the ankle area. One can say that New Balance have tried out very special heel solutions in the past such as the extremely flared ones in 2018 on the Beacon V3. In 2024 they nailed it with a in my opinion perfect heel cup. Soft to the achilles tendon and creating a perfect lockdown. Furthermore, the chosen materials create a high value feel.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 midsole:
Silke: Don’t be dazzled by the huge amount of midsole! Sure you get the biggest slab of Fresh Foam X that New Balance has ever offered in a running shoe. From the outset, the impression of chunkiness has its origin from the high sidewalls of the shoe. Running in the More v5 feels extremely and superbly plush. Moreover, the slightly adjusted rocker geometry creates a smooth ride that feels best when striking from heel to midfoot. That said, there is not much rocker left for pure forefoot strikers.
The sheer softness of the midsole obviously produces some instability but New Balance have taken care of that. Therefore, the platform of the More V5 is so wide that you could possibly use them for waterskiing. Overall, the More V5 felt best when I ran at my slower paces (5:45-6:15/k) and for distances up to 15 k. When I ran longer, nearly reaching the half marathon distance, I started to wish for a firmer, more responsive feel from the midsole. Furthermore, when I ran faster I found the midsole to be too soft and I didnt get enough response from the ground for a strong toe off.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 outsole:
Silke: New Balance have placed enough rubber to cover the high-wear areas. For me, as a lightweight runner, there is plenty of rubber. That said, if you are just a bit heavier I think the exposed midsole foam will show signs of abrasion very quickly. I did runs in dry and also in wet conditions the grip worked excellently. What I did not try was taking corners sharply at a higher pace. However, I guess not many runners will try this as it is not really the purpose of the shoe.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 conclusion:
Silke: After running about 60k in the More V5, I can easily say this is the softest shoe I have ever tried. I’ve tested max cushioned models but none gave me this underfoot feeling. The More V5 is what your feet deserve after racing, after hard workouts and after wearing too snug fitting tempo trainers. Consequently, if you are building a shoe rotation and think about getting a recovery day shoe, one that pampers your feet, buy this shoe!
Although, if you like the fit and the cushioned midsole but are looking for a shoe that is more versatile, the 1080 V13 or the brand new Balos might be the right choice for you. Furthermore, if you think that it might be too soft for you then you should take a look at the Brooks Ghost Max. Brooks’ max cushioned trainer also has a nice rocker geometry but with less stack height and a more responsive midsole.
I will go on using this shoe for runs up to 15k and within my easy recovery pace.
