Let’s talk about the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5. In a market flooded with max cushion shoes, this one certainly stands tall—literally. It’s New Balance’s biggest road shoe yet, and we mean that in every sense of the word. If you’re searching for unparalleled cushioning and a shoe that makes you feel like you’re walking on clouds, the Fresh Foam X More v5 might just be what you’re looking for.
Technical Specs
- Weight – 11oz or 312g for a US Men’s 9, 8.6oz or 244g for a US Women’s 7
- Cushion – 43mm of cushion and a 4mm heel/toe drop
- Pricing – $154.95 USD
- Colors – 3 colors
First Impressions, Fit, and Upper
Right out of the box, the Fresh Foam X More v5 looks like it’s been photoshopped—like a shoe with superhero proportions. The sheer volume of the midsole is startling, and pictures don’t do it justice. The step-in feel is equally impressive; this iteration of Fresh Foam X is one of the softest midsoles out there, especially with the amount of it packed into this shoe. The engineered mesh upper feels plush to the touch and has a relaxed fit that manages to avoid being sloppy. It’s a fine line to walk, but New Balance nailed it here.
For those with slightly wider than average feet, the fit is comfortable. The toebox is roomy enough to accommodate most foot shapes, and the lack of extensive overlays means there’s minimal risk of uncomfortable chafing. The gusseted tongue keeps everything in place without causing any noticeable pressure points, even when you tighten the laces for a more secure fit. The collar padding also does a good job of keeping the foot from moving around too much, contributing to an overall stable fit.
Midsole & Platform
When it comes to the midsole, size definitely matters, and New Balance has gone all out. The Fresh Foam X here is ultra-soft, providing an incredibly cushioned experience. Thanks to the supremely wide platform, the shoe manages to be stable despite the soft cushioning. It’s hard to describe just how much cushioning there is until you’ve tried it on for yourself. You won’t find much flex or give due to the substantial midsole, but this is all part of its max-cushioned charm.
The insole even has a little chart detailing the history of Fresh Foam, capturing its evolution since 2014. It serves as a fun reminder of how far foam technology has come. One slight downside is the extra weight that comes with all that cushioning—a whopping 11.3 oz for a US men’s 9.5—but that’s a trade-off some of us are willing to make for the comfort provided.
Outsole
The outsole design is intriguing. New Balance opted to split it into two large patches, leaving plenty of the midsole exposed. This might seem like a risky move, but it helps reduce the overall weight while retaining durable rubber in high-wear areas. Even the exposed midsole material is more durable than expected, which is a pleasant surprise. There hasn’t been much opportunity to test it in wet conditions, but the rubber appears grippy enough to handle a bit of rain without any drama.
Performance and Ride
We all have that image of what an ultra-soft shoe should feel like, and the Fresh Foam X More v5 meets those expectations. The ride is ridiculously soft and cushioned, making for a super comfortable experience. The rocker geometry helps mitigate some of the sluggishness that can come with such a plush setup, but this isn’t going to be anyone’s speed day shoe. It’s designed for easy runs, recovery days, or simply being on your feet all day.
That said, the shoe is not the most energetic; it doesn’t offer much in the way of energy return. It’s geared more toward providing a soft landing and a smooth ride rather than bouncing back with each stride. This makes it ideal for those of us who appreciate a slow, easy run without the need for speed.
Pros and Cons
To sum up quickly, the pros of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 are obvious: plush cushioning, stable platform, and a comfortable engineered mesh upper. The toebox width and overall fit are also quite accommodating. However, it does come with a few cons. The considerable weight is hard to ignore, and there’s not much flexibility in the midsole. Also we miss having a heel pull tab for easy entry.
Conclusion
The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 is a game-changer in the realm of max cushion shoes. It offers an unprecedented level of comfort and cushioning, balanced with surprising stability. While it may not be the shoe for those looking to break speed records, it’s an exceptional choice for easy days, long-haul comfort, or even just standing and walking for extended periods. If max cushioning is your priority, the Fresh Foam X More v5 will undoubtedly be a worthy addition to your running shoe rotation.
Learn more on the New Balance website
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Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
