New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail Review
Off-Road Comfort
Likes
- Plush cushioning
- Accommodating fit
- Outsole traction
Dislikes
- Limited color options
- Style feels a little outdated
What's New
The New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail takes the cushioning fans loved from the road version and repackages it into a trail shoe that's ready to go the distance. This maximally cushioned shoe utilizes a thick midsole of New Balance's Fresh Foam X technology to give runners unparalleled protection no matter where their journey takes them. Coupled with a grippy outsole, the More Trail will provide plenty of cushioning and traction to keep you on your feet for the many miles ahead.
The Bottom Line
The Fresh Foam More Trail is perfect for the runner or hiker who needs maximum cushioning for the adventure ahead. This shoe utilizes high levels of foam underfoot and a grippy outsole to help support runners on their longest trail excursions. Our testers loved their experience in this shoe, and they found the More Trail to be one of the softest trail shoes on the market. Although the maximally cushioned nature of the More Trail keeps it from being a go-to choice for technical trail runs, the shoe's high level of underfoot protection and generous fit make it a great option for those who prioritize comfort over speed on the trails.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium to Low | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.4 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.3 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 34 mm (Heel), 30 mm (Forefoot) | 4 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Trail | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
Our testers raved about the Fresh Foam More Trail's pillowy-soft ride. Runners looking for plush cushioning to help them get through their trail runs in comfort will love these shoes.
Becky: "Fresh Foam X is abundant in this shoe, and it feels pretty soft upon initial step-in, as well as out on the trails. It is undoubtedly one of the softest trail shoes of 2020 and will provide a highly cushioned experience for long distances. It is also surprisingly lightweight for the amount of cushioning it provides."
Liese: "I found the More Trail to be very cushioned, especially for a trail running shoe. This came in clutch on recent all-day adventures when my feet and legs would have gotten tired had I been wearing something less cushioned."
Ride/Energy Return i
Despite being a soft shoe, the Fresh Foam X midsole offers some decent energy return. Our testers acknowledged that while the Fresh Foam More Trail is not a fast shoe by any means, it is an excellent option for those who want something soft but not at all sluggish.
Becky: "Despite how much underfoot protection the More Trail has, it does not feel like I am sinking into the abundant softness like some other maximal cushioned shoes. This is not a go-to fast day trail shoe, but it is plenty responsive for my everyday trail runs."
Liese: "I felt like the Fresh Foam X had some spring to it. It was not mushy in the way I expected a soft shoe to feel."
Underfoot Protection i
The Fresh Foam More Trail kept our testers feeling confident and protected on the trails. The thick cushioning and stable base make this shoe the ideal highly cushioned option for those looking for extra underfoot protection.
Becky: "The More Trail is about as cushioned and protective as a trail shoe gets, with the exception of the Hoka Stinson ATR. It is a shoe that would work well for ultramarathons or for when you're feeling beat up but still want to get in the miles."
Liese: "This shoe has a maximal stack height, yet it feels more stable on the trail than the Hoka Stinson does. There's tons of cushioning, but my feet grip the ground confidently thanks to super aggressive lugs."
Underfoot Flexibility i
While the More Trail has a thick midsole, our testers were surprised by how well it moved with their feet. Though it does not offer a significant amount of flexibility, the More Trail feels more flexible than other shoes in its category.
Becky: "This is a decently flexible shoe considering how much cushioning is in the midsole."
Liese: "Not super bendy due to the trail runner nature of the shoe, but it is flexible and agile enough to take on any terrain."
Upper Feel i
Our testers appreciated the design and build of the More Trail's upper. They found it to be both breathable and protective. Additionally, the fit provided more room for our tester who preferred a more accommodating fit.
Becky: "The upper is a combination of breathable mesh in the forefoot and a couple of reinforcements around the midfoot to provide adequate support. I have not had any sliding around instability when bounding down hills or around rocky areas.
Liese: "New Balance builds shoes that fit nicely to the shape of my foot. The More Trail is no exception, and it fits perfectly right out of the box; no break-in time necessary. The upper accommodates my slightly wide forefoot area and keeps me feeling supported on rocky, slippery terrain. Usually, I need an upper to stretch for a few miles while I tie and retie the shoes to get over numb areas, but these are a great shape as is!"
Women's New Balance Trail Shoes
Individual Thoughts
If you are looking for a highly cushioned trail shoe that would be great for recovery runs, long-distance adventures, or races, the More Trail is a great option. I am not a big fan of the shoe's aesthetics because they look a little chunky — not as modern as some of the other trail shoes in my rotation. However, the upper is comfortable, the fit is excellent, and the cushioning is soft and abundant. Runners who want a cushioned trail shoe outside of the HOKA brand will enjoy what New Balance has created in the Fresh Foam More Trail.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I've been running in the New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail in various conditions, including rocky, muddy, sandy, wet, steep, hardpack, fire roads, and single track. They are my favorite trail shoe of the year! I was surprised by how comfortable they were right out of the box. I took them on a trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon, wherein I had some days that I was doing 12 miles, and they kept my legs and feet from feeling fatigued.
With this shoe, I feel like we finally have a marriage of the New Balance foot shape and the Hoka Speedgoat, the shoe that everyone else has been able to enjoy for years. The More Trail has the bells and whistles of the Speedgoat, tailored for those of us who prefer a more generous fit in the upper.