New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 Review
Individual Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance More v5 has received a completely new design that almost feels like a new shoe. It still shares a soft and highly cushioned experience, but the latest version of the More feels like even MORE. There is more stack, a wider net base, and a more premium, well-fitting upper designed for even more comfort. There was a special place in my heart for the More v4 as I loved the geometries and construction, but I still like v5 but for different reasons. If you are looking for a highly protective daily trainer, that can pound out mile after mile on the roads, you will want to give the More v5 a try.
I loved the More v4, and my affection for the model has only grown with version 5.
It’s protective, comfortable, and offers an almost perfect ride for my long runs and recovery needs. When my legs are tired, I know the More v5 will provide the protection I need to get my daily or recovery miles in without increasing foot and leg fatigue.
It is worth noting that the updates have changed the underfoot feel and ride of the More, but I’m all for it. I see these changes as upgrades rather than just simple updates. I found the More v5 to be more protective and smoother than previous versions given my stride. Even though it lacks some of the plush cushioning of earlier models, the More will continue to be a cornerstone in my shoe rotation.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.7 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.2 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 43 mm (Heel), 39 mm (Forefoot) | 4 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Connor: "The upper of the More v5 offers the support and comfort needed for long miles. I always felt like the fit of the More v4 was a little off; in my opinion, it was one of the shoe's only small issues. The More v5 feels much more comfortable and should accommodate a wider variety of foot shapes. It provides a bit more volume overall, and the material feels smooth and comfortable against the foot."
Kaleb: "The More v4 was one of my favourite shoes for long runs and recovery runs, largely due to its overall comfort, which included the engineered mesh upper.
The v5 also features a relatively simple mesh upper, and it did not disappoint. It delivered excellent comfort and the security needed for long, easy miles. When it comes to recovery shoes, I need an upper that will not cause irritation, and the More v5 exceeded that expectation. If you loved the v4's upper, you will feel right at home in the v5."
Midsole
Connor: "The midsole of the More v5 feels extremely protective and is built for long miles on the road. My first impression is that it has quite a different feel compared to past versions, feeling closer to a HOKA Bondi. However, I feel the geometries are more run-friendly than the Bondi, and as you go through your stride, it feels much smoother, especially at slower, recovery paces. The Fresh Foam X compound seems slightly tweaked, and while it is still soft, I found the More v4 to be even squishier. That said, which shoe you prefer will come down to personal preference, but the New Balance More v5 feels more inherently stable due to the slightly firmer midsole compound and wider base."
Kaleb: "More, more, more—I love the New Balance More, and with more Fresh Foam X underfoot in this version, I love the More even MORE.
I agree with Connor that the updates in version 5 have changed the underfoot experience of the shoe a bit, but I am all for it. With the increased stack height, the More v5 is even more protective than version 4. Furthermore, with updated geometries, the More v5 feels more stable and smoother on the run. Admittedly, it feels a bit bulkier, but it is a trade-off I am happy with, given all the comfort and protection."
Outsole
Connor: "There is a good amount of rubber underfoot, which delivers fantastic durability and plenty of grip for running on the roads. The thick rubber contributes to a little extra weight, but for a highly cushioned daily trainer, it has everything you would expect. With over 75 miles in the shoe, the wear looks great, and I am pretty confident the outsole will far outlive the midsole of this shoe"
Kaleb: "The More v5 has ample rubber coverage on the outsole, and I had no problem with traction throughout the testing period. Again, with the wider base and dependable grip, the More v5 feels much more composed and inherently stable, making it my ideal recovery shoe."
Comparable Models
New Balance More v5 vs. HOKA Bondi 8
Connor: "As a highly cushioned and comfortable daily trainer, I would put the More v5 in a similar category to the HOKA Bondi 8. They both offer a max-stack underfoot experience and a very wide platform that offers enough inherent stability for even more prominent overpronators. While both shoes are very similar, I find the More v5 to have one of the best rides among its competitors, offering one of the softest underfoot experiences. It is a built-up and slightly bulkier shoe, but I feel the More v5 stands out among the competition."
New Balance More v5 vs. New Balance More v4
Kaleb: "The More v4 was hands down one of my favourite long run, recovery run shoes. That said, I like the More v5 even better. The v5 midsole is more composed and offers a more inherently stable ride, and I also appreciate that the midsole is a bit more composed this time around. I know there are some runners out there that will miss some of the v4's cushioning, but if I had to pick, then I would go with the More v5."
