New Balance Fresh Foam More v3 Review
Sometimes More is More
Likes
- Tons of soft cushioning
- Smooth ride
- Durable
Dislikes
- Lacks flexibility
- Low energy return
- A bit heavy
What's New
Believe it or not, the already max-cushioned New Balance Fresh Foam More features even higher levels of cushioning in version 3. The newly updated model is loaded with 38 mm of Fresh Foam X in the heel and 34 mm in the forefoot, which is 4 mm higher than the previous model and promises to be more protective. The upper has also been updated, featuring a structured engineered mesh that is very breathable with a hint of adaptability. The Fresh Foam More v3 is smoother and more responsive than the previous model, and even though the midsole is still comprised of Fresh Foam X, this new version delivers a fresh underfoot feel that all runners will appreciate.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to the max-cushion category, the New Balance Fresh Foam v3 is definitely among the front of the pack with its highly protective midsole and energetic ride. So watch out, HOKA, because New Balance wants a piece of the pie.
The Fresh Foam More v3 is an impressive recovery or long-run shoe that is slightly lighter than the HOKA Bondi and has a little more cushioning underfoot than the HOKA Clifton. The More v3 is certainly soft, but it's not so plush that you lose any energy return from the midsole foam, which makes for an impressive combination of protection and responsiveness. These long-haul shoes also offer premium comfort and security, so runners will be able to pile on more, more, and more weekly miles in these maxed-out New Balance trainers.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.8 oz (size 9), Women's: 8.8 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 38 mm (Heel), 34 mm (Forefoot) | 4 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Ben: "The New Balance More is plenty soft for running or for wearing around throughout your daily routine. I wouldn't say it's 'marshmallowy' soft, but I appreciated the level of softness I experienced while wearing the More v3."
Jonathan: "The More v3 is on the softer side but not so soft that it's tough to keep moving forward. This balance made for some really pleasant test runs."
Ride/Energy Returni
Ben: "The energy return from the More v3's midsole is adequate for a max stack height daily trainer. I can run smoothly and comfortably on easy runs or tempo runs. If I had to, I could probably use the More v3 for a neighborhood 10K race, but it certainly would feel a little bulky, and there are better shoes for race-day efforts."
Jonathan: "Even though the More v3 is fairly soft, it still has decent energy return. It was more responsive than I expected and performed well on all of my testing runs."
Underfoot Protectioni
Ben: "The Fresh Foam X midsole is very absorptive and keeps my legs protected from the impact of the pavement. I took the More v3 on a 20-mile mountain run, and my joints felt fine afterward. The underfoot experience of this shoe reminds me a lot of a HOKA."
Jonathan: "The More v3 lives up to its name. It has a ton of cushioning that is very protective. The foam is simply a pleasure to have underfoot while you comfortably keep running along."
Flexibilityi
Ben: "The New Balance More v3 is not overly flexible — again, reminding me of a HOKA with its big stack height and minimal flex. I had no trouble going through the full range of motion, but if you need a flexible shoe this would definitely not be your cup of tea."
Jonathan: "The More v3 is rigid enough to aid in propulsion, yet flexible enough to deliver a smooth ride."
Upper Supporti
Ben: "The upper provides a secure fit in the heel and is slightly wider in the toe box. I especially appreciated the ankle support. I did not feel that any part of the shoe was too narrow."
Jonathan: "The fit was another pleasant surprise with the More v3. Sometimes shoes with higher stack heights and broad bases have a sloppy and overly wide fit. The More v3 was just a touch roomy on my foot, but it was easy to get a secure and comfortable feel when I tightened up the laces."
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X More
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X More
Individual Thoughts
I appreciate the New Balance Fresh Foam More v3 as a runner on the other side of 30. I prefer longer tempo runs as opposed to quick repeats these days. The More v3 provides enough cushioning to enable me to run 20 miles without any problems. There is enough energy return for me to do 10 miles at a 6:45 pace with ease. I also appreciate the ankle support provided by the upper, which makes it harder to injure my leg.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I was surprised how much I enjoyed running in the More v3. I had the first More and I hated it. It was clunky, rigid, and stiff. It was such a mismatch for me that it goes down as one of the worst shoes I have ever run in.
With the More v3, there's a night-and-day difference. It lives up to its name — there's more cushioning, more smoothness, more to like. The More v3 is great for just going out and logging miles. It's not a shoe for going fast, but it will deliver comfort regardless of how far you want to run. It is heavier than other shoes I have been running in. However, nothing about the perceived weight detracted from a pleasant running experience. For those familiar with the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi and Clifton, I slot the More v3 between these two shoes. It's closer to a Bondi, but it's a little lighter and smoother. Compared to the HOKA Clifton, the More v3 certainly feels like more shoe, but I think it has better energy return. For someone who wants running to feel like cruising down the road in a 1970s Cadillac, the New Balance v3 is the shoe of choice.
