Welcome to Flawless Shoe Reviews. Today, we’re comparing two of the most premium max-cushion running shoes on the market: the New Balance More V5 and the Brooks Glycerin Max. Both are designed for plush comfort and long miles, but they feel completely different underfoot—and one may suit your walking or running style better than the other.
In this breakdown, I’ll explain how each shoe performs when walking or running, what makes them different, and which one might be the better choice for you.
Cushioning & Midsole Feel
Let’s start with the midsoles. Both shoes offer soft, luxurious cushioning, but they do it in very different ways.
New Balance More V5
This shoe uses New Balance’s Fresh Foam X midsole and has significantly increased its stack compared to the previous version.
- Stack height: 43 mm rearfoot / 39 mm forefoot
- Drop: 4 mm
It’s one of the softest shoes I’ve ever worn—walking in it genuinely feels like stepping on marshmallows. That plush feel makes it excellent for all-day comfort, especially for walking or standing for long periods. However, because of how soft it is, the More V5 doesn’t offer much energy return, and some runners might find it too unstable if they have a history of ankle instability or conditions like posterior tibial tendonitis.
Brooks Glycerin Max
In contrast, the Glycerin Max introduces a new nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole.
- Stack height: 45 mm rearfoot / 39 mm forefoot
- Drop: 6 mm
Brooks claims this new midsole design is revolutionary—and it’s easy to see why. Even with such high cushioning, the Glycerin Max feels more springy and responsive. You still get a soft landing, but the shoe rebounds quickly and pushes you into the next step. It’s not as cloud-like as the More V5, but it’s far more energetic underfoot.
Another standout difference? The forefoot rocker in the Glycerin Max is more aggressive and curves up later in the gait cycle, which gives you a snappier toe-off than what you’ll find in the More V5.
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Stability & Structure
Even though both shoes are technically neutral, they offer subtle stability features.
More V5
The More V5 has large sidewalls along the heel and midfoot that cradle your foot. It also features a bucket seat-style upper, which wraps around your foot and holds it in place.
However, the heel counter is soft, which allows a bit more ankle movement than ideal for people needing extra rearfoot control. There’s a broad base and sole flare in the forefoot to provide some added stability.
Glycerin Max
While the sidewalls aren’t as large in the Glycerin Max, the shoe features a stiffer heel counter, a reasonably broad platform, and some sole flare. Combined with the firmer midsole, the shoe offers more stability than the More V5, especially if you’ve experienced ankle or peroneal tendon issues.
Upper Fit & Design
Both shoes have a premium upper with a plush feel.
- More V5: Slightly snugger fit, especially in the midfoot. Comes in wide and extra-wide options.
- Glycerin Max: Roomy toe box, padded tongue (non-gusseted), plush heel collar.
The tongue in the More V5 is gusseted and padded, which improves lockdown and reduces movement inside the shoe.
Walking & Running Use
Walking & All-Day Comfort
- The More V5 is the ultimate comfort shoe for walking or standing all day. If soft, cloud-like cushioning is your top priority, this is the winner.
- The Glycerin Max is also excellent for walking but offers a little more structure and responsiveness, which may benefit those with foot or ankle concerns.
Running
- Both shoes work well for long-distance runs, easy runs, and recovery days.
- The Glycerin Max is slightly better for uptempo runs or strides thanks to its energetic midsole and aggressive rocker.
- Neither shoe is ideal for race pace due to their heavier weight:
- More V5: 303g (Men’s US 9)
- Glycerin Max: 297g (Men’s US 9)
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Final Verdict
| Feature | New Balance More V5 | Brooks Glycerin Max |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | Ultra-soft, marshmallow feel | Soft with bounce and energy return |
| Stability | Classic neutral, some support | Classic neutral, slightly more stable |
| Best For | Walking, standing, easy/recovery runs | Walking, long runs, uptempo workouts |
| Fit | True to size, wide options | True to size, roomy toe box |
| Weight | 303g (Men’s US 9) | 297g (Men’s US 9) |
If you’re after pure comfort, the More V5 is as soft as they come. If you want something that blends comfort with a bit of performance versatility, the Glycerin Max might be the better fit.
Other max cushion shoes include the On Cloudmonster 2 and the New Balance 1080.
