Welcome to Flawless Shoe Reviews—in today’s review, we’re diving into one of New Balance’s most cushioned running shoes, the Fresh Foam More v5. Whether you’re on your feet all day, recovering from an injury, or just want something soft and protective underfoot, this shoe delivers one of the plushest rides on the market.
But like any max-cushion shoe, it’s not for everyone. I’ll walk you through the key updates, how it feels underfoot, who it’s best suited for, and how it compares to other popular max stack shoes like the Hoka Bondi 9, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, and ON Cloudmonster 2.
Ultra-Plush Cushioning with a Focus on Comfort
The Fresh Foam More v5 is built around maximum cushioning and daily comfort. The midsole features a thick slab of Fresh Foam X that feels soft, smooth, and protective on every step. If you’ve worn the More v4, you’ll notice subtle tweaks in the foam density—this version offers a more balanced feel. You still get that signature plushness, but with a slightly more structured ride that doesn’t feel as bottomless.
With 40mm in the rearfoot and 34mm in the forefoot, this is very much a max stack shoe, and you can feel it. Whether you’re walking around town or out for an easy recovery run, this shoe delivers a soft, consistent underfoot feel.
Too Soft for Speed?
If you’re after something that can handle tempo runs, hill repeats, or race efforts, the More v5 probably isn’t it. At approximately 300g in a men’s US size 9, it’s not lightweight. The soft cushioning combined with that extra weight means you’ll struggle to pick up the pace. For speed workouts, you’d be better off looking at something like the Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 or the New Balance 1080 v14, both of which offer some responsiveness without compromising support.
But if you’re looking for a daily trainer that prioritises softness over speed, this is a solid choice.
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Stability and Support Features
The More v5 has a wide platform and a broad midfoot, which provides inherent stability. There’s no medial post or guide rail system, so if you need structured support for overpronation, this may not be the shoe for you. That said, the stable base and soft foam can still feel supportive for those with neutral or mildly pronated gaits.
It’s important to note that if you have ankle instability or issues with your peroneal tendons, the softness of this shoe might not give you the control you need. In that case, a more structured option like the New Balance 860 v14 or Asics GT-2000 13 could offer better support.
On the flip side, if you suffer from Achilles tendonitis, retrocalcaneal bursitis, or heel pain, the heel design in the More v5 might be perfect. The soft heel bevel and flexible heel counter create a forgiving environment for sensitive areas.
Fit, Feel & Upper Construction
The upper on the More v5 is classic New Balance—breathable engineered mesh, plush heel padding, and a fit that’s true to size. There’s plenty of room in the toe box for your toes to spread naturally, and it comes in multiple width options (normal, wide, and extra wide), which makes it an excellent choice if you have a wider foot.
You also get a gusseted tongue that stays in place, and the overall lockdown is secure without being restrictive. That said, some users may find the upper slightly warm for summer use, but the plushness makes it ideal for autumn and winter comfort.
Comparison to Other Max Cushion Shoes
The More v5 sits in a similar category to shoes like the:
- Hoka Bondi 9: also incredibly soft, with a more pronounced rocker for smoother transitions.
- Asics Gel-Nimbus 27: better suited for uptempo runs, with an updated foam and geometry.
- Asics Novablast 5: firmer and more responsive, ideal if you want comfort with a bit of speed.
- Topo Atmos: a roomy max stack option with a wide toe box and milder rocker design.
Out of all of these, the More v5 is probably the most traditional-feeling in terms of fit and ride. It lacks the rocker of the Bondi or Novablast but makes up for it in softness and simplicity.
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Final Verdict: Is the More v5 Right for You?
If you’re looking for a max cushion shoe that offers a smooth, soft, and stable ride, the New Balance Fresh Foam More v5 is a top contender. It’s not the lightest or fastest shoe out there, but for walking, standing all day, easy runs, or recovery days, it’s one of the most comfortable options you’ll find.
However, if you’re someone who prefers a little more structure underfoot or plans to mix in faster running sessions, you might be better off with the 880 v15 or 1080 v14, which still offer comfort but with a more responsive feel.
