If running shoes had personalities, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More line would be the chill, ultra-supportive friend who always brings snacks and tells you to take it easy. Known for its cloud-like cushioning and plush ride, the More series has been a go-to for runners who prioritize comfort over speed and aren’t ashamed to admit it.
In its sixth iteration, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 gets a few grown-up upgrades. The base is wider, the heel counter’s stiffer, and the Fresh Foam X midsole feels just a bit firmer, like it finally started taking posture seriously. But don’t worry because it hasn’t lost its soft-touch charm. It’s still one of the cushiest max-cushioned shoes out there.
This shoe is built for long-distance runners who love their miles slow and easy, or for anyone whose knees start negotiating early retirement around mile six. If you’re a fan of comfort-first running shoes, the More v6 just might be your new best friend.
Contents
- First Impressions
- Midsole & Cushioning
- Upper Design & Fit
- Outsole & Traction
- Performance on the Run
- Pros & Cons
- Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy It
- Final Verdict
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 looks like it finally hired a stylist. The updated colorways are fresh, modern, and, dare we say, actually fun. Compared to the v5, this version has a sleeker, more refined silhouette that says, “Yes, I’m built for comfort, but I clean up well.”
It’s also slightly lighter, about 3 grams less, but hey, we’ll take every gram we can get. The fit is true to size and the gusseted tongue does a great job keeping your foot locked in without playing tug-of-war every time you lace up. Even runners with narrow feet will appreciate how secure it feels.
The toe box is noticeably roomier than before, which means your toes finally have room to party or at least wiggle freely after mile 10. Overall, it’s a promising start for a shoe that clearly knows its audience: comfort lovers who don’t want to compromise on looks or fit.
Midsole & Cushioning
The Fresh Foam X More v6 isn’t shy about its stack—44 mm in the heel, 40 mm in the forefoot, with a gentle 4 mm drop. That’s a whole lot of foam underfoot, and your joints will thank you for every millimeter. Despite packing on more cushioning, especially in the forefoot, the v6 somehow managed to drop a few grams—8.5 oz for women and 10.8 oz for men. It’s the max-cushion equivalent of hitting the gym without giving up dessert.
The ride is noticeably more stable than the More v5, thanks to the wider base and a slightly firmer midsole feel. But don’t worry because it hasn’t lost its soft, marshmallowy soul. The Fresh Foam X still delivers that pillowy, forgiving underfoot experience that makes easy runs feel like you’re gliding through a Netflix marathon. It also feels comfortable for walking (even walking all day).
Is it built for speed? Not exactly. Like most max-cushioned shoes, the More v6 carries its comfort with pride, and a bit of extra weight. If you want to pick up the pace, be ready to do some of the work yourself. But for recovery days and long, slow miles, this shoe is a luxury mattress strapped to your feet.
Upper Design & Fit
The engineered mesh upper on the Fresh Foam X More v6 strikes a nice balance between comfort and breathability; just don’t expect it to win any awards during peak summer heat. For most runs, though, it keeps things cool enough and feels smooth against the foot.
One of the standout upgrades is the heel counter. It’s noticeably stiffer and more secure than in the previous version, giving you better control and confidence during heel strikes. It’s like the shoe finally decided to stop being a pushover and start acting like it has your back (or at least your ankle).
Visually, the upper has stepped up its game. The cleaner lines and refreshed colorways give it a more polished, modern vibe. Lockdown is excellent from heel to midfoot, thanks in part to the gusseted tongue. Up front, there’s a bit more breathing room in the toe box; just enough to let your toes relax without turning the fit sloppy.
Outsole & Traction
The outsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 is doing a bit of a balancing act—literally. There’s more rubber up front in the forefoot where you need it most, and less under the midfoot to shave off some weight. It’s like the shoe’s way of saying, “I’ve got you… mostly.”
Despite the exposed foam in the midfoot, durability isn’t something to worry about. The Fresh Foam X midsole has proven it’s tougher than it looks, like that quiet runner in the back of the pack who somehow finishes every ultra. You can expect it to hold up well, even if parts of it are left out in the open.
Traction-wise, the rubber outsole performs well on most surfaces—roads, light gravel, and the occasional rogue sidewalk crack. It’s not quite as sticky as PUMAGRIP on wet pavement, but unless you’re taking hairpin turns in a rainstorm, you’ll be just fine. Solid grip, smart design, and enough rubber in the right places. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.
Performance on the Run
On the run, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 feels like a smooth, steady cruise in comfort mode. Transitions are noticeably better this time around, thanks to a more aggressive forefoot rocker and a toe spring that gently nudges you forward. Think of it as a polite push rather than a turbo boost.
With 44 mm of Fresh Foam X under your heel, impact protection is top tier. You could practically stomp on a Lego and live to tell the tale. It’s a plush, forgiving ride that makes recovery days feel like you’re floating instead of dragging tired legs through one more mile.
There’s a touch of responsiveness and bounce, but let’s be real; it’s not trying to keep up with the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14. This shoe doesn’t shout “speed.” It kindly suggests, “Why don’t we just enjoy the view?” It’s ideal for easy runs, long distances, or any time you want max cushion without max effort. If you want to go fast, you’ll have to bring your own motivation.
Pros & Cons of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6
Pros:
- Plush max-cushion ride: 44 mm of Fresh Foam X delivers excellent shock absorption and long-run comfort.
- Improved stability: Wider base and stiffer heel counter offer better control during transitions and heel strikes.
- Roomier toe box: More space upfront enhances comfort, especially on longer runs.
- Secure fit: True to size with a gusseted tongue that locks the foot in place—even for narrow-footed runners.
- Smoother transitions: Updated rocker and toe spring improve the ride without feeling forced.
- Visually upgraded: More attractive design and colorways make it one of the better-looking max-cushion shoes.
Cons:
- Not built for speed: You’ll have to work harder to pick up the pace—this shoe prefers easy miles.
- May run warm: Breathability is decent, but the upper could feel toasty in hot weather.
- Less grip on wet surfaces: Solid traction overall, but can’t match the stickiness of something like PUMAGRIP.
- Midfoot rubber is minimal: Some exposed foam may show wear with time, even if it holds up well.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy It
Who Should Buy the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6:
- Long-distance runners who prioritize comfort and impact protection over speed.
- Recovery day runners who want a soft, stable ride to give their legs a break.
- Max-cushion fans who love a plush, forgiving feel underfoot.
- Runners with joint issues (knees, hips, ankles) who benefit from high stack cushioning and a stable base.
- Neutral runners who want a smooth ride with mild rocker mechanics for easier transitions.
- Wide-footed or toe-splay-loving runners—the roomier toe box adds comfort on longer efforts.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Fresh Foam X More v6:
- Speed-focused runners looking for something nimble or race-ready—this isn’t your tempo shoe.
- Hot-weather runners who need max airflow—ventilation could be better on scorching days.
- Minimalist shoe fans who prefer ground feel and low stack heights—this shoe is all cushion, all the time.
- Runners needing aggressive traction for wet or technical surfaces—the outsole grip is good, but not elite.
Final Verdict: New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6
The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 is a max-cushion workhorse that delivers exactly what it promises, plush comfort, improved stability, and a smooth, easy ride for the long haul. With updates to the heel counter, rocker shape, and forefoot cushioning, it feels more refined without losing its signature softness.
It’s not built for speed, and that’s perfectly fine. This shoe shines on recovery runs, long miles, and any day your legs say, “go gentle.” If you want a breathable, stable, and generously cushioned trainer that prioritizes comfort over flash, the More v6 is an easy choice.
It’s more stable, more polished, and still every bit the comfort king. Just don’t expect it to run the show on tempo day.
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