The New Balance Fresh Foam X More series has always been about cushion-first comfort, the kind of plush, easygoing ride that makes even the slowest miles feel a little more inviting. It’s the shoe runners reach for when they want softness, support, and a break from anything fast or demanding. In version 6, that identity stays fully intact, but with a few thoughtful refinements that make the shoe feel more polished and more capable than before.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 arrives with a wider base, a noticeably sturdier heel counter, and a slightly firmer take on Fresh Foam X. These updates give the shoe a more stable, secure personality without losing the cushioned feel that defines the line. The midsole still delivers that plush underfoot comfort people expect, just with a touch more structure, enough to feel more balanced on long runs and less wobbly at slower paces.
Even with these upgrades, the More v6 remains one of the softest max-cushioned trainers available, and it’s built for runners who want to settle into easy miles and stay there. It’s especially appealing for those who deal with knee or joint discomfort, or for anyone who simply prefers comfort over speed. If you love shoes that pamper your legs and make long-distance running feel a little more forgiving, the Fresh Foam X More v6 is an easy yes.
Table of Contents
- First Impressions
- Midsole & Cushioning
- Upper Design & Fit
- Outsole & Traction
- Quick Specs + Infographic
- Performance on the Run
- Pros & Cons
- Who Should Buy the More v6
- Final Verdict
- New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 FAQs
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 makes a strong first impression. The updated colorways feel modern and thoughtfully put together, giving the shoe a more polished look than previous versions. The silhouette is sleeker as well, signaling that this comfort-driven trainer has stepped up its style without losing its identity. It’s also slightly lighter, just a few grams, but any weight savings in a max-cushioned shoe is welcome.
Fit-wise, the shoe runs true to size, and the gusseted tongue helps create a secure, consistent lockdown without needing constant adjustment. Even runners with narrower feet will find the midfoot hold reassuring. The toe box is roomier than in the v5, offering more space for natural toe splay and long-run comfort. The overall fit and feel set the tone for what the More v6 does best: deliver reliable comfort without sacrificing aesthetics or practicality.
Midsole & Cushioning
The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 doesn’t shy away from cushioning. With 44 mm in the heel and 40 mm in the forefoot, it delivers one of the tallest, softest platforms you’ll find in a daily trainer. The gentle 4 mm drop gives it a smooth, natural feel underfoot, and the added forefoot cushioning is immediately noticeable on longer efforts. Despite the larger stack, the shoe actually trims a few grams compared to the v5, landing at 8.5 oz for women and 10.8 oz for men. It’s a rare case of getting more foam without feeling weighed down.
On the run, the v6 feels more stable than its predecessor thanks to the wider base and slightly firmer midsole tuning. That little bit of added firmness doesn’t strip away its signature softness. Instead, it creates a more balanced, confident ride that still maintains the pillowy Fresh Foam X feel the line is known for. Easy runs, recovery miles, and long walks all feel smooth and forgiving, with cushioning that encourages you to settle in and relax, not rush.
Speed, however, isn’t its mission. Like most max-cushioned trainers, the More v6 carries its comfort proudly, and you’ll feel the weight and softness when you try to turn it into a tempo shoe. It will move faster if you ask, but the shoe won’t be the one motivating you to pick up the pace. Where it shines is in slow miles, recovery days, and long outings where comfort takes priority, essentially, anytime you want a plush, stable platform that feels like a luxury mattress under your feet.
Upper Design & Fit
The engineered mesh upper on the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 strikes a comfortable middle ground between softness and breathability. It’s not the coolest option for peak summer heat, but for most runs it keeps airflow steady and feels smooth against the foot. One of the biggest improvements is the heel counter, much sturdier and more secure than before, giving you better control during heel strikes and overall movement. It adds a level of confidence the v5 didn’t quite offer.
Visually, the shoe also looks more refined. Cleaner lines and updated colorways give it a fresher, more modern feel. Lockdown is excellent from heel to midfoot, helped by the gusseted tongue that stays in place without added fuss. The toe box has a touch more space than before, enough for relaxed toe splay without compromising structure or making the fit feel loose.
Outsole & Traction
The outsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 takes a practical, well-thought-out approach. New Balance adds more rubber in the forefoot, exactly where most runners need durability and traction, while trimming some coverage in the midfoot to keep the weight in check. Even with sections of exposed foam, the shoe holds up better than you might expect. Fresh Foam X has proven to be sturdier than its soft feel suggests, maintaining structure and performance over many miles without showing early signs of breakdown.
Traction is solid across typical training surfaces, including roads, light gravel, and mildly wet sidewalks. It’s not as aggressively grippy as something like PUMAGRIP, but it doesn’t need to be; the outsole provides steady, dependable footing for everyday use. The layout isn’t flashy or overly engineered; it simply places rubber where it matters and lets the cushioning do the rest.
Quick Specs + Infographic
- Weight: 8.5 oz women / 10.8 oz men
- Stack Height: 44/40 mm
- Drop: 4 mm
- Midsole: Fresh Foam X
- Category: Max Cushioned Trainer
- Price: $160
Performance on the Run
On the run, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 delivers a smooth, steady cruising feel that settles in easily. The updated forefoot rocker and more pronounced toe spring help transitions feel more natural, giving you a gentle forward roll without forcing the pace. It’s the kind of geometry that works with you, not against you, especially when you’re easing into longer miles or taking things slow.
With 44 mm of Fresh Foam X under the heel, impact protection is one of the shoe’s biggest strengths. The cushioning feels plush and forgiving, softening each landing and making recovery miles feel noticeably easier on tired legs. It’s a shoe that encourages relaxation, ideal when you want comfort to take the lead and your legs to simply follow along.
There is a hint of responsiveness in the midsole, but the More v6 isn’t built for speed or quick turnover. Compared to something like the Fresh Foam X 1080v14, it’s more about comfort than propulsion. This shoe shines on easy runs, long distances, and days when max cushioning is the priority. If you’re looking for speed, you’ll need to provide the motivation yourself because the More v6 is here to keep things smooth, supported, and steady.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a clear, runner-friendly breakdown of the pros and cons of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6, giving you a quick sense of where this max-cushioned trainer excels, and where it may feel limiting depending on your needs.
Pros
- Massive cushioning (44/40 mm stack) that delivers top-tier impact protection and a plush, forgiving ride.
- Wider, more stable platform for smoother transitions and better confidence at slower paces.
- Slightly firmer Fresh Foam X tuning adds balance and reduces the wobbliness often felt in high-stack shoes.
- Improved forefoot rocker offers easier forward roll and a more natural stride.
- Roomier toe box and secure midfoot lockdown, thanks to the gusseted tongue.
- Refined upper design with a more modern look and comfortable feel.
- Great for walking and all-day wear due to its soft cushioning and supportive base.
Cons
- Not built for speed, feeling too soft and heavy for tempo runs or intervals.
- Runs a bit warm in hot weather due to the thicker engineered mesh.
- Minimal ground feel because of the extremely high stack height.
- Exposed foam sections may show cosmetic wear sooner, even if performance remains intact.
- Bulkier footprint, which may feel cumbersome for runners who prefer agile or low-profile shoes.
Who Should Buy the More v6
Here’s who should (and shouldn’t) consider buying the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6, based on what this shoe does well and where it falls short.
Who Should Buy the More v6
- Runners prioritizing comfort over pace. If your main goal is cushioned, easy miles, recovery runs, or long-distance walks, the More v6 shines.
- Long-distance and high-mileage runners who want a soft, forgiving ride that reduces impact on knees, hips, and joints over time.
- Runners dealing with joint sensitivity or lower-body discomfort. The generous Fresh Foam X stack and stable base offer top-tier shock absorption, ideal for those needing gentle landings.
- Everyday walkers or people on their feet for long hours. The plush cushioning, roomy toe box, and steady support make it comfortable for commuting, errands, or long walking days.
- Neutral runners looking for max-cushion volume with stability. The wider platform and slightly firmer midsole add balance and control without over-stabilizing the gait.
- Those valuing comfort and consistency over responsiveness or speed spikes. If your typical runs are easy to moderate pace, this shoe will serve reliably.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the More v6
- Speed-focused runners, tempo runners, or racers. The More v6 feels heavy and soft for fast workouts, not ideal for speed or sharp pace changes.
- Minimalist or ground-feel enthusiasts. With a tall 44/40 mm stack, ground feel is minimal; you lose connection with terrain.
- Runners who favor a responsive, snappy ride. The plush cushioning dampens responsiveness, so if energizing springiness or quick turnover matter, this isn’t the shoe.
- Those who dislike bulky, high-stack shoes. The combination of high stack and substantial cushioning makes the More v6 feel bulky compared with lighter trainers.
Final Verdict
The More v6 shines when comfort, cushioning, and joint-friendly support are your priorities. Its generous 44/40 mm stack and stable, slightly firmer Fresh Foam X midsole offer a ride that soaks up impact, keeps your stride smooth, and protects knees, hips, and ankles over time. For long runs, recovery sessions, easy miles, or long walking days, it delivers a soft, forgiving ride, ideal for runners who value comfort over speed or ground feel.
On the other hand, this shoe isn’t meant for fast efforts or sharp performance. The high stack, plush cushioning, and overall bulk make it feel heavy and sluggish on tempo runs, intervals, or any pace work. If you care more about responsiveness, ground feel, or snappy transitions, the More v6 may feel too cushioned and mellow.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 FAQs
Here are the most common questions runners ask about the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6, along with clear, practical answers to help you decide whether this max-cushioned trainer fits your needs.
Is the Fresh Foam X More v6 good for beginners?
Yes. Its soft cushioning, stable platform, and easygoing ride make it very beginner-friendly, especially for runners who value comfort and joint protection.
Is the More v6 good for long-distance running?
Absolutely. The high stack of Fresh Foam X, combined with the wide base and smooth rocker, makes it ideal for long, slow miles and high-mileage training.
Can I use the More v6 for speed work?
Not really. While it has a touch of bounce, the shoe is too soft and heavy for fast intervals or tempo sessions. It’s designed for comfort, not performance pacing.
How does it compare to the More v5?
The v6 is more stable, slightly firmer, and features a wider base with better transitions. It’s also lighter by a few grams and offers a roomier toe box.
Is it good for walking or standing all day?
Yes, exceptionally so. The plush cushioning and stable platform make it one of the best options for extended walking or long hours on your feet.
Does it fit true to size?
Most runners will find it true to size, with improved midfoot lockdown and more toe room than the v5.
Is the upper breathable?
It’s comfortable and soft, but it can run warm in peak summer conditions due to the thicker engineered mesh.
What type of runner is this best for?
Neutral runners who want maximum cushioning for easy runs, recovery days, long distances, or low-impact mileage.
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