The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 is the kind of jumbo, max cushion shoe that makes other padded trainers look dainty. I spent time running, walking, and living in this shoe to figure out whether all that stack height actually translates into a useful running experience. This review covers specs, fit, on-road impressions, outsole and upper details, comparisons with similar max cushion shoes, who should buy it, where it fits in my rotation, and a practical buying guide. If you care about comfort and cushioning above everything else, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 deserves a close look.
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Shoes
Quick overview: what is the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6?
The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 is New Balance’s modern take on a maximalist daily trainer. Built entirely on Fresh Foam X, it brings a very high stack — 44 millimeters at the heel and 40 millimeters in the forefoot — with a 4 millimeter drop. That thick, single-foam midsole is sculpted to deliver cushioning and a stable platform without any additional foamy gimmicks. I went true to size in a US men’s 9 for this review and measured weight around 11.1 ounces or 316 grams, which is hefty but appropriate for this category.
Specs at a glance
- Stack height: 44 mm heel, 40 mm forefoot
- Drop: 4 mm
- Midsole: Fresh Foam X throughout
- Outsole: Thick rubber coverage with some exposed midfoot foam
- Upper: Plush, padded textile with knit-like tongue and cushioned heel cup
- Weight: 11.1 oz / 316 g (men’s US 9 measured)
- Price at launch: $160
Design and construction: simplicity with intent
New Balance kept the More v6 intentionally simple. There is one material doing the heavy lifting: Fresh Foam X. No embedded plates, no hybrid constructions. That single-foam approach is part of what defines this model. Fresh Foam X tends to be the more relaxed, comfort-oriented sibling to New Balance’s FuelCell foams, and that personality comes through here: forgiving, soft, and user-friendly for long runs and recovery days.
Visually the v6 resembles the v5, but New Balance made a few meaningful sculpting changes. The v5 had a bit more heel flare and a pronounced “trust” shape to stabilize the back of the shoe. In the v6 the heel is still wide, but the flaring is trimmed back. The result is a broad, predictable platform that feels less like a bulky landing pad and more like a cushioned but composed base. You still get that stable feel; it just feels cleaner underfoot.
Rocker and ride dynamics
The rocker in the More v6 is gradual and conservative. It starts where you expect it to for a cushioned easy-run shoe and rolls forward smoothly without an aggressive upward curl at the toe. That contrasts with the earlier More v4 which had a more pronounced rocker and a taper toward the forefoot. In v6 the stack carries its thickness further forward before tapering close to the toes, which keeps each transition soft and stable. If you want a shoe that spoons your foot through long, slow rotations rather than flinging you forward, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 does that well.
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Shoes
Outsole and protection
New Balance updated the outsole compared to last year. There is slightly more exposed foam in the midfoot and arch area, but the rubber they do include is thick and generous where it counts. I didn’t run into traction issues or wear concerns during my testing miles; the outsole provides durability and predictable traction on pavement and typical suburban surfaces. If you spend a lot of time on rough, abrasive pavement or gravel, you may notice the exposed foam more quickly, but for most runners this setup balances weight and protection effectively.
Upper, fit, and comfort
The upper is all about softness. It is not an ultra-elastic knit; it sits in a middle ground where it is not rigid but also not wafty or flimsy. Padding is the name of the game here — in the tongue, around the ankle, and through the heel cup. The tongue and collar have a couch-like softness that makes slipping into the shoe feel cozy. There is real structure in the heel so your heel sits in a cup and does not float around. The Fresh Foam X wraps up into the footbed to create a subtle cupping sensation under the foot that reinforces that secure fit.
I tested the shoe in my usual size and found ample room through the toe box and a comfortable midfoot volume. New Balance offers wide sizing in the Fresh Foam family, so if you need extra lateral space, the wide variant is an easy option. For my foot the true-to-size fit worked well: enough space without slop.
Laces and lockdown
My one gripe with the upper is the lacing. New Balance used stretchy laces here, which are comfortable and help accommodate foot swelling during long days on your feet. For me those laces mean I have to cinch everything down hard at the start of a run to get them to settle into a comfortable position. If you prefer a completely hands-off fit you might like the stretch; if you like a locked-in feel without stopping to re-tie, you might prefer a traditional flat lace. I found myself stopping mid-run on a few occasions to tighten and re-set the laces so the shoe could better wrangle the weight underfoot.
Weight and how it matters
I measured the shoe at 11.1 ounces or 316 grams in men’s US 9. This is a substantial shoe and it feels like it underfoot. That is not a criticism so much as context: max cushion shoes trade nimbleness for plushness. If you want a daily max cushion shoe for easy miles, recovery runs, and lots of walking or standing, the weight is perfectly fine. If you want something to push paces or do intervals in, this is not the one.
On-road experience: is it a runner again?
This is where the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 impressed me most. After a couple of versions where New Balance seemed to nudge both the More and the 1080 toward a market that favored walking and all-day standing comfort, the v6 feels like a runner’s shoe once more. The v5 and the previous 1080 iterations were excellent for comfort but they had trade-offs that dulled their running DNA. With the More v6 the balance shifts back toward what you want from a recovery and easy run shoe.
On easy days the More v6 feels like a pillow that still moves with your foot. The Fresh Foam X provides a soft landing and enough rebound to keep your stride from turning sloppy. On recovery days after a hard effort, the shoe takes the sting out of each step. The wide platform makes each footstrike predictable, and because the heel flare is dialed back a touch the shoe feels more composed when you change cadence or direction lightly.
When not to use the More v6
I wouldn’t choose the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 for speed work, tempo runs, or anything that requires quick responsiveness. It’s bulky and heavy compared with lightweight trainers or carbon-plated shoes. If you want a single shoe that covers all your training from easy to threshold, pick something else. The More v6 excels when comfort, cushion, and low-impact recovery are the priority.
Comparisons: where the More v6 sits against rivals
How does the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 stack up against the other big max cushion shoes? I’ll focus on two direct competitors — the Hoka Bondi 9 and the Puma MagMax — because they occupy similar price and purpose space.
Hoka Mens Bondi 9
“A more responsive and bouncy alternative to the More v6, though it comes at a higher price point and requires careful sizing.”
Expert Technical Q&A
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 vs Hoka Bondi 9
The Bondi 9 is one of the earliest modern max cushion shoes and a consistent favorite. Hoka gave the Bondi a few modern tweaks this generation, and the result is a shoe that feels slightly more lively than the More v6. Both shoes use straightforward foam, both deliver plush cushioning, and both are targets for long slow runs and recovery days.
Two practical differences:
- Sizing. I find the Bondi runs a bit small and would recommend going up half a size. The More v6 in my true size felt fine.
- Character. The Bondi delivers a touch more bounce and nimbleness. If you want a max cushion shoe that still feels a little springy, Bondi will please you. The More v6 leans more toward soft stability and a composed ride.
Price is another point. Bondi 9 typically launches at a higher price than the More v6. At the time I tested, the Bondi 9 sat around $175 versus $160 for the More v6, so you pay a modest premium for the Bondi’s slightly livelier feel.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 vs Puma MagMax
PUMA Men’s Magmax Nitro Running Shoes
“The most modern feeling max cushion shoe of the trio, offering a lively and playful ride for those with a higher budget.”
Expert Technical Q&A
Puma’s MagMax represents a different take on max cushion: it marries high stack height with a bouncy, modern foam and a wide platform that feels dynamic and playful. The MagMax is springier than the More v6 and, crucially, accomplishes a lot of that liveliness without an overly puffy upper. Puma kept the upper restrained and used a knit tongue and minimal padding, which I appreciated.
For me the MagMax offers the most modern max cushion experience of the three. It is bouncy, fun, and stable. The trade-off is price: the MagMax tends to be at the top end (around $180), whereas the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 is more affordable at $160. If your budget is flexible and you prioritize a lively feel, the MagMax is worth the extra spend. If you want maximum cushion, a plush upper, and a lower price, the More v6 is a strong choice.
Pros and cons summary
- Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable Fresh Foam X cushioning for easy and recovery runs
- Wide, predictable platform that still feels composed thanks to subtle heel sculpting
- Plush upper that locks the heel into a secure cup while delivering premium comfort
- Competitive price point at $160 for a max cushion trainer
- Available in wide sizes
- Cons
- Heavy compared with lighter daily trainers and not suitable for speed work
- Stretch laces may require frequent re-tightening for a locked-in fit
- Some exposed foam under the arch could be a concern for high-mileage abrasive surfaces
Who should buy the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6?
Choose the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 if:
- You want a daily trainer optimized for long easy runs and recovery miles.
- You spend lots of time standing or walking and want a shoe that doubles between runs and daily wear.
- You have a wider foot and may need a wide option; New Balance supports this shape well in the Fresh Foam line.
- You prefer a plush, cushioned upper and a soft tongue and collar for comfort on long outings.
Skip the More v6 if:
- You need a shoe for speed work, tempo runs, or racing — the shoe is simply too heavy and soft for those tasks.
- You dislike thick, puffy uppers or prefer a very minimal, tight-fitting race-day aesthetic.
- You run primarily on very abrasive surfaces and worry about exposed midfoot foam wear.
Buying guide and price considerations
The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 launched at $160, which is $5 more than last year. I suspect tariffs and general market pressure contributed to the modest increase. For the cushioning and comfort you get, $160 is competitive in the current landscape of max cushion shoes. If you are strictly looking for a walking or standing shoe and want to save a few bucks, hunt for leftover inventory of the More v5, though those are getting scarce.
My practical buying tips:
- Buy your normal running size for the More v6 unless you know you need a half size up from other brands. New Balance sizes tend to run true for me.
- Consider the wide option if your feet are broad or your toes need extra splay. The Fresh Foam family tends to be friendly for wider feet.
- Swap the laces if you prefer a firmer lockdown. A set of flat, low-stretch laces will change the feel significantly and reduce the need to re-tighten mid-run.
- If you plan to do heavier mileage on rough pavement, consider rotating with a shoe that has full rubber coverage to preserve midsole life.
How I used the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 in my running week
I primarily used the More v6 for easy runs, recovery days after hard sessions, and as an all-day shoe when I expected long hours on my feet. Strides and short pickups felt fine when done conservatively, but whenever I tried to push pace significantly the shoe’s mass and soft platform reminded me it was not built for speed. Its real strength is in smoothing out recovery days and making long, low-effort miles feel forgiving. I happily reached for it the day after long tempos or intervals because it takes the edge off foot and leg soreness.
Durability impressions
After several weeks of testing the More v6 shows minimal outsole wear in areas with rubber. The exposed foam in the midfoot has not deteriorated in my time with the shoe, but that area does feel like it could become more noticeable over many months of heavy daily runs. For most runners who will rotate between shoes or use this primarily for easy mileage, durability should be acceptable. The plush upper has held up well to repeated usage and remains comfortable without compressing dramatically.
Final verdict
The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 is an easy recommendation if your priority is plush comfort, predictable stability, and a runner-friendly max cushion experience. It returns the More franchise to a place where I feel comfortable recommending it as a runner’s daily max cushion option rather than a shoe designed primarily for walking. It is not for everyone — it’s heavy, it is not nimble, and the stretchy laces may bother some — but for recovery, long easy runs, and days when comfort is king, the More v6 is a strong pick.
Alternatives to consider
- Hoka Bondi 9 — slightly more lively and a good alternative if you want a bit more bounce. Consider sizing up half a size.
- Puma MagMax — the most modern-feeling max cushion shoe in this small set, bouncy and stable, but pricier.
- Previous New Balance More versions — if you find a good deal on v5 and primarily want walking comfort, that could be a budget-friendly option.
FAQs
Is the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 good for long runs?
Yes. The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 excels at long easy runs and recovery runs because of its thick Fresh Foam X cushioning and stable platform. It offers forgiving landings and predictable transitions, making it comfortable for extended low-effort mileage.
Should I size up for the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6?
No, I went true to size and found the fit comfortable. New Balance offers wide sizes if you need extra room. Unlike some rivals that run small, the More v6 is generally true to standard sizing.
How heavy is the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6?
I measured my sample (US men’s 9) at about 11.1 ounces or 316 grams. That is typical for a max cushion shoe and appropriate given the thick Fresh Foam X midsole.
Can I use the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 for speed workouts?
No. The More v6 is not designed for speed work or tempo sessions. Its mass and soft platform make it best suited for easy and recovery runs. Use a lighter, more responsive trainer or a daily performance shoe for faster workouts.
How does the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 compare to the Hoka Bondi 9?
Both shoes are max cushion and comfortable. The Bondi 9 feels slightly more lively and bouncy, while the More v6 leans toward soft stability and a plush upper. Bondi often costs more, and I recommend going up half a size on the Bondi if you try it.
Is the exposed foam on the outsole a problem?
Not in typical running conditions. There is some exposed foam under the arch on the More v6, but New Balance provides thick rubber where it matters. If you run on very abrasive surfaces daily, consider a shoe with full rubber coverage or rotate regularly to extend midsole life.
What is the price of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6?
The launch price is $160. That is $5 more than last year’s price and still competitive for a max cushion shoe. If you want to save money, look for remaining inventory of prior versions, though those are becoming scarce.