Record-setting cushioning in a heavy, shoe with plenty of width options
Quick Answer: New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 Review: The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 is built for comfort. It is a soft, highly cushioned neutral shoe that works especially well for recovery runs, easy miles, long walks and days spent standing on hard floors. There is plenty of cushioning under both the heel and forefoot, and the wide platform helps keep the ride steady. It is not light or especially breathable, and the standard fit can feel snug, but wider options make it easier to get the right fit. Check latest price.
If the New Balance 1080 is plush, the Fresh Foam X More v6 asks a simple question: Why stop there?
This is New Balance’s big-cushion cruiser, with an unusually thick layer of Fresh Foam X running almost the full length of the shoe. There is plenty of cushioning under the heel, but the real story is how much remains under the front of your foot. That helps keep the More comfortable when you’re logging long, easy miles or spending hours on your feet.
The foam itself is seriously soft. You sink into it rather than bouncing sharply off it, which makes the More more about comfort than speed.
There are two trade-offs. It is not a particularly light shoe, and the standard width can feel tight. Fortunately, New Balance makes Wide and X-Wide versions, so wider-footed runners shouldn’t write it off based on the regular fit.
If you are big and tall, or middle age has you asking for more shoe comfort with a heavier frame, then this shoe is for you.
Specs
Here are the specifications for the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6:
| Type | Road maximum-cushion neutral trainer |
| Foot and gait type | Neutral, best for forefoot and midfoot strikers, also suits mild pronation |
| Midsole foam | Fresh Foam X, measured at 27.5 on the Asker C durometer |
| Stability system | None. A very wide platform provides the steadiness |
| Weight (men’s 9) | 10.8 oz / 306 g listed, 10.65 oz / 302 g independently measured |
| Weight (women’s 8) | 8.5 oz / 241 g listed |
| Heel-to-toe drop (?) | 4 mm listed, 3.3 mm independently measured |
| Stack height | 44 mm heel / 40 mm forefoot listed, 41.8 mm / 38.5 mm independently measured |
| Upper | Engineered mesh with a semi-gusseted tongue and a padded collar |
| Outsole | Large exposed Fresh Foam X sections with rubber at high-wear areas and the outer heel |
| Widths | Narrow, standard, wide and extra wide |
| Surface | Road, treadmill, paved path |
| Price | $155 at launch, August 2025. Check latest price |
Pros
- Forefoot shock absorption of 144 is the highest figure recorded in that test, which matters enormously for forefoot strikers and heavier runners.
- Energy return improved to 60.1 percent at the heel, finally above average after several generations of the More falling short.
- Four widths from narrow to extra wide make this one of the most accommodating maximum-cushion shoes available.
- The platform is wide enough that the shoe stays steady despite very soft foam, and it works for runners with mild to moderate pronation.
- New Balance held the price at $155 while adding cushioning, which is unusual in this segment.
Cons
- A measured 10.65 ounces makes it heavy, and the mass sits low so the shoe feels bottom-heavy.
- The standard width measured 93.5 mm and toe box height only 24.4 mm, both below average, so the regular fit is snug in two directions.
- Breathability measured 58 against a 72 average, so feet get damp on warm runs.
- Wet grip measured 0.44, below average and down slightly on the previous version.
- A 3.3 mm measured drop is far lower than most cushioned trainers and will not suit runners with tight calves or Achilles issues.
What is new in this shoe vs. Fresh Foam X More v5
The More v6 finally gives a little back.
Previous versions were terrific at cushioning your landing but sometimes felt like your energy disappeared into all that foam. The v6 has noticeably more life underfoot, which matters most once the miles start adding up.
There is also more cushioning under the front of the foot, helping the shoe stay soft and protective from landing through toe-off. That suits the More’s low-drop design particularly well.
New Balance also backed off the aggressive rocker used in the v5. Instead of feeling as though the shoe is trying to roll you forward, the v6 lets you move at your own pace. That makes it a better fit for slow runs, recovery miles and long walks.
The shoe lost a little weight and gained a more comfortable upper, but make no mistake: the More is still a big, plush cruiser.
Who should buy the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6
Buy the More v6 if your idea of a good shoe is “more cushion, please.”
There is a huge amount of foam under the entire foot, including the forefoot, making it especially appealing to runners who land farther forward or simply want plenty of protection through every step. Heavier runners and walkers should also appreciate just how much cushioning is here.
It is particularly good for recovery days. The Fresh Foam X is extremely soft, so tired legs get a forgiving place to land when speed is the last thing on your mind.
And unlike many oversized cushioned shoes, the More comes in several widths. That makes it a rare option for runners with wider or harder-to-fit feet who still want maximum softness.
Who should avoid the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6
Skip the More v6 if you like to feel the road beneath you. This is a deep, soft ride, and your foot settles noticeably into the foam. Runners who prefer something firmer or more stable underfoot may find it a little vague.
It is also a poor match for faster running. The More is happiest cruising, recovering or walking. Ask it to pick up the pace and its size and weight quickly become obvious.
The low heel-to-toe drop also deserves some respect. If you normally run in higher-drop shoes, switching straight into the More can leave your calves or Achilles feeling worked. Ease into it.
And if you regularly run in hot weather, keep in mind that the upper is not among the most breathable.
How does the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 fit?
Here is the low down on the fit and feel.
Fit and sizing
Order your usual size. The More v6 generally fits true to size in length, so the bigger decision is width.
The standard fit can feel snug, especially through the toe box and over the top of the toes. If you normally like extra room up front, consider moving to a wider version rather than sizing up.
New Balance offers the More v6 in Standard, Wide and X-Wide, giving broader-footed runners more choice than many max-cushion shoes. If you usually need a roomy forefoot, the Wide is probably the best place to start. If you regularly buy extra-wide shoes, the X-Wide gives you that option without adding unnecessary length.
Upper and step-in comfort
The engineered mesh is soft and the collar generously padded, so the shoe feels cosy from the first step. The tongue is semi-gusseted, meaning it is partly attached to the sides, which keeps it centred without adding the pressure a fully gusseted tongue can create over a high instep. Lockdown is secure.
Airflow is the weakness. Breathability measured 58 against a 72 average, meaning moisture builds up faster than in most trainers, and this shoe is best kept for mild conditions and relaxed paces. Drying potential of 54 percent matched the average, so at least it recovers overnight after a damp run.
How does the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 perform?
Here is how you can expect this show to perform.
Midsole and cushioning
Fresh Foam X is New Balance’s premium everyday cushioning, also used across the 1080 family. In the More v6, it is exceptionally soft, giving the shoe a deep, cushioned feel as soon as your foot hits the ground.
That softness is the main attraction. The More absorbs impact extremely well, especially under the forefoot, making it a strong choice for recovery runs, easy miles and long days on your feet. The trade-off is very little ground feel. If you like a firmer shoe that keeps you connected to the road, this may feel too soft.
The good news is that the More v6 also has more bounce than earlier versions. It still prioritizes comfort over speed, but it no longer feels as flat or sluggish as some previous More models.
Ride and running performance
The ride is soft, smooth and relaxed. There is so much foam underfoot that the shoe feels fairly stiff, while the gentler rocker helps roll you forward without making the stride feel forced.
That combination works best at one pace: easy.
At recovery pace, the More v6 is excellent. It can also handle long runs comfortably if you keep the effort steady. Try to speed things up, though, and the weight and very soft foam start to work against you.
This is not a do-everything trainer. It is a comfort-first shoe built for easy miles, recovery runs and relaxed long runs, and it does that job exceptionally well.
Stability and support
The More v6 is a neutral shoe, but it feels more stable than you might expect from something this soft.
The main reason is its wide platform. There is a lot of shoe underfoot, which helps keep the foot from tipping too far to either side and gives the More a surprisingly steady feel.
That makes it a reasonable option for runners with mild to moderate pronation who do not need a traditional stability shoe. It will not actively guide or correct your stride, though. If you need structured support, a dedicated stability model is still the better choice.
Outsole, grip and durability
The outsole uses rubber only where it is needed most, leaving some of the Fresh Foam X exposed to help keep weight down. There is extra protection around the outer heel, where many runners land, while the inner heel has less coverage and may show wear sooner for runners who pronate.
Grip is fine on dry pavement but only average on wet concrete, so this is not the shoe I would choose for slippery conditions.
Durability should be solid overall. The thick midsole gives you plenty of cushioning to work through, and 300 to 500 miles is a reasonable expectation for most runners. Keep an eye on the exposed foam underneath, since that is likely to show wear before the rest of the shoe.
Is the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 good for walking?
Yes. The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 is very good for walking, especially if you want maximum cushioning for long days on hard surfaces.
The thick Fresh Foam X midsole provides plenty of protection under both the heel and forefoot, while the wide platform helps the shoe feel stable despite all that soft foam. The gentler rocker also works well at walking pace, helping you move forward smoothly without feeling pushed.
It is especially well suited to long walks, travel, standing all day and jobs that keep you on hard floors.
The main cautions are fit and heat. The standard width can feel snug, so consider a Wide if you need more room or your feet swell during the day. The upper also runs somewhat warm.
Fresh Foam X More v6 vs. Fresh Foam X More v5
Here is how the two versions compare on the points that changed:
Feature | More v6 | More v5 |
Heel energy return | 60.1% | Below average |
Forefoot shock absorption | 144, a record figure | Lower |
Heel shock absorption | 152 | Slightly higher |
Rocker | Milder forward roll | More aggressive |
Weight | 10.65 oz / 302 g | About 3% heavier |
Launch price | $155, August 2025, Check latest price | Expect older model discount. Check latest price |
Buy the new model when you want the improved rebound, which is the change that makes long runs less of a slog, or when the More v5’s rocker felt too pushy at slow speeds. Buy the previous model when you find it discounted and you specifically preferred the stronger roll, since the price is the same at retail and the fit and platform are broadly unchanged between them.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 Alternatives
Most runners looking at the More should also try the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v15 (check price | read review). It uses the same foam family in a lighter, lower shoe with a more conventional drop, and for anyone who does not specifically need record forefoot cushioning it is the more sensible everyday buy.
Runners who want this much cushioning without the weight should look at the Hoka Clifton 11 (check price | read review). It is well over an ounce lighter with a firmer, more balanced feel, which suits people who find the More too soft to run in.
A livelier take on maximum cushioning comes from the ASICS Novablast 6 (check price | read review), which returns more energy and can handle faster running. It gives up the record forefoot protection and the width options in exchange.
Anyone whose real problem is the 3.3 mm drop should consider the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 (check price | read review). It delivers comparable softness on a much more conventional geometry, which asks far less of the calf and Achilles.
Price and value
The More v6 launched at $155 in August 2025, holding the price of the previous version while improving energy return and forefoot protection. That is good value in a segment where maximum-cushion shoes routinely cost $180 to $200, and the four widths add more practical value than any spec on the sheet, because a shoe that fits is worth more than one that nearly does. The trade you accept is weight and versatility: this is a recovery and easy-day shoe, so it makes most sense as the second or third pair in a rotation rather than the only one. As a walking and standing shoe at $155, it is one of the stronger options available.
Final verdict
Best for: runners and walkers who want maximum cushioning, especially for recovery runs, easy miles, long walks and hours on hard floors. It is also a strong choice for heavier runners and people who land more toward the middle or front of the foot.
Avoid if: you prefer a firmer ride, want a shoe that can comfortably handle faster running, or tend to struggle with low-drop shoes. It can also feel warm in hot weather.
Fit: true to size in length, but the standard fit can feel snug through the toe box. If you like more room, choose a wider version rather than sizing up.
Verdict: the More v6 is one of the softest and most protective shoes you can buy. It feels livelier than earlier versions, but this is still a comfort-first shoe rather than an all-purpose trainer. It is heavy and very soft, but for recovery runs, easy miles, long walks and all-day cushioning, it is hard to beat. Check online prices.
Frequently Asked Questions for New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6
The More is the taller and softer of the two, with roughly 38.5 mm of foam under the forefoot and a very low drop. The 1080 is lighter, sits lower and uses a more conventional heel-to-toe difference, which makes it the better everyday trainer for most runners.
Yes, in narrow, standard, wide and extra wide. That matters here more than usual, because the standard width measured below average in both toe box width and height, so many runners will be more comfortable moving up a width rather than sizing up.
It is much lower than most cushioned trainers, and independent measurement put it at 3.3 mm. The low drop is what allows the enormous forefoot stack. Runners moving from an 8 mm or 10 mm shoe should build up gradually, since a lower drop places more load on the calf and Achilles.
The sockliner is removable, which frees the depth most orthotics need, and four widths make finding room easier. Because the midsole is so soft, some wearers find a firm orthotic changes the feel of the shoe considerably, so it is worth testing the pairing on a short walk first.
More than you would expect. Maximum-cushion shoes grow outward as well as upward, and this platform is wide enough to rival some stability models. Independent assessment rates it as workable for mild to moderate pronation, though it adds no guidance system of its own.
Airflow testing returned 58 against an average of 72, meaning the upper does not move sweat away efficiently. The mesh prioritises a cosy, cushioned feel over ventilation. Drying potential is normal, so the shoe recovers overnight, but it is best kept for mild conditions.
