REASONS TO BUY
Tons of soft cushioning
Stable platform
Smooth rocker
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Lacks responsiveness
New Balance Fresh Foam X More V4 Review
A max-cushioned trainer with a soft and smooth ride, perfect for easy running
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Men of 2024
Our Verdict
The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is one of our first recommendations when you want pillowy foam under your feet. Like most other max-cushioned shoes, it really isn't designed for speed. It's here to cruise and keep you comfortable. If you need a shoe with responsiveness and lots of versatility, this isn't it. But we think you could do a lot worse for piling up many miles on the road.
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 This Product
New Balance Fresh Foam X More V4 | |||||
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| Awards |  | |  |  | |
| Price | Check Price at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $169.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $139.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $140 List $139.99 at Amazon | $135 List $135.00 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Tons of plush foam and a stable base make this a great choice for easy days | An all-around standout that can handle easy days as comfortably as hard workouts | A daily trainer that can handle most runs, the Novablast 4 is fun and extremely comfortable | Bouncy, responsive and well-cushioned, this shoe is performance-oriented but still versatile | A daily trainer that blends comfort and versatility at a reasonable price |
| Rating Categories | New Balance Fresh F... | Saucony Endorphin S... | Asics Novablast 4 | New Balance FuelCel... | Puma Velocity Nitro 3 |
| Cushioning and Landing Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Responsiveness (25%) | |||||
| Stability (20%) | |||||
| Upper Comfort (15%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Specs | New Balance Fresh F... | Saucony Endorphin S... | Asics Novablast 4 | New Balance FuelCel... | Puma Velocity Nitro 3 |
| Sizes Available | 7-16 US, regular, wide & extra wide | 7-15 US, regular | 6 - 15 US, regular | 7-16 US, regular & wide | 7 - 14 US, regular |
| Style | Cushioning | Plated daily | Daily/cushioning | Daily | Daily |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 41 mm | 38 mm | 43 mm | 36 mm | 39 mm |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 1 mm | 6 mm | 7 mm | 5 mm | 10 mm |
| Plate Type | None | Nylon | None | None | None |
| Rocker Angle | 19.5 deg | 25.0 deg | 22.5 deg | 19.5 deg | 18.0 deg |
| Rocker Apex Location | 66.12% | 67.74% | 66.53% | 62.18% | 66.67% |
| Measured Weight | 11.15 oz | 9.73 oz | 9.76 oz | 7.98 oz | 10.07 oz |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh/knit | Engineered woven/knit | Engineered mesh | Engineered knit |
| Midsole | Fresh Foam X | PWRRUN PB | FF Blast + Eco | FuelCell | Profoam |
| Outsole | Rubber | Rubber | AHAR Lo | Rubber | PumaGrip |
| Heel Tab Type | Extended heel pull | None | Finger loop | None | None |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
For many runners, a max-cushioned cruiser like the More v4 slots into a rotation for the days when the legs need a break. After testing, we found ourselves still using it for that purpose.
Performance Comparison
It's not for going fast, but when you want to run on a pillow that still rolls well, the More v4 is a great option.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Cushioning and Landing Comfort
We measured 41mm of stack height at the heel and 40 under the forefoot in our standardized testing. That makes it a low drop shoe, but thanks to the rockered geometry, it runs like a mid-drop trainer. The foam underfoot is plush and pillowy, but never feels like it is stealing the energy you put into it.
There is a big chunk of rockered foam under your foot when you run in this shoe.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We found the foam comfortable at a range of paces, but the shoe is most at home cruising on pavement. Regardless of pace, we never bottomed out the cushioning.
Of course, the foam doesn't feel excellent while doing strides. The shoe isn't designed for that type of running, and landings feel a little clunky. But the More v4 will do what you ask, even if it would rather take it easy.
The cushioning compresses very well without feeling lifeless.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Responsiveness
This is an easy day shoe, and it shows. The size of the shoe isn't conducive to fast running, and the foam is optimized for comfort rather than performance.
The rockered ride does help to keep things rolling along. The rocker starts around the forefoot, and while it isn't aggressive, it is noticeable. Still, this is not a performance trainer.
This cutaway shows the rocker geometry well. It's smooth without feeling unnatural.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Upper Comfort
The upper is very standard on the More v4. It's comfortable and functional, although not as plush as some other max-cushioned options.
The upper is comfortable, but pretty standard.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We experienced no rubbing or lockdown issues, although we did note that the heel collar was a little stiff and may cause issues for some users.
New Balance gave the More v4 a wide platform and a high-volume upper. That means it should fit runners with wide feet, but the lacing is such that runners with narrow feet should still be able to get decent lockdown.
Lateral Stability and Support
As a big, plush trainer with a massive chunk of foam, the More v4 isn't what we would call a stability shoe. However, there are a number of features that make it one of the more stable max-cushioned shoes in our lineup.
First, there is the wide base that stays wide throughout the foot. This allows for a very planted feel and provides some support, particularly in conjunction with the sizeable sidewall along the midfoot.
Second, the stiff heel cup does help provide some lateral support, keeping you planted on the foam.
Weight
Well, it's not light. Our US M 10.5 weighed in at hefty 11.15 ounces, making it one of the heaviest shoes we tested this round.
But hey, you won't be trying to run fast in this shoe anyway. It's all about that smooth, plush cushion under your feet.
It's plush, but definitely not light.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the New Balance Fresh Foam X More V4?
If you're looking for a comfortable and plush feeling ride to add to your rotation for easy running, the More v4 is one of the best options. We think it is on par with the best cushioning in our test, and provides a tiny bit more versatility than some competitors. Just know you'll want to relax in these shoes, not chase PRs.
What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?
The Saucony Triumph 21 wins a Top Pick for easy days. It has a less pillowy and more bouncy ride than the rockered More v4. The Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 is hard to beat for supreme comfort, with similar cushioning and one of our favorite uppers. The On Cloudsurfer 7 has great cushioning and a lot more versatility than the More v4, but it is very unstable and best for heel-strikers.
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Nathaniel Bailey
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