New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3: review and price

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3 is a maximum-cushion trail shoe designed for easy-paced miles on paths and less technical trails. Its substantial midsole and wide platform prioritise comfort during long efforts, while its weight and height make it less nimble on narrow or highly uneven sections.

Its reference price was €170, and its stated heel-to-toe drop is 4 mm. Lab measurements of one sample show a taller profile and a greater difference between heel and forefoot: 38.6 mm and 31.5 mm respectively, for a 7.1 mm drop. Size and measurement methods can influence these results.

A midsole built for hours on the trail

At the heart of the shoe is a dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole. The layer closest to the foot is intended to provide a soft landing, while the firmer lower section supports the overall structure. The shoe is geared towards protection and comfort rather than transmitting every detail of the ground beneath it.

In lab testing, heel shock absorption reached 158 SA, compared with an average of 122 SA across the shoes measured. That is a favourable figure for runners seeking cushioning under the heel, although it cannot predict how the shoe will respond to every runner’s stride or guarantee injury prevention.

Measured forefoot energy return was 61.8%, against a 59.8% average. This describes the energy returned by the material in a specific test; it does not translate directly into improved running performance. The construction is better suited to steady runs and long outings than frequent changes of pace.

Measured stack heights of 38.6 mm at the heel and 31.5 mm at the forefoot exceed the respective averages of 33 mm and 25.8 mm. There is plenty of foam between foot and ground, an advantage for runners who prefer a protected platform, but a notable change for those who enjoy low-profile shoes with more ground feel.

Stability and drop: what they mean on the run

The midsole platform measured 120.9 mm wide at the forefoot and 104.5 mm at the heel in the lab, above the respective averages of 114.3 mm and 90.5 mm. The foam also rises around the sides of the foot. Together, these features create a broad base, particularly useful on regular dirt roads and paths.

That does not make this a pronation-control shoe: its design is neutral and it lacks the corrective systems found in some stability shoes. A wide base does not eliminate the effect of its height on a sloping hillside or when landing on small rocks; secure foot lockdown matters considerably in those situations.

Drop is the height difference between the heel and forefoot. The 7.1 mm measured in the lab contrasts with the stated 4 mm. The figures are not interchangeable: geometry and measurement methods can produce different results. Runners coming from a low-profile shoe should pay attention to how they adapt to such a substantial platform on their first outings.

Vibram outsole: where the lugs work best

The outsole uses Vibram Ecostep EVO rubber in several separate sections, with grooves between the contact areas. Measured lug depth was 5 mm, compared with a 3.5 mm average. The tread provides grip surfaces for dirt tracks, forest roads and trails with loose material.

The segmented layout leaves some foam exposed. Although the thick midsole helps cushion contact with rocks, it is not equivalent to a rock plate: the shoe does not have one. On sharply edged terrain, the combination of limited toe protection and a segmented outsole calls for more care than on a compact path.

Grip on wet rock, deep mud or damp roots cannot be predicted from the tread pattern alone. Traction changes with the surface and conditions; for routes where these features are common, a shoe with more trail-specific protection and lockdown may be worth considering.

Fit, shape and foot protection

The upper combines mesh, overlays and flat laces. The tongue is attached at the sides, a construction that helps keep it in place and limit the entry of dirt. Its padding distributes lace pressure across the top of the foot, while an external heel reinforcement helps secure the rear of the shoe.

The standard fit offers room at the front, and a wide version has also been sold. Even so, a wide external platform does not guarantee a wide internal fit: these are different measurements. For narrow or low-volume feet, excess space can make secure lockdown harder, particularly on descents and lateral landings.

Before buying, it is useful to check that the heel does not lift, the toes do not strike the front when the foot flexes and the laces do not need excessive tightening to hold the foot. For online purchases, size-exchange terms matter, particularly when only one width or size remains available.

The Toe Protect bumper provides some defence against scuffs and contact, but it is not a rigid shell designed for hard impacts. The upper is not waterproof, and ventilation may be limited on very hot days, a relevant consideration for summer runs on Mediterranean trails.

Weight, distance and runner profile

Lab-measured weight was 301 grams, against an average of 285 grams. Other reference figures put the model at around 320 grams for men and 260 grams for women; these are not a promise for every size, as weight varies by size and version.

With this construction, it is better suited to easy runs, brisk hikes and long outings than sessions requiring constant acceleration, braking and changes of direction. It can also link short stretches of road with dirt, although its lugs and bulk are primarily intended for trail use.

The generous cushioning may appeal to medium- or heavier-weight runners, but there is no universal minimum or maximum weight that determines whether the shoe will work. Fit, terrain and stride preferences also matter. A lighter runner may appreciate the protection, while a heavier runner may prefer a less bulky platform.

For a long race, distance alone is not enough to choose a shoe. A 50-kilometre route on dirt roads presents different demands from one of the same length with rocky sections, sharp turns and exposed descents. In the latter case, a more precise shoe may be preferable even with less foam.

Wear and lifespan: look beyond the lugs

The outsole rubber is designed to cover long distances, but its lifespan cannot be reduced to one exact figure for every runner. Terrain, running style and frequency of use all affect wear. Exposed foam areas may show abrasion or small cracks before the lugs lose much depth.

An outsole that still has tread does not prove that the midsole has retained its original properties. It also helps to look for persistent deformation, uneven wear or a clear loss of lockdown. The condition of the whole shoe is a more useful guide than retiring it solely because it has reached a round mileage figure.

Price and choosing between trail shoes

The €170 reference price applies to this version, not necessarily what it costs today. As an earlier-generation model, availability of sizes, widths and colours may be uneven; the final price depends on the retailer and should not be mistaken for a guaranteed current offer.

The shoe makes most sense when the priority is plenty of foam for time on straightforward trails. If the main use involves technical paths, fast races or intense heat, its weight, fit and ventilation may make a lighter or more protective alternative preferable. The choice depends not only on the amount of cushioning, but also on how the whole shoe suits the routes run most often.

How we put this review together: we have not tested these shoes. We wrote it by reading published lab tests, brand information and runners’ opinions.

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