New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4: complete analysis and real-world uses

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 represents one of the most extreme propositions in the Boston brand’s running catalog: lots of foam, a very wide base, and a ride designed to protect rather than to accelerate. Its profile fits runners who prioritize comfort, stability, and impact relief on easy runs, long runs, or even long walks on pavement.

In a market where many shoes aim to be lightweight and versatile, this version does the opposite: well-understood maximalism. It doesn’t try to hide its volume or its soft feel, and that is precisely where its appeal lies for those seeking a continuous cushion-like sensation underfoot, especially on recovery days or when the legs feel heavy.

A shoe that puts cushioning front and center

The first impression when putting on these New Balance shoes is that of a very generous block of foam that wraps the foot in unusual softness. The Fresh Foam X midsole offers a soft feel, with behavior closer to an airline seat than to an energetic training tool. It absorbs impacts easily and reduces the harshness of asphalt, something that is noticeable from the first kilometer.

The lab data help explain that perception. Impact absorption in the heel reaches 148 SA and in the forefoot 120 SA, figures clearly above average for road shoes. Added to that is a midsole hardness of 15.5 HA, a very soft value that confirms that the model’s priority is not responsiveness, but sustained comfort.

That approach has a very clear practical takeaway. When the pace drops and the body shifts into economy mode, the shoe makes sense. During demanding pace changes, however, the foam feels less agile and energy return remains merely acceptable, with no special sparkle. It is not designed to go at full speed, but rather to make the stride feel kinder and less punishing to the legs.

Stable geometry for a calm stride

The large support base is one of this model’s most valuable traits. The heel measures 102.1 mm in the lab, a very wide figure that helps the step remain firm even when the shoe appears tall at first glance. The broad platform, combined with the sidewalls of the midsole, creates a feeling of security that is very useful for runners who want stability without resorting to stiffer guidance solutions.

The measured actual drop is 4.6 mm, very close to the brand’s official figure. It is a moderate, but not extreme, drop that favors a smooth transition without forcing an aggressive mechanics. Combined with the curved rocker of the outsole, the shoe accompanies the stride naturally and avoids that board-like sensation that sometimes appears in very bulky models.

Stability doesn’t depend only on width. The foot sits fairly inside the midsole, which reduces the feeling of being on a tall, exposed platform. That architecture is what makes it, despite its size, behave with more composure than expected. It is not a shoe for running fast around tight corners or making abrupt pace changes, but it is great for going straight and smooth for many kilometers.

Fit, last, and sizing: enough room without excess

On foot, the Fresh Foam X More v4 offers a comfortable last for medium-footed runners and even slightly wide feet. The space in the forefoot is sufficient for the toes not to hit the upper, and the availability of wide sizes broadens the margin for those who need more volume. The sizing is true to size, and that consistency makes buying easier than in other more finicky-fitting models.

The toe box is not especially pointed, but it is somewhat more contained than on other maximalist shoes. That creates a pleasant sensation of hold without squeezing the forefoot. The result is a balanced combination of freedom and structure, useful both for long workouts and for runners who use orthotics and want a reasonably predictable base.

The tongue, with notable padding and no lateral gusset, moves a bit more than ideal when the laces are pulled tight. Even so, the overall fit remains comfortable. The heel also stands out for its hold, with a padded counter that secures the rearfoot well and reduces the risk of internal slipping. Foot lockdown is secure, though not especially technical or snug.

Breathability and seasonal use: better when temperatures drop

The large foam volume and the density of the upper have a clear consequence: ventilation is not its strong point. In the lab, breathability received a rating of 2 out of 5, a low figure that matches what is felt while running. The upper lets little air through and releases heat slowly, so it can feel stuffy in summer.

That behavior, which is a drawback in July, becomes a plus in winter. The shoe retains body heat better and creates a cozy feeling on cold days, something many runners value on early outings or windy days. It is a much more sensible model in cooler months, when the priority is to preserve comfort without overheating the foot.

It is also worth remembering that the softness of the upper comes at a durability cost. The mesh is pleasant and flexible, but in the Dremel abrasion test it showed modest performance. In other words, exterior comfort is paid for with less outstanding resistance than in harder, more structured models. It is not a red flag, but it does reveal its character: softness above all, moderate robustness.

Grip, outsole, and performance in the rain

The outsole combines large rubber sections in the highest-wear areas with exposed foam zones. It is not full coverage, but it is enough to provide good traction on everyday surfaces. In the lab, grip recorded 0.49 in the SATRA TM144 test, a solid result for asphalt, especially in dry or slightly wet conditions.

In real use, the grip inspires confidence on concrete, sidewalks, and well-packed parks. It does not aim for the performance of a racing outsole or the security of a trail shoe, but it does the job well. The outsole prioritizes balance: it is not the most aggressive on the market, though it is quite logical for a shoe designed for easy, repeated runs.

The rubber’s durability is also correct, though not extraordinary. After more than 50 kilometers of testing, the observed wear was contained. In practice, that places it as a sufficiently durable shoe for normal use, although the final mileage will depend heavily on the runner’s weight, technique, and usual surface. For heavier runners or those with pronounced wear on the outer heel, abrasion may appear sooner.

How it runs: softness, bounce, and little hurry

The running sensation is that of a firm cloud heading in the right direction, but without too much spark. The foam responds with acceptable bounce, without sinking too much, although it also doesn’t launch the foot forward with notable energy. It is comfortable, not explosive. That difference defines the shoe’s place in a runner’s rotation better than any adjective.

Flexibility is surprising for such a tall shoe. Despite its bulky appearance, the whole package bends more easily than expected, making transitions less clumsy than its aesthetics would suggest. Even so, the mass is still there. At 301 grams in a reference men’s size, it is not light compared with more modern, streamlined training shoes, and that figure is noticeable when the pace picks up a bit.

Its natural terrain is recovery runs, long runs at controlled pace, long walks, and days when the priority is to make sure the body feels fresh the next day. Below lively paces it loses its charm; it becomes more cumbersome and asks for a calm stride. In that range, however, it can feel almost therapeutic for tired legs.

Who this model suits best and who should look elsewhere

The More v4 is especially aimed at neutral runners, supinators, and also those who use orthotics and want a wide, forgiving base. Its structure makes it appealing for medium and heavier runners, where extra cushioning often makes more sense for simple physical reasons. It also fits runners who log miles on asphalt and don’t want a hard feel underfoot.

By profile, it works best for those who value protection, stability, and comfort over lightness. If the goal is to run easy, walk a lot, or add low-intensity sessions without punishing joints and muscles, the concept is very well tuned. The shoe does not correct your form or transform your stride, but it does make it softer and kinder.

On the other hand, runners looking for a shoe to push pace, do intervals, or race should look toward livelier options. It may also fall short for runners who struggle a lot with heat or prefer dry, direct sensations. Its main virtue is also its limit: so much foam and so much volume do not go hand in hand with agility.

Comparison with other shoes in the same segment

Within the maximalist shoe universe, this New Balance sits in a particular spot. Compared with models like the Hoka Bondi, it offers a similarly protective feel, though with a somewhat more flexible behavior and a base that conveys a lot of stability. Compared with more dynamic options like the New Balance 1080, it loses liveliness but gains firmness in feel.

It can also be compared with New Balance’s more modern daily trainers, where the More v4 appears as the softest and most substantial option in the lineup. The 1080 usually feels more agile and the 880 more balanced; this More, instead, enters a category of its own, almost like a technical sofa for asphalt. It is more special than versatile, and that can be either an advantage or a limitation depending on the runner.

Its value for money has also improved compared with previous generations. The official price was set at around 150 euros, below the launch price of earlier versions, making it more competitive in the premium cushioning segment. Even so, it remains a purchase geared very specifically toward a certain use, not a universal shoe for everything.

What the lab makes clear about its personality

The measurements paint a picture of controlled extremes. The heel offers 148 SA of impact absorption, the midsole is very soft at 15.5 HA, and energy return remains in acceptable but not striking territory, with 57.1% in the heel and 60.4% in the forefoot. Everything fits a very specific idea of use: sustained comfort, not speed.

The upper, for its part, shows a clear intention toward comfort and fit, though without overdoing structure. The padded tongue, the well-secured heel, and the wide base make the whole package feel dependable. In return, ventilation falls short and the mesh’s durability is not among its best cards. It is a very self-consistent shoe, even when its virtues are not those of the market’s most popular models.

At heart, the Fresh Foam X More v4 is best understood when you stop asking it for what it doesn’t promise. It doesn’t want to be fast, light, or especially sharp. It wants to cushion, protect, and accompany. And in that role, especially for easy runs, recovery days, and extended use on hard surfaces, it delivers with a level of competence that explains why it still has so many supporters among lovers of very soft shoes.

A clear reference for those who prioritize comfort above all else

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 occupies a very defined place in today’s running world. It is a daily training shoe for easy paces, with abundant cushioning, a very stable base, and a feel that softens the punishment of asphalt. It is not the fastest or the coolest-running shoe, but it is one of the most comfortable when what matters is piling up miles without a harsh sensation.

Its journalistic takeaway is straightforward: New Balance took the path of controlled excess and refined it with a wide platform, a reasonably forgiving fit, and a midsole that turns the stride into something soft and contained. For some runners it will be a delight; for others, too much shoe. That is precisely its identity, well defined, hard to mistake, and very useful for a specific use on roads and long walks.

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