Shoe Review: New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

More foam, more fun, right? The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is packed to the brim with so much soft, bouncy Fresh Foam X material that it made our list of the Best Cushioned Running Shoes of 2022.

The More is the most cushioned shoe in the New Balance lineup, and the latest version packs even more plushness than ever. A thick bed of Fresh Foam X midsole foam, New Balance’s softest midsole material ever, provides a cloud-like ride. A wide, stable base keeps you comfortable and secure on the run. An eye-catching upper with a bold “N” logo and added overlays give this shoe a unique look to match its unique ride – soft yet springy, lightweight yet durable.

What’s more, the shoe fits into New Balance’s “Green Leaf Standard,” which means that the Fresh Foam X is composed of 3% bio-based content made from renewable resources to help reduce waste. At least 50% of materials in the shoe's upper must be recycled content and at least one midsole or outsole component must be made with 3% bio-based or 5% recycled content in order to meet their Green Leaf Standard.

Fleet Feet reviewers put the More v4 to the test during easy-paced miles, long runs, walks and even long days on their feet. Here’s everything you need to know.

Just when you thought the New Balance Fresh Foam More couldn’t get any softer, the latest version has an extra millimeter of midsole cushioning for a luxuriously plush ride. The latest version of the More uses Fresh Foam X midsole material, which is a softer version of the original Fresh Foam used in the More v3. The latest version of the More has a stack height of 34 millimeters in the heel and 30 millimeters in the forefoot.

You may have experienced Fresh Foam X in the New Balance 1080 v12 or the New Balance 880 v12.

“While these shoes are obviously very cushioned, the cushion feels light and almost airy. I feel my feet just slightly sinking in before popping back up off the ground,” says Caroline. “Sometimes super cushioned shoes make me feel like I’m digging my feet out with every stride, but not these.”

The More is also built with a wider base. This means you get to enjoy more of that glorious cushioning throughout your entire foot, which adds stability and support.

“Even with such a high stack height, my feet feel immersed in the cushioning, like my foot is fully surrounded. I felt stable while running and even when taking sharp turns,” Nate says.

A gentle rocker shape in the More v4 helps you transition efficiently from heel to toe. That, combined with the wide base and ample cushioning, make for an ultra-smooth, balanced ride.

New Balance gave the Fresh Foam More a whole new makeover, and it’s sure to turn heads. Their signature “N” logo is bigger and bolder than before, with subtle overlays and accents that give this shoe a more polished look.

The redesigned engineered mesh upper is both fashionable and functional–it’s soft and breathable, with reflective details to add visibility to dark runs.

“I love the upper of the Fresh Foam More v4,” Mandy says. ”It hugs my foot in all of the right places. I liked the asymmetrical tongue, and the heel counter fits perfectly around my foot to give it support. I also noticed that the upper was plush but very breathable,”

The new upper is more streamlined than previous versions and offers solid structure throughout the midfoot to keep you securely in place.

“The mesh upper has a soft, comfortable feel to it. It’s firm without being too stretchy and has great ventilation,” Nate says.

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is still a highly cushioned and supportive daily trainer, now with a softer midsole, a wider, more stable base and a redesigned upper.

Where the Fresh Foam More v3 featured New Balance’s Fresh Foam midsole material, the More v4 features Fresh Foam X, a softer and bouncier midsole foam.

A wider base adds more stability and support, and a revamped upper adds breathability and gives the shoe a bold look. Overall, reviewers appreciate the updates.

“I’m a fan of the More v4! The upper gives that bucket-seat sensation where my foot sits down into the shoe and is surrounded by the upper part of the foam. It helps the shoe to feel stable,” Kate says.

“The New Balance More v4 feels lightweight and soft, but not squishy. I think this is an ideal shoe for training and recovery days, as well as long runs,” Kate says.

The New Balance More v4 is also a great choice for spending lots of time on your feet whether you’re heading out for a long run, a long walk or a long day at the zoo like our wear tester, Mandy.

“I loved the cushion these shoes provided while I was on my feet all day,” she says. “I was comfortable the entire day, even while walking with my daughter on my shoulders. The Fresh Foam X More v4 is a great shoe to wear around Disney or if you work all day on your feet.”

In short, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 does a great job of offering maximum cushioning without feeling too heavy or bulky. It’s a stellar choice for runners and walkers who want the most cushioned underfoot feeling possible.

No matter which shoe you choose, be sure to head into your local Fleet Feet for an expert one-on-one outfitting. Fleet Feet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height. Not only does the outfitting experience provide you with the right shoes and insoles, outfitters can make recommendations on apparel, accessories and nutrition to help you reach your goals.