How Has New Balance's Popular 'Fresh Foam X More V6' Evolved with Its Outstanding Cushioning?

New Balance's 'Fresh Foam' series is engineered to deliver cushioning that feels like running on a sandy beach and a perfect fit that feels like a second skin. As a daily trainer supporting runners' everyday workouts, the long-selling "Fresh Foam X 1080" has become a flagship shoe in the series.

The latest model to be updated in this series, the "Fresh Foam X More," is characterized by its exceptional cushioning and comfort.

New Balance's running shoes are built around two core series: 'Fresh Foam' and 'FuelCell.' The former is a collection that provides maximum cushioning to make daily runs more comfortable. The latter, on the other hand, consists of race-day shoes designed to provide maximum energy return.

The 'Fresh Foam X More' is the most cushioned model in the 'Fresh Foam' series. The "More" in its name implies 'more' fun, 'more' comfort, and use in 'more' scenarios. The first model was introduced in 2019. You might remember that the "v4," released in 2022, became popular not only for running but also for everyday wear.

From Max Cushion to Max Comfort

While previous 'Fresh Foam X More' models were shoes that provided runners with the ultimate cushioning experience (Max cushion), the new 'v6' aims to be a shoe that offers the ultimate comfort experience (Max comfort), whether you're running or walking.

"Up until now, the More was a model designed for runners to experience the soft feel and excellent cushioning of the Fresh Foam series. But with this new version, we've focused on comfort. It's become a shoe that's easier to run in and easier to walk in," says Aoi Mamiya from the running footwear department at New Balance Japan, Inc.

Of course, its superior cushioning is still very much present. On top of that, it has evolved into a shoe that enables smoother, more comfortable strides.

Updated with a Focus on Motion Control

The midsole features the Fresh Foam X compound, the most shock-absorbent and moderately responsive material in the 'Fresh Foam' series' history. Based on the brand's 'Data to Design' philosophy, it incorporates a new textured geometry. This is another update stemming from the focus on motion control during your stride.

"The midsole geometry has also evolved with each new version. It used to be a hexagon, which then became a nut-shaped pattern, and this latest model uses a diamond-shaped textured pattern. This new texture, combined with the updated outsole shape, reduces side-to-side instability, resulting in a shoe that provides a stable ride with high cushioning, whether you're running or walking."

A diamond-shaped textured pattern is used on the midsole from the heel to the midfoot, which is a critical area during the phase from landing to weight transfer. Meanwhile, the forefoot features slash-shaped indentations to facilitate the toe-off phase. While it might look like a purely aesthetic design choice, it serves a crucial functional purpose.

Compared to its predecessor, the outsole has been revamped with a new rubber configuration that allows the entire sole to grip the ground for superior control. The expanded ground contact area in the heel now delivers greater stability and confidence at landing.

"We've designed the outsole to guide your center of gravity down the center of the shoe, all the way from heel strike to toe-off."

This means the shoe helps guide your weight transfer, resulting in a naturally stable and smooth stride. Another welcome feature is the use of highly abrasion-resistant and durable Ndurance rubber on the outer heel, which is often the first point of contact for both running and walking.

For Daily Runs, Recovery, and Even Everyday Use

The upper features a highly breathable engineered mesh, constructed based on the 'Data to Design' concept. To enhance the fit around the ankle, the shoe has been upgraded with foam that cradles the Achilles tendon and a softer tongue for a plush feel against the foot. The result is a model that offers a greater sense of oneness between your foot and the shoe than ever before. Plus, reflectors are scattered in key areas to boost visibility during nighttime runs.

Slipping them on, the fit feels incredibly comfortable. While I haven't tried the previous 'v5' model, my impression compared to the 'v4' is that it has evolved. Although it's still cushioned, it has moved away from an overly soft, sinking feel, becoming a shoe that provides a more stable and secure stride.

"Previous models were popular among entry-level runners who wanted to enjoy shorter distances, and they were also a hit for casual streetwear. With the v6, we're hearing from university runners at the Ekiden level that they're using them for intense training sessions, recovery jogs after races, and runs during training camps. I believe this has made it a shoe that appeals to a much broader spectrum of runners."