Max Cushion Trainers Compared: New Balance More v4, Nike Invincible 2 and Hoka Bondi

Introduction

Max cushion shoes have become the go-to choice for easy runs, long runs and recovery days, and three models dominate that conversation: the New Balance More v4, the Nike Invincible 2 and the Hoka Bondi. They share a lot of DNA, which makes picking between them genuinely difficult, but each has a distinct personality.

This breakdown focuses on the New Balance More v4 as the newest arrival, then compares it directly against the Nike Invincible 2 and the Hoka Bondi so you can decide which one belongs in your rotation.

New Balance More v4: Key Specs

The More v4 was bought at £140 for this comparison. It carries a 34mm heel stack, 2mm more than version 3, with 30mm at the forefoot for a 4mm overall drop. In a UK size 12 it weighs 353 grams, which is heavy, even among its chunky competitors. It is a neutral shoe with no plate of any kind, built around Fresh Foam X, which New Balance describes as the most Fresh Foam it has ever put in a shoe.

The upper is an engineered mesh with reflective detailing that is genuinely useful for dark winter runs. The platform is 5mm wider than the outgoing model, and wide and extra-wide options are available. It fit true to size in a UK size 12.

What We Liked

The standout trait is stability. New Balance does not market this as a stability shoe, but the wide platform delivers one of the most supportive rides in this class. Sharp turns feel secure, there is little lateral rolling, and the lockdown fit works with that width so you sink into the foam rather than riding high on top of it.

The fit itself is another strength. It is generous through both the midfoot and forefoot, giving the toes real room to splay, while the stretchy laces pull everything into a secure wrap. Breathability was solid in winter testing, with no hot spots or blisters, though runners who overheat easily may want to reconsider for warm weather. The flared heel also kept things comfortable with no Achilles irritation.

Then there is the plushness. This shoe is all about that soft, marshmallow feel, and New Balance has nailed it. It works brilliantly for long runs, all-day walking and jobs that keep you on your feet in retail or healthcare. After 30k and 35k runs, legs felt far less beaten up the next day, which says a lot about how well the foam absorbs impact.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The obvious trade-off is weight and bulk. This is a big, heavy shoe, and not everyone enjoys running in something this substantial. It is also not much fun when you push the pace. Once you try to inject any speed, the ride loses its charm, and the Nike Invincible 2 handles faster running noticeably better. For easy and recovery miles, though, that is hardly a dealbreaker.

Nike Invincible 2: The Speedier Option

The Nike Invincible 2 costs meaningfully more, expect to spend another £20 to £40 on top of the More v4’s price. It is also nowhere near as stable, which was a clear gap in the comparison. What it offers in exchange is versatility: Nike’s premium ZoomX foam gives it a genuine turn of speed, and it can handle some quicker efforts or even a race in a pinch. If your max cushion shoe needs to double as a tempo-day option, this is the one.

Hoka Bondi: The Middle Ground

The Hoka Bondi sits somewhere between the two. It is stiffer than either of them, and the main drawback worth flagging is the fit for people with narrow feet. If the New Balance is the plush, stable cruiser and the Nike is the quicker, pricier all-rounder, the Bondi occupies the middle: firm, dependable, and easier to live with for some foot shapes.

Buying Advice: Which One Should You Choose?

If you want the most stable, supportive ride in this category and do most of your running at or slower than marathon pace, the More v4 is the strongest pick of the three. It also suits heavier runners looking for extra support, and anyone who spends long hours on their feet at work.

The Invincible 2 earns its premium price with pace potential, but pays for it in stability and cost. The Bondi is a sensible compromise, particularly for narrower feet. If forced to pick one for tomorrow’s run, the More v4 edges it, it outperformed expectations.

Conclusion

All three of these max cushion trainers are built for the same job: making easy and recovery miles feel effortless. The New Balance More v4 wins on stability, width options and plushness at £140, the Nike Invincible 2 adds speed at a higher price, and the Hoka Bondi splits the difference with a stiffer ride. Any of them makes a solid easy-day shoe, as long as speed work is not on the menu.