New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 Review: A Comfort-First Trail Cruiser

Introduction

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 is a neutral, max-cushion trail shoe built for comfort over long hours on the trail. After 39 miles of testing, well past the 25-mile threshold we require for a full review, it comes across as a cushioned cruiser with genuinely lively energy return rather than a dead, mushy ride.

It is not a perfect shoe. The tall stack makes it feel less planted on serious technical trails, and the midsole durability outlook is good but not exceptional. But if long, slow trail days are your thing, there is a lot to like here.

Who This Shoe Is For

This is a shoe for runners who prioritize underfoot comfort on long outings. If you head out for three or four hours at a time and want a soft, forgiving platform underfoot, the More Trail v2 fits that role well. It is also a reasonable choice for runners who kick rocks and roots, thanks to its protective toe cap and debris-resistant construction.

It is less suited to technical, fast terrain where a lower, more stable platform earns its keep.

Main Strengths

Midsole Comfort

The Fresh Foam X midsole uses a uniquely formulated injection EVA molded in a heat press, measuring a soft 44 on the durometer. On foot it feels plush with a notable spring, close to the Hoka Speedgoat 5 in bounce, though perhaps not quite at that level. Stack height is 33mm in the heel and 29mm in the forefoot for a 4mm drop, placing it among the tallest trail shoes available.

Upper and Fit

The upper uses debris-resistant mesh with a substantial protective toe cap, so kicking a rock or root is far less painful than in thinly capped shoes. The tongue is well padded in a way that hides lace pressure and allows a solid lockdown, with what is closer to a semi-gusseted design that keeps trail dust and silt out of the toe box. Breathability in summer heat should be acceptable, if not perfect.

Fit is true to size with no issues in the toe box, midfoot, or heel. The heel pocket felt secure even under firm pressure testing.

Outsole and Grip

The outsole uses Vibram XT-Track Evo rubber in the perfect amount and placement. Lug depth looks to be roughly 3 to 4 millimeters, and the bite feels just right. Because the rubber is not fully plastered across the midsole, some exposed foam helps keep the weight down.

Things to Consider Before Buying

At a measured 10.3 oz in a men’s size 10, this is not a lightweight. The tall stack also showed some instability on steep, technical descents; it is not a technical trail specialist and does not feel as stable as the Speedgoat 5. Long-term midsole durability is likely solid thanks to the Vibram outsole, but if forced to choose, the Speedgoat 5 would probably edge it on midsole longevity.

Buying Advice

The price is $165, and it is a shoe worth buying again at that figure, though a price closer to $150 or $155 would make it an easier sell. Durability is predicted at around 500 miles, and it should hold up well as a long trail day shoe. If the stack height were trimmed by two or three millimeters, the ride would likely gain some stability while keeping most of the comfort.

Alternatives worth considering include the Hoka Speedgoat 5, the Salomon Ultra Glide, and the ASICS Trabuco Max, the last of which is somewhat less comfortable but a strong shoe in its own right.

Conclusion

The Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 is a comfortable, well-protected neutral trail shoe with better energy return than most max-cushion competitors. Its weaknesses are weight and stability on technical ground, so buy it for long, mellow trail days rather than rugged scrambles. If that matches your running, it is an easy recommendation.