New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 Review: Plus 3 Max Cushion Alternatives Worth Comparing

Introduction

Max cushion shoes have quietly become one of the most competitive categories in running. The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 sits right at the center of that conversation, and it arrives with changes that split opinion. This guide breaks down what the More v5 does well, where it differs from its much-loved predecessor, and how it stacks up against three strong alternatives: the previous More v4, the Hoka Bondi 8, and the Topo Atmos.

The More v5: Specs and Design Changes

On paper, the More v5 is a very tall shoe. It uses a 44 mm stack height in the heel with a 4 mm drop, leaving 40 mm of Fresh Foam X in the forefoot, and that foam is the only real technology in the shoe. A US men’s size 9 weighs in at around 318 g (11.2 oz).

The headline change versus the More v4 is a full aesthetic refresh that brings the More in line with the rest of the Fresh Foam X line, sharing design language with shoes like the 1080 v14. But it is not just cosmetic. New Balance added a bottom-loaded outsole for additional forefoot stiffness, and it revised the rocker profile so the shoe rolls through the gait cycle differently than the More v4.

How the More v5 Feels on the Road

The upper fit is excellent. It runs true to size without feeling baggy or overly wide, and the materials feel comfortable and refined without excess fluffy padding that turns into a sweat sponge in warmer months. Both the v4 and v5 share this superb fit quality.

As a running experience, though, the v5 divides fans of the v4. The new shoe feels firmer and more stable, a trend seen across many 2024 releases. The softened rocker and added forefoot stiffness are intended to make the shoe less aggressive at toe-off, which flips the script: the More v5 is now noticeably more comfortable for all-day standing, run-walking, or pure walking, while the v4’s more aggressive rocker felt better at running pace and awkward at walking pace.

The trade-off is that the v5 is slightly harder to wrangle at running speeds. For runners who loved the v4 as a high-mileage running shoe, the v5 can feel a little less exciting and a little more like a traditional max cushion trainer. That said, the change gives the v5 much broader commercial appeal, particularly for walking and time-on-feet use.

Where the More v5 Fits in the New Balance Lineup

New Balance runs two foam families: FuelCell for speed, rebound, and responsiveness, and Fresh Foam X for softness and comfort. Within Fresh Foam X, the 880 is the daily trainer, the 1080 has shifted toward the daily training side since the More arrived, and the More v5 now holds the max cushion slot. The newer Fresh Foam X Balos sits as a bouncier, more modern alternative for runners who find traditional max cushion too muted.

As a buying rule of thumb: if you like traditional max cushion shoes, the More v5 is the pick. If you want something bouncier and more fun, the Balos is the runner’s version of the More.

Alternative: New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

If you want the more runnable of the two More versions, the previous More v4 remains the stronger choice for high-mileage running. Its more aggressive rocker felt just right at running pace, and it was widely considered a top max cushion shoe in its generation.

The catch is availability. The v4 has been out for a while and stock is thinning, but you may still find it discounted to around $110 in select sizes, well below the v5’s price.

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5

At $155, the More v5 delivers a huge amount of shoe for the money. It suits runners chasing time-on-feet personal records, run-walkers, and anyone who wants maximum comfort with a healthy dose of stability built in.

Alternative: Hoka Bondi 8

The Hoka Bondi 8 is the barometer against which most classic max cushion shoes are measured. It is a mature, consistent shoe that changes little year over year, and it excels for the same audience as the More v5: people on their feet all day, run-walkers, and comfort-first runners.

Compared directly, the Bondi leans slightly firmer and more stable, arguably the most old-fashioned of the max cushion shoes. The More v5 still edges it on comfort and fun. The Bondi 8 retails at $165 but can often be found at roughly a 20% discount, around $132.

Alternative: Topo Atmos

The Topo Atmos sits in the middle between the More v5 and the Bondi 8. It stays true to what a classic max cushion shoe should be while taking advantage of more modern construction techniques and materials.

In practice, the Atmos feels like a step up from the Bondi 8 in terms of being more fun and peppier to run in, while splitting the difference between the Bondi 8 and the More v5 overall. It retails at $160, slightly more than the More v5.

Choosing Between Three Flavors of Max Cushion

These three alternatives give you three distinct takes on the same idea. The More v4 is the runner’s pick if you can find your size at a discount. The Bondi 8 is the consistent, stability-leaning classic for all-day wear. The Topo Atmos is the modern middle ground with a bit more pep. Pick based on whether you prioritize running feel, all-day comfort, or a blend of both.

Conclusion

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 is a well-made, comfortable max cushion shoe that leans toward walking, run-walking, and recovery days rather than high-mileage running. Fans of the More v4’s aggressive rocker may prefer hunting down the discounted v4, while the Hoka Bondi 8 and Topo Atmos cover the firmer and more modern ends of the classic max cushion spectrum. Match the shoe to how you actually spend your time on your feet, and any of these four is a sound choice.