Max Cushion Running Shoes Compared: New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6, Hoka Bondi 9, Puma Mag Max

Introduction

Max cushion shoes are having a moment, and three models make the strongest case for the category right now. The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 is a jumbo trainer that makes most max cushion shoes look dainty, the Hoka Bondi 9 is one of the original max cushion shoes with a pleasant refresh, and the Puma Mag Max pushes the modern formula furthest. Here is how they stack up for easy runs, recovery days, and everything in between.

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6: A Jumbo Shoe Done Right

The More v6 is a tall shoe: 44 mm of stack in the heel, 40 mm in the forefoot, and a 4 mm drop. Underneath there is essentially one thing, and that is a large helping of Fresh Foam X. New Balance tweaks its foam compounds from shoe to shoe, and the Fresh Foam X line generally reads more relaxed than the performance-oriented FuelCell foams elsewhere in the lineup.

Compared to the v5, the updates are subtle but meaningful. The very wide, flared heel of last year’s shoe has been sculpted down, so the v6 is still wide and stable underfoot but no longer elbows-out. The rocker stays gradual and unaggressive, with most of that stack height carried through to the front of the shoe before tapering at the toe.

The outsole gets an updated design with a bit more exposed foam under the arch heading into the heel, though the rubber where it exists is thick and plentiful. The upper is soft and generously padded through the tongue, ankle, and heel cup, with enough structure to keep the heel secure. Fit runs true to size with a roomy feel, and a wide option is available.

On the road, this is a runner’s shoe again. Recent iterations leaned toward walking and all-day standing comfort, but the v6’s subtle updates make it a genuinely comfortable running shoe for easy and recovery days, while remaining excellent for walking and standing. The main caveats: the stretchy laces need a firm cinch at the start of runs or the shoe loosens up top, the puffy upper is warm for summer use, and at 11.1 oz / 316 g in a US men’s 9, it is big and not a shoe for fast running. At $160, up $5 from last year, it remains competitively priced.

How the More v6 Compares: Hoka Bondi 9

The Bondi 9 is one of the earliest max cushion shoes, and this version gets a setup similar to the More v6: a straightforward, cushioned foam with a little bounce that feels pleasant on recovery and long easy runs, wrapped in a very puffy, plush upper. Sizing runs a bit off, so going up half a size is the safer bet.

For the same style of running, the Bondi 9 edges ahead slightly because it feels a bit more lively and nimble and less clunky, though it asks $175 for that extra bit of excitement.

Puma Mag Max: The Most Modern of the Bunch

The Puma Mag Max leads the pack in terms of what a modern max cushion shoe should be. It uses an updated foam with real bounce, sits at maximum stack height, and keeps a very wide platform for stability. Just as impressively, Puma built a comfortable midsole and upper without leaning on excessive puffiness, opting for a knit tongue and a restrained heel collar.

It delivers the best experience of the three, and also carries the highest price at $180.

Buying Advice

If you want maximum cushioning within the New Balance family, the More v6 is the shoe to look at. If you mainly stand and walk, hunting down leftover More v5 inventory could save a few dollars, though stock looks thin. If you want the same easy-day character with a slightly livelier feel, the Bondi 9 is worth the premium. And if you want the most modern, bouncy take on max cushion, the Mag Max is the pick, at the highest price of the three.

Conclusion

The Fresh Foam X More v6 is pointing in the right direction again: subtle updates turned a comfortable walking shoe back into a genuinely good running shoe. Whether it, the Bondi 9, or the Mag Max suits you best comes down to whether you value price, a slightly nimbler feel, or the most modern bouncy ride.