New Balance More v5 First Run Review: Softer, Bouncier, Still Stable

Introduction

The New Balance More v5 is the fifth version of the brand’s max cushion trainer, and it arrives with a set of updates aimed at improving on a v4 that many runners already loved. At £140 / $154.99, 306g (10.8 oz) for a men’s size 8, and a 4mm drop, it positions itself squarely as a comfortable easy-day and recovery-run shoe.

The headline change is a new midsole composition using the same soft foam found in the 1080 v13, paired with a slightly increased stack height. There’s also a noticeably wide base for stability, a reworked engineered mesh upper, and a completely overhauled outsole with less rubber coverage. After the first couple of runs, the early verdict is that the v5 is a genuinely nice development of the More range rather than a risky redesign.

First Impressions and Fit

Sizing is straightforward: true to size, with plenty of space around the sides of the foot and in front of the big toe. One initial concern was the relatively shallow material over the forefoot, which raised worries about rubbing on the top of the toes. In practice, that never materialized. The upper is stretchy enough to give a little extra flexibility while running, and there was no discomfort at all once the runs started.

Padding around the tongue and ankle collar has been increased, but not excessively. The shoe feels comfortably padded without being overbuilt, which suits a daily trainer. If in doubt, stick to your usual size. The More v5 is also available in three different width options, which is a real plus for runners who struggle with standard fits.

Midsole and Ride Feel

The biggest change from the v4 is a slightly softer midsole. The concern going in was that extra softness might lose the balanced magic of the v3 and v4, which were excellent for easy runs, daily runs, and longer efforts with a consistent, non-energy-sapping ride. That concern turned out to be unfounded: even with more of the 1080 v13-style foam on board, the v5 doesn’t feel as plush as the 1080 itself. It simply adds a little extra cushioning and a bit of bounce compared to the v4.

Stability is where this shoe quietly separates itself from other max stack options. Soft, high-stack shoes often risk feeling unstable, but the v5’s wider base, slightly wider than the v4, keeps things very well balanced. Over the first two runs, one 12K easy run at around 5:00/km and a comfortable parkrun at around 5:30/km, it felt consistently stable without giving up any of the midsole comfort.

There’s also a subtle rocker and rolling action that makes holding a steady pace effortless. After the first few steps you barely notice the shoe on your foot, apart from a pleasant hint of extra bounce.

Upper and Comfort

The upper changes are modest rather than dramatic. The way the cushioning sits around the heel and tongue is a little more padded than before, and it genuinely helps overall comfort. Breathability has also been improved as part of the engineered mesh redesign.

Nothing about the upper gets in the way; it just adds to the impression of a shoe you can pull on for any easy or recovery session without thinking twice.

Outsole and Durability Watchpoints

The outsole is a complete redesign, with less rubber coverage in the central areas of the shoe. That leaves some sections of midsole exposed, which is worth monitoring given the midsole foam feels a little more delicate than before. After two runs, one of them in the rain, there were no grip issues at all and no visible signs of wear or rubbing on the exposed sections.

So far the outsole has performed solidly, but the exposed midsole areas are the one thing to keep an eye on over more miles.

Who This Shoe Is For

The More v5 is not a fast shoe, and it isn’t intended to be. It’s not the right choice for interval sessions or faster training, and you won’t get the energy return needed for those efforts. What it is, is one of the best options for easy runs, recovery runs, and long comfortable mileage. Zone 2 easy pace, hour-long or two-hour runs, marathon training easy sessions: this is exactly the territory where it shines.

Conclusion

The New Balance More v5 is a thoughtful evolution rather than a revolution. The softer midsole adds just enough extra cushioning and energy return to make the ride more enjoyable, the wide base keeps it stable for a max cushion shoe, and the updated upper adds comfort without overdoing it. For anyone after a solid, comfortable, cushioned easy-day workhorse, the v5 earns a strong early recommendation and looks set to rack up a lot of miles.