New Balance More v6 Review: Ultra-Soft Max Cushion, With a Few Smart Fixes

Introduction

If you are chasing that ultimate super soft, squishy, marshmallowy ride, the New Balance More v6 is squarely aimed at you. As the latest release in New Balance’s Max Stack lineup, it is built to give runners a pillowy, ultra-plush experience, and over the past few generations the More has earned a reputation as one of the softest, most comfortable shoes on the market. That reputation extends well beyond running: it has become a favorite for walking and for people who spend all day on their feet at work.

The trade-off with ultra-soft comfort is usually stability, so version six brings a few subtle but genuinely important changes aimed at addressing exactly that. The question is whether you can finally get that plush, cloudlike ride without worrying about rolling an ankle, and whether the upgrades justify a price bump.

Who This Shoe Is For

The More v6 has one clear job: it is an easy-pace and recovery run shoe with maximum comfort as the priority. It also doubles as a very good walking option, which makes it appealing to healthcare workers, retail staff, commuters, and anyone who spends long hours standing.

If your running week is built around slower-paced miles that look after your legs and absorb impact, this shoe slots in perfectly. If you want a shoe to run fast in, this is not it, and that is by design.

What Changed From Version 5

Version six is slightly lighter, which is a small but welcome step in the right direction. The platform on the bottom is broader, giving a bit more surface area for increased stability, and there is a new heel counter at the back of the shoe that is now noticeably stiffer, which helps lock the heel in place. Unfortunately, all of this comes with a price increase of ten pounds over the outgoing model. Stack and drop are exactly the same as before.

Specs and Construction

The stack height at the heel is 44 mm with a 4 mm drop overall. Weight comes in at 361 grams in a UK size 12, and the shoe ran true to size. The upper uses an engineered mesh that looks great, though breathability is only okay rather than class-leading. The midsole is New Balance’s Fresh Foam X, and there is a massive chunk of it here given the recovery-focused nature of the shoe. There is no plate, and the ride is fairly stiff without being harsh, feeling a little firmer than version five. The outsole is durable rubber, and the shoe is available in two widths: standard and wide.

Main Strengths

Stability is much improved over version five thanks to the wider platform and the redesigned, stiffer heel counter, which keeps the heel nicely locked down. The toe box feels roomier too, and the gusseted tongue works well, giving even, comfortable pressure over the top of the foot.

The shoe nails the recovery-run brief. It absorbs impact and looks after your legs on slower runs, and while it does not feel quite as soft as version five, it is still extremely soft. The foam compound appears to be the same; the geometry is slightly different, but the ride feels very similar overall. The slight weight reduction, largely from removing some rubber from the outsole, is another plus, and wet-weather grip held up well. It is not the absolute best in class, but it is perfectly fine.

Finally, it is a genuinely great travel and casual shoe. It is comfortable to wear for long stretches, and the added stability makes it a solid pick for people standing all day. Both this shoe and its closest rivals come in an all-black colorway that looks quite smart for everyday wear.

Things to Consider Before Buying

This is not a fast shoe, and it is worth being very clear about that. Try to pick up the pace toward marathon effort and it feels like hard work; a max-stack shoe with no plate simply is not built for speed. If you want a super-soft feel with a bit more push, a plated option in this category does that job better, though it costs more.

The second consideration is price. At 150 pounds, the ten-pound increase makes the recommendation slightly harder, although it still undercuts some competitors.

How It Compares

The obvious alternative is New Balance’s own premium daily trainer, the 1080 v14, at 160 pounds. It is more versatile, with a lower 38 mm stack, the same weight, and the same foam family but far less of it, feeling more nimble and better suited as the one shoe that does it all. If you want the ultimate marshmallowy feel, though, the More is the pick. Hoka’s Bondi 9, also at 160 pounds, shares very similar stack, drop, and weight, but offers a more stable platform with less lateral movement and a slightly firmer ride, making it the stronger choice as a work or travel shoe. The ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 sits at 180 pounds with an 8 mm drop but the same stack height; it is slightly heavier, firmer, feels more durable with better build quality, and can be run a bit faster, giving you more overall usability for the extra money.

Buying Advice

Here is the honest verdict: the improvements in version six are all good, but the shoe remains very similar to version five, and the outgoing model can currently be found for around 100 pounds or even less with discounts, with plenty of stock still available. For most people, sticking with version five and grabbing a bargain is the smarter move. If you had real stability issues with version five, the wider platform and stiffer heel counter make the upgrade worthwhile.

If you are buying fresh and specifically want the softest possible recovery shoe, the More v6 is a very easy shoe to live with. It suits runners who prefer a touch of extra stiffness in the foam and who plan to use it exactly as intended: for recovery miles, easy days, and plenty of walking.

Conclusion

The New Balance More v6 refines a winning formula rather than reinventing it. Stability is genuinely better, it is slightly lighter, and it remains one of the most comfortable options available for easy runs and long days on your feet. The higher price and the strength of discounted version-five stock are the main reasons to hesitate. If ultra-soft cushion is what you are after, this shoe delivers it in spades.