Saucony Hurricane 24 vs New Balance More v5: Two Max-Cushion Cruisers Compared

Introduction

Some running shoes are built for speed. These two are built for the opposite: absorbing the miles so your legs finish feeling fresh. The Saucony Hurricane 24 and the New Balance More v5 are both max-cushion trainers designed for easy days, recovery runs, and long, comfortable sessions. Having run nearly 100km in each, we found both shoes genuinely hard to fault, and the choice between them really comes down to how soft you like your ride and whether you need stability.

At a Glance: Specs and Pricing

The New Balance More v5 costs $154.99, weighs 306g (10.8oz) for men in a size 8, and has a 4mm drop. It also comes in three width sizes, which makes it easy to dial in fit.

The Saucony Hurricane 24 costs $160, weighs 323g (11.4oz) for men in a size 8, and has a 6mm drop.

Both shoes share similar design philosophy: high stack heights, wide bases, and roomy engineered mesh uppers. The differences show up in how each midsole behaves and how much stability is built in.

Fit and Comfort: Both Shoes Get High Marks

Comfort is where both of these shoes shine. We tested a size 8 in each and stuck true to size in both cases.

The More v5 has a well-padded upper with plenty of forefoot room, and the multiple width options mean wider or narrower feet can be accommodated. The upper initially felt slightly shallow toward the forefoot, raising concerns about rubbing, but after 80 to 90km there were no issues at all.

The Hurricane 24 offers a similar experience: good space in the forefoot and around the big toe, pleasant padding around the collar, and a very comfortable overall fit. Neither shoe caused blisters, hot spots, or sizing doubts.

New Balance More v5: Plush Cushioning With More Structure

The fifth version of New Balance’s max cushion shoe brings a new midsole composition using the same soft foam found in the 1080 v13, along with a slightly increased stack height to balance it out. A noticeably wide base keeps the shoe stable, and updates to the engineered mesh upper improve breathability and padding around the ankle collar and tongue. The outsole has been overhauled with less rubber coverage, leaving more exposed midsole sections.

The softer midsole foam initially raised concerns, since the same foam in the 1080 v13 tends to sink you into the ground and sap energy when you pick up the pace. The More v5 avoids that trap: it is sturdier and more responsive than expected, though slightly less responsive than the More v4. Over the first 10 to 15km of a long run it keeps pace well, and a three-hour run at easy pace left legs feeling fresh with impact gone by the end.

Saucony Hurricane 24: Balanced Cushioning With Hidden Stability

The Hurricane 24 surprised everyone who tested it. On paper it is a stability shoe, which normally signals a clunky, rigid ride. In practice, you would never guess it is a stability shoe unless you specifically need the support. It simply feels like a comfortable cushioned cruiser with a lovely balance of softness and sturdiness, a welcome change from the stability shoes of old that felt obtrusive all the time.

The dual-layer midsole combines soft, bouncy PWRRUN PB from Saucony’s performance shoes with a firmer lower layer of PWRRUN for support and durability. Those foams work with a rocker design for a smooth heel-to-toe transition, and the wide platform plus high sidewalls deliver stability exactly when it is needed, such as on uneven roads or angled surfaces. The XT-900 rubber outsole covers key areas for grip and protection, and the roomy engineered mesh upper breathes well.

This is best for easy days, recovery runs, and daily runs at around 5-minute kilometres. It is not built for speed, but it does not sap your energy either.

Durability and Grip

Both outsoles are only partially covered by rubber, with sizeable exposed midsole sections, which initially caused concern about long-term wear. After nearly 100km in each shoe, neither has shown major wear on the exposed foam, which is reassuring.

Grip is the weaker point for both. Neither shoe slips in wet conditions, but there are better options on the market if wet-weather traction is a priority.

Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

If you love a really soft shoe but still want a little energy in the ride, the New Balance More v5 is the way to go. It is softer than the Hurricane 24, and the writer’s personal pick for the runs these shoes are designed for.

If you need genuine stability, the Saucony Hurricane 24 is the clear winner. It is significantly more stable and a touch firmer underfoot, yet still comfortable enough for anyone who does not need stability features at all.

Both shoes can cover the same easy and long runs, and you would be very happy with either. Neither is designed for faster sessions, so think of them as comfort-first trainers for your recovery and daily mileage.

Conclusion

The More v5 rewards runners who want maximum softness with a touch of responsiveness, while the Hurricane 24 is the most accessible stability shoe in this class, one you can recommend even to runners who do not need stability. Check your midsole preference and stability needs, and you will know exactly which one to pick.