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The New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is a running shoe designed for those who seek a plush experience underfoot during their runs. This shoe is part of the New Balance Fresh Foam More family and is known for its maximalist cushioning, providing a soft and responsive ride.
Key Features:
The New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning for their daily running. Its lightweight and responsive design offers benefits for those tackling longer distances, while the breathable upper keeps feet cool and comfortable.
With an average review score of 92%, it's in the highest rated 10% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 20% of running shoes today.
The New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 has made a name for itself among runners seeking a shoe that doesn't skimp on cushioning. Its Fresh Foam X midsole delivers a soft and comfortable ride, ideal for those long, easy runs. The shoe's low drop and roomy toe box encourage a natural foot strike and ample space for toe splay, enhancing the overall comfort during runs. However, the shoe's durability, particularly in the outsole, has been a point of concern, with visible wear appearing even after moderate use. While the shoe's price point may be on the higher side, its plush upper and stable ride make it a contender for runners who value a forgiving and cushioned experience. Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is a solid choice for runners who are not deterred by the cost and prioritize maximum comfort over speed in their daily trainers.
The New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 introduces significant updates from its predecessor, the New Balance Fresh Foam More. The most notable change is the inclusion of the Fresh Foam X foam in the midsole, enhancing the shoe's cushioning and responsiveness. The upper has also been redesigned for improved breathability and comfort, with a focus on a secure fit and reduced pressure on the Achilles tendon. These updates contribute to a lighter and more dynamic running experience within the New Balance Fresh Foam More lineup.
The ASICS Novablast is known for its energetic bounce, providing a different running experience compared to the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2. Runners looking for a lively and responsive shoe might find the Novablast more to their liking.
The New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail v2 is a specialized version of the Fresh Foam More v2, designed for trail running. It shares the same plush cushioning and low drop but features a more rugged outsole for improved traction on off-road surfaces. The Trail v2's upper is also adapted to provide extra protection and durability against trail debris, making it a suitable choice for runners who venture beyond the pavement.
The New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 features a redesigned upper that uses a double jacquard mesh, providing a soft and breathable environment for the foot. The 'Tongue Wing' cradle design ensures a secure midfoot fit, although it may require a break-in period to reach optimal comfort. The 'Ultra Heel' design is a standout, offering a secure heel fit while minimizing irritation around the Achilles tendon. The overall structure of the upper, from the locked-in heel to the spacious toe box, caters to a variety of foot shapes and promotes comfort on longer runs.
At the heart of the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is the Fresh Foam X midsole, which offers a plush yet responsive ride. This innovative foam technology provides substantial cushioning, making the shoe ideal for runners with neutral pronation or those with a tendency towards supination. The midsole's design facilitates a smooth transition from heel to toe, thanks to its rocker shape, which also aids in propelling the runner forward with less effort.
The outsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 utilizes Ground Contact EVA, a material chosen for its lightweight properties over traditional rubber. While this contributes to the shoe's overall lightness and flexibility, it raises questions about the outsole's long-term durability, as signs of wear can appear relatively quickly. Despite this, the grip provided by the outsole is adequate for road running and light trails, offering a reliable traction underfoot.
Runners will find that the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 runs true to size in length, with a generous width that accommodates a medium to wide foot. The roomy toe box is a highlight, allowing for natural toe spread, which is particularly beneficial during longer runs. Some runners with narrow feet may need to adjust the laces for a snugger fit, and the heel cup's width may lead to some movement, though it does not significantly impact performance.
Comfort is a standout feature of the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2, with its maximalist design offering a cushioned and forgiving ride. The Fresh Foam X midsole, while not the most responsive, provides a soft underfoot feel that supports the foot through miles of running. The shoe's comfort extends to the upper, where the breathable mesh and thoughtful heel design contribute to a pleasant running experience.
The cushioning of the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is described as 'squishy and smooth,' providing a protective and cushioned feel with each step. The Fresh Foam X midsole ensures that the shoe is not overly soft, avoiding the sensation of sinking that can come with excessively plush shoes. This balance of protection and cushioning makes the shoe suitable for runners who prefer a softer ride without compromising stability.
The New Balance Fresh Foam More v2's upper is crafted from a technical mesh that is both lightweight and breathable. This ensures that the foot remains cool and dry, even on warmer days or during longer runs. The breathability of the shoe is a key factor in maintaining comfort over time, making it a suitable option for runners in various climates.
Despite its maximalist cushioning, the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 provides a stable ride, which is a significant advantage for a shoe with such a high stack height. The design of the midsole and outsole work together to offer a secure and balanced feel during runs, making it a reliable choice for runners who value stability in their daily trainers.
The durability of the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is a concern, particularly in the outsole. The Ground Contact EVA material, while contributing to the shoe's lightness and flexibility, shows signs of wear relatively quickly. This may affect the shoe's longevity, especially for runners who log high mileage. However, the upper and midsole maintain their integrity and performance over time.
The grip of the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is effective on roads, grass, and dirt trails, thanks to the outsole's design and the presence of lugs. While the shoe is not specifically designed for technical trails, it offers sufficient traction for light trail use. The large stack height and outsole design provide a secure grip across various surfaces, adding to the shoe's versatility.
The New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is well-suited for runners who seek a maximalist shoe with ample cushioning for their everyday training. It's particularly beneficial for those who are focused on recovery and long, easy runs, where comfort is a priority over speed. The shoe's generous fit and plush midsole make it a top pick for runners with neutral pronation or a high arch, offering a comfortable and supportive ride.
Runners in search of a lightweight, speed-oriented shoe for racing or fast workouts should consider other options, such as the New Balance Fuelcell RC Elite 2. Additionally, those who prefer minimal cushioning or a firmer ride may find the Fresh Foam More v2 too soft for their taste. For individuals with narrow feet, the roomy fit might not provide the snugness desired, and they may benefit from exploring shoes with a narrower fit.
The New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is excellent for long-distance road running and recovery sessions. Its maximal cushioning provides a soft landing, making it suitable for runners who are prone to fatigue or injury. The shoe's design also makes it a good option for marathon training, where preserving the legs for race day is crucial. While it's not intended for speedwork, its comfortable ride makes it a reliable choice for the bulk of a runner's mileage.
Yes, the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is suitable for marathon training, offering a cushioned and comfortable ride that can help reduce fatigue during long runs.
The Fresh Foam More v2 fits true to size in length and offers a generous width, particularly in the toe box, making it accommodating for runners with medium to wide feet.
While the Fresh Foam More v2 can handle light trails, it is primarily designed for road running. For more technical trails, the New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail v2 would be a more appropriate choice.
The main difference is the inclusion of Fresh Foam X foam in the midsole of the v2, which enhances cushioning and responsiveness, along with updates to the upper for improved comfort and breathability.
Now viewing New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 | ||||||
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bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
priceBand | Price band | |||||
similarity | Similarity | Very similar | ||||
released | ReleasedFeb 2020 | Mar 2020 | Apr 2021 | Jun 2018 | Jun 2019 | |
expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | | | | | |
productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
Weight | WeightM: 266 g W: 227 g | 312 g | 170 g | M: 281 g W: 232 g | 283 g | |
Forefoot | Forefoot29 mm | 19 mm | 7 mm | 14 mm | 10 mm | |
Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop4 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | ||
Heel | Heel33 mm | 29 mm | 7 mm | 24 mm | 20 mm | |
Brand | BrandNew Balance | adidas | adidas | Merrell | adidas | adidas |
Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike |
Shoe Type | Shoe TypeComfortableLow dropMaximalist | LightweightLow dropZero drop | ||||
Techs | TechsNew Balance Fresh Foam | adidas Alphabounce | adidas Ultraboost | |||
Common characteristicsRoadDaily runningNeutralNeutral pronationHigh arch |
Characteristics | |
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Sports | Running (+2049) |
Terrain | Road (+1362) |
Usages | Daily running (+1132) |
Brand | New Balance (+125) |
Support Type | Neutral (+1603) |
Pronation Type | Neutral pronation (+1578) |
Strike Type | Fore/Midfoot strike (+1116) |
Arch Type | High arch (+1525) |
Shoe Type | Comfortable (+239)Low drop (+277)Maximalist (+428) |
Fit | Medium toe box (+855) |
Materials | Mesh (+942)Reflective (+181) |
Techs | New Balance Fresh Foam (+63) |
Events | 10k (+711)Half marathon (+711)Marathon (+711) |
Colorways | Black, Black / Magnet, Black / Outerspace, Black Accelerated Stripe, Light Aluminum Steel, Magnetic Blue Guava, Sea Salt Light Aluminum |
Specifications | vs Average | |
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Model | v2 | |
Released | Feb 2020 | |
Measurements | ||
Weight | M: 266 g W: 227 g | |
Heel to toe drop | 4 mm | |
Heel | 33 mm | |
Forefoot | 29 mm |