I’ve always been a fan of highly cushioned shoes, especially for long runs and recovery days. After trying out various models over the years, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 quickly earned a top spot in my rotation. If you’re someone who craves plush cushioning, a smooth ride, and thoughtful design, this shoe may be exactly what you’re looking for. Let me walk you through my personal experience with the v6 and how it compares to previous versions.

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6:  First Impressions

When I first unboxed the Fresh Foam X More v6, I immediately noticed how refined it looked compared to its predecessors. The v4 was a personal favorite, and while the v5 was a fan hit, I feel the v6 takes the best of both and refines it even further. The shoe still clearly belongs in the “More” family—with its generous cushioning—but the silhouette feels sleeker and more modern.

From the moment I slipped it on, I could tell this shoe meant business. It felt soft yet secure, and surprisingly lightweight for the amount of foam underfoot.

Max Cushioning Without the Bulk

The standout feature of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 is its massive Fresh Foam X midsole. We’re talking about 44mm of foam in the heel and 40mm in the forefoot, making it one of the highest stack heights in the everyday running category. That level of cushioning can sometimes lead to a disconnected or “mushy” ride, but not here.

What surprised me most was how balanced it felt. I’ve run in max-cushion shoes that feel too unstable or overly soft, but the v6 manages to feel grounded and responsive. That’s largely thanks to some smart tweaks in the geometry—something New Balance calls a slightly adjusted rocker profile—which really enhances the effortless glide through each stride.

Whether I was going out for an easy 5K or a long 15-mile weekend run, the transition felt buttery smooth. The shoe simply rolls forward, making it easier to maintain rhythm even when fatigue sets in.

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Updated Geometry and Outsole = Smoother Rides

One of the major improvements I noticed in the Fresh Foam X More v6 was in its outsole and midfoot base. New Balance subtly widened the midfoot and introduced a new vertical “north-south” outsole orientation that improves both stability and toe-off efficiency. For someone like me who tends to overpronate slightly, this small change made a big difference in how smooth and stable the ride felt.

The outsole also felt grippy enough for most conditions. I tested it on road and some crushed gravel paths, and it handled both well. It may not be the shoe I’d pick for slippery trails, but for road and light path running, it offers just the right amount of traction.

A Sleeker Look That Doesn’t Sacrifice Comfort

While previous versions of the More series were known for being a bit “bulky” in appearance, the v6 is noticeably more streamlined. That’s partly due to a redesigned midsole sidewall and some clever paintwork that draws the eye downward, making the shoe appear lower-profile than it actually is.

Despite the visual refinement, you’re still getting that luxurious underfoot feel that defines the Fresh Foam X line. It’s just packaged in a way that looks more elegant and less exaggerated—something I really appreciate for everyday wear.

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Premium Upper, Thoughtful Details

I can’t talk about the Fresh Foam X More v6 without mentioning the upper. Simply put, it’s one of the most comfortable uppers I’ve worn in a running shoe. The engineered mesh feels soft and breathable while maintaining structure, and small touches like the heel tab and tongue tab make a huge difference in comfort.

These are the parts you interact with every time you put the shoe on, and New Balance has clearly put a lot of thought into them. They’re padded, secure, and don’t shift around, which helped me feel locked in from the start of my run to the finish. I never had to deal with annoying tongue slide or heel rub—a major plus in my book.

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Performance on the Run

Here’s where the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 really shines: actual running performance. I used this shoe primarily for:

• Long runs
• Recovery runs
• Daily training sessions

And it excelled in all three. The shoe isn’t built for speedwork or race day (it’s not meant to be), but if you want a daily trainer that protects your legs and helps you recover faster, this is the one. The combination of soft foam, smooth transition, and stable base made each run feel almost effortless.

Even after logging 50+ miles, the cushioning hasn’t packed out, and the upper is still holding strong—no hot spots, no breakdowns. The durability looks promising, which makes the investment feel worth it.

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New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6:  Pros and Cons

To summarize my experience, here are the main takeaways:

Pros:

• Maximum cushioning without sacrificing stability
• Smooth and effortless transitions thanks to rocker geometry and outsole design
• Premium upper materials that offer a secure, plush fit
• Refined visual design—still a More, but sleeker
• Great for long runs, recovery days, and daily training

Cons:

• Might be too much shoe for runners who prefer a firmer or more minimal feel
• Not ideal for tempo runs or races
• High stack height may feel awkward for some on sharp turns

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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re the kind of runner who values comfort above all else and wants a shoe that makes running feel easier, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 is a fantastic choice. It retains everything people loved about the v5 but introduces subtle, meaningful improvements that elevate the overall experience.

For me, this shoe has become a go-to for any run where I just want to cruise and not think about my gear. The cushioning is luxurious, the fit is secure, and the performance is smooth and stable. Whether you’re a veteran looking to save your legs or a newer runner looking for reliable comfort, this is one of the best max-cushion options available in 2025.

And the best part? It’s launching in August 2025, so keep an eye out. If you’re looking for that “more” experience—more comfort, more cushioning, more smoothness—the Fresh Foam X More v6 lives up to its name.

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