New Balance More v2 Shoe Review

The New Balance More v2 is a high cushioned trainer from New Balance. While I tried on the original NB More, I didn’t run in it. It felt slightly bulky and cumbersome to me.

As the racing shoes get higher stack heights, it seems like the maximum cushioned trainers from various brands do. It isn’t a new concept, and Hoka has built most of their shoes on higher stack heights.

The higher stack height in trainers allows for more plush and luxurious rides. The New Balance More v2 is also known as the “New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 or NB More v2”. All different names for the same shoe.

If it isn’t obvious, More in the NB More v2 stands for “More Shoe.” LOL.  Compared to the New Balance 1080v10 or NB 880v10, it has more cushion. If you feel like you want or need more cushion, the NB More v2, might be for you.

New Balance More v2 Quick Facts:

Weight: 7.9 oz

Heel to Toe Drop: 4 mm

New Balance More v2 Fit:

One of the biggest changes in the New Balance More v2 is the redesigned upper using a double jacquard mesh.  It has more structure but allows the shoe to move and breathe with your foot. It’s now much more soft and breathable. In short, the redesigned upper is soft and breathable.

Instead of using wire lacing or overlays, New Balances uses what they call a “tongue wing.” This tongue wing sits between the heel cup and forefoot to help hold your foot. Typically you shouldn’t feel the need to “break a shoe-in,” but the tongue wing felt slightly stiff for about 10 miles.

The New Balance More v2 also uses the signature New Balance heel cup: “ultra heel.” I’m personally a fan of it, and it gives more comfort to the Achilles and ankles flexibility. There is less rubbing on the Achilles, which has become important to me.

Finally, the fit of most New Balance shoes has been true to size lately, and the New Balance More v2 is no different. Typically I wear between a size 10-11 wide, and in the New Balance More v2, a size 10.5 fits well. I also appreciate the NB More v2, comes in wide!

New Balance More v2 Ride:

The New Balance More v2 is surprisingly light for the amount of cushion in the shoe. New Balance took a lot of weight from the outsole and removed most of the blown rubber and instead added a layer of “ground contact foam” instead. What does that mean? The foam isn’t going to last as long as many other brands. This is somewhat concerning.

A few notes about the New Balance More v2 ground contact foam:

• The ground contact foam does give good traction, and I’ve run in inclement days. However, I do worry about the durability of the shoe.
• The foam also makes this maximal shoe much more flexible. You don’t feel like you are running in a clunkster.

Together with the Fresh Foam, the New Balance More v2 is light and much more responsive than you would expect. According to New Balance, the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is “precision-engineered” which delivers a cushioned yet lightweight ride. I found this true and it’s a lot lighter and more responsive than the previous version.

New Balance also has lateral landing zones and flex grooves, making for a smooth and flexible transition and toe-off. You do feel like you’re rolling through your gait. I am actually extremely surprised it’s “only” a 4 mm heel to toe drop, but it works for the shoe.

I’ve run several types of runs it from long runs to easy runs and even a workout. I’ve found the New Balance More v2 best fits in as an easy run day. I like the extra cushion and protection for my feet.

New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 Conclusion:

New Balance is doing great things with their shoes right now. The New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 has plenty of cushions and a lot more flexible than similar maximal cushioned shoes. If you are looking for a high cushioned trainer that is still flexible, the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is a good option.  The only thing I worry about its durability. So far, I’ve run about 50 miles in them with no issues, but I do wonder how much mileage will be left at 300 miles.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs Saloman Sonic 3 Balance,  Brooks Glycerin 18,  Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, NB More v2 New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5,  Hoka Bondi 7, Asics GlideRide.

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,

Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Hoka Cavu 2

Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 10, New Balance Hierro v5 

Races: Asics MetaRacer, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.

Questions for you:

Have you tried the New Balance More v2?

What is your current favorite shoe?