The New Balance More v4 wasn’t the first shoe I thought about when I thought: wow, I need a new high-cushioned trainer. For the last few years, I’ve been a big fan of the New Balance 1080 more than the More. The NB 1080n is more responsive, lighter, and doesn’t feel like a cinderblock on my feet. Yet, I usually try the New Balance More, and to be honest, I usually regret it. Why do I keep doing this to myself?
But what about this year. Is the New Balance More v4 a good shoe? Has the update been better?
New Balance More v4 Quick Facts:
- Weight: 10.9 oz (309 g)
- Price: $150.00
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4 mm
New Balance More v4 Introduction:
Enter the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4! Following the trend of brands rolling out maximal cushioned shoes, New Balance brought the Fresh Foam More to the table. And as the name implies, it offered more of everything: cushion, comfort, and performance. It should really be called the New Balance Most. I wonder how many people have said that?
New Balance More v4 Upper:
The More v4’s upper is crafted from an engineered mesh, balancing breathability and softness. The printed New Balance logo serves more than aesthetics and helps to ensure a snug fit. New Balance claims the More V4 uses “Engineered mesh upper with zonal support and breathability.” What does this mean? The NB More v4 should breathe fairly well. I actually haven’t had any issues with that in the Mojave Desert summer.
The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet; for the most part, I’ve had that with the New Balance More v4. There are no hot spots, and I appreciate the plush heel collar and tongue (thank goodness New Balance moved away from whatever that 1080 heel cup was a few years ago, LOL).
In running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I’ve found the size 11 to fit well for the New Balance More v4. Like many New Balance shoes, the More v4 fits wider than average but not too wide that you feel like you’re swimming. It’s also available in wide if you need it. The fit to New Balance More v4 is good; I have no complaints.
New Balance More v4 Ride:
New Balance claims the New Balance More v4 has more everything (good thing they named it the “More.” It has the most Fresh Foam used in any New Balance shoe to date. It also has the highest stack height the NB More has ever had, which offers a plush experience.
I’ve found in previous versions of the New Balance More that it just feels too clunky for me. I honestly feel like I’m running in cinderblocks, and I don’t enjoy the ride. In fact, I still have a pair of NB More v2 sitting in my closet with 20 miles on it.
The NB More v4 midsole uses strategically placed flex grooves to transition from heel to toe. The coupled rocker design and the flex grooves allow you to push the pace without it feeling heavy. I’ve found the New Balance More v4 to feel the fastest of any NB More shoes to date. The ride is smooth, and if you heel strike, you’ll find that there is plenty of cushion to absorb shock.
Finally, the Fresh Foam X midsole foam uses 3% bio-based content made from renewable resources to help reduce New Balance’s carbon footprint. I do appreciate brands that take the initiative to make a more sustainable running shoe.
Durability and Traction:
New Balance running shoes are made to last, and the New Balance More v4 is no different. I don’t think I’ve ever had a New Balance running shoe that didn’t last at least 300+ miles. I’ve already put 100 miles on the More v4 with no signs of it slowing down. I’ve put five times as many miles on the New Balance More v4 than v2, so that says something.
The traction for the NB More v4 is a little dicey. The More v4 uses “Ground Contact Foam” to help reduce weight while still giving traction. I don’t find it to be perfect, and I’ve slid around a bit on inclement weather days. It’s not the first shoe I would use on wet surfaces. I don’t really take it out on trails too much because I’ve found I do slide. So, needless to say, the traction is probably a 5/10.
I figured the New Balance More V4 would fit well as an easy run and recovery run shoe (if I even liked the ride), and that’s exactly where it does. I can’t see myself running fast in the NB More v4, but at least I’m running it. I do appreciate this version, maybe more than the rest.
New Balance More V4 Conclusion:
The New Balance More V4 is a good option if you are looking for a high-cushioned trainer. It’s definitely one of New Balance’s better options lately.
Who should buy the New Balance More V4? If you are looking for a high cushioned easy run shoe or a good walking shoe.
Who should not buy the New Balance More V4? If you run a lot in inclement weather or are looking for a fast shoe. That is not this.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Brooks Caldera 6, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
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 v4?
What is your favorite running shoe?