Forget version 1 and 2! New Balance reinvented NB Fresh Foam More V3, making it one of the softest and most cushioned trainers available.
VIDEO REVIEW
ABOUT NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM MORE V3
Type: Trainer
Running Style: Neutral
Size: Snug but true to size
Best for: Easy runs and solid surfaces
is an ultra-soft competitor to the otherwise beloved . While many brands have tried to recreate the soft Bondi-bounce in their shoes, none truly succeeded. Until now. With the launch of New Balance Fresh Foam More V3, is catching up to HOKA, and I dare say, they've surpassed them in some areas! Read the article, get a feel of the shoe, and grab a pair for yourself; you don't want to miss this!
NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM MORE V3 – UPPER AND FIT
Major changes have occurred from More V2 to V3. Mostly in the midsole, but I'll get to that. Looking at the shoe from the outside, it resembles a soft, comfy cloud. And it's not far off, with all that foam in the midsole and a stack height of 33/29 mm, it promises incredibly soft and cushioned comfort.
There's more Fresh Foam in the midsole of New Balance Fresh Foam More V3 than any other New Balance running shoe. It makes it the softest of New Balance's trainers.
Small changes in the upper make more breathable and flexible. Don't be alarmed if New Balance Fresh Foam More V3 feels very snug at first. It never caused issues for me.
Plus, NB FF More V3 has a high heel collar in the same soft fabric, offering good achilles protection. If you have sensitive skin around the achilles, choosing a shoe with a higher heel collar can prevent irritation.
The snug fit is necessary with so much foam underfoot. There's not much ground feel in these 'max comfort' shoes. The upper of aids stability for better stride control.
This soft, bouncy comfort is more apparent because I stand firm in the shoe.
SOFTER THAN EVER
has been a pleasure since the first time I slipped them on. You immediately feel the spongy Fresh Foam X cushioning underfoot. It's promising when just walking reveals the bounce!
This impression is confirmed on every run in FF More V3. The soft foam absorbs so much impact, making my runs gentler on my body. Running in New Balance Fresh Foam More V3 feels less taxing, and I seem to recover faster. It's a big plus for those with bad knees, hips, or back!
Despite the substantial foam in the midsole, the shoe feels light to run in.
I cannot emphasize enough how fantastic the midsole is. It's undoubtedly More V3's greatest strength, where 'the magic happens'.
It's amusing how excited I can still get over soft, bouncy midsoles, but it's delightful to see more brands 'cracking the code' to the comfort that Hoka previously monopolized.
Thus, a comparison with model is inevitable. Which of the two is better?
NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM MORE V3 - A STRONG COMPETITOR TO HOKA ONE ONE BONDI
Let's clear it up. NB FF More V3 is softer than HOKA Bondi 7! There. I said it. Not that is necessarily better, as it depends on run purpose and preferred comfort,
Both are among the softest on the market, but while NB FF More V3 is incredibly soft, HOKA One One Bondi 7 offers soft comfort and more energy return. Bondi feels more responsive without being firm. In Bondi, I can pick up speed easier compared to NB FF More V3, where it takes more effort. Thus, NB FF More V3 is for max comfort runs without speed focus.
Another observation is that NB FF More V3 provides a unique roll from heel to toe, making stride smooth. Even when not landing on the heel, I get the same roll from midfoot forward.
I find NB FF More V3 suitable for both heel strikers and forefoot runners. This is where Hoka One One Bondi can feel heavy if landing forward. Bondi is best for heel landings.
New Balance Fresh Foam More V3 vs. Hoka One One Bondi 7
NB FF MORE V3 HOKA ONE ONE BONDI 7
WEIGHT: 254 g. (size 40) WEIGHT: 268 g. (size 40)
STACK HEIGHT: 33 mm/29 mm STACK HEIGHT: 36 mm/32 mm
DROP: 4 mm DROP: 4 mm
I had to wear both shoes simultaneously for a 1:1 comparison. Bondi feels wider at the forefoot and looser around the ankle and arch. It's beneficial for wider feet, but if you prefer a snug fit, you'll love Fresh Foam More V3.
However, NB FF More V3 has room for improvement on the outsole. It's designed so small stones can occasionally get stuck when running on gravel. They're not hard to remove, but it's annoying on routes with both gravel and asphalt. But NB FF More V3 is best on solid surfaces. The thick midsole favors firm ground. The downside is less ground feel.the surface, when you run. But for those of us who want to pamper our feet, knees, and other joints with as gentle cushioning as possible, the thick midsole outweighs everything else.
CONCLUSION
New Balance Fresh Foam More V3 gives you, as the name suggests, just more of everything! Softer upper, softer midsole, better breathability.
If you, like me, absolutely love soft and comfortable cushioning in your running shoes, New Balance Fresh Foam More V3 will be this year's novelty for you! I can tell you all about how fantastic I think it is, but it's a running shoe that must be tried on!
Don't expect to break records with this shoe, as it's not nearly firm enough for that. The midsole is extremely soft and primarily aims to provide gentle comfort on your easy runs – both short and long. And I can warmly recommend New Balance Fresh Foam More V3 to anyone struggling with knees, back, or hips – it has certainly been worth its weight in gold for me in my recovery after a knee surgery.
I didn't think I'd say this, but may have possibly surpassed with this model. Judge for yourself.
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