Forget about version 1 and 2! New Balance has reinvented NB Fresh Foam More V3, making it one of the softest and most cushioned training shoes available on the market.
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ABOUT NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM MORE V3
Type: Trainer
Running style: Neutral
Size: Snug but otherwise normal
Best for: Easy runs and firm surfaces
is an ultra-soft competitor to the otherwise beloved . And while several brands have tried to create the same soft Bondi-bounce in their running shoes, none have truly succeeded until now. With the launch of New Balance Fresh Foam More V3, is catching up significantly on HOKA, and I dare say, in some areas, they have moved past! Read the full article, get an impression of the shoe, and buy yourself a pair; you don't want to miss this!
NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM MORE V3 – UPPER AND FIT
There have been significant changes from More V2 to V3. Mostly in the midsole, but more on that later. From the outside, it just looks like a comfy, soft cloud. And it's not far off, because with all the foam in the midsole and a stack height of 33/29 mm, it promises an incredibly soft and cushioned comfort.
There is more Fresh Foam in the midsole of New Balance Fresh Foam More V3 than in any other New Balance running shoe. It makes it the softest of New Balance’s training shoes.
The small changes made in the upper make more breathable and flexible. Don't be alarmed if New Balance Fresh Foam More V3 feels very tight on the foot the first few times you wear it. It has never caused discomfort for me.
Additionally, NB FF More V3 features a high heel collar in the same soft fabric, providing good protection for the Achilles tendon. If you have sensitive skin around the Achilles, opting for a running shoe with a higher heel collar might be a smart choice, so the shoe's edge doesn't irritate the skin.
The snug fit is necessary when dealing with a running shoe with so much foam underfoot. There's not a lot of ground feel with these 'max comfort' types of running shoes. Here, the upper of adds stability, giving you better control over your stride.
In fact, I find that this soft, bouncy comfort is enhanced because I stand completely firm in the shoe.
SOFTER THAN EVER
has been a joy from the first time I put them on. You immediately feel how the spongy Fresh Foam X foam cushions underfoot. It bodes well when just walking in them, you can feel the bounce!
And that impression has been confirmed on each of my runs in FF More V3. The soft foam absorbs SO much impact, providing a far more gentle running experience. My runs in New Balance Fresh Foam More V3 feel less taxing on the body, and it seems like I recover faster after my runs. This is a huge plus if you struggle with bad knees, hips, or back!
Despite the large amount of foam in the midsole, the shoe feels light to run in.
I can't emphasize enough how fantastic the midsole is. It is undoubtedly More V3’s greatest strength and where 'the magic happens'.
It's quite funny how I can repeatedly get excited about soft, bouncy midsoles, but it's a pleasure to see more brands 'crack the code' to the comfort that Hoka has previously had a monopoly on.
Hence, a comparison with model is inevitable. Which of the two shoes is better?
NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM MORE V3 - A STRONG COMPETITOR TO HOKA ONE ONE BONDI
Let's establish this. NB FF More V3 is softer than HOKA Bondi 7! There. I said it. This doesn't necessarily mean that is better, as it depends on what the run's purpose is and which comfort you prefer.
Both models are among the softest on the market, but where NB FF More V3 is incredibly soft, you get both soft comfort and more energy return with HOKA One One Bondi 7. This makes Bondi feel more responsive, without being harsh! It can be best explained as being easier to up the pace in Bondi compared to NB FF More V3, which requires more effort. Therefore, NB FF More V3 is a running shoe for those runs where I need max comfort and have no focus on running fast.
Another thing I've noticed is that NB FF More V3 offers a special roll from heel to toe, making the stride smooth and effortless. Even though I don't land on the heel, I still experience that roll from midfoot forward.
Overall, I find NB FF More V3 very suitable for both heel and forefoot strikers. This is one area where I feel Hoka One One Bondi can feel heavy if landing further forward on the foot. In other words, you get the most out of Bondi if you land on the heel.
New Balance Fresh Foam More V3 vs. Hoka One One Bondi 7
NB FF MORE V3 HOKA ONE ONE BONDI 7
WEIGHT: 254 g. (sz. 40) WEIGHT: 268 g. (sz. 40)
STACK HEIGHT: 33 mm/29 mm STACK HEIGHT: 36 mm/32 mm
DROP: 4 mm DROP: 4 mm
I had to wear the shoes simultaneously to make a 1:1 comparison. Bondi suddenly feels wide at the forefoot and looser around my ankle and arch. This can be an advantage if you have slightly wider feet because there's plenty of room, but if you prefer a snug fit, you'll be pleased with Fresh Foam More V3.
However, NB FF More V3 has some catching up to do when it comes to the outsole. It's designed so that small stones occasionally get stuck when I run on gravel. They are not difficult to remove, but it's just a bit annoying if I run a route with both gravel and asphalt. But NB FF More V3 isn't meant for that! The thick midsole is best suited for firm surfaces. The downside is that you don't have much ground feel withthe 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, adore soft and comfortable comfort in your running shoes, New Balance Fresh Foam More V3 will be the year's highlight for you! I can tell you all about how amazing I think it is, but it's a running shoe that needs to be tried on!
Don't expect to break records with this shoe, as it's not firm enough for that. The midsole is extremely soft and is primarily meant to provide you with gentle comfort on your easy runs – short or long. And I can highly recommend New Balance Fresh Foam More V3 to anyone with knee, back, or hip issues – it has certainly been invaluable for me in my recovery after knee surgery.
I didn't think I'd say it, but may have possibly outdone with this model. Judge for yourself.
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