New Balance Fresh Foam More v3 Review Analysis (2021)
Last update: March 2024
The Fresh Foam v3 is the maximal cushioning running shoe from New Balance that comes with an improved and roomier upper.
The Consensus
So let’s start with the upper, which was the most negative point of the v2: basic for a shoe at this price and not very comfortable. The new engineered mesh of the v3 is more premium, stylish, and delivers a much better lockdown. There’s also more room for the toes (be careful if you have narrow feet, you may float a bit). The heel counter is also more built up to prevent heel slippage and improve the overall structure. Overall, the feedback on the upper is very positive.
Do you like soft cushioning, like really soft cushioning? Then you’re in for a treat! Fresh Foam X combined with the high stack (33 mm heel stack height, 29 mm toe stack height) offers a plush underfoot feel. Testers were impressed with NB’s ability to combine softness and stability, while the two rarely go hand in hand. The solution? A wide platform for better support. The downside is that the v3 is heavier than the v2 and goes beyond the symbolic 300 g/10.1 oz (M) threshold, objectively heavy for a running shoe in 2021. Regarding the bounce, even with a more pronounced “rocker,” reviews are mixed. Some runners didn’t find the cushioning to be responsive at all, while others noted a slight bounce that gives a smooth run, but nothing to match the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run.
The outsole doesn’t change much and continues to combine exposed foam and rubber. This type of configuration is more fragile, so you’ll have to keep an eye on the durability to see how well the shoe holds up over time. However, the good thing is that testers didn’t notice any signs of wear even after several long runs. Finally, the grip is adequate, even on wet surfaces.
The New Balance Fresh Foam More v3 is a comfortable maximal cushioning shoe for everyday workouts and recovery runs. If you’re looking for a shoe with a soft but stable ride and comfortable foot lockdown, it’s a solid option. However, its heavy weight and lack of snap limit its versatility.
- Very comfortable shoe overall
- Maximal, soft, and stable cushioning
- Improved upper: premium feel and design, and more comfortable lockdown
- Overall smooth run
- Heavy and bulky shoe
- The cushioning lacks responsiveness for uptempo runs, according to some testers
Technologies
Outsole
- Ground Contact Foam is directly in contact with the ground to provide a softer ride by limiting the amount of rubber. It’s relatively sturdy and gives effective traction.
- The Heel Bevel gives a round shape to the rear for better impact dispersion and to complement the rockered design of the sole.
- The flex grooves help you to transition more smoothly from heel to toes by enabling the sole to better adapt to the movement of the foot.
Midsole
- The Fresh Foam X midsole is a new version of the signature foam by New Balance. It’s lighter and allows a more energetic bounce.
Upper
- The New Balance Fresh Foam More v3’s upper is an engineered mesh that provides a secure and comfortable foot lockdown while offering ventilation, especially when you increase the effort.
Facts
Technical Specs
Terrain | Road |
Pronation type | Neutral |
Drop | 4 mm |
Heel stack height | 33 mm |
Forefoot stack height | 29 mm |
Weight (men) | 309 g/10.9 oz |
Weight (women) | 248 g/8.7 oz |
Fit | Wide feet |
Release year | 2021 |
Cushioning
Softness (1-5) | 4 – Soft |
Bounce (1-5) | 3 – Moderate |
Technologies
Outsole | Ground Contact Foam, Heel Bevel, flex grooves |
Midsole | Fresh Foam X |
Upper | Engineered mesh |
Use
Speed | Slow, moderate |
Distance | Mid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon |
Workout | Daily runs, recovery |
Reference: New Balance’s official website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, this model fits true to size. However, reviewers note that it’s a bit roomier, which may be too big for runners with narrow feet.
Yes, because it’s a neutral running shoe. The foam is soft and flexible, but the wide profile of the platform compensates for this and provides good stability. We still recommend you try it on if you are used to advanced support.
Yes, these shoes are fine independently of your weight. Indeed, The New Balance Fresh Foam More v3 has a heel stack height of 33 mm, which is enough to support most athletes.
This New Balance road shoe is very comfortable for longer distances, including marathons. However, testers note that the cushioning is moderately responsive, which may not be enough if you want a performance-oriented shoe.