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New Balance Fresh Foam More v3

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

8.6Overall score
A good running shoe with soft and maximal cushioning for everyday runs and recovery
With the success of maximal cushioning shoes and Hoka One One brand, New Balance created the Fresh Foam More to meet the new expectations of runners. The result is a massive shoe with equally huge cushioning. The first versions were a bit disappointing, but this third one impressed more than one tester.

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.
Comfort
8.5
Durability
9
Value for money
8
Design
9
PROS
  • Very comfortable shoe overall
  • Maximal, soft, and stable cushioning
  • Improved upper: premium feel and design, and more comfortable lockdown
  • Overall smooth run
CONS
  • Heavy and bulky shoe
  • The cushioning lacks responsiveness for uptempo runs, according to some testers
New Balance Fresh Foam v3 ground contact foam outsole

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

TerrainRoad
Pronation typeNeutral
Drop4 mm
Heel stack height33 mm
Forefoot stack height29 mm
Weight (men)309 g/10.9 oz
Weight (women)248 g/8.7 oz
FitWide feet
Release year2021

Cushioning

Softness (1-5)4 – Soft
Bounce (1-5)3 – Moderate

Technologies

OutsoleGround Contact Foam, Heel Bevel, flex grooves
MidsoleFresh Foam X
UpperEngineered mesh

Use

SpeedSlow, moderate
DistanceMid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon
WorkoutDaily runs, recovery

Reference: New Balance’s official website

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this running shoe true to size?

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.

I have overpronation. Can I run in the New Balance Fresh Foam More v3?

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.

I weigh more than 198 lbs/90 kg. Can I run in these shoes?

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.

Is this shoe a good choice to run a marathon?

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.

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner's Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He's also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.

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