New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 is the Boston brand's shoe with the most foam, its maximum-cushioning option for easy runs and recovery days. While the flagship 1080 v15 has switched to the Infinion compound in search of a lighter, livelier feel, the More sticks with the familiar Fresh Foam X and goes all in on comfort. One step below in stack height sits the more classic Fresh Foam X 880 v15, for those who prefer to feel the ground a little more, with less "premium" finishes that usually mean a lower price.

Compared with the More v5, New Balance has not changed the recipe, it has fine-tuned it. The dual-layer mesh upper hugs the foot without pressure points, with a heavily padded collar and tongue (the tongue is gusseted so it does not move) and a slightly higher toe box that leaves more room for the toes without changing the last. It fits true to size and testers agree that it works well for both wide and narrow feet; it is also sold in several widths, which is always welcome although it depends on availability. The real change is underneath: although the official figure has not moved, the midsole is lower than in the More v5, the base a touch narrower and the foam walls around the heel less high. The result is a lighter (or rather less heavy) and less extreme shoe than its predecessor, and just as stable. The only drawback is that the collar has lost a little padding, which can affect the step-in feel.

The Fresh Foam X midsole, the same formulation used in the Fresh Foam X 1080 v14, has 44 mm of stack height at the heel and 40 mm at the forefoot, with a 4 mm drop. It is soft but not mushy: it cushions a lot and has some bounce, with a curved rocker geometry that eases a smooth transition, perfect for heel strikers. The wide platform and the foam rising up the sides cradle the foot and give a passive stability that is welcome when fatigue sets in. The outsole has rubber only at the front and back, leaving the midsole exposed elsewhere. It does the job well without being exceptional. Ideal for slow runs, long runs at a comfortable pace, recovery days and heavier runners. Also for walking or spending many hours on your feet.