New Balance Fresh Foam More v2

The New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 features a redesigned upper that uses a double jacquard mesh, providing a soft and breathable environment for the foot. The 'Tongue Wing' cradle design ensures a secure midfoot fit, although it may require a break-in period to reach optimal comfort. The 'Ultra Heel' design is a standout, offering a secure heel fit while minimizing irritation around the Achilles tendon. The overall structure of the upper, from the locked-in heel to the spacious toe box, caters to a variety of foot shapes and promotes comfort on longer runs.

At the heart of the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is the Fresh Foam X midsole, which offers a plush yet responsive ride. This innovative foam technology provides substantial cushioning, making the shoe ideal for runners with neutral pronation or those with a tendency towards supination. The midsole's design facilitates a smooth transition from heel to toe, thanks to its rocker shape, which also aids in propelling the runner forward with less effort.

The outsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 utilizes Ground Contact EVA, a material chosen for its lightweight properties over traditional rubber. While this contributes to the shoe's overall lightness and flexibility, it raises questions about the outsole's long-term durability, as signs of wear can appear relatively quickly. Despite this, the grip provided by the outsole is adequate for road running and light trails, offering a reliable traction underfoot.

Runners will find that the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 runs true to size in length, with a generous width that accommodates a medium to wide foot. The roomy toe box is a highlight, allowing for natural toe spread, which is particularly beneficial during longer runs. Some runners with narrow feet may need to adjust the laces for a snugger fit, and the heel cup's width may lead to some movement, though it does not significantly impact performance.

Comfort is a standout feature of the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2, with its maximalist design offering a cushioned and forgiving ride. The Fresh Foam X midsole, while not the most responsive, provides a soft underfoot feel that supports the foot through miles of running. The shoe's comfort extends to the upper, where the breathable mesh and thoughtful heel design contribute to a pleasant running experience.

The cushioning of the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is described as 'squishy and smooth,' providing a protective and cushioned feel with each step. The Fresh Foam X midsole ensures that the shoe is not overly soft, avoiding the sensation of sinking that can come with excessively plush shoes. This balance of protection and cushioning makes the shoe suitable for runners who prefer a softer ride without compromising stability.

The New Balance Fresh Foam More v2's upper is crafted from a technical mesh that is both lightweight and breathable. This ensures that the foot remains cool and dry, even on warmer days or during longer runs. The breathability of the shoe is a key factor in maintaining comfort over time, making it a suitable option for runners in various climates.

Despite its maximalist cushioning, the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 provides a stable ride, which is a significant advantage for a shoe with such a high stack height. The design of the midsole and outsole work together to offer a secure and balanced feel during runs, making it a reliable choice for runners who value stability in their daily trainers.

The durability of the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is a concern, particularly in the outsole. The Ground Contact EVA material, while contributing to the shoe's lightness and flexibility, shows signs of wear relatively quickly. This may affect the shoe's longevity, especially for runners who log high mileage. However, the upper and midsole maintain their integrity and performance over time.

The grip of the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is effective on roads, grass, and dirt trails, thanks to the outsole's design and the presence of lugs. While the shoe is not specifically designed for technical trails, it offers sufficient traction for light trail use. The large stack height and outsole design provide a secure grip across various surfaces, adding to the shoe's versatility.

Yes, the New Balance Fresh Foam More v2 is suitable for marathon training, offering a cushioned and comfortable ride that can help reduce fatigue during long runs.

The Fresh Foam More v2 fits true to size in length and offers a generous width, particularly in the toe box, making it accommodating for runners with medium to wide feet.

While the Fresh Foam More v2 can handle light trails, it is primarily designed for road running. For more technical trails, the New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail v2 would be a more appropriate choice.

The main difference is the inclusion of Fresh Foam X foam in the midsole of the v2, which enhances cushioning and responsiveness, along with updates to the upper for improved comfort and breathability.