New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2

Review Score
78%
πŸ… Highly Rated
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New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2: Review

β€œA trail shoe that combines maximalist cushioning with versatile protection.”

Overview


The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 is a trail running shoe designed for comfort and versatility. This shoe is known for its maximalist cushioning and protective features.

Key Features:

  • Cushioning: The Fresh Foam X midsole provides a soft and responsive ride, ideal for long distances.
  • Protection: A durable upper with a protective toe cap shields against trail debris.
  • Traction: The Vibram outsole offers superior grip on diverse terrains.
  • Fit: The shoe has a medium toe box and overall volume, with a secure lockdown.

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize comfort and protection for off-road adventures. Its traction and fit offer a reliable experience, making it suitable for a range of trail conditions.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 78%. This puts it in the lowest rated 30% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just below the median price of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2


The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 has been well-received for its plush cushioning and protective design, making it a solid choice for trail runners seeking comfort on long runs. The Fresh Foam X midsole delivers a soft yet responsive ride, while the Vibram outsole ensures reliable traction across various terrains. However, the shoe's high stack height may not inspire confidence on highly technical trails, and some runners have reported issues with breathability and fit, suggesting a need to size up. Despite its weight, the shoe maintains a level of responsiveness that is appreciated on less challenging trails. Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 is a decent option for those looking for a cushioned and protective trail running shoe, though it may not be the best fit for highly technical or wet conditions.

Updates to New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2


The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 continues the maximalist trend of its predecessor, with a focus on cushioning and protection. The updated Vibram outsole and reconfigured upper offer improved traction and fit. This model stands alongside the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail family as a top choice for cushioned trail running.

Comparable Shoes


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The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v1 is the predecessor to the v2, with the latest version offering a new Vibram outsole for better traction and durability. The v2 also features an improved upper for a more secure fit.

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Compared to the New Balance Hierro v6, the Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 offers a more maximalist cushioning experience, with both shoes providing solid protection and grip for trail runners.

6 New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

The Fresh Foam X midsole delivers a cushioned and responsive ride.
The Vibram outsole offers excellent traction and durability.
The protective upper and toe cap shield against trail debris.

3 Cons

The shoe may run a half size small, requiring sizing up.
The high stack height can affect stability on technical terrain.
Breathability may be limited due to the dense materials used in the upper.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 has been praised for its durability and protective features. The thicker mesh material is designed to withstand wear and tear, and the reinforced toe cap offers additional defense against trail hazards. However, some runners have noted that the heel collar could provide more support, and the shoe's breathability may be compromised by the dense materials used.

Midsole

The Fresh Foam X midsole is a standout feature of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2, providing a cushioned and responsive ride. This technology ensures that the shoe remains comfortable even during long runs, though some runners have found the cushioning to be too dense, affecting the shoe's flexibility and ground feel.

Outsole

The switch to a Vibram outsole in the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 has been a welcome improvement, offering enhanced traction and durability. The outsole's design allows for confident movement on a variety of trail surfaces, although the shoe's performance on extremely technical terrain may still be limited.

Size/fit

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 runs a half size small according to some users, necessitating a size adjustment for optimal fit. The medium toe box and overall volume provide a secure lockdown, but the fit may not be ideal for all foot shapes, particularly for those with wider feet.

Comfort

Comfort is a key strength of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2, with its soft midsole and protective upper contributing to a pleasant running experience. The shoe's cushioning is particularly beneficial for recovery runs or long distances on non-technical trails.

Cushioning

The maximalist cushioning of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 is designed to offer protection and comfort over long distances. The high stack height provides ample underfoot protection, though it may reduce the runner's connection to the trail and affect stability on uneven ground.

Stability

While the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 offers a wide and stable base, the high stack height can compromise stability on technical terrain. Runners have reported feeling less confident on rocky and uneven trails due to the shoe's design.

Durability

Durability is a strong suit for the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2, with robust materials and a Vibram outsole that shows little wear after extensive use. The shoe is built to last, making it a good investment for regular trail runners.

Grip

The grip of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 is reliable on a variety of surfaces, thanks to the Vibram outsole. The lugs provide security on wet and slippery conditions, although the shoe's performance on highly technical terrain may be less assured.

Who should buy the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2?


The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 is well-suited for trail runners who value a cushioned and protective shoe for long distances. It's a strong candidate for those engaging in daily running on trail or mixed surfaces, and for runners who prefer a neutral support type.

Who should not buy the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2?


Runners who frequently tackle highly technical or rocky trails may want to consider other options, as the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2's high stack height can affect stability. Those who prioritize a lightweight and highly breathable shoe might also look elsewhere, as this model's protective features add weight and may limit ventilation.

New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2: What's it good for?


The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 is good for long-distance trail running, recovery runs, and road-to-trail transitions. Its cushioning and protection make it suitable for ultra marathons and everyday trail outings. The shoe's versatility allows it to handle a range of conditions, though it excels on mild to moderate trails.

4 New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 FAQs


Is the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 suitable for ultra marathons?

Yes, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 is designed with maximalist cushioning and a protective upper, making it suitable for ultra marathon distances and long trail runs.

How does the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 fit?

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 tends to run a half size small, so it's recommended to size up for a better fit. It has a medium toe box and overall volume for a secure lockdown.

What type of outsole does the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 have?

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 features a Vibram outsole that provides excellent grip and durability on a variety of trail surfaces.

Can the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 handle technical trails?

While the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 offers good traction and protection, its high stack height may not provide the stability needed for highly technical trails.

New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 alternatives

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Price band
released
Released
Oct 2021
May 2019Jul 2019Mar 2018Mar 2018
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Expert Review Score
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productAthletes
Pro athlete users
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Jeffrey SternPablo Villalobos
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+5
Elov OlssonRyan Woods
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Jesse ShotlandDamian Hall
Weight
Weight
329 g
M: 181 g
W: 142 g
215 g
M: 241 g
W: 190 g
M: 204 g
W: 170 g
235 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
29 mm
5 mm
16 mm
17 mm
M: 18 mm
W: 16 mm
7 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
4 mm
4 mm
3 mm
4 mm
Heel
Heel
33 mm
5 mm
20 mm
17 mm
M: 21 mm
W: 19 mm
11 mm
Terrain
Terrain
Trail
TrailTrailTrailMudTrailTrail
Brand
Brand
New Balance
VibramSalomonMerrellHokaInov-8
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Low dropMaximalist
BarefootLightweightLow dropMinimalistZero dropLightweightLow dropLightweightLow dropZero dropLightweightLow dropLightweightLow drop
Techs
Techs
New Balance Fresh Foam
Vibram
Waterproofings
Waterproofings
Water repellent
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan β“‹Vegan β“‹Vegan β“‹
0

New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2: what the experts say (2 reviews)

New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2046)
TerrainTrail (+532)
BrandNew Balance (+128)
Support TypeNeutral (+1598)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1574)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1112)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1521)
Shoe TypeLow drop (+277)Maximalist (+432)
FitMedium toe box (+851)
TechsNew Balance Fresh Foam (+63)
Events10k (+715)Half marathon (+715)Marathon (+715)Ultra marathon (+136)
ColorwaysBlack / Grey, Black / Red, Blue / Purple, Blue / Vibrant Apricot / Eclipse, Grey
Specificationsvs Average
Model
Trail v2
Released
Oct 2021
Measurements
Weight
329 g
Heel to toe drop
4 mm
Heel
33 mm
Forefoot
29 mm

Evolution of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail product family

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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