The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is a shoe that turns heads. Not because it’s flashy or ultra-light, but because it’s unapologetically big. With one of the highest stack heights in the New Balance lineup and a midsole that feels like a memory foam mattress strapped to your feet, this shoe promises comfort above all else. But does it hold up outside the lab? We took these chunky beasts to the ancient and rugged trails of the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, India, to find out.

The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, is a mix of harsh, rocky terrain, dry scrubland, and winding paths that test both endurance and shoe engineering. It was the perfect proving ground for a shoe that claims to be built for long, easy miles.

First Impressions: Soft, Solid, and Surprisingly Secure

Straight out of the box, the Fresh Foam X More v4 feels premium. The engineered mesh is soft to the touch, and the shoe has a distinct heft that hints at the amount of foam underfoot. Slipping my foot in, I immediately noticed the deep sidewalls that cradle the foot. It’s like stepping into a padded canoe.

The fit was true to size for me. My standard US 10.5 felt secure, with enough room in the toe box to allow for foot swelling on longer runs. The tongue, while not gusseted, was thick and stayed in place without causing any lace bite. Heel lockdown was excellent; there was no slippage even on the steep inclines of the Aravalli trails.

Tech Specs at a Glance

We rely on New Balance’s official site for technical data so you get the right info every time.

Feature	Spec
Weight (US Men’s 9)	10.6 oz / 301g
Heel Stack Height	32.5 mm
Forefoot Stack Height	27.9 mm
Drop	4.6 mm
Midsole	Fresh Foam X (EVA-based)
Insole	Removable
Upper Material	Engineered Mesh
Outsole	Rubber pods (partial coverage)
Arch Support	Neutral
Torsional Rigidity	2/5 (Flexible)
Heel Counter Stiffness	2/5 (Flexible)
Breathability	2/5 (Warm)
Price	₹15650 (approx. $150)

The Ride: Plush, Cushy, and Built for Cruising

On the dusty and uneven trails of the Aravalli, the Fresh Foam X More v4 felt like a ride on a luxury SUV. The cushioning is incredibly soft, in fact, our lab tests rated it at 15.5 HA, which is 55% softer than the average road running shoe. But while that sounds like a recipe for a squishy, energy-sapping run, the shoe manages to maintain a touch of bounce.

This isn’t a shoe for speedwork or intervals. It’s a recovery day dream. On long, slow runs winding through the dry forest trails, the More v4 absorbed every rock and root without transmitting harshness to my legs. The plushness did not feel dead; there was a mild rebound that kept my legs turning over, albeit at an easy pace.

Stability in the Wild

Despite the massive stack height, the More v4 is surprisingly stable. The foot sits within deep sidewalls of foam, and the base of the shoe is exceptionally wide, 102.1 mm at the heel and 119.5 mm at the forefoot. On rocky descents and uneven singletrack, I never felt wobbly.

This stability is further enhanced by the shoe’s torsional flexibility. It twists and bends with the foot, adapting to the cambered paths and rocky outcrops of the Aravalli Range. It’s not a trail shoe by any means, but for road-to-trail transitions or dry, non-technical paths, it holds its own impressively.

Breathability and Heat Management

One of the few drawbacks I noticed was heat retention. The Aravalli Range in March can climb to 35°C by mid-morning, and the engineered mesh upper of the More v4 didn’t do much to breathe. My feet were warm, not unbearably so, but noticeably warmer than in my Hoka Clifton 9s or NB 1080s.

Our lab breathability score backed this up: 2/5. The upper is dense, and while this makes it a great winter option, it can feel stuffy in summer. If you’re someone who runs hot or lives in a tropical climate, this may be a dealbreaker.

Durability and Grip: Holding Strong

After over 30 miles across rocky terrain, I was impressed by how little wear the outsole showed. The rubber coverage isn’t full-length, but the key impact zones are protected. The outsole hardness measured at 75.1 HC, which contributes to good grip on dry surfaces without compromising too much on durability.

Traction on gravel and compact dirt was solid. On slick rock faces and smoother surfaces, the grip was adequate but not exceptional. This isn’t a trail shoe, so expectations should be grounded, but for hybrid runs that include pavement and light trail, it’s more than capable.

Fit and Feel: Secure, Soft, and Spacious

The More v4 accommodates a wide range of foot shapes. With widths available from normal to extra-wide, I found the toe box roomy enough without being sloppy. The midfoot and heel feel secure, thanks to the plush internal padding and flexible heel counter (rated 2/5 on stiffness).

The non-gusseted tongue can be a bit fiddly, especially if you’re adjusting mid-run, but once you dial in the laces, it stays put. The 5.5 mm tongue padding prevents any pressure points.

Real World Performance: Aravalli Terrain Test

We started our route from the outskirts of Udaipur, climbing steep, dusty switchbacks lined with thorny acacia and neem trees. The More v4’s cushioning made even the harshest stone steps feel manageable. Descending loose gravel sections near Sajjangarh Fort, I appreciated the wide base and stable ride.

The shoe’s high stack never felt unstable, and I was never worried about rolling an ankle, a common concern in max-cushion shoes. When we hit smoother tarmac sections near the base of the hills, the shoe adapted seamlessly, rolling smoothly through each stride.

My longest day in the Aravalli with the More v4 was a 22 km loop in searing heat. My legs felt fresh throughout and even the next day, which is a testament to how much impact protection this shoe offers.

Conclusion: Plush Power with Unexpected Versatility

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is a specialist shoe, it knows its role and performs it with excellence. It’s not for fast days, and it’s certainly not a featherweight racer. But for recovery runs, long miles, or just getting through your weekly volume with minimal impact on your joints, it shines.

Testing it in the Aravalli Range gave me a new appreciation for how well a road shoe can perform in unpredictable real-world conditions. The cushioning is a godsend on harsh terrain, the stability is confidence-inspiring, and the overall ride is enjoyable even when the kilometers stack up.

If you’re a runner who values comfort above all else, or you’re dealing with injury or fatigue, the Fresh Foam X More v4 might just be your new best friend.

Whether you’re cruising down a paved boardwalk or navigating ancient stone trails under the Rajasthani sun, it’s a shoe that delivers on its promise, more foam, more comfort, more miles.