The Amber Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is a sprawling 16th-century fort-palace that echoes with the footsteps of history. This was our unconventional choice to test the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5, not your average running route, but the perfect terrain to challenge a maximalist running shoe in real-world, unpredictable conditions.

The Fresh Foam X More v5 is New Balance’s boldest step into the maximalist world. As the name implies, it offers more cushion, more foam, and more design innovation than any version before it. It’s a shoe built for long, slow runs, recovery days, and runners who demand maximum comfort.

A Royal First Impression

Pulling the shoes out of the box, I was immediately struck by their size. At 42.1mm heel stack and 34.3mm forefoot stack, these shoes tower over most others in my collection. Yet the design is sleek with a sculpted midsole that hints at forward motion. The colorway I tested, a subtle mix of sandstone and rust, seemed poetic against the backdrop of Amber Fort’s ochre walls.

Lacing them up, the plush tongue (a generous 9.1mm thick) and semi-gusseted fit hugged my foot with a secure yet gentle lockdown. There’s no heel tab, which surprised me, but the entry felt smooth and the heel counter stiffness (4/5 in lab tests) ensured my foot stayed locked in.

Specs That Speak Volumes

All the technical information comes straight from New Balance’s own website for reliability.

Feature	Value
Weight	10.9 oz (308g)
Stack Height (Heel/Forefoot)	42.1mm / 34.3mm
Drop	7.8mm (measured)
Midsole Material	Fresh Foam X (EVA-based)
Midsole Softness	8.6 HA (very soft)
Breathability	5/5
Outsole Durability	0.7mm wear (good)
Torsional Rigidity	4/5
Heel Counter Stiffness	4/5
Toebox Width	70.7mm
Flexibility	18.1N
Price	₹16,630

Climbing Palatial Steps

We started our test with the steep stone steps leading up to the Ganesh Pol entrance. These stairs are uneven, centuries-old, and vary in height. This is where the Fresh Foam X More v5 showed off its plush side. Each step felt pillowy, absorbing the jarring impact of the rigid stone.

Despite the soft midsole, I didn’t feel wobbly. That’s thanks to the wide base, 124.6mm forefoot and 105mm heel width, which gave me excellent lateral support. The rocker geometry came into play here too, helping me transition between steps with less effort.

The shoe felt stable underfoot, a surprising outcome for something so soft. I attribute this to the thick sidewalls and stiff torsional rigidity. The heel didn’t collapse on impact, and the toe-off felt smooth rather than mushy.

Courtyard Jog and Slow Strides

Once inside the main courtyard, we jogged across the uneven sandstone floor, weaving between tourists and the occasional elephant. The Fresh Foam X More v5 isn’t made for speed, and that became evident. The energy return is moderate at best (53.6% heel energy return), so every stride feels like a slow-motion bounce. But that’s the shoe’s purpose, comfort over performance.

The breathability was an unexpected highlight. Jaipur in August is hot, and yet my feet stayed cool. The upper mesh features huge ventilation holes, and in our microscope check, they were impressively large. The dual-layer mesh also included a thin inner layer that didn’t stifle airflow.

Balconies, Arches, and Tight Turns

Maneuvering through narrow archways and decorative balconies, I appreciated the grip. With a forefoot friction score of 0.55 (well above average), I could make tight turns and navigate smooth marble without slipping. Even on polished surfaces where traditional running shoes falter, the segmented outsole rubber zones (black at heel, blue at forefoot) offered reliable traction.

The shoe features a lot of exposed foam, which at first seemed risky in terms of durability, but after several hours, there were no visible abrasions. The Dremel test later confirmed only 0.7mm wear, a great result.

Fit and All-Day Comfort

The fit was snug, especially in the toebox. At 70.7mm width and only 24.4mm toebox height, it’s narrow and low-volume. Runners with wide feet or swelling might find this uncomfortable unless they opt for the wide or extra-wide variants. I wore a standard D width, and though secure, I did feel some toe pressure after 6 hours in the heat.

That said, the lockdown was excellent. The semi-gusseted tongue and stiff heel counter kept my foot in place without overtightening. No heel slippage, no hot spots, and thanks to the soft inner lining, no blisters either.

Recovery Run Downhill

The descent from the palace offered another chance to explore the rocker’s performance. My legs were tired, and the shoe’s geometry really helped to reduce calf and Achilles strain. The heel flare helped stabilize landings, especially when my form started to falter.

However, the softness does come at a cost. In colder conditions, the foam hardens by 37%, which we simulated by freezing the shoe pre-test. After thawing, it took a while to regain its plushness. If you live in a cold climate, this is worth considering.

Durability in the Desert

Despite the delicate look of the upper, the shoe held up well. The Dremel test yielded a 3/5 in toebox and heel padding durability. The outsole rubber, though minimal, was strategically placed and did its job. The outsole thickness of 3.2mm strikes a balance between weight and wear.

The only real downside? Weight. At 308g, the More v5 is a heavy shoe, and you’ll feel it during longer runs if you’re used to lighter trainers. But for a plush daily trainer or recovery shoe, it’s a trade-off worth making.

Final Thoughts: Fit for a King’s Foot

Testing the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 in the Amber Palace was a poetic match. The shoe’s regal cushioning and structured stability met the fort’s ancient stones with grace. It’s not a versatile, do-it-all shoe. But for what it’s designed to be, a maximalist daily trainer for slow, cushioned runs, it’s unmatched.

If you’re a runner who values softness, stability, and a plush feel over speed, the More v5 is likely your new throne. Just make sure your foot fits the narrow toebox, and prepare for a truly royal ride.