TRAIL TESTED: New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail

Perfect for those who just can’t get enough distance, the New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail is made for epic days when your feet need guaranteed comfort throughout the entire adventure. There’s no doubt the shoe will last kilometre after kilometre for long days of exploring, training, and racing ultras on the trails and mountains. Whether you’re coming back from an injury, or simply keen to keep your feet protected and cushioned, this shoe works well as an everyday ultra-trail runner.

Women’s size 9: 252.3 g
Drop: 4 mm
CAD $200 
Available: Now

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Outsole and grip
The outsole appears burly with a molded texture. In use, the outsole provides extra protection and durability for roots, rocks, tree stumps, boulders, and a variety of trails. The horizontal lugs are not aggressive in size, so are ideal for slippery conditions and for descending slippery slab, mud, and roots. The lugs are also wider toward the heel, which felt awesome on technical descents.

Upper
With two different types of mesh woven together, the upper feels breathable and durable. A stiffer mesh overlaps the midfoot, while a more flexible mesh covers the toe box. This made the shoe feel like my foot could breathe and move easily inside the toe box. The upper is reinforced at the toe, providing durability even after kicking hundreds of rocks. The shoe is also water-resistant, making it perfect on wet terrain. The lacing system is standard with thin, flat laces. I really appreciated the shoe’s wide tongue, which stayed put, wrapping around my foot and keeping trail debris out.

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Midsole
There is a substantial amount of Fresh Foam packed into the midsole. This offers your feet protection from both pounding out ultra-distances and from jagged and sharp trail hazards. The midsole also rises above the footbed to centre your foot each time you step. The shoe still feels lightweight and responsive, despite the thickness and protection it offers.

Fit
This shoe is comfortable and provides ample cushion, and the generous width in the midfoot and forefoot keeps your toes in a more neutral position, but it definitely fits on the large side, and those with narrower feet may have trouble finding the right fit. The padded heel collar contributes to a snug but comfortable fit at the back, and it’s appropriately flexible. 

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Final thoughts
It’s not about the colour, but it’s not like colour doesn’t play a role in the purchasing decision (for better or worse). I appreciated the option of a fairly neutral upper with the more colourful midsole. The shoe is not flashy, and makes me feel the design focused on what matters–feeling comfortable while making memories on the trails and in the mountains.