Ladies’s New Steadiness Recent Foam X Path Extra Evaluation

Bottom Line

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Trail More v3 from New Balance is one of their most popular trail running shoes. These kicks deliver plush cushioning, a minimal drop, and they come in three different widths, which is great for finding a perfect fit.

The tread is reasonable, but we noticed that the stack height felt slightly elevated, which impacted our stability on varied terrain. While the cushioning is generous, they didn’t quite deliver the responsiveness we hoped for on softer surfaces.On the bright side, the design provides ample room in the toe area and boasts excellent breathability, making them comfortable for longer runs.

However, be mindful of their price point and somewhat limited versatility. If you’re the type of runner who primarily sticks to smooth trails, these shoes might just be your ideal match. But, if you like to tackle a mix of terrains, you might want to explore other options from our guide to the best trail running shoes for women.

Traction

We had high hopes for the Trail More v3, but the traction left much to be desired, particularly on the challenging, muddy trails of the Pacific Northwest. The lugs were relatively shallow, making it all too easy to slide and lose control in slippery conditions.

However, on drier paths, the Vibram outsole performed admirably, providing solid grip for gravel bike trails and on the smooth, steep singletrack we encountered in Michigan.

So, while the Trail More v3 shines on dry ground, be prepared for a bit of a struggle when the trails get tricky and wet, making them a better value for runners who don’t often adventure into those conditions.

comfort

The plush, maximal cushioning makes these trail running shoes feel like you’re floating on clouds, unfortunately, that leads to some other issues. We found these to feel unstable at such heights—New Balance’s highest stack offered—and experienced a great deal of lateral movement.

While running sinuous singletrack, we found ourselves to be extremely prone to rolling our ankles in these, which made us slow down even more. The ample toe box, higher volume midfoot, and three width offerings are a boon for those who struggle with scrunched toes in other brands.

While we found these to feel bouncy on dirt roads and gravel trails, they floundered on the soft, sandy trails of central Michigan’s Jail House Trail. The high channel in the midsole not only exposes foam (making it prone to damage and embedded stones) but also left the center of our feet feeling unsupported.

Weight

The Trail More v3 is surprisingly lighter than it looks. Despite their slightly bulky appearance, the lightweight foam offers a cushioned experience without dragging you down. Their weight is comparable to many other brands with less cushion—making them a good choice if you’re looking for a lot of padding, but don’t want the weight penalty. The Fresh Foam X technology ensures your feet truly do stay fresh and energized, even after long hours on trail.

Durability

We were genuinely impressed with the durability of the lightweight mesh upper. It resisted snagging impressively, even when we stumbled over branches during our rambles in the north woods of the Midwest.

However, our main durability concern centers around the exposed foam in the midsole. As we noted previously, an exposed foam channel runs centrally along the footbed. While this no doubt reduces the shoe’s weight, this design also allows rocks, mud, and other debris to become trapped, adding unwanted weight during our runs.

We found ourselves stopping to clear it out several times over the course of a long run on muddy trails. Over time, this could lead to foam punctures and other damage reducing the overall lifespan of the shoe.

Breathability

New Balance’s mesh upper shines with its incredible breathability, making it a good choice for runners in warmer climates. Moisture management and heat dispersion were top-notch, ensuring comfort throughout the run. The perforated design of the outer layer of mesh meant that we didn’t experience any issues with hot spots or blisters. 

However, it’s worth noting that after tackling a day-long downpour in the Pacific Northwest, the tongue and heel padding ended up quite soggy, taking over 24 hours to fully dry. So if you’re in a rainy climate and eyeing this shoe as your daily trainer, keep this drying time in mind. For runners in drier conditions, the New Balance Trail More v3 delivers a well-ventilated experience that lets you stay focused on the trail ahead.

Responsiveness

Unfortunately, the Fresh Foam X midsole falls short on responsiveness when compared to the Hierro X 8, possibly due to its increased stack height. On narrower trails with sharp turns and technical footing, we found these shoes to feel a bit cumbersome. 

On excursions in central Michigan’s McNabb Park, these shoes left us feeling flat on the sandy trails. The bounce that we felt on firmer trails was noticeably absent on the softer terrain. 

Additionally, the lack of ground feel left us taking tentative steps on the technical terrain of Washington state’s Chuckanut Mountains. While these shoes definitely provide a delightful bounce and energy recovery on smoother, compacted surfaces, they may not be the best choice if you’re looking for speed and agility—especially on quick-footed downhill stretches or in sloppy conditions.

Should You Buy the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X Trail More V3?

We had high hopes for these popular shoes, but sadly, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits for us. However, runners who thrive on specific terrains—like fire roads, gravel paths, and smooth, dry singletrack—may find them to be a good value. With options catering to various widths and an overall high volume, these are also great pick if you’re after both extra cushioning and a roomier fit.

However, if you’re in the market for a versatile shoe that can tackle muddy trails, challenging technical paths, and long mountain adventures, you may feel let down by their performance. Additionally, runners with narrower feet and a lower volume midfoot may feel like they’re swimming in them. If you’re someone who is looking for versatility and plans to tackle diverse terrains, it’s worth exploring other options.

What Other Women’s Trail Runners Should You Consider?

If the New Balance Fresh Foam X Trail Morev3 isn’t for you, check out these similar trail runners that have similar cushion and more performance.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review: If you’re looking for an even wider toe box and more traction, check out this former Editor’s Pick. These shoes are at home on rugged trails and have the most room in the footbox of everything we tested. Choose from two widths.

Brooks Catamount 4 Review: If you’re looking for a more performance fit that’s designed to go fast, slip into a pair of these. Equally at home on trail and hardpack, these trail runners marry maximum cushion with durable traction.

New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro x 8 Review: Looking for a sticky Vibram grip? These shoes will take you from dry trails to wet pavement with ease. Available in three widths.