More 5

Yes, the More v5 fits true to size for most runners, so stick with your usual New Balance number. The toe box is roomy and the overall fit leans generous, which suits wider feet well. If you have a narrow or low-volume foot you may want to lace it firmly to lock the midfoot down. New Balance also offer wider fittings, so if standard trainers usually pinch, this is a strong option. Runners between sizes should try a half size if they can.

For long training runs, yes, it is one of the best options out there. The deep Fresh Foam X cushioning protects your legs over two and three hour efforts far better than a firmer shoe, making it ideal for marathon build-up mileage. For race day itself, most runners will want something lighter and more responsive, since at 309g the More v5 is built for comfort rather than speed. Think of it as your training workhorse, not your marathon racer.

It is a very good beginner shoe if comfort and leg protection are your priorities. The soft, forgiving ride and roomy fit make early runs feel kinder on your legs and joints, and the neutral, planted platform is easy to run in. The main considerations are the weight and the 155 pound price, which is a lot for a first shoe. If your budget allows, though, the comfort it offers new runners is genuinely reassuring on those early miles.

Both are premium max-cushion trainers built for plush, protective easy miles, so it often comes down to fit and feel. The New Balance More v5 has a lower 4mm drop and a notably roomy toe box, giving it a more grounded, natural feel. The Hoka Bondi 9 sits taller with a firmer, more rockered ride that some runners find more stable. Try both if you can. Wide-footers often lean towards the More.

Yes, it is built as a high-mileage workhorse and should hold up well across a training block. The generous rubber coverage on the outsole resists wear on daily road running, and the thick Fresh Foam X midsole retains its cushioning for a good stretch of its life. As with any soft max-cushion shoe, the foam will eventually lose some bounce, but you can reasonably expect several hundred miles of comfortable running before it needs replacing.

You can, but it is not what the shoe is designed for. The soft foam, low drop and 309g weight all damp your turnover, so it feels sluggish when you push toward tempo or interval pace, and there is no plate to spring you forward. It is far happier at easy and steady efforts. If you want one shoe that can also handle faster work, a lighter daily trainer like the Saucony Triumph 23 offers a bit more range.