For those battling plantar fasciitis and seeking comfortable, cushioned footwear, Hoka shoes often come highly recommended. Like many, I found Hokas provided excellent cushioning, which was a welcome relief for my plantar fasciitis pain. However, my experience mirrored a common concern: Hokas tend to wear out quickly, especially with regular use. Seeking a more durable alternative without sacrificing cushioning, I turned to the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail V3 trail runners, based on the recommendation of a knowledgeable running gear store owner in Lisbon. His familiarity with both long-distance trails like the Camino de Santiago and the challenges of plantar fasciitis made his advice particularly valuable.
Recently, I put these New Balance shoes to the test during a rigorous month-long hiking trip across Madeira and the Azores islands. This adventure included tackling the 180-kilometer Caminho Real 23 in Madeira, an overnight ascent of Montanha do Pico, and numerous demanding day hikes throughout the Azores. My experience with the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail V3 has been overwhelmingly positive, and they have proven to be excellent Shoes Comparable To Hoka in several key aspects.
The most immediate and significant benefit I noticed was the exceptional cushioning. In fact, the cushioning in the New Balance shoes surpassed even that of my Hokas. This superior cushioning played a crucial role in managing my plantar fasciitis pain, keeping discomfort at bay even during long days on challenging terrain. Initially, I encountered a minor issue when descending steep slopes – my custom 3/4-length orthotic insoles had a tendency to slide forward, bunching up near my toes. However, this problem resolved itself as the shoe’s cushioning adapted to the insoles. The foam compacted slightly under the insoles, creating a snug indentation that effectively held them in place, ensuring consistent support and comfort throughout my hikes.
Durability and performance on varied terrain were also critical factors during this trip. As you can see in the image below, the outsoles show noticeable wear after extensive use.
Despite the tread wear, the New Balance shoes provided ample grip even on slippery rocks during the final ascent and descent of Pico. This reliable traction was essential for navigating the diverse and often challenging trails. Furthermore, the uppers of the shoes have held up remarkably well. Despite being dirty from the trails, they remain completely intact, showing no signs of tearing or damage. This contrasts sharply with my previous experience with Hokas, where the inner fabric around the heels deteriorated quickly, resulting in annoying foam shedding. The robust construction of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail V3 suggests a significantly longer lifespan compared to my Hokas.
According to the New Balance website, these trail runners feature a 4mm drop and are also available in a men’s version. For anyone seeking shoes comparable to Hoka, particularly for hiking or dealing with plantar fasciitis, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail V3 are a compelling alternative. They offer superior cushioning, robust durability, and reliable performance on demanding trails, making them a worthy investment for comfortable and pain-free adventures.
