New Balance fresh foam x hierro v9

Learn more about the New Balance fresh foam x hierro v9 male running shoes, including key features, performance, reviews, model updates, and more.

New Balance fresh foam x hierro v9

Price

280

Rating

Poor

Popularity

Less Popular

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 is a rugged trail-running shoe known for its enhanced cushioning and durability, positioned as a more robust alternative within the Fresh Foam lineup, often compared to models like the Fresh Foam More for road running or the Fresh Foam 1080 for a balance between performance and comfort.

New Balance
New Balance fresh foam x hierro
3 colorways

Colorway: Dark Juniper with Black and Dried Apricot

Widths available: normal

Anthony
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Summary

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is a versatile trail running shoe designed for those seeking comfort, durability, and performance on rugged terrains. It features a Fresh Foam X midsole, delivering a plush and responsive cushioning experience ideal for long-distance comfort. The shoe's upper is made from breathable yet durable materials, including a reinforced toe cap for added protection against trail hazards. The Hierro v9 includes a Vibram Megagrip outsole, providing superior traction on varied surfaces, making it a dependable choice for trail runners who frequently navigate challenging trails. In New Balance's lineup, the Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 stands out as a trail-specific model, contrasting with the road-oriented shoes like the Fresh Foam 1080, which focuses on maximizing cushioning and comfort for road running. Compared to the FuelCell series known for speed and responsiveness, the Hierro v9 prioritizes durability and grip over speed, catering to trail enthusiasts looking for stability and protection in off-road environments.

Surface

trail

Cushioning

MinLowMediumHighMax(40mm)

Category

ResponsiveBalancedComfort

Breathability

LowMediumHigh( upper)

Weight

306g

Heel-to-Toe Drop

4mm0mm14mm

Support

NeutralLightHigh

Width options

normal, wide

Grip

LowMediumHighMax(high density, 4.5mm lugs) - Vibram Megagrip rubber

Suitability

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Pros & Cons

AI-powered

Fittir conducts a detailed analysis of the New Balance fresh foam x hierro v9 to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the shoes features, pros, and cons based on 18 wear-tester reviews.

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

stack height (3)
firmness (3)
softness (2)
height (2)
support (2)
stability (1)
midsole type (1)
dual_density (1)
Pros
"The Fresh Foam X Hero v9 features a plush cushioning system for soft landings."
cushioning
midsole
soft landings
"The Fresh Foam X midsole provides exceptional cushioning, making it ideal for longer runs."
comfort
cushioning
foam
"The cushioning offers a stable feel for a trail shoe."
cushioning
firmness
stability
"Generously padded midsole height."
stack height
midsole
cushion
"The increase in stack height further enhances the cushioning experience for the runner."
stack height
cushioning
"The cushioning of the shoe is described as nice and firm, which is positive for the reviewer."
cushioning
firmness
"The shoe increased cushioning provides better protection and comfort for long-distance runs."
long-distance
upgraded cushioning
"The Fresh Foam X Hero v9 offers an impressive amount of cushioning with a high stack height."
cushioning
stack height
comfort
"The midsole has a significantly larger stack height than previous versions, enhancing cushioning."
midsole
cushioning
thickness
"The shoe features a significant amount of cushioning in the midsole, enhancing comfort while running."
cushioning
midsole
"The dual density Fresh Foam X midsole provides a soft and stable running experience."
midsole
soft
rigid
support
"The shoe features dual density cushioning that offers both comfort and stability."
comfort
stability
long_distance
"The Fresh Foam X midsole provides excellent responsiveness and impact absorption."
impact_absorption
cushioning
"The Fresh Foam X midsole offers a highly cushioned and responsive ride."
cushioning
responsive
midsole
fresh foam
"The dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole offers a great balance of plush comfort and stability."
cushioning
durability
responsiveness
"The shoe features dual density Fresh Foam X for a balance of softness and support."
Fresh Foam
support
softness
"The shoe features a significant amount of cushioning, providing a plush ride."
cushioning
comfort
"The Fresh Foam X midsole offers improved comfort and performance compared to previous versions."
fresh foam
midsole
comfort
"The New Balance Hierro v9 offers extra cushioning, which is beneficial for long hours on the trail."
cushioning
trail
comfort
"The midsole provides a plush feeling, contributing to overall comfort."
midsole
cushioning
comfort
Cons
"The cushioning feels firmer than expected for a trail shoe."
cushioning
firm feel
"The cushioning may feel a bit firm compared to what some runners expect from a trail shoe."
cushioning
firm
comfort
"The cushioning feels firm, which may not suit everyone's preference."
cushioning
firm
comfort
"The shoe's outsole may reduce the perception of cushioning."
outsole
cushioning
"The shoe lacks high softness and extreme cushioning, which may disappoint users seeking plush comfort."
cushioning
comfort
performance
"Some runners might find the shoe too soft for certain terrains."
softness
long-distance
stability
"The midsole lacks the springiness expected from New Balance's Fresh Foam X technology."
midsole
lack
response
"The midsole changes, while comfortable, may lead to a disconnected feel on the trails."
midsole
cushioning
comfort
"The shoes generally feel less grounded due to the high-stack cushioning."
high-stack
cushioning
"The shoe's updated design sacrifices ground feel for extra cushioning, which may disappoint some runners."
stack_height
cushioning
"Some may not appreciate the firmer feel of the cushion compared to previous models."
firm_feel
comfort

breathability (3)
padding (2)
protection (2)
long-distance (1)
upper material (1)
easy (1)
upper (1)
road running (1)
Pros
"The shoe is designed to provide a comfortable fit for long-distance runs."
Long runs
comfort
marathon training
"The upper mesh is soft and breathable, contributing to overall comfort."
breathable
soft
comfort
"The breathable knit upper and gusseted tongue contribute to overall comfort and airflow."
airflow
debris_protection
"The upper design includes an engineered mesh that enhances breathability."
mesh
comfort
debris protection
"The design features a moderate toebox ventilation, making it suitable for year-round running."
toebox
ventilation
"The shoe has additional interior padding in the tongue and heel areas, improving overall comfort."
tongue padding
heel padding
comfort
"Comfortable upper with effective padding and protection for the feet."
upper
comfort
toe protection
"The Hierro V9 offers a comfortable ride for trail running, evidenced by positive experiences over long distances."
comfortable
trail running
"The upper material is designed to be soft and plush, which contributes to overall comfort."
upper material
padding
"The robust toe protection ensures safety against stubbing toes, a common issue during long runs."
toe protection
comfort
"Effective toe protection increases safety on rugged trails."
toe cap
safety
Cons
"The shoe may not provide ideal comfort for road running over long distances."
road running
long distances
"The insole is described as standard and lacking special features, which might detract from overall comfort."
insole
comfort
standard
"The shoe may not provide enough breathability due to its design."
knit upper
gusset
overheating
"The mesh upper can heat up, causing discomfort during runs."
mesh
heat
discomfort
"Limited breathability can lead to warmer feet in hotter conditions."
breathability
heat
comfort
"The upper material wrinkles on the top of the foot, leading to discomfort."
wrinkled upper
discomfort

protection (3)
toe protection (2)
material (1)
lightweight (1)
weight (1)
design (1)
longevity (1)
structure (1)
Pros
"The construction includes protective overlays and substantial toe bumpers for enhanced durability and protection while running on trails."
overlays
toe bumper
durability
"Durable toe guard to protect the front of the shoe."
toe guard
durability
protection
"The protective toe box and heel area provide enhanced durability against rough terrain."
toe box
durability
trail
"The shoe's upper is perceived as well-made and looks durable, indicating high durability."
well-made
durable
"The shoe features a protective toe cap that adds durability on trails."
protection
durability
trail
"The toe protect technology adds a high-quality toe bumper, which is helpful for trail running."
toe protection
durability
"The shoe's lightweight design facilitates agility for the runners."
agility
durability
"The new version is significantly lighter despite the increased size of the traction lugs."
lighter
traction
performance
"The design changes in the upper provide added protection while still allowing for breathability."
upper design
breathability
protection
"The shoe retains impressive durability, which is essential for trail running."
materials
stability
"The shoe's weight and design provide a sturdy, bomb-proof form factor suitable for mixed terrains."
durable
mixed terrains
Cons
"The shoe's weight might not be suitable for all runners seeking ultra-light options."
lightweight
durability
"The reduced use of fused layers may compromise the durability of the shoe's structure."
material
susceptibility
"The shoe's exposed foam could lead to quicker wear in certain areas, affecting longevity."
foam
wear and tear

weight (3)
reactivity (2)
rocker (1)
stiffness (1)
terrain (1)
terrain suitability (1)
ground feel (1)
nimbleness (1)
Pros
"The shoe's weight is manageable given its cushioning and protection features."
weight
cushion
long runs
"The shoe is lightweight for its category, aiding performance over longer distances."
lightweight
performance
"The shoe's rocker geometry contributes to a more efficient running stride, especially for midfoot and forefoot strikers."
momentum
efficiency
"The Hierro v9 features a stiffer feel underfoot which is a good balance for trail runners."
stability
heavy runners
trail
Cons
"The shoe is relatively heavy, which might not suit all runners."
heavy
not for speed
"The shoe is relatively heavy, making it less suitable for speed and agility."
weight
performance
speed
"The midsole feels heavy and unbalanced, particularly at faster paces."
heavy midsole
unbalanced
"The shoe may not perform well on very technical terrains."
technical trails
performance
generalist
"For technical trails, the shoe lacks the reactivity needed for challenging terrain."
technical
trails
reactivity
"The softness of the midsole results in a lack of reactivity and responsiveness during runs."
soft midsole
lack of responsiveness
"While comfortable, the shoe may not be suitable for demanding terrain due to its design."
demanding terrain
comfort
design
"The shoe feels less connected to the ground due to the increased cushioning."
cushioning
ground feel
technical trails
"The lack of nimbleness compromises its performance on technical terrains."
nimble
performance
technical
"Heavier runners may find the shoe's design limiting for faster-paced runs."
heavy_runners
performance

width (3)
foot_strike (1)
secure_fit (1)
toe box (1)
size (1)
lacing (1)
space (1)
gusseted tongue (1)
Pros
"The 4 mm drop encourages a natural foot strike for improved running efficiency."
natural_motion
efficiency
"The lace closure system ensures a secure fit preventing unwanted movement."
comfort
prevention
"The shoe has a roomy toe box, enhancing comfort, especially for longer runs."
roomy
natural fit
comfort
"The shoe fits true to size, providing a secure feeling during runs."
true to size
secure fit
"The updated lacing system offers a secure lockdown for the midfoot, improving overall fit."
secure lockdown
lacing system
fit adjustment
"The design offers ample space in the forefoot, catering to runners with wider feet for increased comfort."
forefoot
comfort
width
"The shoe features a semi-gusseted tongue which adds to the fit and comfort during trails."
fit
comfort
trail
"The shoe maintains a true to size fit for consistent sizing with previous models."
sizing
fit
consistency
"The addition of a gusseted tongue enhances mid-foot lockdown compared to the previous version, preventing slippage."
gusseted tongue
secure fit
"The shoe accommodates a range of foot widths, ensuring better fit options for different runners."
fit
width
"The shoe provides a roomier fit, accommodating those with wider feet."
wide fit
toe box
comfort
"Laces lock the foot securely in place, enhancing fit."
laces
fit
security
Cons
"The shoe lacks flexibility due to its protective toe bumper."
toe bumper
flexibility
"The fit may not accommodate longer distance runs well, especially downhill."
long distance
downhill
"The shoe has a narrow fit that may not be suitable for all foot types."
narrow fit
sizing
comfort
"The reviewer feels that the shoe fits smaller than expected, indicating a need for a wider size."
size
fit
width
"The fit of the shoe is quite narrow, making it uncomfortable for those with wider feet."
narrow fit
uncomfortable
big toe
"While they are designed for trails, the shoe feels too similar to a road running shoe."
fit
trail
road shoe comparison
"Lace closure system might not fit every foot type comfortably."
lace closure
fit
movement
"The fit may not be secure enough in the midfoot, leading to slippage on technical trails."
slippage
technical
secularity
"The midfoot lacing system is tricky to adjust and can leave the forefoot loose."
lacing
adjustability
looseness
"The shoe provides too little support in the midfoot area, making it unsuitable for narrower feet."
midfoot
support
narrow
"The bulkiness of padding around the ankle collar may negatively affect lockdown."
ankle collar
padding
lockdown
"The shoe has a tighter fit than expected, especially in the toe box."
snug
tight
width
fit
"The low drop may not be suitable for all runners, particularly heel strikers."
low drop
heel strikers
runner types
"The fit of the shoe is snug, which may cause discomfort for runners with wider feet."
snug
fit
width
"The snug fit can be restrictive for those who prefer more room."
restrictive
fit
size

overall (2)
flexibility (2)
balance (1)
versatility (1)
protection (1)
design (1)
secure (1)
support (1)
Pros
"The shoe maintains a stable feel while providing adequate cushioning."
stability
cushioning
trail
"Versatile enough to handle a variety of terrains effectively."
versatile
trail
generalist
"Toprotect technology adds protection against trail hazards like rocks and roots."
trail_hazards
safeguarding
"The midsole design incorporates stability features that perform well on technical terrain."
bathtub design
stability
midsole
"The shoe’s bathtub design provides a secure fit and stability for the foot."
design
midsole
stability
"The shoe has been designed for long-distance runs, providing stability and support during extended use."
long distance
performance
"The fresh updates in the shoe, including firmness in the heel and forefoot areas, enhance its stability and feel."
stiffness
support
"It includes a rocker design which promotes a more efficient stride on trails."
rocker
stride
trail efficiency
"The shoe has a wider base that contributes to its stability despite a higher stack height."
wider base
stability
stack height
"The updated torsional structure enhances stability and support, reducing injury risk."
torsional rigidity
support
injury prevention
"The shoe's design is suitable for casual runners and provides good stability."
casual
stability
durability
Cons
"The shoe can feel chunky on uneven underfoot surfaces, which may be a downside for some runners."
stability
underfoot feel
performance
"The shoe lacks overall stability for intense trail running."
stability
trail running
rigidity
"The shoe's overall stability has decreased, making it less ideal for technical trails."
stability
technical
loss
"While the cushioning offers comfort, it may compromise stability on technical terrain."
cushioning
comfort
technical
"The shoe may be less stable due to the thicker midsole in terms of responsiveness."
midsole
cushioning
"The shoe struggles on technical trails, requiring more focus from the runner."
technical trails
performance
struggles
"Transitioning to a deeper cushioning may result in a feeling of instability for runners."
cushioning
stability
concern
"The shoe has lost its flexible nature, which may disappoint previous fans."
rigidity
stiffness
flexibility
"The shoe's rigid torsional structure may hinder flexibility during runs."
rigid_structure
flexibility
"Overall, the shoe has a stiffer ride compared to past versions that favored a more natural feel."
stiffness
comfort
flexibility
"The heel counter is moderately flexible and could impact support for sensitive heels."
heel counter
sensitivity
"The shoe might not be suitable for technical trails because of its lack of stability."
stability
technical_trails

traction (2)
versatility (1)
outsole (1)
stability (1)
lug size (1)
reliability (1)
technical trails (1)
effectiveness (1)
Pros
"The shoe's outsole design allows for improved traction on a variety of terrains."
outsole
traction
versatility
"Excellent traction on various surfaces due to the outsole design."
Vibram
outsole
grip
traction
"The Vibram meag grip outsole delivers superior grip on a variety of surfaces."
wet_conditions
dry_conditions
"The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides excellent grip on various terrains."
vibram
outsole
grip
traction
"The use of Vibram MegaGrip Traction Lugs enhances the shoe's grip on various surfaces."
grip
traction
outsole
"The new six mill lugged vibram mega grip rubber outsole provides improved traction on various terrains."
outsole
vibram
traction
"The Vibram Megagrip outsole enhances traction, making the shoe suitable for various trail conditions."
outsole
durability
"The shoe provides excellent traction with its Vibram Megagrip outsole, making it reliable on various terrains."
traction
versatility
"The shoe is versatile and can handle various trail conditions including mud and icy surfaces."
muddy conditions
icy trails
trail running
"The revamped Vibram Mega Grip outsole enhances traction for trail running."
traction
outsole
grip
trail
performance
"The redesigned tread pattern with deep lugs enhances stability on challenging terrain."
stability
loose_terrain
"The traction lugs are larger and designed for superior grip on trail surfaces."
traction
grip
trail
"Reliable grip on various surfaces, including wet trails."
lug pattern
wet surfaces
Vibram
Cons
"Not suitable for very technical or swampy trails."
technical trails
swampy areas
"The grip may not be sufficient for varying trail conditions despite the larger lugs."
traction
trail conditions
lugs
"There could be issues with the grip on very slippery surfaces despite the tread pattern."
tread pattern
lugs
slips
"The shoe lacks the aggressive tread and depth needed for more challenging terrains."
tread
traction
terrain

design (4)
weight (4)
breathability (2)
aesthetics (1)
performance (1)
versatility (1)
build quality (1)
price (1)
Pros
"The shoe features a tongue loop to keep the tongue in place, which is viewed as a great innovation."
tongue loop
innovation
"The shoe has a gusseted tongue design, helping to keep it securely in place during use."
gusseted tongue
"The overall design and aesthetics of the shoe make it appealing as a trail option."
appearance
trail shoe
"The shoe’s upper design has been improved for a cleaner and modern look, enhancing the overall aesthetic."
aesthetics
modern
clean
"The reviewer appreciates the aesthetics of the shoe, noting it has nice colors and a good overall look."
design
color
"Improvements over previous models are noted, showcasing effective enhancement in design."
improvements
comparison
"These shoes are versatile enough for multiple activities like hiking and road running."
hiking
road running
multipurpose
"Its versatility makes it suitable for road running, trail running, and even as a lifestyle shoe for hiking."
versatile
hiking
lifestyle
"The overall materials used are of high quality, contributing to the shoe's performance and comfort."
quality
durability
Cons
"At a retail price of 250 dollars, the shoes may not be considered affordable for all runners."
cost
affordability
"The shoe's weight is noticeably heavier compared to its predecessor, which may be a concern for some runners."
heavy
long distance
comparative
"Increased weight of the shoe compared to its predecessor may be off-putting."
weight
comparison
update
"The increased weight makes it feel heavier compared to previous models."
weight
heaviness
bulk
"The updates in design lead to a slight increase in shoe weight."
heft
updates
design
"Removing some fused layers from the upper may affect breathability and protection."
mesh
protection
"The shoe lacks breathability, which can be problematic in warmer conditions, despite being advantageous during winter."
lack of breathability
temperature issues
"The lack of a GORE-TEX version means reduced versatility for wet conditions."
weather
options
"There are no reflective elements which may be a safety concern for night running."
reflective
night running
safety
"The price jump from the previous model may deter some buyers."
price increase
"The shoe does not excel in any specific area and may not meet the needs of all runners."
generalist shoe
no standout features

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Model Updates

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 features an updated Fresh Foam X midsole, providing enhanced cushioning and a more responsive ride compared to the v8. Additionally, the upper is redesigned using an engineered mesh with zonal support and breathability, improving fit and overall comfort.

Older Models

Newer Models

Reviews

Read reviews about the New Balance fresh foam x hierro v9 from across the internet, including reviews from other runners on Fittir, wear testers from google & youtube, and more.

Reviews on Fittir (-)

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Wear-tester reviews (18)

2.9/5

Prices

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