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.

2 colorways

Colorway: Dark Juniper with Black and Dried Apricot

Widths available: normal

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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)

Breathability

LowMediumHigh( upper)

Weight

306g

Heel-to-Toe Drop

4mm0mm14mm

Support

NeutralLightHigh

Width options

normal, wide

Grip

LowMediumHighMax(high density, 4.5mm lugs)

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 14 wear-tester reviews.

Summary: The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is a versatile and comfortable trail running shoe that excels in cushioning and stability, making it suitable for long runs on various terrains, particularly in less technical conditions. While it shows significant improvements over previous models, some users note it may run narrow and be less supportive for demanding trails, suggesting that runners might need to size up for the best fit..

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

cushion
Cushion feeling: Firm

The main points to note are that many users appreciate the cushioning for its comfort and stability, but some find it firmer than expected, which may not suit everyone's preferences.

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 shoe features dual density Fresh Foam X for a balance of softness and support."

Fresh Foam

support

softness

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

comfort
Breathability: Average

The main points to note are that the shoe is frequently praised for its comfortable fit and breathable materials, but it is also criticized for potentially lacking comfort during road running and having a standard insole.

breathability (2)

long-distance (1)

upper material (1)

padding (1)

easy (1)

upper (1)

road running (1)

basic (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 shoe has additional interior padding in the tongue and heel areas, improving overall comfort."

tongue padding

heel padding

comfort

"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

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

durability

The pros that appear more than 25% of the time highlight the shoe's protective features and overall durability, while the cons emphasize concerns about weight and potential structural weaknesses.

protection (3)

toe protection (2)

material (1)

lightweight (1)

weight (1)

design (1)

fused (1)

exposure (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

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

performance
Distance suited: Long (>20km)
Rocker: Less rocker

The main points to note are that the shoe is often described as both lightweight and relatively heavy, which may confuse users about its suitability for different types of runners and terrains.

weight (1)

terrain (1)

reactivity (1)

terrain suitability (1)

ground feel (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

Cons

"The shoe is relatively heavy, which might not suit all runners."

heavy

not for speed

"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

"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

fit
True to size: Runs small
Toebox width: Wider
Heel width: Narrower
Orthotic friendly: No

The shoe's fit is frequently noted as true to size and secure, while concerns about its narrow fit and lack of flexibility are also common.

width (2)

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

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

"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

stability
Stability level: Less stable

The main points to note are that the shoe is praised for its stability and cushioning, but it also faces criticism for lacking overall stability on technical trails and feeling chunky on uneven surfaces.

overall (2)

balance (1)

versatility (1)

protection (1)

design (1)

secure (1)

chunkiness (1)

cushioning (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

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

grip

The main points to note are that excellent traction on various surfaces and improved grip on different terrains are frequently mentioned as pros, while concerns about grip on slippery surfaces and suitability for technical trails are common cons.

traction (1)

versatility (1)

outsole (1)

stability (1)

lug size (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 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

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

other

The main points to note are that the shoe's aesthetics and design improvements are frequently praised, while its high price and increased weight are common concerns among users.

design (4)

weight (2)

aesthetics (1)

performance (1)

versatility (1)

price (1)

breathability (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

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

"Removing some fused layers from the upper may affect breathability and protection."

mesh

protection

"The lack of a GORE-TEX version means reduced versatility for wet conditions."

weather

options

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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 (14)

2.3/5

Prices

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New Balance fresh foam x hierro v9

New Balance fresh foam x hierro v9

Surface

Cushioning

Category

Breathability

Weight

Heel-to-Toe Drop

Support

Width options

Grip

Suitability

Based on your running style and needs

Want to know if the New Balance fresh foam x hierro v9 is right for you?

Pros & Cons

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

cushion

Pros

Cons

comfort

Pros

Cons

durability

Pros

Cons

performance

Pros

Cons

fit

Pros

Cons

stability

Pros

Cons

grip

Pros

Cons

other

Pros

Cons

Need help picking the right size?

Older Models

Newer Models

...

2.3/5

Similar Shoes

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