{"id":244826,"date":"2025-05-17T06:45:46","date_gmt":"2025-05-17T06:45:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/adventure\/new-balance-hierro-v9-trail-running-shoe-reviewed-tested\/"},"modified":"2025-05-17T06:45:46","modified_gmt":"2025-05-17T06:45:46","slug":"new-balance-hierro-v9-trail-running-shoe-reviewed-tested","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=244826","title":{"rendered":"New Balance Hierro v9 Trail Running Shoe \u2013\u00a0Reviewed & Tested"},"content":{"rendered":"


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New Balance Hierro v9 Trail Running Shoe<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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If you\u2019re looking for a do-it-all trail shoe, the Hierro v9 will do it in comfort and style.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Performance<\/div>\n
75<\/div>\n
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Comfort<\/div>\n
95<\/div>\n
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Design<\/div>\n
85<\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Sustainability<\/div>\n
70<\/div>\n
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Price<\/div>\n
80<\/div>\n
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Pros<\/div>\n
Super comfy<\/div>\n
Great all-rounder<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Cons<\/div>\n
Not the most responsive<\/div>\n
Trades comfort for speed<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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81<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Buy Now<\/div>\n
Men’s<\/span><\/p>\n
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<\/a>Women’s<\/span><\/p>\n

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After tearing through trails of all kinds, Jack\u2019s got some thoughts on New Balance\u2019s latest trail runner, the Hierro v9.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9<\/a> is the latest trail shoe in the New Balance lineup and after eight previous versions, some significant tweaks have been made to the \u2018all-day-wear\u2019 trail runner.<\/p>\n

Built upon the thicc cushion that New Balance\u2019s Fresh Foam X range is well-known for, I was keen to see how the trail-ready features had been applied to this road-running-looking shoe.<\/p>\n

Straight out of the box, I noticed its comfort and once on my feet the smooth rocker subtly threw me into a stride, so let\u2019s get into it.<\/p>\n

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Why am I the right person to do this review?<\/h2>\n

Moving house recently has placed a bunch of new trails on my coastal doorstep. Conveniently timed with the delivery of New Balance Hierro v9s, I\u2019ve been exploring my new neighbourhood\u2019s fruity mix of sandy bush tracks, clifftop single-track, and gravelly forest fire roads. I recently reviewed the highly anticipated Hoka Speedgoat 6<\/a>, so I was keen to see what New Balance are bringing to the trail party.<\/p>\n

Quick Specifications<\/h2>\n

Weight<\/strong>: 294g
\nStack height<\/strong>: 42mm heel \/ 38mm toe. It\u2019s definitely on the tall end, which we\u2019re seeing more and more of, particularly from New Balance
\nHeel-to-Toe Drop<\/strong>: 4mm which is on the modest side and 2mm less than its predecessor
\nOutsole<\/strong>: 6mm lugs and a 1.5mm base with a revamped Vibram Megagrip Outsole
\nPrice<\/strong>: $250 RRP which has become standard fare for a new release trail shoe, it\u2019s slightly less than the Hoka Speedgoat 6<\/a> and significantly cheaper than the Norda 002<\/a><\/p>\n

Comfort<\/h2>\n

Slipping my foot into the Hierro v9<\/a> for the first time, I noticed that the upper is similar to a road shoe with a soft, breathable mesh and enough, but not too much, rigidity around the heel and collar of the shoe.<\/p>\n

A couple of months later, and I\u2019m going to say it, this is one of the comfiest trail shoes I\u2019ve worn, and its comfort is a key factor that makes it a great all-rounder. So much so that it was one of the first shoes I threw in my bag when packing for our outdoor and adventure festival, ExplorerFest<\/a>, which turned out to be a great call.<\/p>\n

I spent all day in them at the festival, ran up Yacaaba Headland, and wandered the surrounding bush trails \u2013\u00a0and they were well-suited for each.<\/p>\n

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On the trail the gussetted tongue keeps debris out and the midsole gets to work cushioning impact. While you\u2019re not going to be buying this shoe for trail feel, I was surprised that the cushion didn\u2019t impact this as much as I thought it would.<\/p>\n

The extra cushion also makes them comfortable for running roads. I\u2019ve even put off replacing my overdue road runners and have used these for road runs with ease and comfort \u2013\u00a0something I wouldn\u2019t normally opt for with other trail runners I\u2019ve owned.<\/p>\n

This, combined with the ExplorerFest weekend as proof, means they\u2019re a great shoe to throw in when your bag\u2019s filling up and you just need a shoe that can do a bit of everything.<\/p>\n

Performance<\/h2>\n

No point being comfy if they don\u2019t perform out on the trails, right?<\/p>\n

The comfortable cushion comes in the form of New Balance\u2019s Dual Density Fresh Foam X Midsole technology that\u2019s placed in the \u2018thicc\u2019 stack height that\u2019s 42mm in the heel and 38mm in the toe.<\/p>\n

Within all that stack height is a spongy-soft mid-layer and a firmer bottom layer. The mid-layer is lively, and while it\u2019s not super springy it isn\u2019t completely lifeless.<\/p>\n

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The trade-off comes with a well-cushioned ride, which was most noticeable on less technical descents and flat-sections under heavy legs.<\/p>\n

The firmer bottom layer of the midsole and the Hierro\u2019s wide base provide plenty of stability on the trails. With such a large stack height, I was worried about stability, but found that my foot was cradled amongst the midsole foam, so it didn\u2019t feel like I was sliding around or balancing on jelly.<\/p>\n

New Balance has revamped the outsole for this latest rendition of the Hierro with a well-trusted Vibram Megagrip sole that\u2019s become the norm on well-loved trail shoes.<\/p>\n

The apricot-coloured outsole of the Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 has larger multi-directional lugs than its predecessor, which had a splattering of dainty microtraction lugs.<\/p>\n

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The 6mm lugs provide plenty of grip underfoot, with the microlugs on the side of each lug keeping the foot secure, and were particularly noticeable on loose gravel descents and slippery singletrack.<\/p>\n

All of the above is complemented with a rocker that helps you roll through your stride and keeps the legs ticking over, particularly noticeable on flat terrain. It puts the spring back in your step, and prevents the foam making the shoe sluggish.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not the fastest, most responsive trail shoe, but it\u2019s certainly capable on a variety of terrain.<\/p>\n

Durability<\/h3>\n

After a couple months of running in the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9<\/a>, there are no alarming signs of wear.<\/p>\n

Reading my mentions of a mesh upper may have you worrying about their ability to handle rugged terrain, but New Balance have strategically placed a textured, printed overlay in places that are known to cop a beating from the trail.<\/p>\n

The rubber Toe Protect that comes right up over your toes contributes to this durability while also keeping your digits out of harm’s way.<\/p>\n

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Design<\/h2>\n

Despite there being just three colourways, New Balance has catered for everyone with a glaring \u2018Electric Jade\u2019 colourway and an all black pair for the understated.<\/p>\n

The dark juniper pair<\/a> that I\u2019ve been trotting around in has grown on me, the green is a muted tone and the apricot accents complement well.<\/p>\n

The large N on the side brings that New Balance streetwear aesthetic, while the protruding Vibram outsole shows you\u2019re down to get dirty (on the trail).<\/p>\n

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Sustainability<\/h2>\n

New Balance spare details when discussing the materials that go into the Hierro v9<\/a> on their product page, but after a scroll to their footer and a presumption that \u2018Responsible Leadership\u2019 would include sustainability, I was able to find their environmental impact goals that go deep into detail under the sections: Product, Supply Chain Responsibility, People, Environment, and Governance and Policies.<\/p>\n

They have a handful of goals that are about reducing emissions, and also where their product materials are sourced. Among their new goals is to utilise 80% bio-based EVA from sugarcane and recycled midsole foam and 90% recycled rubber and bio-based compounds for their outsoles by 2030.<\/p>\n

As with many apparel and footwear giants, there\u2019s a lot of work to do and over on sustainability website, good on you<\/a> they\u2019ve given them the neutral rating: \u2018It\u2019s a start\u2019, when analysing their impact on the environment, people, and animals.<\/p>\n

Price<\/h2>\n

The New Balance Hierro v9<\/a> will set you back $250, which has become standard fare for a new release trail shoe. It\u2019s slightly less than the Hoka Speedgoat 6<\/a> and significantly cheaper than the Norda 002<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Given it\u2019s a great all-rounder with a sturdy build that you could wear day-to-day, you\u2019ll get your money\u2019s worth.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

I\u2019ll be putting many more kilometers in the New Balance Hierro v9s<\/a>. They\u2019re perfect for my style of trail running: they\u2019ll handle various terrain, and I\u2019m happy to compromise comfort over speed with a gentle push forward from the rocker when my legs are tiring.<\/p>\n

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Coupled with the ExplorerFest weekend as proof, they\u2019re a great shoe to throw in when your bag\u2019s filling up and you just need a shoe that can do a bit of everything.<\/p>\n

With the growing trend of people opting for trail runners over hiking boots<\/a>, I can even see myself reaching for these for my next multi-day hike, and I think the rocker will help throw my pack\u2013weighted body forward.<\/p>\n

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Images by @tim_ashelford<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n