The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is engineered for trail and ultra runners seeking ultimate reliability, support, and comfort on adventurous terrain. With a focus on lightweight design and superior cushioning, these shoes are crafted to feel like an extension of your feet. While highly specialized for off-road performance, their advanced features make them an excellent choice for tackling varied landscapes.
Lightweight Mesh Upper: Designed for reduced weight, featuring strategically placed overlays for enhanced protection in high-abrasion areas.
Toe Protect and Abrasion-Resistant Details: Fortifies the shoe against loose rocks and trail debris, extending durability and protecting your feet.
Redesigned Gusseted Tongue: Provides a secure and comfortable fit, helping to prevent debris from entering the shoe.
Dual-Density Fresh Foam X Midsole: Combines a softer top layer for plush comfort with a firmer base layer for improved stability and control on uneven surfaces.
Increased Stack Height & 4mm Drop: Features a 42/38mm stack height (heel/forefoot) and a 4mm heel offset, offering enhanced cushioning and stability for off-road conditions.
Vibram® EcoStep Outsole with Traction Lugs: A revamped tread pattern with deeper 6mm lugs ensures superior multi-directional traction and grip on diverse trail surfaces, while cut-out sections reduce weight.
Superior multi-terrain traction and grip from Vibram® EcoStep outsole.
Exceptional cushioning and comfort with dual-density Fresh Foam X.
Enhanced stability and control for challenging off-road conditions.
Durable and protective upper design safeguards against trail hazards.
Lightweight construction for reduced fatigue during long runs.
Secure and breathable fit thanks to the gusseted tongue and knit upper.
Specialized design may be less ideal for road running due to aggressive lugs.
The 4mm heel offset might not suit every runner's biomechanical preference.
No explicit mention of waterproofing (specific to this model, Gore-Tex variants exist).
Superior multi-terrain traction and grip from Vibram® EcoStep outsole.
Exceptional cushioning and comfort with dual-density Fresh Foam X.
Enhanced stability and control for challenging off-road conditions.
Durable and protective upper design safeguards against trail hazards.
Lightweight construction for reduced fatigue during long runs.
Secure and breathable fit thanks to the gusseted tongue and knit upper.
Specialized design may be less ideal for road running due to aggressive lugs.
The 4mm heel offset might not suit every runner's biomechanical preference.
No explicit mention of waterproofing (specific to this model, Gore-Tex variants exist).
The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is built to excel on diverse and challenging trail environments. The dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole provides a perfect balance, offering a soft, forgiving ride over hard-packed sections while maintaining critical stability when navigating technical, rocky descents or uneven roots. The increased stack height ensures ample cushioning for long distances, absorbing impact efficiently.
On ascents and descents, the Vibram® EcoStep outsole with its deep 6mm lugs truly shines, digging into loose dirt, mud, and gravel to provide dependable grip. Runners will appreciate the confidence this traction inspires, allowing for more aggressive strides and sure footing. The lightweight mesh upper, paired with Toe Protect and abrasion-resistant details, acts as a robust shield, protecting feet from sharp trail debris and branches without adding unnecessary bulk.
The gusseted tongue is a practical feature for preventing small stones or sand from entering the shoe, a common annoyance on dusty trails. This design, combined with the overall secure fit, makes the Hierro v9 a reliable companion for ultra-distance events or daily trail adventures where unpredictable terrain is the norm. Whether you're navigating technical singletrack or cruising through fire roads, these shoes offer the performance and protection needed to keep you comfortable and focused on your run.
There is no complex setup required for your New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 shoes. Simply lace them up to achieve a comfortable and secure fit that supports your foot without being too tight. We recommend taking them for a few shorter runs before tackling a long race or challenging terrain to allow them to adapt to your foot shape and running style.
These shoes are specifically designed for:
Trail Running: Ideal for varied off-road terrains, including dirt paths, rocky trails, mud, and technical singletrack.
Ultra Running: The generous cushioning and protective features make them suitable for long-distance and ultra-marathon events.
They are not optimized for road running, as the aggressive lugs of the outsole would wear down quickly and provide less efficient energy return on hard, flat surfaces.
Proper care will help extend the life of your trail running shoes:
Cleaning: After a muddy run, gently brush off loose dirt. For deeper cleaning, use a soft brush or cloth with mild soap and cold water. Avoid harsh detergents or machine washing, as this can damage materials and adhesives.
Drying: Allow shoes to air dry naturally at room temperature. Do not use direct heat sources like radiators or tumble dryers, as this can cause materials to shrink, crack, or lose their shape.
Storage: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use.
Insoles: Remove insoles periodically to air them out and prevent odor buildup.
Info needed: Specific New Balance recommended cleaning products if available.