New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 Reviews

A 210 lb runner doing 8 miles most mornings calls the Hierro v9 their favorite for comfort, stack, grip and stability.

A runner really likes the Hierro v9's traction and cushioning on mixed terrain, though it's an easy-run shoe, not light or responsive.

The Hierro v9 is very cushioned for hard-packed trails and easy days, but its stack makes it poor on technical terrain.

After three months, an older ultra runner loves the Hierro v9 for the protection it gives on long days.

A 115 kg runner with narrow feet found the Hierro v9 fits perfectly with strong cushioning for forest and light trails.

About 100 km in wet, muddy, snowy and icy conditions, plus a fair amount of road. They love the soft but stable dual-density cushioning, the very grippy 6 mm lugs and the solid toe protection, and expect the shoe to last. The toe box feels snug: half a size up if between sizes, true to size for a snug fit. The only real negative is the weight, just over 10 oz in a men's 9. Suits anyone wanting a protective, comfortable trail shoe for long distances.

About 50 km through a muddy UK winter, from easy runs to a 20 km long run, on hard-packed trails, mud and icy pavement. They found it a comfortable, protective shoe with plenty of cushioning and grip that coped with most conditions, but it is a big shoe, not nimble, and not for fell running or fast efforts. Toes hit the front on downhills, so they would go half a size up. Suits easy, relaxed trail and road-to-trail running.

A plush, protective shoe that shines over long distances and ran her through a 100 km ultra: ample cushion, a breathable upper and a grippy Vibram outsole. The roomy fit suits swollen feet. The midfoot was loose for her and she had to re-cinch it at ~60 km. Not the most agile on technical trails.