New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

As a good trail runner, you know that protection and cushioning are key to running with confidence, especially if you're used to racking up miles on your outdoor runs. Generally speaking, this is exactly what the revamped New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 offers you: a trail experience that feels natural, comfortable and, above all, stable with every stride.

We're not telling you anything new, and you're also aware that New Balance have been perfecting their line of trail running shoes for years . The Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 take that essence of a reliable model for whatever road map you have marked out, but refine it in a big way with a dual-density midsole, a newly lugged Vibram outsole and an upper that combines comfort, durability and breathability.

The legacy of the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

The Hierro family has been gaining a much-appreciated place in the New Balance catalog. The main objective, since its inception, has been clear: to create a trail shoe capable of offering the softness and comfort characteristic of the Fresh Foam technology, but without sacrificing the traction and durability necessary to withstand intensive use in natural environments.

The Fresh Foam Hierro series has evolved with each version, incorporating improvements that reflect both the experience of runners in the mountains and the advancements in research and development of the Boston-based brand. The arrival of the Fresh Foam midsole marked a before and after in the New Balance line of running shoes, providing a very pleasant cushioning that invited us to add kilometers without excessively punishing the legs. With the "X" series, the brand went a step further: Fresh Foam X offered a revised and improved formula of that iconic cushioning, adding more reactivity and protection.

In the previous version of the Fresh Foam X Hierro v8, we saw how New Balance went for a durable upper and more than optimal grip in almost any condition. However, one of the opportunities for improvement that some of their loyal fans have commented is that it lacks an extra point of stability to face more complicated terrain or long descents at high speeds. With the arrival of these renewed Fresh Foam X Hierro v9, the brand has wanted to strengthen this section, introducing a dual density midsole and perfecting the Vibram outsole.

This legacy, built by listening to ultradistance runners, trekking enthusiasts and occasional trail enthusiasts, has made the Hierro line one of the most versatile on the market for mountain terrain.

How do you define the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9?

If I had to sum them up in a few words, I would say that these shoes represent a perfect union between comfort, stability and grip. We're talking about an intensive training model, designed for you to rack up miles in the mountains without worrying about whether your shoes will stand up to the punishment.

The midsole features the latest generation Fresh Foam X in dual density format: the lower layer is slightly firmer and more stable, while the upper layer is responsible for providing that soft, cushioned feel when you step on it. This combination gives you the security you need on lateral landings or fast descents, while remaining kind to your joints.

In the outsole, Vibram Megagrip technology takes center stage: the 4.5 mm lugs, larger and deeper than in the previous version, are designed to resist wear and offer solid grip on ascents, descents and areas with mud or loose rock. In addition, the micro-traction detail is introduced, a plus that improves grip on different terrains.

Finally, the upper combines breathability and protection. The Toe Protect system reinforces the toe cap to prevent damage on impact with rocks or roots, while engineered mesh keeps the foot ventilated. The tongue, now reinforced and redesigned, is integrated in a way that keeps out dirt and ensures a comfortable fit.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 Highlights

Now that you have the keys to these New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9, and so that you have a clear picture of what has been improved in this new model, let's break down its main changes and advancements:

Dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole

Now you have two layers with different levels of firmness: a lower one that provides stability and a softer upper that offers that feeling of superior comfort that so many trail runners are looking for.

So you won't feel like you're bouncing around on an unstable "cloud", but you'll feel firmer support when you need it most.

Vibram Megagrip outsole with 45 mm lugs and microtraction

The outsole pattern has been redesigned for larger and deeper lugs, reinforcing grip in loose and muddy terrain.

Microtraction provides an extra boost when traversing wet stones or uneven surfaces. In addition, the rubber compound is 30% recycled, a push forward in sustainability that is also worth mentioning.

Engineered Mesh Upper and Toe Protect

This new engineered mesh is more breathable but maintains the ruggedness needed for trail running. While the reinforced toe cap protects your toes from impact and chafing. Abrasion resistant details are included, extending the life of the shoe in critical areas.

Reinforced tongue and improved fit

The tongue has been redesigned to be not only more comfortable, but also to make it more difficult for stones and dirt to enter the shoe. The fit in the instep area is firm, without constricting the foot on long runs.

Increased stability

Thanks to the lower layer of the midsole, it mitigates that excessive soft feeling in lateral support or prolonged descents. This gives you more confidence in technical areas, where every step counts.

Durability-focused construction

New Balance estimates that the lifespan of these FFx Hierro v9 is between 700 to 900 kilometers, although this will always depend on your technique and the terrain where you run.

All these improvements make the Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 from New Balance a shoe that seeks to please those who ask for a plus of stability and grip over the previous version, without sacrificing the classic comfort that has distinguished the Hierro series.

Brief comparison New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 vs Fresh Foam X Hierro v8

If you are one of those who have enjoyed the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 and are wondering if it is worth taking the leap to the new version of the FFx Hierro v9, here are the most notable differences:

Profile and geometry

• New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v9: 30 mm in the heel and 26 mm in the forefoot (4 mm drop ).
• New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v8: 26 mm in the heel and 20 mm in the forefoot (6 mm drop ).

The greater thickness of the FFx Hierro v9 translates into more cushioning, but with a lower drop of 4 mm it also favors a more natural stride.

Weight

• New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v9: 294 grams for men and 236 grams for women.
• New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v9: 318 grams for men and 252 grams for women.

A weight reduction that is appreciated, especially when undertaking long runs.

Updated last

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 uses the PLR-4 last, unlike the previous version which used the PL-6R last. This new last provides a more natural and balanced fit, especially in the midfoot area.

Outsole pattern and cleats

In the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v9, the 4.5 mm lugs are larger, deeper and with micro-traction. Not to mention that Vibram Megagrip compound with 30% recycled rubber.

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 aims to offer more cushioning, reduce weight and improve stability and traction on multiple terrains.

Runner profile and recommended distances of the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Of course, this is the key point about Fresh Foam X Hierro v9: who are these New Balance shoes intended for and what distances do they perform best at?

Type of trail runner

The Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 are suitable for trail runners of all weights and varying paces. The dual density midsole gives you the stability that many need in the mountains, while the soft upper ensures comfort.
They are ideal for those who prioritize durability and good grip on uneven terrains.

Whether you are an advanced trail runner or just starting out in long distance mountain running, you will find reliable support.

Distances

They are designed as intensive training and long distance shoes. The high profiles (30 mm. in heel and 26 mm. in forefoot) and the robustness of the set make it support well the longest runs, both in low mountain and in medium and high mountain.

Terrain

Thanks to the Vibram Megagrip outsole with deep lugs, they perform well on wet surfaces, mud, loose rocks or gravel. On forest tracks or packed dirt trails they also perform reliably.

Use in other outdoor activities

They are not designed exclusively for running. If you like to alternate hiking, fast hiking or even walking with a little more stability, these shoes are well suited to these more specific needs.

Are these New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 a wise choice?

At RUNNEA we are sure that these New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 aim to become a reference within the trail range for several reasons: they offer great cushioning, improved grip, extra stability and, on top of that, they have managed to reduce the weight compared to the FFx Hierro v8 version. Add to that a new deeper lug arrangement and a reinforced but breathable upper, and you have a recipe designed to withstand the most demanding mountain trails. Clearly, they are contenders for the best trail running shoe at the RUNNEA European Awards.

We are talking about a shoe that meets expectations in comfort, durability and terrain versatility. If you want an all-terrain option, designed to train intensively and dare with any surface, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 will be your right choice, we have no doubt about it. Of course, there is no better test than putting them to the test in the terrain for which they have been designed: the mountain.