New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro
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Overview
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro is a trail running shoe designed to tackle rugged terrains. This shoe is part of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro family, known for its balance of comfort and durability.
Key Features:
- Fresh Foam Midsole: Provides cushioning and stability for a comfortable ride.
- Durable Outsole: Features aggressive lugs for excellent grip on various surfaces.
- Breathable Upper: Made with synthetic mesh for improved ventilation.
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize cushioning and grip for off-road adventures. Its durable outsole offers reliable traction, making it suitable for technical terrains.
According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 10% of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro is a solid choice for trail runners looking for a shoe that excels on technical terrains. Reviewers praised its secure fit and durable outsole, which provides excellent grip on various surfaces. The Fresh Foam midsole offers a balanced ride, though some found it a bit firm for longer distances. The breathable upper ensures comfort, but the toe box may feel tight for those with wider feet. Overall, the Hierro is best suited for shorter trail runs and hikes. Its combination of grip, durability, and comfort makes it a reliable option for trail enthusiasts.
Comparable Shoes
The Hoka Stinson 7 is a good comparison to the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro. Both shoes offer excellent cushioning and grip for trail running. However, the Stinson 7 is more protective and better suited for longer trail runs, while the Hierro is lighter and more nimble, making it ideal for shorter, technical runs.
Special versions of New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro BOA is a special version of the Hierro that features a BOA Fit System for a customizable and secure fit. This version retains the same durable outsole and Fresh Foam midsole as the standard Hierro, but the BOA system allows for quick adjustments on the go. This makes it an excellent choice for runners who need a precise fit and easy on-the-fly adjustments.
7 New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro Pros & Cons
4 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro is designed with a synthetic mesh that enhances breathability. This material helps keep the foot cool during runs. The upper also features thermo-sealed reinforcements for added durability and a secure fit. However, some users found the toe box to be a bit tight, which may cause discomfort over longer distances.
Midsole
The midsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro incorporates the brand's Fresh Foam technology, providing a balance of cushioning and stability. This foam is designed to offer a comfortable ride while maintaining responsiveness. Some reviewers noted that the midsole feels firm, which can be beneficial for shorter runs but may not provide enough protection for longer distances.
Outsole
The outsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro is one of its standout features. It is equipped with aggressive lugs that offer excellent grip on various terrains, making it ideal for trail running. The durable rubber material ensures longevity, even on rough surfaces. This design allows runners to confidently tackle technical trails without worrying about slipping.
Size/fit
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro generally fits true to size, but some users have reported that the forefoot area is narrower than expected. This can cause discomfort for those with wider feet, especially during longer runs. It is recommended to try the shoe on before purchasing or consider sizing up if you have a broader foot shape.
Comfort
Comfort is a key aspect of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro, thanks to its cushioned midsole and soft upper materials. The shoe provides a secure fit, which helps prevent sliding and rolling on uneven terrain. However, the firm midsole and tight toe box may limit comfort over extended distances.
Cushioning
The Fresh Foam midsole in the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro offers a good level of cushioning, making it suitable for 10k and half marathon distances. While the cushioning is adequate for shorter runs, some users found it lacking for longer distances, where additional protection might be needed.
Breathability
The synthetic mesh upper of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro enhances breathability, keeping the foot cool during runs. This feature is particularly beneficial for trail runners who often encounter varying temperatures and conditions. The breathable design helps prevent overheating and keeps the foot comfortable.
Stability
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro provides good stability, thanks to its firm midsole and secure upper fit. This stability is essential for trail running, where uneven and unpredictable terrain can challenge a runner's balance. The shoe's design helps maintain a steady and confident stride.
Durability
Durability is a strong point of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro. The aggressive lugs on the outsole are made from a tough rubber material that withstands abrasion and wear. This makes the shoe a reliable choice for runners who frequently tackle rugged and technical trails.
Grip
The grip of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro is exceptional, thanks to its aggressive lug pattern. This design provides excellent traction on various surfaces, including loose and rocky terrain. Runners can confidently navigate technical trails without worrying about slipping or losing footing.
Who should buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro?
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro is ideal for trail runners who enjoy tackling technical terrains and need a shoe with excellent grip and durability. Its breathable upper and cushioned midsole make it suitable for those who prioritize comfort on shorter runs. Runners who appreciate a secure fit and reliable traction will find this shoe to be a great choice.
Who should not buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro?
Runners with wider feet or those who prefer a roomier toe box may find the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro uncomfortable. Additionally, those looking for a shoe with more cushioning for longer distances might want to consider other options. If you need a shoe for road running, this trail-specific model may not be the best fit.
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro: What's it good for?
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro is good for trail running, especially on technical and rugged terrains. Its durable outsole and excellent grip make it suitable for off-road adventures. The shoe is also a great option for shorter trail runs and hikes, where comfort and stability are essential.
5 New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro FAQs
Is the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro suitable for long-distance runs?
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro is best suited for shorter trail runs and hikes. While it offers good cushioning and grip, some users found the midsole to be too firm for longer distances.
Does the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro fit true to size?
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro generally fits true to size, but some users have reported that the forefoot area is narrower than expected. It is recommended to try the shoe on before purchasing.
How does the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro perform on technical terrains?
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro performs exceptionally well on technical terrains. Its aggressive lug pattern provides excellent grip, and the durable outsole ensures stability on various surfaces.
Is the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro breathable?
Yes, the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro features a synthetic mesh upper that enhances breathability, keeping the foot cool during runs.
What is the heel-to-toe drop of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro?
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro has a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop, providing a more natural running experience.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | ||||
| released | ReleasedOct 2015 | May 2020 | Jun 2019 | |||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users+4 |   | ||||
| Weight | WeightM: 326 g W: 247 g | 326 g | 343 g | M: 221 g W: 176 g | 360 g | M: 459 g W: 391 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot24 mm | 15 mm | 16 mm | |||
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop4 mm | 12 mm | 4 mm | 12 mm | 4 mm | |
| Heel | Heel28 mm | 19 mm | 20 mm | |||
| Brand | BrandNew Balance | New Balance | PUMA | La Sportiva | PUMA | Merrell |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLow drop | LightweightLow drop | Low drop | |||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Rock plate | Rock plate | |||||
| Techs | TechsNew Balance Fresh Foam | Vibram | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Vegan Ⓥ | ||||
Common characteristicsTrailNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh archBreathable |
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