New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX

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New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX: Review

β€œA trail champion with waterproof GORE-TEX protection.”

Overview


The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX is a trail running shoe designed to provide comfort and protection across various terrains. This shoe is known for its waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX upper, which shields runners from the elements without compromising on air flow.

Key Features:

  • Waterproof GORE-TEX Upper: Offers protection against wind, rain, and water while maintaining breathability.
  • Fresh Foam X Midsole: Delivers plush cushioning for a comfortable ride on the trails.
  • Vibram Outsole: Ensures superior traction and durability on rugged surfaces.
  • Reflective Detailing: Enhances visibility in low-light conditions.

The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize comfort and protection for long runs in the mountains. Its Vibram outsole offers reliable grip, making it suitable for loose stone tracks and non-technical trails.

Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 30% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX


The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX stands out as a trail running shoe that offers a good blend of comfort, protection, and performance. The Fresh Foam X midsole provides a soft, cushioned experience, which is great for long-distance runs. In our experience, the shoe's Vibram outsole delivers exceptional traction and durability, making it a trustworthy companion on a variety of terrains. While the shoe may not be the lightest on the market, its robust construction and protective features justify the weight. Overall, the Hierro v6 GTX is a solid choice for trail enthusiasts seeking a reliable all-rounder.

New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX: Base model


The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX is a specialized version of the Fresh Foam Hierro v6, designed with a GORE-TEX upper for added waterproofing. This sets it apart from the base model, making it an excellent choice for runners who need extra protection against wet conditions.

Comparable Shoes


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When compared to The Salomon Speedcross 5, the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX offers a more cushioned ride with its Fresh Foam X midsole, while the Speedcross 5 is known for its aggressive grip and precise foothold. The Hierro v6 GTX is better suited for longer, less technical runs, whereas the Speedcross 5 excels in more technical and soft-ground conditions.

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The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX and The Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 are both excellent trail running shoes, but they differ in their approach to cushioning and support. The Speedgoat 4 offers a thicker midsole for maximum cushioning, while the Hierro v6 GTX balances cushioning with a more traditional trail feel. The Speedgoat 4 may be preferred by runners seeking maximalist cushioning, while the Hierro v6 GTX is for those who want a blend of protection and ground feel.

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In comparison to The Brooks Cascadia 15, the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX provides a softer underfoot experience with its Fresh Foam X midsole. The Cascadia 15 is known for its stability and ruggedness on technical trails. Runners who prioritize comfort and waterproof features may lean towards the Hierro v6 GTX, while those who need extra stability on challenging terrain might prefer the Cascadia 15.

7 New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Waterproof GORE-TEX upper provides excellent protection against the elements.
Fresh Foam X midsole delivers plush cushioning for a comfortable ride.
Vibram outsole offers superior traction and durability on trails.
Reflective detailing enhances visibility in low-light conditions.

3 Cons

May be heavier than some runners prefer for a trail shoe.
Not as responsive as some racing-oriented trail shoes.
May not be the best choice for highly technical trails.

In Depth


Upper

The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX features an upper crafted with a waterproof GORE-TEX material, ensuring that runners' feet remain dry even when tackling wet and muddy trails. The bootie-style construction provides a snug fit, while the large, well-padded tongue adds to the overall comfort. Reflective detailing on the upper enhances visibility during low-light conditions, making it a safe option for those early morning or late evening runs.

Midsole

At the heart of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX is the Fresh Foam X midsole, which is engineered to deliver plush cushioning. This technology is designed to absorb impact and provide a comfortable ride, which is particularly beneficial for runners covering long distances on the trails. The midsole's softness does not compromise on responsiveness, ensuring that each step feels energetic.

Outsole

The outsole of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX is made from Vibram material, known for its durability and excellent grip. This makes the shoe particularly adept at handling loose stone tracks and non-technical trails. The outsole's design ensures that runners have the confidence to tackle a variety of surfaces with ease.

Size/fit

The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX offers a true-to-size fit, with options available for runners with wide feet. The shoe's design accommodates a medium toe box, providing enough room for natural toe splay without feeling too spacious. The secure lace-up closure ensures that the foot remains locked in place, even on uneven terrain.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX, with the shoe's upper and midsole working in tandem to provide a cozy and protective environment for the foot. The GORE-TEX upper, combined with the soft Fresh Foam X midsole, results in a shoe that can be worn for extended periods without discomfort.

Cushioning

The cushioning of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX is noteworthy, thanks to the Fresh Foam X midsole. This cushioning system is designed to offer a soft landing with each stride, which is particularly appreciated by runners who spend long hours on the trails. The shoe's cushioning also contributes to its overall stability, making it a reliable choice for varied terrains.

Who should buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX?


The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX is well-suited for trail runners who require a shoe that can handle a mix of conditions. It's perfect for those who often find themselves running in wet or muddy environments, thanks to its waterproof capabilities. Runners who value a soft, cushioned ride and need a shoe that can provide comfort over long distances will appreciate the Fresh Foam X midsole. Additionally, those who run in low-light conditions will benefit from the shoe's reflective elements.

Who should not buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX?


Runners who prefer a minimalist or extremely lightweight shoe may not find the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX to their liking. It's also not the best option for those who primarily run on roads or very technical trails, as it is optimized for trail running. Athletes looking for a highly responsive or racing-oriented shoe might want to consider other options.

New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX: What's it good for?


The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX is good for trail running across a variety of conditions, including muddy terrain and winter trails. Its cushioning and protective features make it suitable for daily running and long-distance events such as ultra marathons.

4 New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX FAQs


Is the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX suitable for running in the rain?

Yes, the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX is equipped with a waterproof GORE-TEX upper, making it suitable for running in rainy conditions while keeping your feet dry.

How does the cushioning in the Hierro v6 GTX compare to other trail shoes?

The Hierro v6 GTX features a Fresh Foam X midsole, which provides a plush, cushioned feel that is softer than many other trail running shoes, offering a comfortable ride on long runs.

Can the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX be used for hiking?

While designed for trail running, the Hierro v6 GTX's cushioning, grip, and waterproof features also make it a good option for hiking, especially in wet conditions.

Does the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX fit true to size?

Yes, the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX fits true to size, with additional width options available for those with wider feet.

New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX alternatives

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released
Released
Aug 2021
Nov 2023Mar 2022May 2024
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Expert Review Score
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Weight
Weight
M: 346 g
W: 278 g
289 g
M: 309 g
W: 272 g
M: 266 g
W: 235 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
20 mm
23 mm
28 mm
27 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
6 mm
8 mm
4 mm
Heel
Heel
28 mm
29 mm
36 mm
31 mm
Usages
Usages
Daily running
Daily running
Brand
Brand
New Balance
HokaNew BalanceArc’teryxASICSSaucony
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
ComfortableLow drop
ComfortableMaximalistLow drop
Rocker
Rocker
Breathable
Breathable
Rock plate
Rock plate
Techs
Techs
Gore-TexNew Balance Fresh FoamVibram
VibramGore-TexNew Balance Fresh FoamVibramVibramASICS Gel
Waterproofings
Waterproofings
Water repellentWaterproof
Water repellentWaterproofWater repellent
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
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New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX: 1 Expert video review

New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Model
v6 GTX
Released
Aug 2021
Measurements
Weight
M: 346 g
W: 278 g
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
Heel
28 mm
Forefoot
20 mm

Evolution of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro GTX product family

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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