New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7
Buy New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7 at today's best price (men's/women's)
6 minute read
Overview
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7 is a trail running shoe designed for those who seek a balance between comfort and ruggedness on their off-road adventures. Part of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro family, this model stands out with its lightweight design and responsive cushioning.
Key Features:
- Lightweight Construction: Weighing in at 301g, the Hierro v7 is built for agility on the trails.
- Stable Ride: An 8mm heel to toe drop (the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot) provides a stable platform for varied terrain.
- Vibram MegaGrip Outsole: Offers superior traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
- Comfortable Fit: A well-cushioned midsole and secure upper ensure comfort over long distances.
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7 is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize a lightweight and stable shoe for their off-road runs. Its Vibram MegaGrip outsole offers excellent grip, making it suitable for a variety of trail conditions. Runners will appreciate the comfortable fit as they tackle long distances on the trails.
With an average review score of 75%, it's in the lowest rated 20% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 30% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7 has garnered praise for its comfortable fit and excellent grip, making it a solid choice for trail runners. The shoe's lightweight construction and stable ride contribute to its versatility on various terrains. However, it may not offer the plushness some runners seek for ultra-long distances, and the breathability of the upper could be improved. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Hierro v7's Vibram MegaGrip outsole and comfortable midsole cushioning provide a protective and nimble ride. Overall, the Hierro v7 is a commendable trail running shoe that offers a reliable balance of comfort, protection, and performance.
Updates to New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7 introduces several updates from its predecessors, such as a lighter weight and a reconfigured outsole with deeper lugs. The Fresh Foam X platform is now wider, enhancing stability and traction. The upper has been updated with a TPU-coated textile design, improving breathability and protection. These changes make the Hierro v7 a more agile and comfortable option within the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro lineup, compared to models like the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 and the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v5.
Comparable Shoes
The Saucony Peregrine 13 is a trail shoe that shares similarities with the Hierro v7, offering a ride akin to a road shoe with trail-ready features. The Hierro v7 stands out for its comfort and roomier fit compared to the Peregrine.
Compared to the Hoka Challenger 7, the Hierro v7 offers a similar stack height but emphasizes grip and versatility, making it a better option for runners transitioning from road to trail.
The Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 is known for its minimalist profile and exceptional trail feel. Runners seeking a more aggressive and responsive shoe might prefer the S/Lab Ultra 3 over the Hierro v7.
7 New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7 Pros & Cons
4 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7 provides a secure lockdown, eliminating slippage and offering a comfortable wrap around the midfoot. While the upper is not seamless, it does not cause irritation, and the padding around the heel collar and tongue adds plushness. However, the breathability could be better, as some runners found their feet warm during testing.
Midsole
The Hierro v7's midsole delivers a protective underfoot experience with a touch of softness, making it comfortable for both trail and road use. The Fresh Foam X midsole is durable with a slight give, though some runners might prefer a softer ride. A rockered midsole geometry (a design that promotes a rolling motion during the stride) could enhance the shoe's heel-to-toe transitions.
Outsole
Featuring moderately aggressive lugs (protrusions on the sole that improve traction) and a Vibram MegaGrip outsole, the Hierro v7 provides reliable traction on a variety of terrains, including wet, loose, and technical trails. The outsole's design ensures balanced and confident navigation, particularly on steep downhill stretches.
Size/fit
The Hierro v7 fits true to size with a medium heel width, midfoot volume, and a medium to wide toe box. The arch height is medium, accommodating a range of foot shapes. Some runners may find the fit shallow in the forefoot, but overall, the shoe offers an accommodating fit.
Comfort
Comfort is a standout feature of the Hierro v7, with a midsole that feels protective and slightly soft for extra comfort. The shoe's upper and padding contribute to its overall comfort, making it suitable for long trail runs and daily efforts.
Cushioning
The Hierro v7's well-cushioned midsole provides a nimble yet protective ride. The Fresh Foam X midsole offers substantial defense against trail hazards while remaining agile enough for confident trail navigation.
Stability
With a 10mm drop and a well-constructed heel cup, the Hierro v7 offers great stability on the trails. Its design provides a similar amount of lateral stability (side-to-side support) to a road running shoe, making it a stable choice for trail runners.
Grip
The Hierro v7's outsole, coated in Vibram MegaGrip rubber, delivers great traction in most situations. The lugs are smaller and less inclined to bite into the trail, but they provide more than sufficient grip for flowy style trail running.
Who should buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7?
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7 is well-suited for trail runners looking for a shoe that offers a secure fit, nimble ride, and quality protection over long distances. It's an excellent option for those who enjoy trail runs and want a shoe that can handle the transition from road to trail with ease. Runners who value a rubber sole for superior traction and a mesh upper for a comfortable fit will find the Hierro v7 to be a reliable companion.
Who should not buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7?
Runners seeking an ultra-plush trail shoe for ultra-long distances may want to look elsewhere, as the Hierro v7 may not provide the level of cushioning they desire. Additionally, those who prioritize a highly breathable upper for hot conditions might find the Hierro v7's upper to be too warm. For those needing a wider toe box or a softer ride, alternative models such as the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX or the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v5 might be more suitable.
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7: What's it good for?
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7 is good for trail runners who need a shoe that can handle a mix of road and trail surfaces. It's also suitable for those participating in 10k events or half marathons on trails, offering a balance of cushioning and responsiveness. The shoe's grip and stability make it a strong choice for varied terrain, from loose gravel to technical single-track.
4 New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7 FAQs
How does the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7 perform on wet trails?
The Hierro v7's Vibram MegaGrip outsole provides excellent traction on wet surfaces, ensuring a secure and confident run even on slippery trails.
Is the Hierro v7 suitable for runners with a neutral gait?
Yes, the Hierro v7 is designed with a neutral support type, making it ideal for runners with a neutral pronation pattern.
Can the Hierro v7 handle rocky and technical trails?
While the Hierro v7 is designed for light to moderate trails, its protective midsole and grippy outsole allow it to handle rocky and technical terrain with confidence.
Does the Hierro v7 offer a wide version for runners with broader feet?
Yes, New Balance offers a wide version of the Hierro v7 to accommodate runners who prefer a wide toe box.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| released | ReleasedJul 2022 | Jul 2019 | Nov 2015 | May 2019 | Mar 2018 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users |   | ||||
| Weight | Weight301 g | M: 241 g W: 190 g | M: 221 g W: 176 g | M: 181 g W: 142 g | 235 g | 215 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot | 17 mm | 8 mm | 5 mm | 7 mm | 16 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop8 mm | 4 mm | 4 mm | |||
| Heel | Heel | 17 mm | 8 mm | 5 mm | 11 mm | 20 mm |
| Brand | BrandNew Balance | Merrell | Vibram | Vibram | Inov-8 | Salomon |
| Shoe Type | Shoe Type | LightweightLow dropZero drop | LightweightLow dropZero drop | BarefootLightweightLow dropMinimalistZero drop | LightweightLow drop | LightweightLow drop |
| Techs | TechsNew Balance Fresh FoamVibram | Vibram | Vibram | |||
| Waterproofings | Waterproofings | Water repellent | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | |||
Common characteristicsTrailNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh arch |
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