New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X Hierro V7 Trail Running Shoe Review
The New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X Hierro V7 Trail Running Shoe in Black/Marine Blue is engineered specifically for trail running enthusiasts. This shoe makes tackling rugged terrains a seamless experience thanks to its innovative design and advanced materials.
Equipped with a cutting-edge Vibram® outsole, this shoe delivers remarkable grip on both uneven surfaces and off-road conditions. The Fresh Foam X midsole enhances your running experience by providing a smooth yet protective ride, ensuring that each mile feels comfortable even when you're pushing your limits. Moreover, the breathable upper construction offers a sleek fit, making it easier for you to stay light on your feet during long runs.
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Features
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content for exceptional cushioning and comfort.
- GORE-TEX waterproof fabric protects against wind and rain while maintaining breathability.
- Synthetic material with no-sew overlays for added durability.
- Toe Protect technology safeguards your feet from rocks, roots, and debris.
- Vibram outsole provides superior grip and traction on various terrains.
Pros
- Exceptional cushioning for maximum comfort.
- Waterproof yet breathable fabric keeps feet dry.
- Durable construction increases longevity.
- Great traction on multiple surfaces.
Cons
- May take some time to break in for new users.
- Available in limited color options.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V7 | Salomon Speedcross 5 | Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | Fresh Foam X Midsole | EnergyCell Midsole | EVA Midsole |
| Water resistance | GORE-TEX | Water-resistant | No |
| Weight | Approximately 10 oz | Approximately 10.5 oz | Approximately 8.9 oz |
| Outsole type | Vibram Outsole | Contagrip Outsole | Multi-directional lugs |
Detailed Review
The Fresh Foam X Hierro V7 shines particularly in terms of cushioning and support. The innovative Fresh Foam X midsole integrates approximately 3% bio-based content, which not only enhances comfort but also promotes sustainability. This feature allows you to enjoy a plush experience without compromising on performance, making these shoes suitable for extended trail runs.
One of the standout aspects of this model is the GORE-TEX waterproof fabric. You can confidently tackle wet and slippery trails without worrying about moisture seeping through. However, it's worth noting that while the shoe blocks water effectively, it still allows for adequate airflow, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
Durability is another key point; the synthetic material paired with no-sew overlays creates a robust structure. Coupled with the Toe Protect technology, you will find that your feet are safe from unexpected obstacles such as rocks and roots.
If you're an avid runner who loves exploring diverse terrains, the Vibram outsole provides superb traction, allowing you to maintain stability regardless of your running surface. This aspect is crucial for trail runners, as the ability to grip varying landscapes can significantly impact performance.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | 9/10 | Superior cushioning ideal for long distances. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Exceptional grip on challenging trails. |
| Durability | 8/10 | Constructed for prolonged use. |
| Water Resistance | 9/10 | Reliable protection against moisture. |
| Fit | 8/10 | Sleek and comfortable; may require breaking in. |
User Reviews
This is a great shoe! Super comfortable daily shoes for me for the last few weeks, but there is a huge caveat: the toe boxes are low volume. The roof of the toe box is very close to the tops/knuckles of the toes. I tried my usual Saucony and NB size, 10.5, in store and did not notice the claustrophobic toe box. I ordered 10.5 on Amazon and wore them in the house but never could feel comfortable and figured they would drive me nuts! I tried 10 wide (not extra wide) and that gave my digits more breathing room, solving my problem. I made a good choice going down a half size, as I believe 10.5 wide would have been too big. The rest of the shoe does not seem to fit wide (admittedly I have not really worn wides before).Now that my toes can relax a bit I can appreciate the plush comfort of these babies. I like that the heel cups are not harsh or unforgiving, they are a little supple. I have been nursing both my Achilles tendons for a few weeks now—breaking in Brooks Cascadia 16s on one hike nearly broke me!!I never notice the extended fins in back; I thought they might “catch” going down carpeted stairs, but no issue.I am almost ready to get back in the mountains with these and really test them (and my heels) out. I will mos def buy more when I see a deal. Hierro V7 are my new favorites and I have tried numerous Adidas, Saucony, Merrill, North Face, and Scarpa trail runners and hikers the last few months. Robust, comfortable, and look rad.Edit: I just did about an hour in the dry Boulder Flatirons at Chautauqua Park, and I love these shoes. The wides were barely big. I kept them fairly loose due to concerns with my Achilles and needing some extra give going uphill. Tightened them a bit just before descent, as usual, but didn’t wanna fiddle with them again. Can easily, comfortably lock them down a bit more next time.Comfortable on trail, very soft, you do feel big rock points and ground features underfoot, but I did not mind. These Hierros do not feel tall to me—great height/stack/drop that reminds me of my fave NB trail runners from 20 years ago. (I only wonder how they will hold up given how soft they are.)Edit: I now have three pairs of Hierros. Gotta say I would love some rock plate protection underneath as I have to be careful with foot placement on particularly pointy, sharp rocks (like 10% of the time on foothills trails). I occasionally trim down the hairy, wispy fibers that work their way out of the abrasion protection of the toe box. The shoes are all pretty easy to wipe down with a washcloth after a dusty hike.The Gore-Tex fit for me just like the regular V7. I thought I’d need to go up a half size like I often do for Gtx, but they were too big. Went back to 10 wide and they fit very well. You have to look at all the pix in the Amazon ad to see which are the Gtx (navy/black, crazy bright green!, and black/orange). I got the black with orange bottoms and have to say the orange is strangely close to pink—not the “classic” orange and black I expected. Not noticeable enough for me to exchange, though. They also have skinnier laces than the non-Gtx. The thicker laces work perfectly, but the skinny ones are a little finicky and knot up on me sometimes. GREAT shoes.
They fit great, look great, provide great stability for walking and running and are great for all day wear. Foam Fit is great. Bought is 2 other colors.
This is a good looking shoe and I could tell it would've been comfortable if it fit because I own 3 others like it. Gave the charcoal ones to a friend in need. These ones were small in the length. It fit more like a 14. The ones I have are 15W but went with 15 reg. Width is fine but your toes will jam up in the front. Giving it 5 stars for comfort, stability, and durability because my other ones are exactly that. Going to order a 16. I'll keep you posted with those ones if they have my size.
Very comfortable and the soles are great for all sorta of terrain. This is my second pair and I'll be wearing it for a race next month.
These shoes are the first shoes that made me say "whoa" out loud; they're really that comfortable. Went on a week long hiking trip in the mountains, they were perfect, and I was really grateful for the grip. My only issue has been brought up in other reviews for this shoe. They do in fact start to fray early on. So they will look more beat up and used than they actually are. Under normal use, I started to notice the fraying about 5 days into my trip. I wasn't rubbing them against sharp rocks or anything, but it looks like this just happens to most of them. To solve this, I just put a lighter to them and they shrunk into the main shell of the shoe. Either way though, they really are super comfortable, and I really do recommend them.
Like all new balance shoes these are extremely comfortable and colorful to boot, I wanted some shoes that were a bit more substantial than my previous NB shoes and these fit the bill perfectly.
As described, high quality. Great fit! Thank you, Amazon!! However, I couldn't post pictures. Some problem with the app!
I did my research for cycling shoes. Although most experts advise cycling shoes specifically, I wanted something that was a bit more neutral. Something I could wear in the woods or out for dinner. I am not a mountain biker. I cycle the local green-way mostly and my neighborhood. But do occasionally do some dirt roads. I needed something with a more rigid sole and a bike expert pointed me to trail shoes. The Vibram soles were what led me to this shoe. They grip the pedals very well. I'm a NB fan also.Took them out a couple of times and they gripped very well. No slippage.Walked a few trails too and they worked there also.I got the wide and maybe should have tried extra-wide. A little tight. But no big deal.