If earlier versions of the Hierro were polite, flexible trail shoes—easy on your feet and on the trails—the New Balance Hierro v9 went full action-movie mode: it took a sabbatical, vanished for a while, and came back bulked up, with a new attitude and a main-character stride. Like it or not, this is the new Hierro. And it’s not the kind of shoe that asks for permission.
Version 9 of the Hierro is more of a reboot than a sequel. It ditches the lightweight lines and natural stride of its predecessors to become a maximalist trail shoe—with a taller midsole, a wider base, and a whole lot of stability. But don’t expect something clunky or stiff: here, comfort rules. Not the soft, squishy slipper kind of comfort, but the kind that keeps you upright—and keeps you going—when the trail stretches on, turns dusty, and starts feeling a bit repetitive.
Foam, Firmness, and a New Running Philosophy
New Balance’s signature Fresh Foam X midsole now comes in a dual-density setup: soft on top to cushion your landings, firmer underneath to keep you steady when the trail throws a tantrum. Still, it’s not some marshmallowy sponge. This is structured, sculpted cushioning—think less “interior designer,” more “aerospace engineer.”
Then there’s the rocker—the curved sole shape that helps you transition from heel to toe. On this shoe, it’s pronounced and very noticeable. It pushes you forward even when you’re tempted to stop and soak in the view. Like that overenthusiastic running buddy: useful, but you’ll need to learn how to deal with it.
Higher Heel, Lower Drop
Geometry-wise, things get interesting here. The drop is lower (around 4 mm), but the stack height has gone way up. There’s a lot—and we mean a lot—of foam underfoot. More than you’d expect from a trail shoe. That’s because this shoe isn’t about feeling the ground. It’s about floating above it. Like a Range Rover for the trails. And like a Range Rover, it might not be ideal for super-tight, super-technical sections. It shines on wider trails, dirt paths, gravel, and mellow woodland terrain. It’s not made for leaping like a mountain goat across ridgelines. Still, thanks to its structure and protection, it handles all surfaces with steady confidence.
Vibram and Lugs That Bite (But With Class)
Underneath, you’ve got a Vibram Megagrip outsole. That’s often all people need to hear before saying “Alright, I’m sold.” But let’s go further: the lugs are well spaced, not overly aggressive, and they perform well in dry, wet, forested, and slightly muddy conditions (as long as it’s not the kind of mud that sticks to your soul). If you’re used to ultra-aggressive outsoles, this one may feel a little polite. But for most trail runs, it gets the job done—with a touch of elegance.
Fit and Comfort: A Well-Balanced Package
The upper is simple and to the point: synthetic mesh, breathable up front, more structured at the back. No frills, but no stiffness either. Your foot feels well-supported, especially through the midfoot, while the toebox offers a bit of extra room—just not too much.
Special shout-out to the tongue: well-padded, stays in place, and does its job shielding you from trail debris. The laces? Solid. They stay tied and don’t need redoing every two kilometers.
Weight and Feel: Not Light, but Just Right
At about 300 grams, it’s no featherweight. But it doesn’t drag you down either. The weight is well distributed and—paradoxically—adds to its sense of stability and groundedness. This is a shoe that’s not trying to be something it’s not. It’s solid, protective, and trustworthy. And when you’re planning to go far, that kind of honesty matters.
Conclusion: The Hierro Has Grown Up—And Now It Knows What It Wants to Be
The New Balance Hierro v9 doesn’t try to please everyone. It’s not one of those “fits-all” shoes. It has its own take on trail running, and it sticks to it: comfort, stability, protection. If you’re still chasing that barefoot feel with a little grip, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a shoe that’ll still have your back after the 20th kilometer, that won’t flinch when the trail gets long and your legs start complaining—then welcome. You might have just found your ideal trail companion.
