New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
Pros
- So much foam underfoot!
- Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Improved Fresh Foam X midsole
- Surprisingly stable
- Amazing durability
- Ideal for long distances
- Available in multiple widths
- Good quality materials
- Excellent for forefoot and midfoot strikers
Cons
- Not the roomiest fit
- Heavier than before
- Lost its flexible nature
- Low drop won't suit everyone
Key Features
- Dual density Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content for an incredibly cushioned experience.
- Toe Protect technology helps shield your feet from rocks, roots, and debris, ensuring durability on rough trails.
- Vibram outsole provides enhanced grip and stability, making these shoes reliable for various outdoor conditions.
- Traction Lug technology offers superior grip in both wet and dry terrains, improving overall performance.
- Gusseted tongue ensures a secure fit while helping to keep out debris.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh
- Inner material: Cotton
The Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is New Balance's top trail running shoe, designed for trail enthusiasts who prioritize comfort and support. This model excels in mountain runs and lab testing, effectively blending soft cushioning with stiff structural elements. Its performance is reinforced by the Vibram Megagrip outsole, which provides reliable traction and underfoot protection.
With a stack height of 37.3/33.1 mm and a 14.6 HA durometer rating, the Hierro v9 delivers significant impact protection and plushness without excessive softness. The ample cushioning ensures that all foot strikers receive adequate protection, even during ultra distances. Its stiff midsole contributes to stability, as evidenced by its perfect 5/5 torsional rigidity score achieved in manual assessments.
The broad base measuring 116.9/94.1 mm further enhances stride safety on varied terrain. Underfoot, the Vibram Megagrip demonstrates notable durability and grip. Despite an above-average 88.6 HC hardness rating, it maintains resilience and offers a solid bite on mixed surfaces, while the toothy 3.3 mm lugs provide control and boost confidence during trail adventures.
However, the moderate 4.2 mm drop is better suited for mid to forefoot strikers, making it less ideal for heel strikers who may prefer a higher drop for optimal comfort. Overall, the Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 presents a strong choice for those seeking a balance of cushioning and stability in trail running shoes.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3
Pros
- Insanely protective even without a rock plate
- Soft cushioning without feeling mushy
- Solid amount of bounce
- Incredibly stable
- Plush and airy upper
- Good grip on mild to moderate trails
- Durable outsole
- Light on the run
- Really smooth ride
- Best for easy days and long runs
- Sustainable
Cons
- Upper could use more support
- Not great for technical trails
- Pointy toebox
Key Features
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content for enhanced comfort
- Toe Protect technology safeguards against rocks, roots, and debris
- Breathable synthetic/mesh upper for improved ventilation
- Two-part midsole design for increased longevity
- 4 mm drop (approximate due to manufacturing variances)
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh
- Inner material: Synthetic
The Fresh Foam X More Trail v3 is designed for trail runners seeking maximum cushioning and stability on off-road routes. Its protective features combined with excellent traction make it suitable for navigating diverse terrains.
With a 158 SA rating, this shoe offers a significant 31.7% improvement in shock absorption compared to the average, which helps reduce fatigue during long runs. The dual-density foam has a stack height of 38.6/31.5 mm in the heel and forefoot, providing a combination of bounce and steadiness that supports the foot well.
The outsole strikes a notable balance between grip and protection, achieving a durometer measurement of 84.6 HC, slightly below the average of 85.1 HC. This softness enhances traction while maintaining durability, and the 5.0 mm lugs are effective on loose dirt and muddy surfaces, contributing to an improved sense of control.
However, as a highly cushioned shoe, the Fresh Foam X More Trail v3 offers limited ground feel, which may not be ideal for more technical trails. This trade-off should be considered by those prioritizing responsiveness over cushioning in challenging environments.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Plush FuelCell foam
- High-performance Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Breathable upper
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Priced below trail supershoes
- Secure fit
- Good durability
Cons
- Lacks energy return
- Narrow toebox limits toe splay
- Not very stable
- Steep drop punishes forefoot strikers
Key Features
- FuelCell Technology: This shoe utilizes advanced FuelCell with bio EVA, which provides excellent energy return and cushioning.
- Trail Running Specific: Tailored for trail running, ensuring it meets the unique demands of uneven terrains.
- Breathable Mesh Outer: The outer material is made from mesh, promoting airflow to keep your feet cool during long runs.
- Cotton Inner Lining: A comfortable cotton inner lining enhances overall comfort and fit during extended use.
- Durable Sole Material: Constructed from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), providing flexibility and support for your feet.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Cotton
The FuelCell SuperComp Trail is designed for runners seeking a blend of comfort and performance during mountain runs. It maintains a lightweight structure while providing significant cushioning and reliable traction, making it a top choice among New Balance trail running shoes.
Weighing only 8.8 oz (248g), this shoe is 14.5% lighter than the average trail runner, allowing for effortless movement along the trails. The light build enhances the overall experience when increasing pace.
The midsole delivers exceptional comfort with a durometer reading of 11.5 HA, which is 49.1% softer than the average, providing a plush ride that contrasts with typical firm trail shoes. A forked plate design improves stability and propulsion during runs.
Equipped with Vibram Megagrip Litebase technology, the outsole offers reliable traction despite its shallow 2.9 mm lugs. This feature contributes to its lightweight profile, making it suitable for fast and easy trails.
Nonetheless, the shoe's steep drop of 13.0 mm primarily benefits rear strikers, which may not suit all runners. Those who prefer a more balanced shoe should consider alternatives.