Women’s New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 Review

Bottom Line

If you’re on the hunt for a versatile trainer that performs well in dry conditions and on smooth trails, consider the Fresh Foam Hierro X v9 from New Balance. It offers great value for both runners and hikers seeking performance and cushioning.

It has a unique combination of Vibram-coated micro-lugs and maximum cushioning. These shoes are available in several widths, and version 9 offers several great color options in muted tones

During our testing, we found these shoes to be incredibly springy and responsive. We took them on hikes and runs in Monadnock State Park in New Hampshire while training for an Appalachian Trail section hike and beach recovery runs after that trek.

One thing to note is that, while most people will find that there is plenty of room for toe splay in the wide width, the toe box in version 9 is slightly more restrictive than earlier versions. Our testers found that their toes were hitting the top of the shoe in addition to having a bit less width. 

However, the highly breathable upper keeps your feet cool and comfortable and the plush ankle cushioning adds an extra layer of comfort on longer outings. Find out more in our guide to the best trail running shoes for women.

Traction

The Hierro 9 has a Vibram Megagrip outsole and features a revised Traction Lug pattern. Together, these updates significantly boost their performance on wet rocks and dirt trails compared to previous models. 

Our testers took these on several training runs and hikes in New Hampshire’s Monadnock State Park and were impressed with their traction on a wide variety of terrain.

This updated version has deeper lugs than previous models, which we really noticed on muddy singletrack. We experienced much more stability and grip in these conditions.

Additionally, the midsole foam contains 3% bio-based material, making these a slightly more eco-friendly choice compared to others on the market. Unlike earlier models, we missed the outsole’s exceptionally sticky surface, but the Megagrip still provided excellent grip on slick surfaces. This shoe offers good versatility whether you’re running smooth paths or tackling muddy, rocky singletrack, allowing you to focus on exploring rather than your footwear.

comfort

With a maximum cushion midsole, the Hierro X v9 is an extremely comfortable shoe on any type of trail—whether you’re tackling rocky paths or smooth singletrack. The lightweight mesh upper is stretchy and comfortable, though we found the 9 to be somewhat more restrictive than the 8, with our toes occasionally hitting the top of the upper.

You might want to go up half a size or choose a different width from what you wore in the 8 to allow for more toe splay. Despite this, the Hierro v9 remains very comfortable. With three width options available, it’s easy to get a perfect fit. 

We appreciated the ample laces that allowed us to do a lace lock for steep grades and this edition has woven laces that are stretchy offering more comfort without constriction and less length to trip over without compromising function. The generous ankle cushioning kept chafing at bay, allowing us to focus on our run. 

During our test runs, we logged miles on a variety of terrain, from dirt trails to muddy slopes, paved bike paths to technical singletrack and beach runs in sand. Throughout it all, the overall comfort level remained consistently high.

Weight

The Hierro X v9 is slightly lighter than previous models, thanks in part to a 2mm reduction in heel-toe drop. This brings them in line with most models on the market, making them a solid choice for most trail runners.

These shoes felt light and airy during our runs, and our feet remained fresh even after a long training session. The combination of maximum cushion and lightweight materials creates a versatile shoe that is well worth the investment for those seeking footwear that can effortlessly transition between different trail types. 

Durability

While the Hierro X v9 is designed with lightweight mesh uppers they withstood the rigors of the trail—showing no signs of wear even after exposure to trail debris and abrasion during our testing.

What’s more, the strategic protective overlays on the toe box and the sides, provide reinforcement in common high-wear areas, helping to ensure that these shoes will last. The upper mesh on the 9 is also tighter than previous models, which should increase long term performance. 

However, unlike the 8, which had a minimally exposed midsole, the v9 features an exposed channel that is prone to trapping debris.

Unfortunately, we believe this could decrease the shoe’s overall durability. Small sticks and sharp rocks scraped and punctured the Fresh Foam X on several of our runs. That said, if your main training trails don’t have much sharp debris, it shouldn’t be a big problem.

Breathability

Finding the right balance between breathability and durability is key to a great trail running shoe. New Balance has achieved that with the Hierro X v9 by creating a shoe with a slightly tighter mesh upper that remains highly breathable. 

Even during intense workouts during a summer heatwave, our feet stayed cool and comfortable, never soggy. The ample ventilation in the Hierro is one of our favorite features on this shoe. 

However, it’s worth noting that because it is a highly padded shoe, the interior cushioning was a bit slow to dry just as it is in previous models, which we experienced running at the beach. While it meant damp shoes on the next day’s outing, it wasn’t a deal breaker and didn’t cause issues with chafing or blisters.

Responsiveness

The Fresh Foam X midsole offers plenty of energy return regardless of your pace, making these a great choice for a daily trainer and race day shoe. We have been very happy with the responsiveness of such a highly cushioned shoe. Often, the thick sole causes us to lose contact with the ground or feel like we’re on stilts. The Hierro v9 doesn’t do either. 

During our runs on various trails in New Hampshire, we found them to be agile and provide adequate ground feel and stability for more technical sections, including rooty terrain and rocky slopes. On our beach runs, they offered excellent flotation in the sand and solid energy return on the hard-packed sand. On connecting bike paths and roads, they provided a fast ride and didn’t feel like the lugs were “catching,” as some trail shoes do on pavement.

New Balance has addressed our only real concern, which was that previous models felt a bit sloppy in the heel. The 9’s offer a very secure fit that gave us more agility throughout our runs.

Although the plush cushioning reduces ground feel and some runners may desire a more connected trail experience, the Hierro 9 effectively balances comfort and performance, making it a highly responsive shoe for those who want more cushion underfoot.

Should You Buy the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Hierro X V9?

We found these shoes to be a solid trail offering from a reliable brand. Providing cushy comfort, decent traction, and terrain versatility in three widths, the Hierro X v9 checks many boxes—appealing to a variety of runners and hikers.

Those searching for a versatile trail shoe that won’t break the bank will find these to be a solid choice. If your training involves a variety of surfaces and trail types, these will offer great value as they can handle it all.

However, if you mainly run on technical mountain trails, you might find them less aggressive than you need. Runners seeking a more performance-oriented fit for improved agility, deep mud-lugging for muddy terrain, or increased ground feel should look at other options. 

Overall, these shoes provide a comfortable experience and are a great choice whether you’re accelerating on a trail run or just taking a casual walk through the woods.

What Other Women’s Trail Runners Should You Consider?

If the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro X v9 isn’t for you, check out these similar trail runners that share similar characteristics.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review: If you’re looking for an even wider toe box and more traction, check out this former Editor’s Pick. These shoes are at home on rugged trails and have the most room in the footbox of everything we tested. Choose from two widths.

Brooks Catamount 4 Review: If you’re looking for a more performance fit that’s designed to go fast, slip into a pair of these. Equally at home on trail and hardpack, these trail runners marry maximum cushion with durable traction.

Nike Pegasus 5 Review: If you’re looking for a responsive shoe that can go from road to trail and back again slip into a pair of these. These trail runners have a slimmer fit and are designed to make everyone feel fast.