Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Honestly unless you must have boots, I'd recommend New Balance Hierro Fresh Foam trail running shoes, (or the Hoka Speed Goats\*) can be had in GTX, can find them on sale at around the price you're looking at, super comfortable with plenty of grip and the have wide fit up to size 15 (UK). I have had two pairs and am about to buy a third and the are so comfortable for my own wide high volume feet. \*Which I think you can buy/try for 30 days and still get a refund, I slightly prefer the NB over the Hoka, but both are super comfortable.

Yeah the Peregrine rock plate is solid for that. If toe protection is a priority, check out the Speedcross — it's got a reinforced toe cap that handles root strikes really well. The Pulsar is lighter and more fun but the toe bumper isn't quite as beefy. Another one worth looking at is the Hoka Speedgoat — the toe guard on those is pretty substantial and they handle rocky technical stuff really well while still feeling nimble at your distances. Since mud isn't a factor you could also consider the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro — great toe protection, lower profile feel, and the Vibram outsole grips well on dry rock and roots.

This is so funny as I own all three. I wouldn’t do an ultra with new shoes so close… but if you’ve got some 30k+ runs in the next few weeks maybe it’d be fine? Anyway about the shoes. Genesis are in my daily rotation but haven’t done more than a half marathon in them. If I remember correctly they’re quite low stack height? I remember my first few runs in them I could definitely feel it in my knees but they’re fine after breaking in. I also own those exact color of Ultra Glides. They are beefy and feel quite heavy on the feet. My last race was 55km and 3500hm. I wore them as it was quite dry and all good but yeah definitely felt them towards the end. But at the same time I appreciated the cushion. I wouldn’t wear them again though on something so long and technical. Definitely definitely I had to size up in these. The NB i cannot run in. I’ve had them for a year as my daily sneaker but running in NB is a no go for me, my big toe just gets beaten up by the toe box.

Hi all, Just wanted to ask for an assessment (opinion) on the sole wear on my NB Hierro V9s after 285km...

Cheers. Yes, road to trail then road to home. They're wearing pretty quickly but there's some life left. One issue I have with this shoe is I 'fall off' them on occasions, they can twist under my foot. I'm considering the Gel Trabuco as a replacement when they're done even though I've been a long term NB fan.

Yes, resoling is an option. I find that the upper on these is less snug. On tramlines the shoe feels like it rolls whilst my foot remains upright. It's disconcerting. My older V7s were a completely different shoe.

These have more cushioning but less 'feel' for the trail I sense.

Midsole is holding up well. They ride really nicely, very good job of cushioning rocks and stones.

My New Balance Hierro V7s in goretex are good on mixed terrain. A little flat perhaps and not great in full on mud. V9 is well cushioned but soft compound soles wear fast on tarmac. I'm 25% tarmac and got 350kms out of a pair. V7s are much longer lasting but getting hard to find. I think you'll struggle to get a consistent reply for you Goldilocks shoes.

I haven't, no. Looks like a similar shoe to the 7. The 9 is a new beast entirely.

I’m a road runner but have been taking advantage of some of the wonderful trail running around the DC area. Most of these trails are super runable so I’m looking for a trail shoe to match. I’m using the NB Hierro V9 and they’re near perfect except for the stack height. I’d love something under 40mm, though I’m not looking for a minimalist shoe. I have a pretty average foot and can fit comfortably into most brands. All suggestions welcome. Thank you!

5'10 and 210 and I dig the New Balance Hierro series, my 8s are going strong at 250 miles and 9s are quite nice in the rotation as well.

I have the Olympus 275, if you're used to Zero drop (defo takes a long break in period), but I love them, however, it worth noting that they definitely feel 'dead' pretty quick, I've put about 250km on my Altra Lone Peak, tread in tack, but feel very dead. I've also got the Hiero v9, they're super nice, with 5mm drop, very very soft, so nice for those longer distances

Have felt that the stack is too high and makes them tippy, so depending on how strong your ankles are, something to consider.

I also have the Hierro V9’s and second this. Although I didn’t go GoreTex and get soggy feet. Nice and breathable though!

Great review, and I fully agree with basically everything you said. I ran the Grand Ballon Trail (50K, 2500 altimeters) in them and I was very pleased with the level of comfort they gave me.