New Balance - Fresh Foam X Hierro Series

I had Hierro v6 GTX. They were very plushy and quite lightweight for a well padded and cushioned trail shoe. They also did well on paved roads, where I used them on bad weather days. I was really disappointed when just after half a year they started showing tears on the toebox and collar. I ditched New Balance for Hoka Speedgoats. Much more fun to run in, due to more springy foam and the rocker. One and a half year later, the outsole (also a Vibram Megagrip) is missing half of the lugs, so I switch to another pair.

I used to use New Balance 4E Hierro which fit well, but I was really disappointed in their grip. I was sliding all over the place on anything remotely slick which isn't really good for a trail runner. I switched to the Topo Pursuit shoes and they are wide, comfortable, and very grippy. The Terraventure get great reviews but they were substantially narrower. They were similar in width as the Hoka Speedgoat so wouldn't work for me. Altra had wide shoes at some point, but they progressively narrowed them to the point that I could no longer fit into the Lone Peaks. Supposedly, they are making them wider again and migrating to a Vibram sole which hopefully will be a vast improvement with their shoddy proprietary sole. Their quality control in generally has been poor. Brooks were always too narrow. I could never fit into the Cascadia.

I normally wear SG wide size. Went with NB Hierro 9, it’s a much softer ride but a bit heavier.

I have always worn Speedgoats in wide (2e) the past but moved to a NB Hierro 9 this year. It’s a softer, more comfortable ride. Gonna try the Norda 005 when they arrive in a few days.

I have been wearing New Balance Hierros for a couple years. I trail run and run on/in the snow. I’ve found they’re durable and comfortable. Traction is fantastic. There is a Gore Tex version but I opt for the regular version. To save money I typically buy the previous year’s version when new models are released.

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.

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.

new balance hierro ftw (lowkey shocked to see it as high as 15)

Came here to say this. I used mine for mixed road trail running all week and for walks around town. Very durable outsole

For affordable running shoes new balance Hierro are under appreciated. I put them through bearings and have had pairs hold up nearly to 1000 miles.

I find the higher the stack leads to more rolling ankles. Shoes that have not worked for me: Brooks Cascadia, New Balance Hierro Shoes that have worked for me: La Sportiva Bushido, Topo Terraventure. Also would like to find a more cushioned shoe but they have been directly correlated to rolled ankles for me and I'm sick of spending money on shoes for now. I'll see how far I can go in the Bushidos, I did a 50 miler in them and it was good, although I was definitely hurting at the end!! The more you do the more you adapt though!

New Balance Hierro comes as wide as 4E for men and 2E for women. Topo is also legit wide. I wear a women's D width and their wide shoes are TOO wide for me. That never happens with my hobbit feet 😂

Hey, anyone already rocking the new Asics Gel Trabuco 13? I want new trail running shoes as I don't like my current Nike Pegasus Trail 5 because of wobbly/unstable feeling and sore feet/ankles/ankle tendons after 20km+ runs. I simply think they're "unstable" for my running style so I was thinking about getting the Trabucos instead as I read the 12s are quite stable shoes. Previous trail shoe was NB Hierro V7 and I was quite happy with it. I was also considering Saucony Peregrine 15 but I don't have any experience with the Peregrine line. Or if can somebody recommend any other shoes I'm all ears. Thanks! https://preview.redd.it/k9cgxvgapkee1.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aec2385635945ff6bbfd792b4b0c52a86883cc3d

Do not do this with plantar fasciitis. Get a shoe with a high stack like the hola speedgoats or the NB fresh foam. PF is not something to mess around with because it will end your hike in a way that nothing else can by making every step agony.

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.

Hello, here my feedback based on my experiences with trying on these shoes in store: Altamesa: I found it had good cushion except for where my toes were and it felt like they wouldn't soften no matter how many km's I put into them. Speedgoat 6: toe box felt weirdly roomy for a narrowish shoe and they didn't quite fit right. Hierro: I was able to try on the v7, v8 and v9 models all at one store. The v9 we're the best out of the 3 but I still didn't like the v9. It just felt oddly bulky which was a shame as I love NB shoes. The 1080's are my favourite. Stinson 7: I just bought a pair from MEC yesterday and they felt so good on my feet as soon as I put them on. I'm a little used to heavier shoes so that doesn't bother me. I really want a max cushion trail runners that doesn't need to be super technical trail focused. Salomon Ultra Glide/Ultra Flow: i really wanted to like these but they were a little narrow and just didn't have the comfy impact I was expecting. Altra Timp 5: I think these shoes are awesome except for the way the upper material bends at the toe box. It just feels weird and I can tell it will create problems for me a few km's into a run. I also have the Topo Ultraventure 4 which are great but I don't know how well I would enjoy them past 30km. I have Columbia Ecolite (the ones that look like they infused golf balls into the form) which have been great but just aren't on the same level as other trail shoes. I had the Brooks Caldera 6 which were okay and had great traction but they hurt my feet and caused blood blisters on the outside of my big toes so I was able to return them when I got the Stinson. I've tried on many other runners and I have the believe that you should go with the shoe that fells the best on your foot. E: forgot to add that I also tried on the hoka mafate speed 4 and I almost bought them as they were don't in the toe box compared to the speed goats 5 & 6 but I wanted slightly more cushioning. I think the mafate is a great comparison to the topo Ultraventure 4

[The best Trail Shoe](https://amzn.to/4hZsDcz) .. in my humble opinion .. great toe box, great water resistance, super comfy, and wildly durable

[NB HIERRO - Best Shoe](https://amzn.to/4hZsDcz) .. in my humble opinion .. great toe box, great water resistance, super comfy, and wildly durable

Absolutely adored the OG-EUs. Also quite like this year's New Balance Hierros (I was a tester last summer).

My feet are a 4E width across the ball and pretty square across the toe. Hoka Wide fit is ok but tends to rip out at the bulge on the outside of the ball of my foot eventually. The New Balance X-Wides are my current go to, really comfortable.

I usually use any hiking shoe. Currently rocking a pair of New Balance fresh foam X Hierro v7. Way more comfortable than my last pair of Adidas. So I'll probably go back to them once these are worn out. I've also used Solomon's and Oboz in the past. Sometimes you can get the NB on big discounts on eBay or other places and that makes them the best of the bunch imo. After that Solomon.

Trail runners. New Balance Hierro I like a lot. If you have money, check out Norda

I went with New Balance Hierro 7 for trails runners and Keen Targhee for trail boots. I just walk or hike no jogging. The NB has a somewhat wide toe box for me and I wear 13 wide. Just bought my first pair of Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4. That shoe feels almost perfect and the splay in the toes is naturally better with that wide toe box. I hated feel of Altra. I bought the NB for value at the time and will replace with Topo for the next pair.

***1. Introduction*** **About me**: I'm a 46-year-old male, 6'3" and 188 lbs (85 kg) — a self-described “bigger” triathlete. Think of me as your odd ex-pro swimmer: strong in the water, pretty awful on the bike, and solid on the run. Most of my running is on concrete, but in the hot summer months, I switch things up with hiking and the occasional trail run. I'm primarily a forefoot/midfoot runner. I don't know how relevant my PBs are, but just for context: I can run a sub-3-hour marathon, a 1:20 half marathon, and a 35-36-minute 10K and I haven't run a 5K in ages. I mostly run in Asics and Saucony (check my comments in r/AskRunningShoeGeeks for more), so I like to switch brands for hiking and trail running. In the past, I’ve used Salomon, Mammut, and Scarpa. Last year, I got a pair of Merrell Agility Peak 5s, which I absolutely loved. I picked up the New Balance Hierro v9 after reading positive online reviews (e.g., The Run Testers et al.) I’d never owned or run in New Balance shoes before, so I figured, “Why not?” I was specifically looking for a max-cushioned trail shoe, and I snagged a 30% off deal online that felt too good to pass up. ***2. Shoe Details & First Impressions*** **Size**: I typically wear an 11.5/12 in running shoes and went with a size 12 in the Hierro v9. It's not the roomiest shoe, though; it honestly fits more like an 11.5. **Specs (Size 12)**: 11 oz (311g), 4mm drop, 33mm heel / 29mm forefoot stack height **First Impressions**: I really dig this Dark Juniper colorway. Right out of the box, they felt super comfortable and plush. You can immediately feel the max cushioning, and that Fresh Foam stack really stands out. The Vibram outsole also looked impressively grippy. ***3. The Ride & Performance*** I've taken the Hierros on three runs across technical trails with lots of climbing. Most recently, I did a 10+ mile trail run (~3000 ft / 900m of vertical gain) on muddy, wet, and technical terrain. Initial impressions confirmed - the Hierro v9 is a super comfy, well-cushioned shoe with excellent grip. It protects your legs on long outings, and the low-drop setup is great for forefoot/midfoot strikers like me. The ride feels smooth, efficient, and easy on the joints. It’s a pretty heavy shoe, so you don’t get that “disappears-on-the-foot” feeling you might with lighter, nimbler options. **Midsole**: The Fresh Foam X midsole is soft yet responsive and offers great protection. It handled rocky, rooty, and smooth dirt trails — and even the odd paved section — without a hitch. One thing to note: it’s not very flexible; it actually reminds me of a carbon-plated road shoe in terms of stiffness. I enjoy that feeling, but others might find it too rigid. **Outsole**: The Vibram Megagrip is just awesome. Even on steep mud and slick rocks, I felt secure the entire time. **Upper & Fit**: The upper is breathable and supportive. There’s lots of padding in the heel, and the tongue gusseting adds to the plush feel. Toe protection is solid. The lacing is up to snuff. ***4. Stability & Protection*** **Stability**: This is perhaps the only area where I found the Hierro falls slightly short. I found that the thick cushioning compromises a tad the stability on highly technical terrain. Compared to the Merrell Agility Peak 5, I did miss some ground feel, which I value. That’s why I’ll be rotating these depending on the run and terrain. **Protection**: No complaints here. The Hierros provide excellent protection from debris and strong underfoot shielding from rocks and roots. **Durability**: with just 50+ miles, it’s too early to say. Anything I write now would be speculative. ***5. Pros & Cons*** **Pros**: - Really comfortable and plush ride - High-quality materials - Exceptional traction on all terrain - Ideal for forefoot/midfoot runners like myself - Great energy return - Significant leg protection on long runs **Cons**: - Slightly unstable on highly technical terrain - A bit on the heavier side - Reduced ground feel - Might be too stiff for some ***6. Conclusion & Recommendations*** As you've probably gathered, I'm really enjoying the Hierro v9. I feel like it could be a great choice for bigger runners who value comfort and cushioning (one of my all-time favorite road shoes is the Asics Superblast 2). It delivers a plush ride and outstanding traction. I’ve never owned a trail shoe quite like this; my previous pairs have been nimbler with more ground feel. But as I get older, I’m leaning more into the extra protection this shoe offers. As I mentioned earlier, this was my first-ever pair of New Balance shoes in over 20 years of running — and I’ve been so impressed, I’ll probably grab out one of their road models soon. If you have any questions, ask away!

***(1) Introduction*** About a month ago, I wrote a post on the New Balance Hierro v9 [(here is my original review)](https://www.reddit.com/r/RunningShoeGeeks/comments/1l73wga/new_balance_fresh_foam_x_hierro_v9_50_mile_review/). I was quite impressed with its comfort and trail capabilities, and truly believed I had found an excellent shoe for my long runs and hikes. However, as any runner knows, curiosity often leads to new explorations. When u/jorho41 commented on my post, I discovered he had shared an in-depth review of the Asics Trabuco Max 4 [(read his insights here)](https://www.reddit.com/r/RunningShoeGeeks/comments/1l6uycl/asics_trabuco_max_4/), a shoe I had considered before buying the Hierros. Then, out of nowhere, a significant online discount popped up — 50% off my size 12. It was an opportunity too good to miss. So despite u/johro4’s mixed review, I grabbed a pair to see what the Trabuco Max 4 was all about. I decided to put these two max-cushioned trail shoes head-to-head. For reference: I’ve logged well over 100 miles on the Hierros and about 60 miles on the Trabuco Max 4, both on the exact same trails. I’m training for a technical trail run near home, so I’ve covered the course multiple times. ***(2) Specs*** Hierro v9: US M12, weight ~11oz (311g), stack height 42mm heel / 38mm forefoot (4mm drop), midsole Dual-density Fresh Foam X, outsole Vibram Megagrip with 4.5mm lugs. Trabuco Max 4: US M12, weight ~11oz (312g), stack height 40mm heel / 35mm forefoot (5mm drop), midsole FFBlast+, outsole AsicsGrip with 3.5-4mm lugs. ***(3) Fit & Upper Comfort: Tie*** There’s no clear winner here. Both shoes are constructed with breathable mesh, providing a secure and comfortable fit around the foot. They both feature ample padding in the heel and tongue for an accommodating feel. With the Hierros, the only minor issue I had initially was that they felt a bit snug. But now that I have over 100 miles on them, they’re perfect. Either the midsole foam has compressed a bit or the insole has molded to my feet, but whatever it is, they feel flawless now. The Trabuco Max 4, on the other hand, has that classic 'disappearing' sensation on the foot that I really appreciate in Asics shoes. **Bottom line**: both shoes are well built and offer excellent comfort and secure fits. ***(4) Midsole & Cushioning: Slight Advantage Hierro*** The Fresh Foam X in the Hierro delivers a truly plush and bouncy ride. It feels protective and offers good rebound, maintaining a consistent feel over long distances. In contrast, the FF BLAST+ in the Trabuco Max 4 provides ample cushioning, but it feels firmer and more responsive compared to the Hierro. It offers good energy transfer, partly due to the Guidesole rocker, and effectively protects the legs, though with a different kind of cushioned feel. If the Hierro feels like a deeply cushioned sofa, the Trabuco Max 4 feels more like a responsive, supportive platform. Both offer high levels of cushioning, but their softness and energy return clearly differ. I have to be completely honest here: I’m a FFBlast+ fiend. I love it in the Novablast 4 and in the Superblast 2. The moment I slipped into the Trabuco Max 4, I had that familiar feeling. I like how responsive the foam is while still feeling protective and cushioned. However, the Fresh Foam X feels much more plush, and that sensation is fast becoming one of my favorites. **Bottom line**: I think the Hierro has a more modern, luxurious, and plush feeling to it. But both have high stacks, you lose the ground feel that many seek and that nimbler shoes provide. ***(5) Outsole & Traction: Hierro Wins*** The Vibram Megagrip outsole on the Hierro v9 is simply outstanding. Its 4.5mm lugs provide excellent, reliable traction across various surfaces, from dry dirt to slick roots and muddy patches. I've always felt incredibly secure, and it consistently inspires confidence in diverse conditions. The ASICSGRIP on the Max 4 performs adequately on dry, moderate trails. However, aligning with u/johro41's experience (and now my own), its performance in wet and muddy conditions was meh at best. The 3.5mm-4mm lugs, while present, are not great on serious mud, leading to a noticeable lack of grip. Also, technical terrain like steep scree fields can be tricky in the Trabuco. **Clear winner here**: Hierro’s grip stands out as superior. The Trabuco Max 4 is suited for drier, less challenging trails where extreme grip isn’t a primary concern. ***(6) Stability & Protection: Tie*** Despite its high stack, the Hierro v9 offers a good (not great) stability. While it can feel a tad less nimble on extremely technical, off-camber terrain, its overall protective qualities are excellent. The integrated Toe Protect feature also adds robust front-foot defense against rocks and roots. The Trabuco Max 4 features a wide platform, which inherently contributes to its stability on relatively flat or rolling ground. And even though its high stack can sometimes lead to a feeling of being less connected to the ground, the firmer FFBlast+ foam offers better stability overall. Both shoes offer a high degree of protection from underfoot elements due to their substantial stack heights, but the Hierro feels a bit sturdier and its TPU Toe Protector is genuinely effective. **Bottom line**: Both are protective maximalist options, The Hierro’s construction feels more solid and confidence-inspiring on harsh terrain while the Trabuco is definitely a more stable shoe. ***(7) Road-to-Trail Versatility: Slight Advantage Trabuco*** While comfortable enough for short road sections, the Hierro's weight and robust build can make it feel a bit cumbersome for extended pavement use, especially given my preference for lighter, snappier road shoes. With its 5mm drop and slightly firmer, more responsive cushioning profile, the Trabuco Max 4 feels a bit more efficient and natural on road connectors compared to the Hierro. If your runs frequently involve mixed pavement and trail sections, this shoe might offer a more balanced and comfortable transition between surfaces. **Bottom line**: The Trabuco Max 4 is better for mixed road-to-trail use. ***(8) Durability & Longevity: Too Early To Call*** With over 100 miles on the Hierros and about 50 miles on the Trabuco Max 4, it's still too early to give a definitive verdict on long-term durability for both. So far, both shoes show expected minimal wear on the outsoles. The Hierro's Vibram lugs appear very robust and show little sign of degradation. The Trabuco Max 4's outsole is also holding up. I'll keep monitoring them. ***The Verdict: Pros & Cons*** New Balance Hierro v9 ✅ Pros: Comfortable upper, no hot spots Excellent lockdown despite softer upper Feels very stable on moderate terrain Great Vibram outsole grip, even on mud and wet rocks Dual-density midsole feels protective and plush without being mushy Less bottoming out than Hierro v7 ❌ Cons: Heavy, but does not feel sluggish Less nimble than lighter shoes Upper is quite warm in the summer Asics FujiTrabuco Max 4 ✅ Pros: Responsive, snappy FFBlast+ midsole that still protects well Excellent road-to-trail versatility – feels efficient on pavement Stable ride thanks to firmer foam and wide platform Disappears on foot like most Asics do ❌ Cons: Mediocre traction in wet or muddy conditions Less ground feel due to high stack Not ideal for extremely technical trails ***Conclusion: My Final Takeaway*** Considering all factors, the New Balance Hierro v9 remains my top choice for comprehensive trail running. Its superior comfort and, crucially, its consistently reliable grip in varied and challenging conditions make it a more dependable partner on the trails I typically encounter. I feel more secure in the Hierro, and that confidence is key. In fact I will be using it for my upcoming races and that says it all. While the Trabuco Max 4 has its strengths – especially its road-to-trail versatility and responsive ride – its limitations in grip are a significant drawback for me on wet, muddy, or very technical terrain. However, I will still use it for easier trails, hikes, and mixed road-to-trail courses where its firmer, snappier feel and Guidesole rocker shine. Also, I like having different trail shoes to rotate, for the same reasons I maintain a shoe rotation for road running (e.g., injury prevention, extending the lifespan of footwear, and optimizing performance**). So I don’t regret purchasing the Trabuco at all. As a running shoe hoarder, the more the merrier in my book – if you’re like me, you know what I mean

New Balance Hierro V6 or V7. You don’t need clunky hiking boots.

I bought these 3 months ago after struggling to find a trail shoe I could wear for long miles. I am IN LOVE with these shoes. I am used to a lot less shoe but long runs and ultra made me need more protection for long days. I'm an older runner so my feet require more than my old Lone Peaks could offer. I have tried several brands and was not happy until these. The toe box doesn't look roomy but it is! Buying another pair for AC100 in August. :)

I'm on the heavier side as well at 6'1" & 180ish lbs. I've really enjoyed these for all my trail runs lately in Forest Park, Portland. For sizing I'm normally 11.5 but I bought these in 11.5 wide. The wide fits perfect for me in the toebox.

My Hierro v7 were pretty great (V8 has ruined them). Now onto nnormal tomir which for me is excellent.

I also used to wear them until my Achilles ruptured

New Balance Hierro is what i use for trail running and / or hiking. I wear 4E wide so they'll have any size you need

Hierro V9’s grip on wet roots/wood is deadly in comparison to Hoka’s SG5. Except for this, the grip is solid and the shoe is a personal favorite, also for technical terrain.

I swear by the: New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X Hierro V7 Specifically the gortex ones.

Thank you! I’ve tried topo terra venture wide, way too narrow at the mid foot for me. I’ve also tried nb hierro in 4E and the toe box was too cramped, going to try the altra lone peak next, hopefully on wide version. Thanks for your suggestions.

I was also looking for an "all-rounder." Like the other person said, having a shoe that does it all is hard. I ended up with the New Balance Hierros, which works for me. It has a 4 mm drop and is relatively wide, a little too much cushion for my taste, but it is alright. I have the v9 version now, the v7 lasted for 1000km+ with a little super glue :D

New balance have some decent options. I use Fresh Foam X Hierro v9. But really it’s what ever fits your feet and what will work for the trails you’re trying to run.

I spent a day trying different shoes at different shops. The softer heal counter is a driving force - drop, cushioning and wide toebox are also important. The 3 I narrowed it down to were… in 3rd place Altra Olympus 6 (but no drop), in 2nd the New Balance Hierro - seemed good and 1, which surprised me, the Nike Zagama 2 (which was slightly more flexible than the Hierro - a good or bad thing, I’ll report back). The toebox for the Nike has sometimes been described as narrow, when I tried it on it was fine.

I just recently bought new trail runners and many of the reviews on Hokas speak to what you’re saying. Particularly the Speedgoat. Did you not read any reviews? I went with the New Balance Hierro about a month ago and am quite happy with them currently. I’ve put probably ~25 miles on them already and they show almost no wear.

I just recently got a fan of New Balance Hierro V9s and I’m impressed so far

I use NB hierro love them for hiking and throwing

Hola, las que yo tengo para vestir son Hoka mafate speed 4, New balance hierro y te diría que cualquiera de On cloud.

Only 4mm drop though. The heel counter is well-cushioned but normally stiff. Agree they're plenty wide, especially in 2E. High stack does mean they're not the most stable shoes. Not for unstable terrain.

Thanks for the review. I just picked up a pair. I was a little surprised by the fit after ready so many online reviews that said they are 1/2 size off. I almost always fit perfectly in 10.5 in almost every brand. I tried on a variety of Hokas, On Cloud, Altra... the Hierra's stood out as the best fit for me. Snug, comfy, perfect. I do have a foot that is perhaps a tad narrow... point is, they are probably 1/4 size small at best and may actually work for you in your usual size if you have a low-volume foot.

Great review - I completely agree with you, this shoe is impressive. I weigh 253 lbs (115 kg) and had been searching for a long time for a trail shoe with strong cushioning, suitable for forest and light path running. I tried the Asics Trabuco Max 3 and 4, but the fit wasn’t right - they were too wide for my narrow feet. The New Balance Hierro V9 fits perfectly and holds the foot very securely, so I decided to go with them. I usually run in Hoka road shoes, but when it comes to trail models, I couldn’t find any with both high cushioning and a sole that performs well even in muddy conditions. New Balance really filled that gap perfectly

have the Hierro v9 as my first trail shoes, and have slightly wide feet. the width was okay for me, but the toe cap does limit toe room, to the point i have runner’s toe on my second toe. would also recommend going 1/2 size up.

The New Balance Hierro v9 trail runners are looking fire to me. Water resistant, earth tones, super comfortable due to the Fresh Foam midsole. Looks GORPy to me

New Balance Hierros in a 4E. Been using them for 3 years now and just switched my road shoes to 1080s in 4E. Love em

I own 3 pairs: New Balance Mid Hiero GTX, Adidas Mid Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX and Salomon Low Cut X Ultra 4 GTX. All great choices.

I find the new balance hierro v9 very cushioned for hard pack or my easier trail days, but not great on anything technical because of the stack height

I'm a die hard New Balance person (because they consistently have wide shoes that feel good for me) and I've been using the minimus trail and love them. The fresh foam shoes don't hold up super well with sharp/rocky terrain.

I love the slightly wider fit of my New Balance Hierros. My husband swears by Brooks. It really just depends on the shape of your foot, but I've found both of those brands to be pretty long wearing for trail runners and to not need breaking in. We both used to wear Merrells, but the quality isn't as good as it used to be for me. One thing that really improved my hiking was sizing up a half size and using a runner's knot to prevent slippage.

New Balance Hierro are nice for this.

Comparative review of three trail running shoes after a couple of hundred kilometers (most in the NB, least in the VJ) Use: forest trails, grass, obstacle courses (including rope climbing), mud & paved surfaces. Not used on hills and rocky terrain. Standout features and pros: Hierro: all day comfort, plushness, lots of padding around the heel and ankle, Vibram rubber compound stick to everything, great for walking too, mild outsole lugs that feel great on paved surfaces too, nice forefoot flexibility allowing ground feel even with the enormous amount of midsole. This is the Sunday long run shoe. Parkclaw: do-it-all road to trail show, immediate perfect fit, no break in period required at all. The soles strike a good balance between responsiveness, comfort, ground feel and agility, good enough for obstacle races and rope climbing, nice forefoot flexibility, good outsole durability, rugged upper that can withstand abuse. This is the very day trainer. VJ Spark: minimalistic off road performance, most aggressive outsole with VJ's own rubber provides ultimate traction including mud, very nimble, lightweight and agile shoe, but still some comfort even on paved surfaces and even without much padding. Hug the feet tightly. No rock plate so proper flexibility. Great for obstacle and rope climbing. Thick insole so there are options for experimenting. This is the specialist shoe. Cons: The NB is simply too bulky for (technical) obstacles and fast short races: the mid- and outsole extend way beyond the foot. The outsole lugs are not aggressive enough to handle mud. The midsole is more plush than responsive so this shoe does not feel fast. The Parkclaw is so do-it-all that there are many compromises for each specific use case. The outsole lugs aren't aggressive enough for mud. One big disadvantage of the Parkclaw is the Inov8 graphene G-grip outsole that feels very slippery on wet hard surfaces. One of the worst I've encountered, but it's not so bad that it ruins the overall experience, you just have to be more careful. The laces are plasticky and come undone easily. I wouldn't recommend these as walking shoes. The VJ Spark sizing is off: all my shoes are either 11 or 11.5 US sizes and I ordered these in size 12 US because of what I read online. Still in size 12, the toe box was (initially) very narrow and required me to change the lacing system and required breaking in. The tongue is a thin flap with no padding. Outsole lug pattern is (obviously) not meant for paved surfaces. Probably great on descents but I have no way to test that. Outsole durability to be assessed.

New Balance Hierro, they're plush, cushioned, comfortable, grippy, but also a bit slow and heavy. Great hiking shoe as well. Inov8 Parkclaw: jack of all trades, master of none. Very durable, very allround, comfortable right out of the box, but the cushioning doesn't give much energy return so it feels a bit old fashioned and a little bit uninspiring. Doesn't feel like a trail shoe when running on road, but it does have trail shoe features like (mild) lugs, toe protector, ankle collar. It has a really wide toe box but also a good lockdown. Nike Vomero: cushioned road shoe that has an outsole tread pattern that is much more trail-like than other road shoes

Thanks, appreciate the advice. I decided to just go to the NB store and see what they had to offer and actually try the Hierro v9s as that’s the only way i’d know for sure. Turns out they were super comfortable, seem durable, and didn’t seem to heavy for me. Went for the ones with the drift red sole!

Shoes are very individual so you just have to check around and see what works for your particular foot shape. For example I can’t do Hokas, Topos were too narrow in the toe box, and brooks Cascadias were just too narrow period for me. Ended up going Lone Peak -> Olympus -> New Balance Heiros. Currently trying the North Face Alta Mesa 300s which seem promising as well.

After hitting durability issues with Lone Peaks / Olympus I’ve had a bit better luck with the New Balance Heiros though I still wish they lasted longer. Currently testing the North Face Alta Mesa 300s because of a recommendation the foam takes longer to collapse. For context I’m a thru hiker with really wide feet

Really comfortable but at least in the size 14s I wear the sides blow out. Same issue with the Olympus. I've switched to New Balance Heiros which are a similar shape but at least they hold together until the bottoms are too thin to protect my feet. https://preview.redd.it/5cuixhpub69f1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=68150112f77175278b621fe7116f1721c057e8ea

I have similiar feet to you although I wouldn't say my pronation is severe but it is noticable. I just got the New Balance Hierro v9 the other day and they are so damn comfortable. I have what would be considered a wide foot. I tried on the normal size 10.5 and they where too skinny so I got the wide an they fit so damn good. Before I got them I read that they ran small but I normally wear a 10.5 and I got a 10.5 and it seems the length is on par with the rest of my shoes.

Agreed with the NB. I have it in the goretex version and use it more as a winter miscellaneous-use/everyday shoe. It’s too much of a tank for me to enjoy on runs.

I’ve really enjoyed the New Balance Hierro the past few winters. Fresh Foam X stays soft in freezing temps and the vibram outsole is great on snow and ice. Haven’t needed my spikes with them. The v8 is out, apparently they are even softer, closer to the 1080 v13/14 squish. The More Trail v3 was like running in mud, plodding around. They didn’t work for me. I loved the v1.

New Balace Hierro V7 and V8 (I think) come in wide fit, I’ve had a few pairs and they’re great. ON running also do trail shoes and generally have a wide toe box. i have wide feet and really rate their road shoes

New Balace Hierro V7 and V8 (I think) come in wide fit, I’ve had a few pairs and they’re great. ON running also do trail shoes and generally have a wide toe box. i have wide feet and really rate their road shoes

I've gone through so many shoes for this issue. I landed on new balance hiero and so far no pain. Hoka, asics, saucony and Salomon didn't work for me either. 

I have the Hierro v9 2e, currently returning. The toe cap presses into the foot. The width is shocking, narrower than Hoka 2e. And it was too small size wise. I would go up 1/2 at least.

Same issues for me with Hierro 9. Fortunately I found Salomon ultra glide 3 to be a very good option.

I'm using NB Hierro V9. I was using Brooks before so nung pinagcompare ko silang dalawa, mas mabigat si Brooks so I made a switch. Mas bet ko kasi yung magaan and Vibram outsole.

I’m currently travelling around Europe for 3 weeks with only NB Hierro V8. They are serving me extremely well from walking around the city to speed work and hiking

Hierro 9s. Answer you’re looking for

I have about 10 running shoes. 4 trail; 3 road-to-trail hybrids which are Nike Pegasus 5 and NB heirro 8. The NB has more cushioning and good to less technical trail, the Pegasus handles wet, mud better and speed work. NB better for longer distance, say 20-40k. Hoka challenger also great for hybrid if you like cushioning. Then all trials I have Hoka mofate speed 4. Testing these ahead of my first ultra (52) in May. Uk based and this race could be mega boggy, wet, slippery with hills, or dry. So I may use a hybrid if dry the week before. So far the Hoka seem great, so much grip from the vibram sole, but good cushioning (I’m 95kg so I pound the trail lol). Doing 30k tomorrow so will see if they hold up with the cushioning! I tried the Nike Ultrafly too which were good but not worth the money so i returned them.

I just bought a pair of New Balance Hierro shoes. Regulars are already pretty wide, and there are wide options available.

I’ve got both the asics trabuco gtx 12 and the new balance hierro goretex. Both are great shoes I bought on discount. The asics are a bit more sturdy, harder grip and less breathable whereas the new balance I would wear to work on a rainy day

Been a Salomon guy for years speedcross for wet or sense ride for dry or rocky wet. New Balance is supporting an upcoming run of mine, so I figured the least I could do was give the Hierro 8 a spin.(They didn't make me and also don't expect any shilling) Pleasantly surprised—comfortable, solid grip, and honestly might stick with them for rolling trails. Will update further after I get a chance in the wet. Real talk, no shill.

New balance! Their regular width shoes are quite wide (usually wide enough for me and I have wide feet) and they have wide fit options. I have the hierro v7 (I think) and I love them.

The hierro v9 runs small, which is frustrating and difficult with certain sizes.

Pro tip from a 30+ year disc golfer... Any shoe you buy for disc golf that you plan on A: keeping and B: Waterproof should have 3 things..a Shoe Goo mod, a Gore-tex lining and have a Vibram sole. Get some shoe goo and add it to the entire toe cap and every single seam on the shoe, even brand new shoes. When the sole wears out, get a new shoe. The Shoe Goo prevents leakage and separation. If it starts to wear through add more Goo. Vibram last the longest and Gore-tex is good for winter and summer. Just don't wear black socks in the summer get some gray ones. Lem's soles wear out too fast. My favorite ever is the New Balance X Hierro Mid GTX Trail Running Shoe. Ankle support, Vibram, Gore-tex, arch support, thicker heel and light. Add shoe goo to all that and you got 2-2.5 years of disc golfing with dry feet. I like Merrel for all of this but their shoes are just too damn heavy and the tread is too sticky for good pivoting.

Honestly the New Balance Hierro. Of all the trail runners I tried on it was the most comfortable, plus it has toe protection so you can really use it anywhere. Good for wide feet too if you get the wide version. I recently hiked the Lost Coast with them and they were great.

New Balance Hierro, wide, they are comfortable but pretty heavy. Just got a pair of OC Cloudultra Pros, medium width, little spendy at $260, but they are supposed to be a wider than normal. Also got a pair of 13W SG 5's off ebay.

**Absolutely!** I’ve got wide/voluminous feet too and know the struggle. A few trail shoes that have worked really well for me (or others in the same boat): * **Altra Lone Peak** – Foot-shaped toe box, zero drop, super roomy. Great for comfort and natural splay. * **Topo Athletic Ultraventure or Terraventure** – Similar to Altra with a wide fit, but with a slight drop and more structure. * **HOKA Speedgoat (Wide version)** – Surprisingly comfy once broken in. The wide version gives more volume than you’d expect from HOKA. * **New Balance Hierro v7 (2E width)** – Cushioned, roomy, and solid grip for trails. * **Brooks Cascadia (Wide)** – Good all-rounder with trail stability and comes in wide sizes. Make sure to try them on if you can—volume fit can vary a lot even among “wide” shoes. Good luck out there! 👟🌲

I really like the Hierro as well. They are exceptional in winter because they are great on snow and ice. The heel flare on the v7s didn't work great for me as a heel striker but it looks like this has been minimized in the v8.

Try New Balance Hierro v9 (they also come in wide width), Brooks Cascadia (wide available) If you want more cushion from Altra they also have the Olympus 6.

Depends where you are in Canada, if you’re south then any trail runner is fine. I live in the Yukon and I run with either new balance Hierro gtx or la sportiva blizzards (when I need a shoe with extra grip).

I had New Balance Hierro v8, which i had to send into early Pension After approximately 500km. Now I got the Hoka speedgoat 6, and I feel like these have no cushion at all. They are very stiff.

The trails we are running in my country mainly are humid tropical jungle with mountain slope and very muddy rice paddy with stream and I can say Nike outsole ATC outperform any vibram outsole and those Hoka speedgoat. I used Nike Kiger 8 and also owned a pair of NB Hierro. When the Wildhourse 10 released later this year, I will deffinitely grab one pair

New Balance Hierro, I really like mine and they make them in wides.

The New Balance Hierro comes in wide! Pretty high cushion.

Salomon Sense Ride 3 were my first real pair of trail running shoes in 2020. After 600km they already felt really flat and the mesh was just coming apart… After that I ran with a pair of NB Hierro v6 for 900km and now a pair of Asics Trabuco 11 with currently 700km, still in very good condition. To me, the problem is from Salomon side !

I used to wear Altras but now I wear new balance fresh foam hierro in double wide (2e) and they work pretty well.

Brooks and New Balance both have great trail shoes (I am partial to the NB Hierro myself) and all come in wide. Topo Ultraventure are also decent, though I had issues with blisters in my foot arch on runs over 6-7 miles. I recommend against waterproof shoes. Get merino socks instead!

I have wide feet and NB Hierros in wide work well for me. Ran a trail race in them this weekend.

Second this— they’ve replaced my Speedgoats this season. Plush but responsive, stay comfy when going long. Love this shoe.

If the trail is local to you then I’d ask some local running shops what shoes they like best for the terrain around you. I personally like to have a rotation of shoes for different conditions, but a few that I think are decent all rounders (cushioned enough that you won’t be in pain if you’re running on road, deep enough lugs that you’re not going to slide around the second there’s a little bit of mud, stack height not so high you’re likely to break your ankles as soon as there’s rocks and roots, etc) are the Salomon Ultraglide, On Cloudultra, North Face Flight Vectiv, Topo Mtn Racer, New Balance Hierro. Hoka Speedgoats probably fall under there too but I found them a bit clunky on anything technical and they only lasted 400km (I can usually get double that from a shoe).

The new NB Hierro v9 is supposed to be a solid remake that is a better actual running shoe than previous versions of the Hierro. I think you might like the HOKA Speedgoat or the Altra Experience Wild, but I honestly haven't found a comparable shoe to the KOM that fits my foot like a NB.  Zegama is too squishy, More Trail is gigantic, Olympus too squishy, Lone Peak too thin.  Maybe the Altra Timp but you gotta buy in to the 0 drop thing.  I ran through 2 pairs of those but still not the same feel as the KOM. As a side note gripe: constantly disappointed in NB for dropping and creating new trail shoes all the time these days.  I feel like there's no continuity in their shoes anymore and has caused me to start running in other brands that fit me worse.  The 910 v4/Summit KOM was one of the last great shoes they made.  These days it seems like the More Trail super stack marshmallows or the Summit Unknown racing flat, or the Hierro which is pretty much a lifestyle shoe with a tread and sucks for running.  Maybe the new v9 will be a return to a solid mid stack trail shoe.

I have the Trabuco Max V3 and the Hierro V9 and also the NB More Trail V3. I'm also a heavy runner with shoe size US13 and of these 3 shoes I like the More Trail V3 the most!

Yes, I'd say so and although I find the trabuco max v3 quite ok the sizing is very odd. The more trail fits me perfect and I even bought another pair when it was on sale.