Fresh Foam X Hierro Series

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.

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 use goretex running shoes as my daily walking / running shoes on rainy and snowy days. It used to be Adidas Supernova, which had amazing grip and survived for a long time until the midsole snapped in half. Then Hierro v6 which were super comfy, but started showing wear and tear of the upper after only 6 months. I moved to hoka speedgoats, which are not known for their durability, but I found 2 pairs in price of 1, so I thought a set would last me long enough. Indeed the vibram lugs after 18 months of using mostly on hard surfaces were destroyed on one side. And that may happen in general to trail shoes with big lugs instead of more asphalt oriented outsole. Despite some opinions, their traction on wet or icy asphalt is very good. The only specific situation when they turn into slipgoats is when I come from very low temperature and step on wet concrete like puddles of melted snow in a garage. There is yet another option. Couple of years ago my wife bought herself Reebok Work n Cushion. They were quite comfy, ridicuosly cheap and simple oldschool shoes. There are other brands making shoes for work. Something like Hoka transport, which can have interesting upper with its cordura lining plus the rich midsole.

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.

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 like the New Balance Hierro for my paddles. You can get them in up to a 4E. Good cushion, rocker design and foam bounce (if running matters to you), and Vibram rubber grip. They have a high stack so not the most groundfeel or stability on technical terrain, but still totally fine for anything short of a class 3 scramble.

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.

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

Altra Olympus are great shoes, but it's worth noting that theyre zero drop, which if you're not used to it will feel really strange and likely give you pain in your calves due to them putting more pressure on your lower legs. If you want that Altra feel but aren't used to zero drop it's worth looking at the Altra Experience Wild which have a 4mm drop Personally, I love my New Balance Hierro v8 and my Nike Pegasus Trail 5, which are very do everything shoes and are really comfortable

I've had no problem with my lone peak 9+ in shallow mud and puddles, but they were as bad as your run of the mill sneakers for walking on ice (didn't dare run on ice but had to walk a few times). In the distant past (2016?) fresh foam hierros were good for any kind of weird terrain and supportive if you're heavier. I learned they moved away from zero drop so ymmv depending on preference...

New Balance 4e (x-wide), Dynasoft Nitrel v6 Gore-Tex trail runners.