Road to Trail: New Balance’s Hierro V9 is the Perfect Allrounder
The trail shoe that loves a little road work too
The new New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro 9—like its predecessors—is still a door-to-trail shoe, but the latest version has some significant design changes, including a higher stack with a dual foam midsole, revamped outsole, and more room in the toe box.
This makes for a more cushioned feel while the outsole handles the challenges of off-road terrain
The most notable difference is the increase in stack height. The Hierro V9 stands 42mm tall at the heel and 38mm at the forefoot for a 4mm drop – the previous version was 38mm at the heel and 32mm at the forefoot, with a 6mm drop. It’s immediately noticeable how thick that midsole is. A closer look reveals a dual-density foam: The top layer is much more pliable and comfortable, whereas the layer closest to the outsole is firmer. This makes for a more cushioned feel while the outsole handles the challenges of off-road terrain. The broader base also ensures more stability.
Grippy
The 4.5 mm Vibram Megagrip lugs are deeper than on the previous Hierro. The pattern distribution and shape have also changed. This contributes to the shoe’s increased versatility as it now strikes a good balance between reliable grip and road shoe comfort. Most testers also agreed that the new Hierro feels grippier than previous models when the terrain gets loose.
At the toe end, a protective bumper surrounds the sharp end of the shoe and does its job without intruding too much. The trail shoe has many road shoe comforts, including a generous amount of padding around the collar and the tongue. To ensure the trail shoe attributes are covered, the upper has overlays while the support around the heel ensures that the shoe feels locked-down and secure.
VERDICT: The Hierro is a trail shoe designed with comfort in mind, your go-to wherever adventure takes you.
DROP: 4MM
PRICE: R3 399
WEIGHT: Men’s: 293 grams (10.3 oz), Women’s: 234 grams (8.3 oz)
Visit www.newbalance.co.za for more information.
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