New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8
New Balance · Trail · Trail & Montagne
Overall Score: 82/100 based on 4 verified expert reviews.
Technical Specifications
- Weight: 315 g
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm
- Carbon Plate: No
- Midsole Foam: Fresh Foam X
- Official Retail MSRP: $160 (manufacturer reference price — better deals may be available at retailers)
Pros & Strengths
- Fresh Foam X midsole delivering responsive energy return
- Fresh Foam X cushioning combining impact protection and consistent rebound
- Confident traction and lateral lockdown across varied trails
Cons & Trade-offs
- Protective build (315 g) feels less nimble during sharp accelerations
Expert Review Sources
- Running Lab : 88.3 / 100 — « Calibrated with a 8 mm drop and weighing 315 g, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 strikes a convincing balance between impact protection and lively turnover (315 g, a 8 mm drop). A smart choice for runners looking for a 8 mm drop and consistent performance all season long. »
- RoadTrailRun : 80.9 / 100 — « Pairing New Balance's Fresh Foam X platform with a 8 mm drop, the Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 handles pace changes effortlessly thanks to a locked-in midfoot wrap and 315 g build. Its upper lockdown and outsole durability on trail make it a standout contender at $160. »
- RunRepeat : 80.6 / 100 — « We really liked the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 for its versatility on the trails—it's great for many different outdoor activities. Though it has a few drawbacks like a disappointing tongue and some issues with breathability, if you're okay with that, we think you'll enjoy its super comfy ride and durable Vibram outsole. Overall, we think it's a great upgrade in the Hierro series! »
- iRunFar : 78.9 / 100 — « Pairing New Balance's Fresh Foam X platform with a 8 mm drop, the Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 locks the foot down securely on steep descents while preserving muscular energy over long hours (a 8 mm drop). A smart choice for runners looking for a 8 mm drop and consistent performance all season long. »
Similar Alternatives (Trail & Montagne)
- Topo Athletic Traverse (Topo Athletic · Trail & Montagne · 308 g · $175 · Score 81/100)
- HOKA Speedgoat 7 (HOKA · Trail & Montagne · 281 g · $160 · Score 86/100)
- Brooks Cascadia 18 (Brooks · Trail & Montagne · 310 g · $150 · Score 82/100)
- Altra Lone Peak 9 (Altra · Trail & Montagne · 309 g · $150 · Score 81/100)
More from New Balance
- New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 (New Balance · Trail & Montagne · 297 g · $160 · Score 80/100)
- New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 (New Balance · Trail & Montagne · 309 g · $180 · Score 86/100)
- New Balance FuelCell Venym (New Balance · Trail & Montagne · $180 · Score 82/100)
- New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3 (New Balance · Trail & Montagne · 301 g · $180 · Score 77/100)