Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Delivering comfort and traction for the trails, the women's New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 trail-running shoes are crafted to give you confidence wherever your next off-road adventure takes you.
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Imported.
View all New Balance Women's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
---|---|
Trail-Running Shoe Type | Light-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 4 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 42 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 38 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Synthetic/mesh |
Midsole | Fresh Foam X with bio-based EVA |
Outsole | Vibram Megagrip |
Rock Plate | No |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 0.6 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Women's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 |
UK | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
EU | 35 | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 |
Foot Length (in.) | 8.5 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I recently picked up the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 for trail running, and they’ve been a solid choice, especially in snowy and leafy conditions. The traction holds up well, offering great stability without feeling overly rigid, which is perfect for mixed terrain. One thing to note — they run a little tight in the toe box. I had to go up a full size for a comfortable fit, so I’d recommend sizing up if you prefer a bit more room up front. What really impressed me was how resistant to staining these are. After muddy, wet runs, they clean up incredibly easily, which is a huge plus for anyone hitting the trails regularly. Overall, they’ve proven reliable, durable, and comfortable once you get the sizing right. A great option for trail runners looking for performance and practicality.
Have been excited to retire my much-loved NB Hierro v7 trail running shoes that served me sooooo many great miles of trail jaunts. Was even more excited that the Hierro v9 was being offered in all-black color-way. 😎 I ordered the same size as my v7 pair. I was stoked to receive them this week and maybe should have trusted my gut response when I tried them on and felt they were definitely not the same as the v7’s… The v9’s immediately felt a little tighter than my previous pair in the same size and much more foam-y in the stack. I decided to go ahead and keep them and hope they could be better in real action. I took them on a familiar trail run (3 miles, 900’ elev change, very rocky) and was not as pleased as I’d hoped for this new pair of Hierros. The cushion/sole is soft and thick and makes my feet float around in the shoe. At one point I rolled my ankle and barely avoided a bad situation. The width seems less than the v7‘s too and I felt my outer toes becoming numb from this first wear. Annnd the shoelaces are weak compared to previous v7. On the plus side: the lug pattern and the vibram sole are amazing, and the upper mesh is breathable.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] These NB Hierro V9 are great for trail running. I jogged 5 miles on the trail during winter/a little snow. They have a good grip. I love them already. Can’t wait for the spring trail run. Good cushioning and traction. It is very comfortable and roomy toe box. Since They have a Vibram Megagrip. I wear them for snow days as well.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Great responsiveness. I felt safe being on the trails and on fresh snow. My feet felt stable in my Hierros despite of change in drastic elevations. No pain or discomfort after being in them for nearly a day of activities!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I got to try the Hierro v9 at a Lunar New Year celebration run event of ATM. I have to say I’m very impressed by the design and comfort of this shoes! The cushion feels plush on feet at first, but while running it’s quite a good balance of stable and sturdy and responsive. Don’t feel soft at all. It applied very breathable material on the top of the shoes with extra protection over toes area outside so you can feel lightweight and heavy duty at the same time with lots of confidence to run on snow. Which was what I did that day. It works perfect for training days! Definitely I’m looking forward to more runs with Hierrov9!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] When I first put these shoes on, what struck me immediately was how COMFORTABLE and SPACIOUS they were. I spent the next few hours walking in them and at no point did my feet hurt. The grip of the tread was UNMATCHED. Multiple times I used them to traverse in snow and ice and my feet didn't slide even once, compared to when I wore two other pairs of shoes out. These have certainly found a place in my closet as my newest go-to for trail shoes!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I wore the New Balance Hierro trail shoes for the annual ATM Lunar New Year Run in Central Park, and they were fantastic! They’re super light and very comfortable, perfect for both light trail terrain and long runs. The grip was excellent, and I felt supported the entire time. Plus, the design of this model looks so cool, and the colors really stand out. Definitely a great choice for trail running!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] There is a thick midsole that is comfortable.wheh walking/running, I felt the grip/traction from the vibram sole. It's definitely a shoe I'd feel comfortable using on wet or otherwise slippery surfaces. My feet did get a bit warm after wearing them for a while. As for sizing, they run true to size, but since my feet are between sizes, I’d recommend sizing up for a better fit.
Love them!! This is my first pair of new balances ever! After I had ACL reconstruction at the ripe age of 35 my recovery has been less than fun. I have hokas and ons, but this stands out at #1 right now for this busy mom with two little under 5 years old. I’m also a curvy plus size mom but extremely active and I will be buying another pair just to keep in my closet!!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Tried on a pair of Hierro 9 for the first time today, and I really enjoyed it with a 6 miles trail, dirt and road hybrid run. The shoes have similarities with NB fresh foam road running shoes on the mesh upper materials, lots of room in the toe box, and thick maxed cushion. It feels really soft and comfy when first stepped in, and it also gives you lots of confidence with the sturdy feel and stability. While running, I like how it gripped on ice and snow, that safety is guaranteed. The cushioned response is somewhat firm, and stable, and has a good rhythm once I’m used to it. It’s not the softest or lightest response you receive from Carbon shoes but the most well balanced ones, and it performed very well on muddy dirt and roads. The hierro is a must have for training days, I feel confident they will do well on more technical terrains with the heavy duty lugs and grips, toe protections and I can’t wait to try them for longer runs!