New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Verdict
With a significant weight reduction the Hierro has upgraded itself to an great daily running shoe for less technical trails and terrain
Who should buy the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 ?
Neutral runners looking for a softe but not plush daily trial shoe suited for moderate distances and trails.
Who should not buy the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 ?
Runners looking for Minimalistic ultra sensitive, or ultra distance capable shoe.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Introduction
The 7th model of the Hierro has come out, bringing a completely fresh appearance.
New Balance has given the Hierro a big makeover, making the shoes lighter. The trail companion to the 1080 is now 1.3 oz. lighter than before, which is a big change for a shoe that used to be quite heavy.
But that’s not all – the improvements continue with a new outsole design featuring slightly deeper grips, along with a Fresh Foam X midsole. The only thing that remains the same in this version is the reliable Vibram Mega outsole.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Impressions
MY first run in the shoe was a great surprise.
- First off it was comfortable right out of box and stayed the same up to the last time I ran in them.
- Secondly, the drop in weight was impressive from previous versions which I was ever found of simply because they were heavy and cumbersome.
One of the first longer outings I used the shoe was a very technical and rocky trail with a lot of ascending and descending.
Quickly into my first rocky and cobbled descent I found this was not the best place for the shoe as I struggled for footing and slid constantly from one boulder to another.
Climbing was consistent and the shoe did well so long as it was dirt and only dirt.
After that initial run I got a serous education and kept to rolling and mostly flat single track. This is where these shoes are most at home and feel the best.
They grip dirt and sandy trails well and the transition and cushion is just right that floating down the trail carelessly is easy.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Protection
I was pleasantly surprised by the level of foot protection offered by the Hierro 7. However, please don’t take this as a claim that the shoe provides the most robust protection. It’s more suitable for lighter trails.
The flexible toe cap does a decent job of shielding against occasional impacts, but it’s not the toughest I’ve encountered.
What I found appreciable was how it extends sideways to the midfoot, safeguarding that part of my foot and acting as a cover in a high-wear area.
There isn’t a substantial rock plate, and this becomes noticeable, especially on rockier and more technical terrain. But this isn’t a deal-breaker, as long as you stick to mellower rolling single tracks or paths that the shoe is best suited for.
The closely-knit mesh of the upper and semi-gusseted tongue isn’t indestructible, but it did a commendable job of keeping out trail debris.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Durability
The upper’s synthetic mesh is tightly woven, which does make the shoe a bit warmer than I’d prefer. However, this also boosts the material’s durability by reducing the chances of snags or scrapes from the trail tearing it apart.
There’s a good amount of overlays used, particularly in the areas that tend to experience higher wear, providing solid protection for the upper.
It’s difficult to predict exactly when the midsole might start deteriorating, but after 70 miles of use, it’s holding up really well. I’d anticipate they could easily last at least 4-500 miles.
The full Vibram outsole speaks for itself; the material’s durability has been proven time and again, and this outsole is no exception, showing minimal signs of wear.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Responsiveness & speed
The Hierro 7 handles rolling terrains smoothly, making it a great choice for relaxed strolls on mild to moderate trails, and it’s especially suited for enjoyable sessions on flowing trails.
Even though it looks leaner in this version, the Hierro 7 isn’t a speed-focused shoe by any means. If you’re aiming for a new personal record or looking to tackle fast trail races, this isn’t the shoe that will give you that extra responsiveness.
The redesigned, thicker 4.5 mm lugs have indeed enhanced the shoe’s traction, but they still lack the ability to dig firmly into the trail.
This became quite noticeable on rockier or tricky terrains, especially when they’re wet. I personally didn’t feel confident in the shoe’s ability to grip on this type of surface, which made me slow down and meticulously choose my path to avoid potential mishaps.
I do want to mention that the lugs transition smoothly from pavement to trail, making it a great choice for those looking for a versatile shoe to go from road to trail seamlessly.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Comfort and fit
In this aspect, I feel that the shoe has made significant improvements. The Hierro has always been known for its comfort, but it used to be overly soft, which, in my opinion, added extra bulk and weight that could make running in it a bit challenging.
With the streamlined Hierro 7, it has become more runnable while maintaining its comfort right out of the box. The front of the midsole is now firmer, which can be seen as either a positive or negative aspect depending on who you ask. Personally, I found it beneficial as it added a bit more energy during toe-off.
The level of cushioning was just right for me, striking a balance between plush and firm. This adjustment really enhanced the shoe’s responsiveness and flexibility. It’s worth noting that the shoe fits true to size, providing a comfortable fit without excessive extra space inside.
Although the toe box isn’t as rounded as before, it still offers sufficient room without feeling cramped.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Conclusions
Gone are the days of the super plush Hierro but I think that’s a good thing.
Separating itself from the More Trail makes the Hierro a more versatile and appealing shoe. In the past I Iiked the Hierro as a trail Hiker in lieu of a hiking boot but the 7 is far from cry from that.
The lighter Hierro 7 is now my ideal shoe for daily jaunts over meandering trails at a comfortable worry free pace.