New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 Review
A Hierro To Save Your Feet on the Trails
Likes
- Soft, responsive cushioning
- Sticky Vibram outsole
- Stable ride
Dislikes
- Upper lacks breathability
- Rigid
What's New
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 does not feature many new updates, but New Balance ensured that the changes they did make left an impression. The most notable updates in version 6 are the shoe's overall weight and its upper design. Weighing in at over an ounce lighter than the previous version, the Hierro 6, although still not a lightweight trail shoe, should not weigh you down while on the trails. New Balance has also updated the TPU-coated textile upper to provide a more supportive fit with a softer feel and a more durable design.
The Bottom Line
Does anyone need a Hierro? Bonnie Tyler certainly does. With the same Fresh Foam midsole and Vibram outsole as its predecessor, the Hierro still provides a moderately responsive and protective underfoot experience. New Balance cut down on the Hierro's weight, but it could use some further development in this category as it is still a heavier shoe. New Balance has also made changes to the Hierro's upper design, making it more form-fitting than version 5, which may be appreciated by some but could pose problems for runners with wider feet. The Hierro is not very flexible, which may cause challenges for runners when climbing hills or moving over technical terrain. That said, the Hierro v6 delivers a relatively smooth ride overall, which helps make this shoe a highly capable everyday trainer.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Medium to Narrow |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 11.2 oz (size 9) |
| Stack Height | 31 mm (Heel), 23 mm (Forefoot) | 8 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Trail |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
The Hierro v6 features the same Fresh Foam X midsole as the Hierro v5 and still offers a well-balanced running experience that is soft enough for fun, easy trail runs. The cushioning of the Hierro can be likened to the Nike Terra Kiger and Brooks Cascadia, providing a level of versatility that all trail runners will enjoy.
David: "The Fresh Foam X midsole feels plush and bouncy. It absorbed a lot of the impact when running downhill and felt comfy enough for some road miles as well."
Ride/Energy Returni
Some shoes feel bouncy at the start and lose that sensation over the course of the run — not so with the Hierro. The Hierro v6 has enough cushioning and energy return to help keep your legs feeling fresh on longer efforts.
David: "Between the 8-mm heel-toe drop and the responsive Fresh Foam X midsole, this shoe feels extra bouncy as I get moving. While it's not the lightest shoe, the cushioning returns a good amount of energy with each step."
Underfoot Protectioni
Runners will never have to worry about slipping or sliding with a Vibram MegaGrip outsole underfoot. The Hierro v6 not only provides reliable traction, but the midsole foam also offers solid protection from trail hazards. The Hierro v6 has everything runners need to stay comfortable no matter the trail type or distance.
David: "Between the thick slab of midsole foam and the protective Vibram outsole, there is plenty of defense against rocks and sticks. You may feel the occasional sharp rock but not enough to cause any pain or stone bruising."
Flexibilityi
The New Balance Hierro v6 is not very flexible, but the rigidity pairs well with the soft Fresh Foam midsole to deliver a pleasantly balanced overall experience. The lack of flexibility affects how the shoe performs while climbing up hills, but this is only a slight drawback to an otherwise quality shoe.
David: "Flexibility is limited, especially while climbing or moving over constantly changing terrain, but this shoe can handle more gradual elevation changes with ease."
Upper Supporti
The Hierro's upper is supremely well-cushioned and highly protective. The upper is softer in version 6, as well as more durable thanks to reinforced overlays on the side of the shoe. Unfortunately, all of the comfort-minded features contribute to the shoe's heavier weight and could be refined further to shave a few more grams off the Hierro. Finally, the new Hierro fits snuggly, so wider-footed runners may need to seek a shoe that provides a more spacious fit.
David: "The upper features extra padding around the ankle and heel collar, and though it feels comfortable, I think it's a bit overkill. New Balance could easily slim down the heel collar without sacrificing any comfort. The tongue is padded as well and connects to the inside of the shoe via a booty design, which prevents the tongue from slipping around. As for the forefoot, there is a little bit of stretch, but it's just a touch too snug for my wider feet."
Men's New Balance Trail Shoes
Women's New Balance Trail Shoes
Individual Thoughts
The Hierro v6 has a lot going for it. This beefy trail shoe feels plush and protective underfoot and features a highly padded upper to further enhance comfort. The thick slab of Fresh Foam X midsole adds a soft yet bouncy ride that excels on descents and flat ground alike. Plus, the Vibram MegaGrip outsole offers sticky grip with each step, ensuring that you won't be slipping around on gravel or wet rocks. My main complaint is with the new upper, as it starts to feel warm when running in hot weather conditions. The upper could easily be stripped down to allow for more airflow without sacrificing comfort or integrity. Additionally, the limited flexibility of the forefoot keeps this shoe from being a great climber, but it does add stability. Overall, the Hierro v6 is a comfortable trail running shoe that excels at cruising the trails and keeping your feet protected.