New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Review
The Hierro v7 Is Built To Follow You Down Any Path
Likes
- Secure lockdown
- Grippy Vibram outsole
- Nimble yet protective ride
- Comfortable upper
- Well-cushioned midsole
Dislikes
- Heel-to-toe transitions are slappy at times
- Upper is not the most breathable
- Fit is shallow in forefoot
What's New
Flawlessly balancing comfort and off-road performance, the New Balance Hierro v7 promises protective landings, smooth transitions, and a lighter, more nimble overall feel compared to previous models. You read that right! The Hierro v7 is now approximately 36.8 grams lighter than its predecessor, which is a big step in the right direction for this historically heavier shoe.
Other updates include a reconfigured outsole with deeper lugs and a wider Fresh Foam X platform. These features work together to give runners the traction and stability they need to conquer nearly any trail, distance, or surface. To complement the Hierro's dynamic midsole, New Balance has updated the upper with a TPU-coated textile design that helps improve the shoe's breathability, security, and protection from trail debris. The upper is also enjoyably spacious, helping ensure that your long trail runs and daily efforts remain comfortable from the first stride to the last.
The Bottom Line
The results are in, and the lighter, more agile Hierro v7 gets the RWAU stamp of approval for daily trail runs and long, easy efforts. Well-known for its comfort and versatility, the Hierro remains a trail shoe that runners can rely on for an accommodating fit and quality protection over long trail runs. The Hierro also has a solid reputation when it comes to delivering stability and traction on shorter, more technical adventures. The Hierro v7 isn't the lightest or most responsive on fast days, and it could even use a little more midsole foam in the forefoot to enhance its protection for ultramarathon distances. But like its predecessor, the Hierro v7 is much more of a generalist than a specialist, performing well across each category rather than shining in one particular area.
That said, the Hierro v7's MegaGrip outsole was very impressive, offering runners the versatile traction needed to take them wherever their heart desires. The Hierro v7 is also a more-than-capable road-to-trail option for those who don't mind a couple of miles on the pavement before they hit the dirt. Regardless of where the trails may take them, runners can rely on the Hierro to deliver sufficient protection and smooth transitions, run after run.
To sweeten the deal further, the Hierro v7 rocks a stylish TPU-covered textile upper that provides runners with ample space through the forefoot and a reliably secure wrap that does not cause any irritations. Unfortunately, our testers thought it could be more breathable, and the Hierro v7 is not the best option for runs in hot conditions. Furthermore, though a positive feature for some runners, the roomy toe box may not be the best for those with narrower feet.
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Sizing | True to size |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to low |
| Toe Box | Medium to wide |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Kaitlin: "The Hierro v7's upper has an accommodating wrap that hugs the midfoot and creates a great lockdown that eliminated slippage. I had no issues with irritation even though the upper material was not seamless. My one problem with the upper was that it did not breathe very well, and my feet felt warm in the shoes throughout testing."
David: "Although it is a trail shoe, the Hierro v7's upper offered the comfortable fit and feel of a road shoe. There was plenty of padding around the heel collar and tongue for added plushness, while the toe box offered enough space for my toes to splay. I experienced some slight rubbing around my big toe because of the shoe's toe bumper design, but it did not cause any issues while I was running."
Midsole
Kaitlin: "The midsole foam feels protective underfoot, with a little bit of softness for extra comfort on the trails and the roads as well. For the amount of comfort and protection it provides, it remains nimble and allows me to navigate the trails with confidence."
David: "The large slab of Fresh Foam X provided substantial defense against rocks and roots. The midsole feels durable and has a slight give, but I wish the Hierro v7 was just a tad softer so that the ride was a bit more comfortable overall. Further, I think a rockered midsole geometry would have worked well with the Fresh Foam X compound to create smoother transitions from heel to toe. Overall, it performed well whether my run was 4 miles or 10+."
Outsole
Kaitlin: "The outsole has moderately aggressive lugs that don't overwhelm the shoe, and they provide plenty of traction on all types of terrain, including wet, loose, and technical trails. I always felt balanced and, most importantly, confident while navigating variable terrain and steep downhill stretches."
David: "The multi-directional lugs and MegaGrip Vibram outsole delivered reliable traction on trails with loose rocks and steep ascents. It felt less aggressive than some comparable trail shoes, which makes the Hierro v7 more suitable for churning out long, slow runs with comfort and ease. The shoes also felt comfortable on brief road segments leading to the trails."
Comparable Shoes
Kaitlin: "I would compare the New Balance Hierro v7 to the Saucony Peregrine and Salomon Pulsar Trail. The Hierro v7 is the best option of the three shoes if you are looking for something that does better going from road to trail. They are all great workhorses on the trail, providing adequate cushioning with sufficient traction. These shoes all have a firmer underfoot experience, but they are all very comfortable."
David: "This shoe is at its best when used for daily cruising. As I said earlier, the Hierro v7 is not as aggressive as some other trail shoes, so the miles go by with ease. I would compare this shoe to the HOKA Challenger or the Brooks Caldera, but I think it provides better grip than the Challenger and better versatility than the Caldera."
Individual Thoughts
The New Balance Hierro v7 fits me true to size and is an excellent option for daily and long trail efforts or road-to-trail adventures. I was not expecting to like it as much as I did, especially given my less-than-ideal experience in the New Balance More Trail, but the Hierro v7 was a welcome surprise. The ride is smooth and nimble, with enough cushioning to protect my body over long distances. The outsole isn't super aggressive, but it provided the perfect amount of traction for my running needs. Overall, the Hierro v7 will deliver a lot of performance quality, and it's ideal for runners searching for a versatile and protective trail shoe to get rack up mileage in, week after week.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I really enjoyed the Hierro v7 for my mellow trail days. The fit worked especially well for my feet, allowing my toes to splay and offering extra comfort around the heel collar and tongue area. This shoe lost a ton of weight compared to the previous few models, and I think the lighter weight has made the Hierro v7 much more versatile for daily trail usage. The Vibram outsole features plenty of grip and security, and traction was never an issue on loose rocks or steep ascents. Overall, I loved the Hierro v7 for trail runs and would recommend it to the runner or hiker looking for a comfortable and reliable trail shoe.
