The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro X v8 launched back in the summer. iRun put it through the test on a few spicy trails and park paths.
The first run was mainly on flat paved park surfaces and grass. The start of the run was on urban thoroughfare to get to the multi-use path along the Trent Severn Waterway. Once on park paths the Fresh Foam lives up to the plush cushioning and comfort between surface transitions. It made for a smooth and comfortable run switching road, path and grass.
On dirt trails and gravel, the traction and durability really shines through with the Vibram® outsole on the undulating sections. The Fresh Foam helps to keep the bounce in your step on the ascent and a padded feeling on the downhills. The treads don’t have as aggressive a pattern as seen on other trail shoes, regardless, it had excellent grip on switch back tracks on trodden trails for 10K-20K distances.
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro X v8 comes in black, but for warm weather running lighter colours best to help mitigate the heat. The colour schemes of the Hierro X v8 are Gulf Red or Licorice (looks more like purple to me), and the tab at the back of the shoe makes for easy slip-on wear. The breathable mesh upper keeps the foot from overheating and it has a toe protector as part of its outer sole.
As we head into the autumn and you’re looking to tackle a trail race on dirt surfaces, forest paths that also include stretches of gravel or paved roads, I would recommend this lightweight, 6mm drop, cushy trail shoe.
Get these shoes now for your next trail race here.
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