New Balance Hierro v9: A Plush Trail Companion
Hierro v9: Quick Facts
Weight:
- M: 294g US 9
- W: 236g US 7
Best For:
- Long days on the trails.
- Mixed terrain, but the high stack might not be the best for technical surfaces.
Price:
- $230 AUD
Stack Height, Drop & Lugs:
- 42mm heel / 38mm forefoot
- 4mm drop
- 4.5mm lugs
Favourite Features:
- Redesigned and more capable Vibram Megagrip outsole.
- Midsole has a balance of soft cushion, yet enough guts for the long haul.
Release Date:
- February, 2025
What’s the Hierro v9 all about?
The Hierro has been New Balances' most popular trail option and has evolved over the years as a door to trail hybrid shoe, often borrowing midsole technology from their 1080 model. New Balance has been streamlining its trail lineup, fewer models, bigger improvements. With the Hierro v9, they’re aiming for an all-around trail shoe that bridges the gap between the More Trail and previous Hierro versions. But does it deliver? Let’s dive in.
There are three key updates in Hierro v9:
1) Dual density midsole - soft meets stable
The Hierro v9 gets a big change in cushioning with 4mm more in the heel and 8mm more in the forefoot, now sitting at a 4mm drop instead of the old 8mm. The dual-density midsole features a firmer bottom layer for stability and a softer top layer for that signature plush ride. We've seen New Balance use this dual density set up in the More Trail and it did great job at stabilising such a high stack shoe, so we're confident in this concept for the Hierro.
While the added stack height might sound wobbly, the bathtub design does a solid job of keeping things stable. It essential acts as a bumper on the medial and lateral sides of the shoe. It feels soft yet controlled—great for long days on the trails.
2) Redesigned outsole - more bite, more confidence
The new lug pattern is deeper and more aggressive than before, fixing one of the Hierro’s previous weak points. As a result, the old version didn’t always inspire confidence, but this update grips well across different terrains. Vibram is always a win for durability and traction, particularly if its Megagrip, so no complaints here.
Over the years we've seen the Hierro evolve from the door to trail category towards a more specific trail shoe. While some previous iterations incorporated some elements to make it more trail focused, we think the version 9 is the best version of the Hierro to date.
3) Redesigned upper & fit - comfortable up top, but what about the fit?
The upper gets some love with a new gusseted tongue, a breathable mesh, and reinforced Toe Protect. The padding is plush, the heel counter is solid, and there’s a handy pull tab.
It's worth noting that the fit runs narrower than I was expecting, it might be worth trying on if you're someone who typically goes for a wider fitting trail shoe option.
Our final thoughts
Overall, the Hierro v9 is a solid update that aligns well with NB’s push for a more focused trail lineup. It’s marketed as an all-rounder, but for me, it leans more toward the max cushion category, ideal for easy to moderate trails and long, comfortable miles.
The ride is plush, the new outsole is much more capable than before. If you liked previous Hierro or More Trail or just want a cushioned trail shoe for long days, this could be a great pick.
About the author
Seb Lopez - Trail Runner & Photographer
I’m passionate about trail running, hiking, adventure racing, and the outdoors in general. My favourite runs are long days spent with mates, exploring new places.
I also appreciate how different shoes allow me to connect with the terrain in unique ways and how that affects the running experience. When I’m not out on the trails, you’ll probably find me behind the camera as a sports photographer. It’s great to be on the other side and see the sport from a different angle.
