New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3
Buy New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 at today's best price (men's/women's)
5 minute read
Overview
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 is a trail running shoe designed for durability and comfort on rugged terrain. This shoe is known for its plush cushioning and reliable traction.
Key Features:
- Cushioning: Equipped with New Balance's Fresh Foam midsole, it provides a soft feel underfoot, ideal for long-distance runs.
- Traction: The Vibram outsole ensures a firm grip on various surfaces, enhancing the shoe's versatility.
- Upper: A redesigned sock-like upper offers a snug fit while keeping debris out.
- Toe Design: An aggressive upturn at the toe aids in quick transitions and turnover.
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize cushioning and traction for off-road adventures. Its comfortable upper and responsive toe design offer a secure and agile experience, making it suitable for varied trail conditions.
According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 87%. This puts it in the highest rated 20% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 10% of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 has earned its reputation as a robust trail running shoe capable of handling diverse terrains with ease. Its Fresh Foam midsole delivers exceptional cushioning, which is very welcome for runners tackling long distances. The Vibram outsole provides a dependable grip, allowing for confident strides on slippery or uneven paths. The sock-like upper is a welcome feature, keeping the interior free from intrusive dirt and offering a comfortable, adaptive fit. However, the shoe's wide base may pose challenges on narrow trails, and the upper's lack of structure could be a concern for those seeking more support. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Hierro v3 stands out for its durability and overall performance. For runners in search of a trail shoe that offers a blend of comfort, traction, and longevity, the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 is certainly worth considering.
Updates to New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 represents a significant update from its predecessors, featuring a completely redesigned upper and the softest Fresh Foam midsole yet. Compared to earlier models like the Hierro v2, the v3 offers a more adaptive fit and improved cushioning for trail runners.
Comparable Shoes
The Altra Olympus 5 offers more forefoot cushioning compared to the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3, making it a better choice for runners who prioritize a balanced cushioning throughout the shoe.
For those seeking a summer-ready shoe, the Salomon Ultra Glide 2 provides better airflow and a cooler experience than the Hierro v3, which may run warm during hot weather runs.
6 New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 features a redesigned upper that combines breathability with a supportive feel. The introduction of a sock-like construction ensures a snug fit, minimizing the entry of debris during trail runs. This innovative design, incorporating Hyposkin technology, adapts to the natural movements of the foot, providing both protection and flexibility.
Midsole
At the heart of the Hierro v3's comfort is the Fresh Foam midsole, New Balance's softest cushioning material to date. It offers a plush ride that absorbs impact and enhances flexibility, making it suitable for a variety of trail conditions.
Outsole
The shoe's outsole is crafted with Vibram Megagrip, a compound known for its durability and traction. The aggressive lug pattern ensures a firm hold on the ground, contributing to the shoe's stability and responsiveness on trails.
Size/fit
The Hierro v3 accommodates a wide range of foot shapes, thanks to its roomy toe box. However, some runners may find the fit around the ankle to be less secure due to the stretchy upper material.
Comfort
With its soft midsole and accommodating upper, the Hierro v3 offers a comfortable experience for trail runners. The shoe's design prioritizes cushioning and a seamless heel-to-toe transition, making it a strong candidate for long-distance runs.
Cushioning
The Hierro v3's cushioning is a standout feature, particularly in the heel area, which benefits heel strikers. The Fresh Foam midsole provides a buttery soft feel, though some may desire more cushioning in the forefoot for a balanced ride.
Breathability
While the Hierro v3's upper is praised for comfort, its breathability is compromised. Runners may find the shoe to be too warm for summer months, making it less suitable for hot weather conditions.
Stability
The wide base of the Hierro v3 contributes to its stability on most trails. However, on narrow single-track trails, the shoe's width can lead to landing at an angle, which may stress the ankle and calf.
Durability
Durability is a key strength of the Hierro v3. The shoe's robust construction can withstand the demands of varied trail surfaces, ensuring a long-lasting performance for trail enthusiasts.
Grip
The Hierro v3's grip is reliable, thanks to the Vibram outsole. This feature instills confidence in runners as they navigate through challenging terrains, although grip on wet surfaces may be less effective.
Who should buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3?
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 is well-suited for trail runners seeking a shoe that can handle long distances with ample cushioning and grip. It's a solid choice for those who value a comfortable fit and are not deterred by a slightly heavier shoe. Runners with a heel strike will particularly benefit from the shoe's heel cushioning.
Who should not buy the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3?
Runners looking for a lightweight, highly breathable shoe for hot weather may want to consider other options. Those requiring a more structured upper for ankle support or a narrower fit for technical trails might find the Hierro v3 lacking. Instead, they could explore shoes with a more secure fit and enhanced breathability.
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3: What's it good for?
Trail running and off-road adventures are where the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 shines. Its robust construction and comfortable cushioning make it suitable for long-distance runs across varied terrains.
4 New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 FAQs
How does the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 perform on wet trails?
The Hierro v3's Vibram outsole offers reliable traction on most surfaces, but its grip on wet or slippery trails may be less effective compared to dry conditions.
Is the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 suitable for runners with wide feet?
Yes, the Hierro v3 has a roomy toe box that accommodates wide feet comfortably, making it a good option for runners needing extra space.
Can the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3 be used for hiking?
The Hierro v3's durable construction and cushioning make it suitable for hiking, offering a comfortable and stable experience on various terrains.
What is the heel to toe drop of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v3?
The Hierro v3 features an 8mm heel to toe drop, providing a balanced ride for most runners.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | ||||
| released | ReleasedJan 2018 | May 2019 | Jul 2019 | Nov 2015 | Mar 2018 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | +5   | ||||
| Weight | WeightM: 329 g W: 269 g | M: 181 g W: 142 g | M: 241 g W: 190 g | M: 221 g W: 176 g | 215 g | M: 204 g W: 170 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot22 mm | 5 mm | 17 mm | 8 mm | 16 mm | M: 18 mm W: 16 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop8 mm | 4 mm | 3 mm | |||
| Heel | Heel30 mm | 5 mm | 17 mm | 8 mm | 20 mm | M: 21 mm W: 19 mm |
| Terrain | TerrainTrail | Trail | Trail | Trail | Trail | MudTrail |
| Brand | BrandNew Balance | Vibram | Merrell | Vibram | Salomon | Hoka |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeComfortableMaximalist | BarefootLightweightLow dropMinimalistZero drop | LightweightLow dropZero drop | LightweightLow dropZero drop | LightweightLow drop | LightweightLow drop |
| Techs | TechsNew Balance Fresh Foam | Vibram | Vibram | |||
| Waterproofings | Waterproofings | Water repellent | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | |||
Common characteristicsNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh arch |
Latest model
- Jul 2022
- Feb 2021
- Nov 2019
- Jan 2018
- Oct 2015
