Open war at New Balance: Iron v7 vs. More Trail v2... Which one is better?

Attention runners because we present the latest news from New Balance as far as mountain terrain is concerned. An epic battle between two of the most outstanding silhouettes of the American firm in trail running. On the one hand, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2, on the other, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7

In this new RUNNEA comparison we will see the common points and differences of a trail running shoes arrived to make a difference in this new season ahead. If you are not willing to miss any detail, read on, but we already anticipate that they are two great silhouettes that will surely give to talk even to the most demanding trail runners.

The most important points in common

Analyzing both models, the points of coincidence are mainly found in the following 3 areas:

• The configuration of its midsole: both silhouettes implement the evolved Fresh Foam X foam to provide excellent cushioning capacity, ensuring high shock absorption in each step. It should also be noted that this type of compound contributes to increase the degree of reactivity of these trail shoes from New Balance, which translates into a better response in any type of mountain terrain.
• The upper: Both models have chosen to cover the upper with a more resistant and breathable technical mesh and all this without adding extra weight to the whole. In addition, the level of support and protection at this strategic point of the shoe is practically perfect.
• Forefoot: In the front of the shoe we can also appreciate the Toe Protect system, exclusive to New Balance, and those thermo-sealed pieces that reinforce the feeling of protection and security. A nuance to underline is that this system covers more space in the toe of the More Trail v2 than in the Hierro v7.

Main differences

Knowing these common aspects, what are their most significant differences? What are the key points that will make us choose between one or the other?

• drop: While the drop of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 is 4 millimeters, in the Fresh Foam Hierro v7 the drop is 8 millimeters. Therefore, it is obvious that the More Trail v2 has a more maximalist shoe concept, with a much thicker foam throughout the midsole.
• Weight: Both in the 300 grams barrier, although, simply because of the oversized midsole, the Fresh Foam More Trail v2 have a little more weight, around 330 grams.
• Outsole: Both the Hierro and the More Trail use the well-known Vibram material for maximum traction and grip on any mountain terrain. However, there is a small nuance: the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 remain faithful to that Megagrip version, while the More Trail v2 go for the new XT Trek Evo compound to improve performance and add more durability. In addition, if you flip the shoe over you will also appreciate the more aggressive and prominent blocking of the Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 for more technical muddy terrain, among others.
• Usage: The Hierro v7 is designed as a very versatile daily training shoe for all types of distances while the More Trail v2 offers a more specific footprint for more experienced runners.

Conclusions

As you can see, it is a difficult choice in this open war of healthy rivalry that the Boston brand maintains with its trail running silhouettes. These shoes are highly optimized for multipurpose use in the mountains and, apart from differences in aesthetics or personal tastes and appreciations, it is clear that this season New Balance has wanted to enhance its more mountainous sector by giving a twist to these More Trail v2.

An evolution that we do not see as palpable in a model like the Hierro, although it is true that this is a saga that borders on perfection, hence the changes or evolution is more timid. However, you have the last word... Which one surprised you the most?