New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX

I still enjoy the comfort of a New Balance Hierro V6, reworked to stretch its lifespan and improve its performance. Expectations for the Hierro V7 GTX are high. The shoe is very discreet, with a lighter look than its predecessors and less bulky cushioning.

The materials are perceived of quality, especially in the interior where we find the GoreTex invisible fit type that differs from the classic in that it is directly attached to the inside of the shoe and does not have the usual thermal lining of footwear with this membrane, a clear bet in favor of lightness. The sole is Vibram and New Balance has wisely decided to separate the lugs to avoid mud accumulation. They are very easy to put on, knot well almost without losing tension (only one readjustment on the day of the premiere) and first pleasant surprise, they fit well to the contour of the foot, without the excess of slack so fashionable in this range of footwear; there is room for the toes but these do not dance, the width is ideal. High comfort and medium weight.

For which type of runners do we recommend the New Balance Fresh FoamX Hierro v7 GoreTex?

As a cushioned shoe (Fresh FoamX), it is aimed at medium/high weight athletes, although lighter people can also benefit from its benefits, especially on long runs. The outsole does not have any specific reinforcement but it admits any type of footprint due to its size and structure, it is quite stable. Likewise, its outer fabric seems resistant and favors a stable tread.

With the goodness that we found in the shoe, they are indicated to roll, roll and roll. It is a winter shoe and therefore its use is limited to the wettest seasons. In the test outings it has gone through all possible winter scenarios.

The membrane glued to the fabric works wonderfully with water on the ground and rain, does not pick up weight and the foot feels comfortable. On dry days but with moisture on the ground, they are a delight, do not rub, do not sweat excessively, are flexible ....

What we liked the most about the New Balance Fresh FoamX Hierro v7 GTX

They work like a non-membrane shoe and feel light. In terms of terrain, on simple trails and tracks they work perfectly, they absorb well and although they are not reactive, you can ask them for speed because unlike the previous version, the response is not lazy at all. The rubber outsole has a surprising grip on stone and rock even when wet (pleasant surprise) and in mud they behave faithfully and without generating any kind of clogs; it is confirmed that the lugging is well distributed. They are very versatile ultrarunners.

After a few kilometers the Hierro 7 ask for more! In summary we could talk about comfort and versatility. Cushioning and comfort are their strong points.

Possible points for improvement

They have only 2 easily remedied limitations. Firstly, you can not enter deep puddles because they flood but it is fixed with a gaiter for which they come prepared with the corresponding rings. Secondly, the membrane glued to the fabric loses much of the thermal insulation of the classic Goretex footwear, if we run on top of the snow we will feel the cold quickly, although this can be counteracted with the use of appropriate socks (mixed merino and synthetic compounds for example).

If we had the obligation to ask for something more from New Balance, it would be more daring and cheerful design details, winter deserves more colorful shoes. The trend in membrane footwear has always been sobriety and although blue is very elegant, it can be a bit boring.

Main rivals

As a specialist running brand, its natural competitors belong to the traditional brands. Nike Pegasus Trail 4 and especially Asics Trabuco are its rivals/sisters. Nike is outperformed in terms of dynamic ability, while New Balance is more of a warrior. They beat the Asics in comfort because they have a less invasive design but they are very similar.

• Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX
• Asics Gel Trabuco GTX

Conclusion

The NB Hierro 7 GTX are 100% suitable for what they were designed for. They can take it all, but on long runs after an hour, they show their goodness, cushioning and comfort to keep your feet rested. The waterproof membrane works well. Aimed at the average weight athlete, everyone else can also benefit from their performance because despite all the protection, their weight and volume are contained. The rolling terrain, such as tracks and dirt trails are their natural habitat and thanks to its great vibram sole and good fit in general, in rougher terrain they will defend very well despite not being designed for it. We can only congratulate NB for making such a good shoe.

Txus Romón's notes

• Lightweight: 9
• Response: 8
• Cushioning: 10
• Stability: 9
• Flexibility: 10
• Grip: 9