Bottom Line
If you’re on the hunt for a versatile trainer that excels in dry conditions and on smooth trails, look no further than the Fresh Foam Hierro X 8 from New Balance. It’s a great value for both runners and hikers looking for performance and cushioning.
It has a unique blend of Vibram coated micro-lugs and maximum cushion. These shoes come in a selection of widths.During our testing, we found these shoes to be incredibly springy and responsive. We navigated the dirt roads in rural Michigan and tackled technical singletrack in the Pacific Northwest. One thing to note is that, while the toe box in the wide width isn’t as spacious as some other brands, most people will find that it still has plenty of room for toe splay. The highly breathable upper keeps your feet cool and comfortable and the plush ankle cushioning adds an extra layer of comfort on longer outings. Find out more in our guide to the best trail running shoes for women.
Quick Specs
Women’s New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro X 8
Highly Cushioned Trail Running Shoes for Daily Training
CleverHiker Rating:
4.1/5.0
Price:
$150
Weight (Pair):
1 lb. 6 oz.Women’s Size 12 Wide
Heel-to-Toe Drop:
6 mm
Cushioning:
Maximum
Best For:
Rugged Trail
Pros
- Comfortable cushion
- Wider toe box
- Versatile
- Wide widths available
Cons
- Less traction in mud
- Slow to dry
Traction
The Vibram ECOSTEP outsole stands out for more than just its performance. Its environmentally conscious composition is made with less than 10% petroleum-based materials. We were impressed with the outsole’s exceptionally sticky surface and micro-traction lugs designed to enhance grip.
Despite their minimal appearance, they deliver surprising traction on various terrains. While we found their grip on loose dirt and dry conditions quite effective, we encountered some challenges with traction in slick, muddy conditions on the steep inclines of Galbraith Mountain in Washington state.
When it comes to navigating slick surfaces, such as wet rocks and logs, the ECOSTEP feels secure. This versatility means you can confidently tackle a wide range of running surfaces, whether you’re hitting the trails on a rainy day or zipping down a rocky path, allowing you to focus on exploring, not on your feet.
comfort
With a maximum cushion midsole, the Hierro X 8 is a supremely comfortable shoe on any type of trail—whether you’re conquering rocky paths or mellow singletrack. The lightweight mesh upper doesn’t constrict or pinch, providing ample room for toe splay.
The spacious footbox allows not only freedom of movement in the toes but also accommodates foot swelling on long runs. Those who are looking for even more space will be pleased to know that New Balance has you covered, offering these shoes in three width choices.
We appreciated the ample laces that allowed us to do a lace lock for steep grades and the generous ankle cushioning that kept chafing at bay, allowing us to focus on our run. During our test runs, we logged miles on a variety of terrain, from dirt roads to sandy trails, gravel bike paths to technical singletrack. Throughout it all, the overall comfort level remained consistently high.
Weight
At a weight that is just slightly above average for the market, the Hierro X 8 remains a solid choice for most trail enthusiasts. While it may be slightly heavier, the added heft is well worth it for those looking for a versatile shoe that can transition seamlessly between trail types.
Durability
While the Hierro X 8 is designed with lightweight mesh uppers they withstood the rigors of the trail—showing no signs of wear even after exposure to trail debris and abrasion during our testing.
What’s more, the strategic protective overlays on the toe box and the sides, provide reinforcement in common high-wear areas, helping to ensure that these shoes will last.
We think that the minimally exposed midsole will add to the shoe’s overall durability, leaving less opportunity for wear and tear or punctures in the Fresh Foam X from rocks and sticks. However, we did see some minor evidence of compression in the midsole, after less than 100 miles of use.
Breathability
Finding the right balance between breathability and durability is key to a great trail running shoe. New Balance has achieved that with the Hierro X 8 by creating a shoe with a slightly tighter mesh upper that remains highly breathable.
Even during intense workouts and on warm weather days, we found there to be adequate airflow which ensured our feet stayed properly ventilated and didn’t get too soggy.
However, it’s worth noting that the interior cushioning was a bit slow to dry, especially after a puddly run in the Pacific Northwest. While it meant damp shoes on the next day’s outing, it wasn’t a deal breaker and didn’t cause issues with chafing or blisters.
Responsiveness
The Fresh Foam X midsole provides plenty of energy return no matter your pace, making these a solid choice for a daily trainer and race day shoe. During our runs on rugged trails in the Pacific Northwest, we found them agile and provide adequate ground feel and stability for more technical bits.
On gravel bike paths, they were a fast ride with a good bit of bounce. Our only real complaint is that the slightly wider heel felt a little loose at times, negating some of our agility and security when negotiating steep grades or obstacle laden singletrack.
This issue was minor, but it did force us to slow down in some situations. The plush cushioning does dampen ground feel, and some runners may find themselves wanting a more connected experience with the trail. Overall, it balances comfort with performance, making it a highly responsive shoe for those who prefer more cushion underfoot.
Should You Buy the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Hierro X 8?
We found these shoes to be a solid trail offering from a dependable brand. Offering cushy comfort, sticky outsoles, and terrain versatility in three widths, the Hierro X 8 checks a lot of boxes—appealing to a range of runners and hikers.
Those looking for a versatile trail shoe that won’t break the bank will find these to be a solid pick. If your training mixes together a lot of surfaces and types of trails these will be an excellent value as they can really do it all. However, if you predominantly run on technical mountain trails, you may find them less aggressive than you need. Runners looking for a more performance fit for improved agility, deep lugs for mud, or more ground feel should explore other options.
Overall, these shoes deliver a comfortable experience and are a great choice no matter whether you’re picking up the pace on a trail run or simply enjoying a casual stroll through the woods.
What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
If the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro X 8 isn’t for you, check out these similar trail runners that share similar characteristics.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review: If you’re looking for an even wider toe box and more traction, check out this former Editor’s Pick. These shoes are at home on rugged trails and have the most room in the footbox of everything we tested. Choose from two widths.
Brooks Catamount 4 Review: If you’re looking for a more performance fit that’s designed to go fast, slip into a pair of these. Equally at home on trail and hardpack, these trail runners marry maximum cushion with durable traction.
Nike Pegasus 5 Review: If you’re looking for a responsive shoe that can go from road to trail and back again slip into a pair of these. These trail runners have a slimmer fit and are designed to make everyone feel fast.
