New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro 4

NEW BALANCE
FRESH FOAM HIERRO 4

MSRP: $135
Weight: 11.3 oz (M 9.5), 9.3 oz (W 8)
Drop: 4MM
Rock plate: No
Fit: True to size / narrow

Though the Fresh Foam Hierro 4 (men’s version here) is an update of the 3, New Balance stayed smart and kept the midsole and outsole the same because, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Increased durability and a better fit make the Hierro 4 a great shoe for distances of a marathon and above. The Vibram outsole features tightly placed honeycomb lugs that proved to be incredibly grippy, but can attract mud.

The built-in sock received mixed reviews; some testers felt protected and secure while some felt the shoe was hard to get on and experienced rubbing. The Hierro 4 earned highest points for responsiveness and comfort and less points for ground feel and lateral stability.

Tester-monial: “The Hierro 4 responds like a road shoe on the trail. The energy return is stellar, saving your legs for those extra miles. Out of all the shoes I reviewed, these are the best all arounder—and they’re stylish. These are definitely going to be my group-run steezy shoes. —Timothy Nooney, Carbondale, Colorado