From high-cushion trail performance in the Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 to retro-inspired everyday style in the 327 Youth, New Balance delivers two different shoes connected by comfort, stability and running heritage.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9: Comfort Meets Stability
With a dual-density midsole, Vibram traction and a more stable platform, the Hierro v9 refines New Balance’s max-cushion trail formula for long days off-road.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 (for men and women) strikes a fine balance between comfort and control, delivering a trail shoe that feels plushly protective without excess softness. Built for runners tackling diverse terrain and longer kilometres, the latest version introduces an engineered higher stack that noticeably smooths out rough trails while keeping the ride composed.
Dual-Density Cushioning that Manages Trail Stability
A notable update in the Hierro v9 is a thicker dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole. This is New Balance’s most cushioned compound, designed to absorb impact over long distances. In the Hierro v9, the top layer delivers that plush feel while a firmer lower layer helps stabilize your strikes.
Out on the trail, that setup translates into a pillowy ride that feels easier on the knees and heels, especially over longer efforts.
Out on the trail, that setup translates into a pillowy ride that feels easier on the knees and heels, especially over longer efforts. But unlike some higher-stack trail shoes that can feel tipsy, the Hierro v9 holds steady over all but the most technical, sharp-rock terrain (for which the FuelCell Rebel Trail is better suited, with its more grounded, agile platform).
Improved Grip for Tech Terrain
Underfoot, New Balance pairs the Hierro v9 with a Vibram Megagrip outsole featuring a redesigned tread pattern and deeper (6mm) lugs. Megagrip offers high-friction grip and durability across both wet and dry surfaces. The updated lug pattern gives the shoe more bite on loose dirt, mud and rocky sections while remaining subtle enough for harder-packed trails.
Trail Protection Without Sacrificing Comfort
The upper combines breathable mesh with practical trail-focused details. A gusseted tongue wraps more securely around the midfoot while fending off debris. Plus, New Balance’s Toe Protect technology adds reinforced coverage around the front of the shoe to shield feet from rocks and roots. I also appreciated the Hierro v9’s roomy toe box, which allows for more natural toe splay during long runs and hikes. That extra space helps reduce pressure in the forefoot while still maintaining a secure overall fit.
The Hierro v9 maintains a comfortable and breathable feel that works well for warmer runs and all-day wear. The result is a trail shoe that feels like a responsive, climate-controlled mattress for your foot while delivering the support and traction needed for adventurous terrain.
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New Balance 327 Kids: Retro Running Style Reworked for a New Generation
Drawing inspiration from New Balance’s most influential ‘70s runners, the kids’ 327 blends heritage styling with modern comfort and trail-inspired details built for everyday wear.
The rise of recreational running 50-odd years ago transformed shoes from basic gear into performance-driven designs with personality. The 1970s were a turning point for footwear innovation, and the New Balance 327 channels that era through a contemporary lens. This youth version keeps the same bold styling as the adult shoe while adapting the fit and proportions for growing feet.
The classic New Balance design language is all here: The silhouette gives the shoe a more angular shape than traditional retro runners, while the flared midsole and wraparound lug outsole also give the shoe a more adventurous look that nods to the trail-running roots of the brand.
The 1970s were a turning point for footwear innovation and the New Balance 327 channels that era through a contemporary lens.
A Nod to New Balance’s Running Heritage
Several iconic New Balance models helped shape the 327’s design. The sleek upper with its exaggerated fang overlay draw inspiration from the New Balance 320, one of the brand’s breakthrough performance runners during the ‘70s. And elements from the 355 trail runner also show up in the lugged outsole, adding extra-responsive grip and a more rugged aesthetic.
And the futuristic SuperComp, whose ancestor was released in 1978 and was known at the time for its road-performance innovation, also influenced the shoe’s layered retro styling and heel details.
For kids, the result is a sneaker that feels playful, functional, and vintage all at once. The leather upper combines durability with classic texture.
The New Balance 327 Kids successfully blends heritage trail-running inspiration with modern streetwear style, creating a shoe that feels both rooted in the past and angled to the future. –Ned Morgan
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