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New Balance’s Best-Looking Town-to-Trail Sneaker Is Now More Capable Than Ever

With styling fit for urban wear and a construction made to conquer the outdoors, this sneaker just got another superpower added to the mix.

Close-up of a New Balance running shoe in light green and white with black accents. The shoe features a large white "N" logo outlined in black on the side, black laces with white striped lace loops, and a black and white striped pull tab at the heel. The word "hierro" is printed near the heel on the midsole. The upper material appears to be a breathable mesh.New Balance
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By Sean Tirman

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Once decried as “dad shoes,” New Balance sneakers have had a hell of a comeback over the last few years. Now, they’re practically a ubiquitous part of both the fashion and outdoor industries — and their hits just keep on coming.

The latest is a subtle upgrade to the brand’s best-looking trail running sneakers. The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 Gore-Tex is this sneaker’s most capable take yet.

Pair of New Balance trail running shoes in light green and cream colors, featuring black and white striped laces, a large "N" logo on the side, and a Vibram sole with rugged tread. The midsole is labeled "Fresh Foam X" and the toe area has "Protect" printed on it.
This sneaker’s fresh colorway is called “Mosaic Green with Permafrost and Black.”
New Balance

Fresh kicks

To understand what makes this new take so good, it helps to start with the base shoe, which was already both adept and great-looking.

The Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 rides on a Vibram MegaGrip outsole. Its ultra-lugged traction makes it excellent at tackling any terrain, even at jogging and running speeds, and offers grip on dry and wet terrain alike.

Light green and beige New Balance trail running shoe with black laces, a thick green sole, and black outsole. The shoe features a large "N" logo on the side, "Toe Protect" text near the toe, and "GORE-TEX" branding near the heel with a pull tab.
The Gore-Tex branding is subtle, found only on the inside collar.
New Balance

That outsole is paired to a dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole, the brand’s cushiest take on its Fresh Foam tech. This later is soft on top for high comfort, but it has a firmer bottom to help with the impact of uneven terrain.

Above that, the upper boasts a breathable mesh with some extra protection on the heel and toe, as well as reinforcements around the eyelets. Altogether, the shoe is as formidable as it is handsome.

Pair of light green athletic shoes shown from the back, featuring black and white striped pull tabs on the heels, black outsoles, and the word "hierro" printed on the outer side of each heel. The upper part of the shoes has a mesh texture for breathability.
The heel pull tabs make putting these sneakers on quick and convenient.
New Balance

Invisible shield

While all of the aforementioned details already existed on the Fresh Foam X Hierro v9, this one has an additional element. It’s this last, invisible bit that gives the trail-going sneaker its ultimate superpower.

Built into its mesh upper is a Gore-Tex membrane. This makes the shoe completely waterproof on top of being robust, rugged and good-looking.

Shoe sole with a rugged tread pattern designed for traction, featuring black lugs and green sections. A yellow hexagonal logo with the word "Vibram" is visible near the center.
The Vibram MegaGrip outsole will help you conquer any terrain.
New Balance

But here’s the best part: it manages to make the sneaker weatherproof without sacrificing its breathability and, therefore, athletic comfort.

There’s one other detail worth mentioning: this version of the shoe has a minty-fresh colorway, called “Mosaic Green with Permafrost and Black.” So far, it’s the only colorway the sneaker is available in, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see more come out in the future.

Pair of New Balance Hierro running shoes in light green and cream colors, viewed from above. The shoes feature black laces with white striped lace loops, a breathable mesh upper, and "Toe Protect" text on the front outer edge of each shoe. The insoles display the New Balance logo and a zigzag design. Small Gore-Tex tags are visible on the sides near the ankle collar.
The extra protection provided by the invisible Gore-Tex layer keeps the sneakers’ clean styling intact.
New Balance

Available now

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 Gore-Tex trail runners are now available on the brand’s site for $180. As mentioned, they’re only in one colorway at the moment, but more could pop up soon.

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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