Our verdict

We really liked the New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard for its versatility on the trails—it's great for many different outdoor activities. Though it has a few drawbacks like a disappointing tongue and some issues with breathability, if you're okay with that, we think you'll enjoy its super comfy ride and durable-yet-grippy Vibram outsole. Overall, we think it's a great upgrade in the Hierro series!

running green new balance reduit lempreinte carbone de vos chaussures Pros

  • Superb Vibram outsole
  • Exceptionally plush ride
  • Remarkably flexible
  • new balance ms 327 sfbgrey blue
  • Reasonably priced
  • Excellent for winter
  • New balance wl373pn2
  • Reliable grip on moderate trails
  • Doubles as a great hiking shoe

running green new balance reduit lempreinte carbone de vos chaussures Cons

  • Poor ventilation
  • Problematic non-gusseted tongue
  • Durability concerns in toebox and heel
  • Not suited for technical trails

running green new balance reduit lempreinte carbone de vos chaussures | Audience verdict

81
Good!
  • Camisola New Balance Printed Impact Run sem mangas azul turquesa

Who should buy

We're convinced that the New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard is an excellent pick for:

  • new balance vision racer jaden smith grey msvrcjsd.
  • New Balance Men's 500v1.
  • Hierro series enthusiasts eager to upgrade to the latest model for its familiar flexibility and versatility.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard

Who should NOT buy

We're convinced the New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard isn't the best option for everyone, particularly those seeking a lightweight trail shoe. Despite its continuous improvements, it remains heavier compared to rivals like the Hoka Challenger 7 or the Saucony Peregrine 14, New Balance 2002R Black FigM2002RHD.

Additionally, while the Hierro v8's plush midsole offers undeniable comfort, it lacks the responsive feel that many trail runners prefer for faster, proprioceptive trail running. For those looking for a balance between plush foam and responsiveness, we recommend considering the Nike Wildhorse 8, or opting for the Merrell Nova 3 for a more balanced approach.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard parts

Cushioning

Heel stack

While the Hierro v8's 32.2 mm heel stack doesn't place it in the maximalist category like the new balance 009 junior bleu jean et jaune, New balance 997h womens pink haze vintage rose casual lifestyle sneakers shoes.

new balance cw 997 hvd tan.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Heel stack
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 32.2 mm
Average 32.0 mm
Compared to 128 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
19.6 mm
Heel stack
42.4 mm

Forefoot stack

The absence of a rock plate emphasises the need for substantial rubber and foam underfoot. Although 24.1 mm might not seem like a lot, the thicker-than-average Vibram rubber compensates for this, making the lack of a rock plate acceptable in our view in terms of protection, especially because this shoe is not meant for hard, difficult trails at all.

We also believe that this thickness particularly suits the shoe's goal of maintaining flexibility and its beginner-friendly approach.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Forefoot stack
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 24.1 mm
Average 24.6 mm
Compared to 128 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
13.4 mm
Forefoot stack
33.9 mm

Drop

The Hierro series has traditionally featured an 8-mm drop, and despite New Balance's claims that the Hierro v8 has a reduced 6-mm offset, our precise measurements—aligned with World Athletics guidelines—revealed an 8.1-mm drop.

Plus, on our feet, it delivered the same running experience as previous models.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Drop
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 8.1 mm
Average 7.5 mm
Compared to 127 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.1 mm
Drop
17.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

This isn't the first New Balance shoe with Fresh Foam X that we've analysed in the lab, the velvet-soft 1080 v13 being another recent example. But we initially thought that New Balance might have adjusted the foam's formulation to make it firmer for trail conditions.

However, our Shore A durometer reading of 9.1 HA confirmed that it remains incredibly plush compared to most other trail shoes.

However, there's a caveat. While the EVA foam itself is exceptionally soft, it is sandwiched by a firmer-than-usual insole and a thick outsole. This combination creates a firmer-than-expected overall feel, making the midsole less soft than equivalent plush road shoes.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard run

Additionally, don't expect significant energy return. Fresh Foam X, while being New Balance's premier training foam, prioritises comfort over bounce.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Midsole softness
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 9.1 HA
Average 22.7 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 104 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
9.1 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

After chilling the Fresh Foam X midsole in our freezer for 20 minutes, its softness was reduced by 30.6% (12.0 HA)—a decent performance, though there is still potential for enhancement.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Difference in midsole softness in cold
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 32%
Average 26%
Compared to 104 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
5%
Midsole softness in cold
68%

Insole thickness

The insole is crafted from recycled materials—hence its unique mix of colors—and measures 5.0 mm in thickness.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Insole thickness
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 5.0 mm
Average 4.7 mm
Compared to 127 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
2.1 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Rocker

The latest trend in running shoes leans towards creating rockered silhouettes, and the Hierro v8 kinda embraced it. Our comparisons show that the toe spring in the Hierro v8 is more pronounced than in its predecessor, though it still maintains a more level design compared to other New Balance road shoes such as the Rebel v4.

Size and fit

Size

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard is true to size (35 votes).

New Balance 327 Marathon Running Shoes Low Tops MS327FPA?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 108 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

New Balance 237 girls's Shoes Trainers in White

While we've established that the midsole isn't particularly wide, our curiosity led us to measure the toebox. Our digital callipers showed a width of 94.6 mm at its broadest point.

This is a slightly narrow outcome, although we think that this dimension should accommodates the needs of about 80% of runners, providing a good fit for most feet. Additionally, it’s important to highlight that New Balance makes this model available in a wide option in some markets (including the US) which a nice bonus.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard New Balance 237 girls's Shoes Trainers in White
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 94.6 mm
Average 96.3 mm
Compared to 35 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
92.2 mm
New Balance 237 girls's Shoes Trainers in White
99.9 mm

running green new balance reduit lempreinte carbone de vos chaussures | Toebox width - big toe

Our second measurement, taken in the big toe area, confirmed the toebox's narrow-to-average dimensions at 73.1 mm. This means that runners with square-shaped feet might find the previous model a better fit.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Toebox width - big toe
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 73.1 mm
Average 74.8 mm
Compared to 35 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
69.8 mm
Toebox width - big toe
84.2 mm

Toebox height

In terms of vertical space for the toes, the Hierro v8 leans slightly low for runners who prefer high-volume toeboxes, measuring an average 26.5 mm.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Toebox height
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 26.5 mm
Average 26.9 mm
Compared to 35 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
22.0 mm
Toebox height
31.3 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Those seeking stability in a trail shoe might want to bypass the Hierro v8 despite its gigantic midsole sidewalls. However, neutral runners will find it performs well on easy trails and gravel roads without any issues.

Caratteristiche New balance Scarpe Running Arishi v2 PS Largo todd snyder new balance 327 farmers market is a better pick with its broader sole.

Torsional rigidity

As mentioned earlier in this lab review, New Balance prioritises comfort in the Hierro v8, which is evident from the shoe's low torsional rigidity we observed during bending and twisting tests.

kith x united arrows x nonnative x new balance 997 medium moyen.

Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 2
Average 3.6
Compared to 122 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

To boost stability, New Balance has robustly reinforced the heel counter, crafting it to resemble that of a road daily trainer. We rated this strategic enhancement a solid 3/5, as it fortifies stability effectively without making the heel too stiff.

Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 3
Average 3.1
Compared to 120 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

new balance wl 527 cca

Upon examining the midsole dimensions, we observed that New Balance has preserved the streamlined silhouette of this series at just 113.2 mm.

We endorse this strategy—while other brands are excessively broadening soles to boost stability, New Balance focuses on maintaining agility and hiking performance in the Hierro, staying away from an oversized design.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 113.2 mm
Average 112.4 mm
Compared to 128 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
102.1 mm
new balance wl 527 cca
124.3 mm

New Balance Sport M Tas

The heel mirrors the design of the forefoot, offering a width of 91.9 mm—again around the average and well-suited for multiple activities.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 91.9 mm
Average 89.8 mm
Compared to 128 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
77.2 mm
New Balance Sport M Tas
106.0 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

From the outset, the Hierro v8 won us over with its exceptional flexibility. New Balance has engineered this by incorporating multiple holes in the Vibram Megagrip outsole, enhancing the shoe's ability to flex in every direction—evidenced by a mere 14.9N in our 90-degree flexibility test.

While many modern trail shoes opt for increased stiffness to boost stability, the Hierro v8 stands out as a flexible yet cushioned trail shoe. We're happy to see it offer an alternative in a market trending towards rigidity, filling a much-needed gap for those who value comfort over everything else.

Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 14.9N
Average 27.4N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 128 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
10.5N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
54.5N

new balance classics traditionnels (%)

In the second freezer test, we examined how the stiffness of the shoe altered after being frozen. Remarkably, the stiffness only increased by 17.6%, which is excellent news! This minimal change underscores the Hierro's consistent feel, even under extreme cold conditions.

Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 18%
Average 33%
Compared to 125 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
3%
new balance classics traditionnels
90%

Weight

Upon examining the midsole dimensions, we observed that New Balance has preserved the streamlined silhouette of this series at just 113.2 mm.

We endorse this strategy—while other brands are excessively broadening soles to boost stability, New Balance focuses on maintaining agility and hiking performance in the Hierro, staying away from an oversized design.

Weight

We just discussed the need for trimming weight, especially since the Hierro tipped our digital scale at 10.5 oz or 298g.

This is notably heavier compared to other trail shoes. New Balance would do well to reduce the Hierro's weight to below the 10 oz mark, which would significantly enhance its appeal for those who favour lightweight trail shoes.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Weight
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 10.51 oz (298g)
Average 10.26 oz (291g)
Compared to 128 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
7.51 oz (213g)
Weight
12.66 oz (359g)

Breathability

While trail shoes generally require less ventilation than road kicks, the Hierro disappointingly scored a 2/5 in our smoke-pumping test, making it suboptimal for hot summer activities.

Using our light test, we found that New Balance reinforced the upper everywhere but the toebox. However, despite apparent ventilation holes in that area, smoke remained trapped inside during our tests.

To solve this mystery, we moved the Hierro v8 to our microscope examination area.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard microscope

It became clear that while the engineered mesh is of good quality, it doesn't effectively ventilate because it features a dual-layer design with the bottom layer trapping heat—great for winter but problematic for summer.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard mesh

We also noted the upper's fantastic comfort. It's evident that weight was not a primary concern in its design at New Balance HQ, as the material felt quite plush and heavy when compared to other models.

Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 2
Average 3.2
Compared to 105 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

The New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard boasts substantial protection in the toecap—dubbed Toe Protect—and throughout many other parts of the shoe. But the toebox itself felt fragile to us, prompting us to put it to the test with our Dremel.

What we discovered was deeply disappointing, leading us to assign it a dismal 1/5 rating. While this issue might seem minor since it affects only a small part of the upper, it's worth noting for those who have experienced wear in this area with previous models.

Interestingly, the Hierro might not quite live up to its name, which means "iron" in Spanish. However, this isn't a reference to the material but rather a nod to the rugged and beautiful terrain of El Hierro in Spain’s Canary Islands.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Toebox durability
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 1
Average 3.1
Compared to 85 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

New Balance 237 Sneakers nere

After a disappointing first Dremel test, we shifted our focus to the Hierro's heel, hoping for better results.

Unfortunately, our hopes were only partially met, as the heel showed a slight improvement but still earned a lacklustre rating of 2/5. This was yet another letdown in our series of Dremel tests.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard New Balance 237 Sneakers nere
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 2
Average 2.8
Compared to 83 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
New Balance 237 Sneakers nere
5

Outsole hardness

Following two previous disappointments, we turned our attention to the Hierro's outsole, which held potential as a standout feature again, as it's supplied by the Italian industry leader, Vibram.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Vibram

Our initial evaluation of the Vibram Megagrip outsole involved measuring its hardness, which registered at 81.5 HC—a very balanced approach. We're eager to see how it performs in our upcoming Dremel test.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Outsole hardness
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 81.5 HC
Average 85.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 128 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
74.0 HC
Outsole hardness
96.1 HC

Outsole durability

Until now, it seemed that the Dremel tests and the Hierro weren't a great match, but that finally changed.

We revved up the Dremel one last time at 10K RPM and discovered that the Megagrip compound performed exceptionally well, showcasing a remarkable blend of grip and durability. The minor 0.7-mm indentation we observed truly impressed us, leaving us quite satisfied with this result.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Outsole durability
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 0.7 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 78 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

We also measured the thickness of the outsole using our vernier callipers, which registered at 3.0 mm.

This is relatively thick and, considering the excellent durability of the rubber, it's possibly more than necessary. This likely represents a missed opportunity to reduce the overall weight of the shoe.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Outsole thickness
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 3.0 mm
Average 2.3 mm
Compared to 128 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
0.9 mm
Outsole thickness
5.5 mm

Misc

Lug depth

In line with its design focused on versatility, the lugs on this shoe measure 4.0 mm deep—ideal for tackling easy challenging terrain effortlessly.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard lugs

Of course, it's evident that these lugs aren't suited for more demanding terrains, so it's best to steer clear of muddy or slippery conditions or exhilarating downhills. However, they excel on simpler trails, a performance that's we found it's enhanced by Vibram's Traction Lug technology.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Lug depth
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 4.0 mm
Average 3.5 mm
Compared to 128 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Lug depth
5.8 mm

Reflective elements

A proper trail running shoe should include reflective features, yet the Hierro v8 fails to include them. While not a deal breaker, we are quite disappointed with this oversight.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Reflective elements
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard No

Tongue padding

The only upside to the tongue is that it includes 6.6 mm of padding, which provides adequate comfort in the instep area.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard tongue

However, our disappointment deepened when we discovered that, not only is the tongue non-gusseted, but it is also completely detached, lacking any integration with the lacing system—a standard feature in almost any other running shoe.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Tongue padding
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard 6.6 mm
Average 6.3 mm
Compared to 128 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
12.3 mm

Tongue: gusset type

One crucial feature of a proper trail shoe is a tongue that is fixed to the sides, which provides two significant benefits: enhanced lockdown and better protection against debris entering the shoe.

Regrettably, New Balance opted for a non-gusseted tongue in their latest Hierro, a choice we found quite disappointing here in the lab, especially because this is not a cheap shoe at all. This omission compromises both the fit and the shoe’s ability to keep out small debris.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard None

Heel tab

The heel includes a convenient finger-loop heel tab, a useful feature retained from its predecessor, thankfully avoiding any downgrade in this aspect.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Heel tab
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Finger loop

Removable insole

We appreciated that the insole of the Hierro v8 is crafted from recycled materials, although this does result in a firmer feel than usual. Fortunately, if you prefer a softer footbed, you can easily remove the original and swap it with one that better suits your comfort preferences.

New Balance Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Removable insole
Test results
Part of the collaboration between New Balance and NBA player Kawhi Leonard Yes