Our verdict

The New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact is a bold reboot of the series. We found that it ditches its former flexible-and-grounded vibe for a stiff, max-cushioned platform with low-drop geometry and a rocker-assisted ride. While the new high-stack profile won’t please everyone, we were impressed by the plush foam, ultra-grippy new balance 327 black grey gradient colors men, and trail-ready materials. However, if you’re chasing that familiar Hierro ride, prepare for a wake-up call.

New Balance 57 40 Lunar New Pros

  • So much foam underfoot!
  • new balance 327 black grey gradient colors men
  • New Balance Japan Enters the Lucky Dip 'Sample Lab' Collection
  • Surprisingly stable
  • Amazing durability
  • new balance wl574 574 seb sneaker
  • Available in multiple widths
  • Good quality materials
  • New Balance 2002R Protection Pack "Rain Cloud"

New Balance 57 40 Lunar New Cons

  • Not the roomiest fit
  • Heavier than before
  • Lost its flexible nature
  • Low drop won't suit everyone

Audience verdict

N/A
Not enough reviews yet

New Balance 57 40 Lunar New | Who should buy

After testing the Hierro v9 on the trails and in the lab, we believe that it's:

  • A dream come true for fans of the Hierro series who craved more underfoot cushioning—this version finally delivers it.  
  • Ideal for trail runners looking for a plush-and-durable maximalist shoe built for long-distance outings.  
  • Fantastic for midfoot and forefoot strikers, with upgraded forefoot foam and a low-drop setup that feels naturally efficient.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact

Who should NOT buy

We believe that the Hierro v9 isn't the right pick for runners who loved the flexible, easygoing feel of past versions. It’s now a stiff-and-rigid trail shoe that trades natural motion for a max-cushion ride. In our view, shoes like the Hombres New Balance All Coast 210 Mid Tan Navy or Mens New Balance 608 V4 Athletic Shoes Sz 11 Used White New balance ct574wig ct574wig.

From our perspective, the 4.2 mm drop could be an issue for some heel strikers, as it means a big departure from the previous setup. We think they’d feel more at home in the Brooks Caldera 7 Zrównoważony New balance Athletic Club Bilbao 21 22 Repliki Skarpetek Wyjazdowych New balance yo650aa m 650 black white kid preschool slip on shoe sandal yo650aam.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact parts

Cushioning

Heel stack

With 37.3 mm in the heel, the New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact is no longer in the average category—at least not for now. We discovered it's 5.1 mm higher than the Hierro v8, putting it close to the 40 mm barrier—a height only a few trail shoes are starting to approach.

This is a great advantage for heavier runners or extreme heel strikers, especially for long-haul trail efforts. However, it also creates a less-grounded, stiffer feel that won't please everyone.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Heel stack
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 37.3 mm
Average 32.0 mm
Compared to 135 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
19.6 mm
Heel stack
42.4 mm

New Balance 57 40 Lunar New | Forefoot stack

But it’s the forefoot that changed the most. Like… by a mile. In the Hierro v7, we measured 22.5 mm in this area, which increased to 24.1 mm in the Hierro v8—right around average.

Now, we’re jumping all the way up to 33.1 mm. That’s a massive 37% increase—a huge leap that we rarely see in our lab, even after testing hundreds of shoes each year.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Forefoot stack
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 33.1 mm
Average 24.6 mm
Compared to 135 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
13.4 mm
Forefoot stack
33.9 mm

Drop

Tecnologias New balance Hættetrøje Essentials Stacked Logo New Balance is really reshaping the Hierro series with our drop measurement. It used to be a high-drop trail shoe, but now it’s basically the opposite.

At just 4.2 mm, the drop now caters to midfoot and forefoot strikers more than anyone else. From our perspective, heel strikers may find it less appealing, as the Hierro v9 feels like an Altra or Topo!

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Drop
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 4.2 mm
Average 7.5 mm
Compared to 134 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.

Carrying Fresh Foam X in the name, it seemed obvious to us that the midsole would lean toward cloud-soft territory. But with trail shoes, there's always a chance the foam will be tuned slightly firmer for stability.

That’s why we were fine with the 14.6 HA reading we recorded in the Hierro v9. In our tests, it felt quite protective without being overly squishy—a great combo for long-distance comfort and ultra events. However, as we expected from EVA-based designs, rebound is not very high.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Midsole softness
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 14.6 HA
Average 22.5 HA
New Balance 302 White Reflection.
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
9.1 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

Bæredygtig New balance Ærmeløs T-shirt Printed Accelerate (%)

Faced with 20 minutes of deep-freeze testing, the Hierro v9 held up surprisingly well—its midsole only got 24% firmer. It’s not a chart-topping result, but quite decent for an EVA-based material like Fresh Foam X.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Bæredygtig New balance Ærmeløs T-shirt Printed Accelerate (%)
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 24%
Average 26%
Compared to 111 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
5%
Bæredygtig New balance Ærmeløs T-shirt Printed Accelerate
68%

Insole thickness

The insole is the familiar standard version New Balance uses in many road-focused daily trainers, measuring 4.5 mm in thickness.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Insole thickness
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 4.5 mm
Average 4.7 mm
Compared to 134 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
2.1 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Rocker

We found in the lab that brands often turn to rockered midsoles to offset the stiffness added by extra foam, especially once the forefoot surpasses 30 mm—so the Hierro v9 was a clear candidate for this curved shift.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact rocker side

True to our expectations, the Hierro is no longer flat. Both the heel and forefoot now feature a noticeable rocker, creating a more assisted, momentum-friendly ride—though it feels a bit less natural and more guided.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Rocker

Size and fit

Size

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New balance wl574wl2 moonbeam sea salt womens shoes

We already saw that the Hierro v9 brings much more foam underfoot. But is there also extra space in the toebox? Let’s find out using our ultra-precise gel-based measurement technique!

Starting with the widest part of the toebox, we don’t have great news for broader-footed runners. At 94.7 mm, this result aligns with an average fit, even leaning slightly on the snug side.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact New balance wl574wl2 moonbeam sea salt womens shoes
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 94.7 mm
Average 95.8 mm
Compared to 56 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
89.8 mm
New balance wl574wl2 moonbeam sea salt womens shoes
99.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

We noticed the same trend in the big toe area, which has a noticeably pointy shape even before taking measurements. After testing with our digital callipers, we found 73.4 mm. That's another below-average result for this zone.

However, there’s a catch. In some regions, New Balance offers the shoe in multiple widths, so if you’ve got wide feet, go for the 2E or even the ultra-roomy 4E version if available.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Toebox width - big toe
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 73.4 mm
Average 74.8 mm
Compared to 56 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
69.8 mm
Toebox width - big toe
85.3 mm

Toebox height

We also wanted to measure the vertical space for the toes—something our gel-based method handles with ultra-clear accuracy.

We discovered 26.7 mm, a middle-of-the-road result that should suit most runners. From our perspective, it’s a cautious design move by New Balance.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Toebox height
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 26.7 mm
Average 27.0 mm
Compared to 56 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
22.0 mm
Toebox height
31.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Some of you may be wondering if the Hierro’s much taller stack height has hurt its stability—but it hasn’t. The shoe has been completely reworked to stay decently stable, though it comes with some trade-offs we’ll break down next.

Torsional rigidity

One of the biggest changes comes with the ultra-rigid torsional structure of this shoe. The Hierro v8 and earlier versions were really flexible, but that changed in version 9—it now scored 5/5 in this lab test.

That’s a result we usually see in carbon-plated racers, so imagine how rigid it feels on foot. We think that’s a dissuade move by New Balance to add support to the now towering platform, but it definitely trades off the relaxed flexibility of previous versions.

Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 5
Average 3.6
Compared to 129 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

and select New Balance stores worldwide

The heel counter stays moderately flexible—more like New Balance’s road models—and scored 3/5 in our test. It should work well for most runners, even those with sensitive heels or Haglund’s deformity.

Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 3
Average 3.1
Compared to 127 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
and select New Balance stores worldwide
5

Midsole width - forefoot

The Hierro’s platform definitely got wider. This is one of the key changes that helped maintain a stable ride despite the sky-high stack. In the forefoot, we measured 116.9 mm versus 113.2 mm in the previous version.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Midsole width - forefoot
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 116.9 mm
Average 112.4 mm
Compared to 135 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
102.1 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
124.3 mm

Midsole width - heel

The heel got wider too—94.1 mm compared to 91.9 mm. It’s not a dramatic change and barely noticeable underfoot, but it signals the Hierro’s shift toward a maximalist future.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Midsole width - heel
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 94.1 mm
Average 89.7 mm
Compared to 135 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
77.2 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.0 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

Alongside its ultra-rigid torsional build, the longitudinal stiffness marks another dramatic shift in feel for the Hierro v9. Put simply—if you loved the flexible-and-natural vibe of previous versions, you’re in for a disappointment.

We tested it in our 90-degree bend test and recorded 34.6N—a massive jump from the 14.9N we measured in the v8. That’s a whopping 132% increase!

Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 34.6N
Average 27.3N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 135 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
10.5N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
54.5N

Weight

Another downside of this update comes with weight, growing from 10.5 oz or 298g to 10.9 oz or 309g. It may sound fair given the added foam and broader platform—but still, it’s extra baggage on an already heavy shoe.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Weight
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 10.90 oz (309g)
Average 10.26 oz (291g)
Compared to 135 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
7.51 oz (213g)
Weight
12.66 oz (359g)

Breathability

We observed that New Balance made a commendable effort to enhance the toebox ventilation in the Hierro v9. This endeavour resulted in a moderate 3/5 score in our breathability assessment, which we consider well-suited for year-round trail adventures.

Upon placing the upper over our LED light, we noticed numerous openings in the toebox that facilitate airflow. However, the remainder of the shoe features a thicker construction aimed at providing additional stability to counter the added stack height.

We also employed our digital microscope to examine the mesh design. 

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact microscope

We identified substantial ventilation holes that effectively promote airflow; however, they may raise concerns regarding durability, which we will evaluate shortly.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact close up micro

The upper represents a significant improvement, offering generous padding in the heel and tongue areas.

It exhibits slight stretchiness and incorporates "Toe Protect" TPU reinforcements designed to prevent premature wear in the toe cap region.

Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 112 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

We had some concerns about this test, since the mesh has so many ventilation holes—and those are often prone to tearing. However, New Balance nailed the material choice, and it scored a superbly 4/5.

Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 4
Average 3.1
Compared to 92 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

It wasn’t easy to top the toebox score, but the Hierro v9 pulled it off by earning a flawless 5/5 in the heel padding test. That’s a strong signal this area won’t wear down easily!

Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 5
Average 2.8
Compared to 90 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Now, what about the outsole? New Balance has consistently relied on Vibram for the Hierro, though they’ve alternated between compounds—sometimes even using the underwhelming Ecostep, especially when compared against the fantastic Megagrip.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Megagrip

Fortunately, the Hierro v9 brings back Vibram Megagrip, which we think is a major win.

In our view, Megagrip is the gold standard in trail running, and with a firm 88.6 HC reading, it promises long-lasting durability paired with awesome traction across rugged terrain.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Outsole hardness
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 88.6 HC
Average 85.7 HC
New Balance 302 White Reflection.
Compared to 135 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
75.5 HC
Outsole hardness
96.1 HC

Outsole durability

Our third Dremel test delivered a satisfactory result, showing 0.9 mm of damage. Not jaw-dropping by any means, but good enough that we won’t be flagging premature outsole wear as a red flag.

Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 0.9 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 85 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

The outsole is also thick enough to shield the feet from sharp or uneven terrain, measuring 2.4 mm. This helps explain why the Hierro feels slightly firmer than expected for its durometer result—over 5 mm of rubber separates the midsole from the ground!

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Outsole thickness
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 2.4 mm
Average 2.3 mm
Compared to 135 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
0.9 mm
Outsole thickness
5.5 mm

Misc

Lug depth

We found moderate lugs in the Hierro v9. At 3.3 mm, they clearly lean toward smooth, everyday trails rather than wild, highly-technical terrain.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact lug

In our experience, the combination of Vibram’s high-traction Megagrip compound and the tooth-edged Traction Lugs delivers a fantastic amount of bite on gravel, dirt, and even light mud. It’s a top outsole for moderate conditions.

However, this isn’t a go-anywhere tank. The tread design excels in multi-purpose settings but lacks the aggressive depth and spacing needed for slippery slopes or deep, loose ground.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Lug depth
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 3.3 mm
Average 3.5 mm
Compared to 135 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Lug depth
5.0 mm

Price

There’s a small price jump from the Hierro v8, and that’s never exciting. However, it feels justified—this version packs way more foam and an upgraded, super-grippy new balance 327 black grey gradient colors men. Sounds fair to us.

Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 $155
Compared to 135 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
£55
Price
£230

Reflective elements

Unfortunately, the Hierro v9 comes without any reflective elements—just like v8. Looks like New Balance isn’t too excited about giving this trail shoe some night-friendly, hi-vis flair.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Reflective elements
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 No

Tongue padding

The Hierro v9 features a rugged, trail-ready lacing system with broad, flat laces threading through thick, textured loops and reinforced punched eyelets. A central tongue loop adds structure, helping the tongue stay centred during dynamic movement.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact tongue design

The tongue itself feels nicely padded, clocking in at 7.2 mm—plenty for long, bumpy miles. However, we weren’t too thrilled with the lowercase “hierro” branding. It looks like an afterthought!

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Tongue padding
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 7.2 mm
Average 6.4 mm
Compared to 135 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
12.3 mm

Устойчивое New balance Impact Run Футболка С Коротким Рукавом

The tongue is semi-gusseted. That's a good choice for trail running, as it blocks debris from sneaking into the toebox and boosts lockdown by stopping any unwanted tongue shifting.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Устойчивое New balance Impact Run Футболка С Коротким Рукавом
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 Both sides (semi)

Heel tab

Another change from previous Hierro models is the redesigned heel tab, now stitched asymmetrically to the side for added strength. Still, it does look a little odd, doesn’t it?

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Heel tab
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 Finger loop

Removable insole

Despite having a meaningful message we agree with, the insole is pretty basic—so we were glad to find it’s easily removable and can be swapped for something more cushioned or supportive.

New Balance Camiseta Manga Curta Impact Removable insole
Test results
Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 Yes