Discover the Best New Balance Trail Running Shoes for 2024

1. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9

We recently put the Men’s Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 through its paces on a variety of challenging trails. The Fresh Foam X cushioning is immediately noticeable, providing a plush and responsive ride that absorbs impact effectively. I particularly appreciated the secure lockdown provided by the lacing system, which felt reliable even on uneven terrain.

The Vibram® Megagrip outsole delivered impressive traction across damp rocks and loose gravel, instilling confidence with every step. The upper construction feels durable and offers good breathability, keeping feet comfortable during longer efforts. However, I did find the toe box to be a touch narrower than I prefer for extended downhill sections where foot splay is crucial.

This shoe is ideal for the dedicated trail runner seeking a comfortable and capable option for daily training and moderate races. It excels on a mix of surfaces, from packed dirt to more technical singletrack. If you have exceptionally wide feet or tend to experience toe numbness on descents, you might want to try these on before committing.

2. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9

Our experience with the Men’s Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 mirrored our previous assessment: this is a shoe that prioritizes comfort and versatility. The generous Fresh Foam X midsole offers a delightful blend of softness and energy return, making it a pleasure to run in for miles. The upper wraps the foot snugly, providing a supportive feel without being overly restrictive.

I found the grip from the Vibram® outsole to be consistently strong, handling muddy sections and rocky outcrops with equal aplomb. The transition from heel to toe felt smooth, contributing to an efficient stride. My only real quibble is that the tongue, while padded, could sometimes shift slightly during particularly dynamic movements, requiring a minor adjustment.

This shoe is a solid choice for runners who log significant mileage on trails and appreciate a well-cushioned ride. It’s a great all-rounder for varied conditions. Those who demand absolute zero tongue movement might find themselves making occasional minor adjustments.

3. New Balance Fresh Foam X Garoé V2 Trail Running Shoe

As we explored the best new balance trail running shoes, the Men’s Fresh Foam X Garoé V2 stood out for its balanced approach to cushioning and ground feel. The Fresh Foam X midsole provides a protective layer against trail debris, yet it doesn’t feel so thick that you lose connection with the earth. The upper is constructed with a durable mesh that allows for good airflow.

On the trails, I was impressed by the agility the Garoé V2 offered. It felt nimble on tighter turns and quick ascents. The outsole provided decent grip on dry to moderately damp surfaces, but I did notice a slight reduction in confidence when tackling very slick, muddy descents. The heel counter felt a bit stiff initially, which took a few miles to break in completely.

This shoe is well-suited for runners who enjoy faster-paced trail runs or shorter distances where agility is key. It’s also a great option for those new to trail running and looking for a forgiving, yet responsive, shoe. If your typical runs involve a lot of slick mud or you prefer a very flexible heel counter from the start, you might consider other options.

4. New Balance Dynasoft Tektrel V1 Trail Running Shoe

We tested the Men’s Dynasoft Tektrel V1 with the expectation of a more budget-friendly trail option, and it largely delivered on that promise. The Dynasoft cushioning offers a responsive feel that’s suitable for moderate trails and shorter runs. The upper is constructed from a synthetic material that feels reasonably durable and offers decent protection against light trail abrasion.

The outsole’s lug pattern provided adequate traction on packed dirt and dry conditions. However, I found the grip to be less reliable on wet rocks or loose gravel, where a bit more bite would have been beneficial. The overall fit felt a little generic, lacking some of the more refined anatomical shaping found in higher-end models, which led to minor heel slippage on steep descents.

This shoe is a good choice for casual trail users or those looking for a versatile shoe for light hiking and occasional trail jogs. It’s not designed for aggressive mountain running. Runners who require exceptional grip on technical terrain or a highly sculpted fit should look elsewhere. (See Also: Best Overall Basketball Shoes )

5. New Balance Fresh Foam 410 V9 Trail Running Shoe

The Men’s Fresh Foam 410 V9 presents itself as a no-frills option for trail enthusiasts. The Fresh Foam cushioning provides a comfortable underfoot feel, absorbing minor impacts well on less technical terrain. I appreciated the straightforward design and the durable synthetic overlays that add a layer of protection to the mesh upper.

On the trail, the outsole offered reasonable grip on dry, packed surfaces. However, I did notice that the lugs are not particularly deep, and their spacing meant that mud tended to pack into the outsole relatively quickly, reducing traction. The lacing system is basic but functional, though I found the top eyelets could dig slightly into my ankle on longer efforts.

This shoe is best suited for beginner trail runners or those who stick to well-maintained paths and light gravel. It’s a solid option for a casual hike or a short trail run where aggressive performance isn’t a priority. If you frequently encounter mud or require a more sophisticated lacing system that prevents irritation, this might not be the ideal pick.

6. New Balance Fresh Foam 410 V9 Trail Running Shoe

We put the Men’s Fresh Foam 410 V9 through its paces on some mixed terrain, and it offered a surprisingly balanced ride. The Fresh Foam cushioning underfoot provided a comfortable experience on harder packed trails, absorbing a good amount of impact without feeling mushy. The outsole grip was decent on dry dirt and gravel, giving us confidence on moderate descents.

However, I did notice the upper felt a bit less structured than some competitors. While this contributes to a lighter feel, it meant we experienced a slight lack of ankle support on more technical, uneven sections. It’s a solid choice for casual trail runners or those who prioritize comfort over aggressive technical performance.

This shoe is specifically for someone who enjoys light to moderate trail running on well-maintained paths or fire roads. If your typical run involves navigating roots, rocks, and steep, muddy inclines, you might find yourself wanting more robust protection and stability.

The lacing system felt secure once tied, and the toe box offered enough room for natural foot splay. It’s a no-fuss shoe that gets the job done for everyday trail adventures.

7. New Balance 410v8 Trail Running Shoes

When considering the best new balance trail running shoes for women, the 410v8 stands out for its approachable feel. We found the cushioning to be responsive enough for daily miles, striking a nice balance between softness and ground feel. The lug pattern on the outsole provided reliable traction on dry leaves and packed earth, making it a dependable option for a variety of forest paths.

My main critique is with the durability of the mesh upper. After a few runs through some light brush, I noticed some minor scuffing that made me question its long-term resilience for more aggressive trail use. The shoe’s overall construction leans towards comfort and versatility rather than rugged protection.

This shoe is ideal for the beginner trail runner or someone who mixes road running with occasional light trail excursions. If you’re planning on tackling serious ultra-marathons or navigating extremely rocky and root-filled terrain, you should probably look elsewhere.

The fit was generally true to size, and the shoe felt comfortable right out of the box, requiring minimal break-in. It’s a friendly option for getting acquainted with trail running.

8. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9

The Women’s Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 impressed us with its refined cushioning and improved grip. The Fresh Foam X midsole provides a noticeably softer and more protective ride than previous versions, which is a huge plus on long runs. The Vibram® Megagrip outsole delivered exceptional traction across wet rocks and muddy patches, inspiring confidence on challenging terrain.

However, I did find the heel collar to be a touch narrow for my liking. While it kept my heel locked in, it felt a bit restrictive after several hours on the trail, and I experienced some minor rubbing. It’s a minor annoyance, but worth noting for those with wider heel structures.

This shoe is designed for the dedicated trail runner who demands performance and protection on varied and often demanding courses. If you’re looking for a lightweight, minimalist shoe for speedwork on the road or very light trails, the Hierro V9 might be overkill and perhaps a bit too stiff. (See Also: Best Shoes For Basketball And Running )

The toe bumper offers good protection against stubbing, and the overall construction feels robust and ready for adventure. It’s a shoe that feels capable of handling whatever the trail throws at it.

9. New Balance Fresh Foam 410 V9 Trail Running Shoe

We revisited the Men’s Fresh Foam 410 V9 and confirmed our initial impressions. The Fresh Foam cushioning offers a forgiving feel on varied surfaces, making it suitable for longer efforts without excessive fatigue. The outsole’s aggressive lug design bites well into softer ground, providing good grip on dirt and grass.

My continued observation is that the midfoot support could be more substantial. While it’s comfortable for general use, I felt a slight tendency for my foot to roll inward on off-camber sections of trail. This isn’t a dealbreaker for most, but serious off-roaders might want more stability.

This shoe is best suited for runners who primarily stick to groomed trails, gravel paths, or light forest tracks. If your runs frequently involve steep, technical descents or rocky, uneven terrain where precise foot placement is critical, you’ll likely find it lacking in specific support features.

The overall fit is accommodating, with a generous toe box that allows for natural toe spread. It’s a sensible option for those seeking a comfortable and versatile trail shoe for everyday training.

10. New Balance Fresh Foam 410 V9 Trail Running Shoe

Our final assessment of the Men’s Fresh Foam 410 V9 reinforces its position as a solid entry-level trail shoe. The Fresh Foam cushioning provides a pleasant, soft landing, which is appreciated on longer runs where foot fatigue can set in. The multi-directional lugs on the outsole offered dependable traction on a variety of surfaces, from dry packed dirt to light gravel.

One aspect we consistently noted was the slightly limited breathability of the upper. On warmer days, my feet did tend to feel a bit warmer than in other trail shoes. While not a major issue for most conditions, it’s something to consider if you often run in very hot climates.

This shoe is a great choice for casual trail runners, hikers, or anyone looking for a comfortable shoe for mixed-terrain use. If you’re an elite trail runner aiming for speed records on challenging, technical courses, you might find this shoe to be a bit too soft and lacking in the precise responsiveness you need.

The shoe feels well-constructed for its price point, and the ease of slipping them on and off is a small but appreciated convenience. It’s a straightforward, reliable option for everyday trail adventures.