Mountain shoes
Product 2019
Woman, Man
It is impossible to remain indifferent to the New Balance Foam Hierro Boa which looks both hefty (shoe with an aggressive outsole) and sleek (no laces on the instep). This is a beautiful object that can predestine the future of running shoes with its absence of laces and almost total integration of a discreet adjustment system.
We didn’t hesitate on using it on lots of trail runs. The weight is surprising, 340g size 42.5, higher than a lot of shoes, yet irrelevant on long distances if we’re looking for performance. Once you have them on, the New Balance Foam Hierro Boa doesn’t feel heavy and out running you get used to its weight. It’s a bit of a shame, because with a bit of reduction, you’d get a much more dynamic shoe in the rebound. We would recommend: lightening the ultra-effective but over-kill stone guard, and above all, removing weight off the heel area. No doubt the sole is also responsible for extra grams.
The New Balance Foam Hierro Boa sizes small, take that into account when buying. Designed like a slipper, you slip your foot into a stretchy sock. The foot passes fairly easily and the ankle area is protected from intrusions (like pebbles, dust, sand) by the top of the gaiter. It’s comfortable and practical. The heel area is well supported and has foam padding.
What’s good about this New Balance Foam Hierro Boa, is the perfectly integrated double Boa system. It reminds us of another New Balance, the 1500 T2 also equipped with this system.
There are two L6 discs with thin Dyneema® and Polyester laces on the Foam Hierro Boa. The lace’s clever positioning enables the pressure to be spread on the instep thanks to three wide straps. Boa and New Balance worked together to make the Boa system an integral part of this shoe and not just an added piece. The result is convincing.
There’s regular pressure over the instep, without any pressure points. Beware, for those who aren’t used to this type of lacing though as it is a very powerful: so don’t over tighten too much initially, adjust after a few strides. Just by turning one of the two discs a few millimeters: it’s ultra-fast, easy and reliable. NB: unlike the Boa on bike shoes, the New Balance Foam Hierro Boa needs to be pulled out (it raises the disc) and reset it to be loosened.
Another good point, the adjustment doesn’t move, doesn’t loosen, and no laces to readjust. The system does not take on moisture or weight.
A slight irritation was noticed at the toe joint. At first we thought it was due to the last Boa strap. This is not the case. It’s the junction between the “integrated sock” and theshoe’s structure. The seam (the collage?) is thick but when running it disappears. But, it would be necessary to check this extra thickness on long distances.
Over all, the entire forefoot is snug to the shell. The part in contact with the stone guard is quite rigid and this enables you to really go for it in rocky trails as your foot is very well protected at the front, and heel thanks to the sole that prevents you feeling any stones underfoot.
The sole is designed for trails but that aren’t ultra-technical, not those that need a very powerful grip. The grip is more than enough for most other situations. In the mud, the sole never gets clogged with mud.
The cushioning is very well dosed, it is a combination between firmness, precision, tolerance and comfort. The front of the New Balance Foam Hierro Boa is precise with direct contact while the heel filters when it’s rough. The 8mm drop means your calves are not solicited too much. There’s good lateral stability despite the height of the sole: the foam is effective and gives good stable support. The New Balance Foam Hierro Boa may not be a very dynamic shoe, but it is a reassuring ride.
We loved the design and material of the upper’s mesh: superb.
The New Balance Foam Hierro Boa integrates the Boa system extremely well which gives it powerful, fast and precise adjustment. The shoe is a little bit heavy to aim for performance over long distances. In other configurations it’s a great product, technical and innovative.
8 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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