Hoka Speedgoat 7 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
Hoka Speedgoat 7 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9: weight, drop (4 mm vs 4 mm), cushioning, lugs and which races each one suits best.
Quick verdict
The Hoka Speedgoat 7 is 22 g lighter. The Hoka Speedgoat 7 has more cushioning (37 mm at the heel). The Hoka Speedgoat 7 grips better, with 4.5 mm lugs.
HokaHoka Speedgoat 7The best-selling trail shoe in the US and an absolute ultra-trail classic. Max Hoka cushioning, a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs for grip in mud and technical terrain, and a snug Matryx upper. Built to eat up kilometres without punishing your legs in long races.
Check price(se abre en una pestaña nueva)Hoka Speedgoat 7: specs and races
New BalanceNew Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9The model breaking into Spain's best-seller charts. Fresh Foam X midsole with a solid balance between cushioning and ground feel, a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and a comfortable last suited to wide feet. A reliable all-rounder for training runs and mountain races of any distance.
Check price(se abre en una pestaña nueva)New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9: specs and racesSpec-by-spec comparison
| Spec | Hoka Speedgoat 7 | New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (per shoe) | 275 g | 297 g |
| Drop | 4 mm | 4 mm |
| Heel stack | 37 mm | 33 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 33 mm | 29 mm |
| Lug depth | 4.5 mm | 3.3 mm |
| Fit | Narrow | Medium |
| Stable platform | ✓ | – |
| Waterproof | – | – |
| Carbon plate | – | – |
| Terrain | mixed, technical, mud | mixed |
Brand-stated specs or values measured by independent sources. Green marks the better value when one is clearly better.
Which races does each one suit? Checked against 249 races
For each race we look at the terrain, the distance and the average rainfall around race day in recent years, and see which shoe fits best.
Hoka Speedgoat 7: better pick in 157 of 249
Tied in 92
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| Race | What it needs | Hoka Speedgoat 7 | New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Raid de La Réunion180 km | Ultra: cushioning | Built for it | Copes |
| L'Infernal Trail des Vosges205 km | Likely mud | Built for it | Not its terrain |
| Mañaritik Atxetara43 km | Rock and technical ground | Built for it | Not its terrain |
| Nice Côte d'Azur by UTMB168 km | Ultra: cushioning | Built for it | Copes |
| Topo Athletic Bibracte Ultra-Trail185 km | Likely mud | Built for it | Not its terrain |
| Trail Menorca Camí de Cavalls185 km | Likely mud | Built for it | Not its terrain |
| Ultra Tour des 4 Massifs176 km | Ultra: cushioning | Built for it | Copes |
| UTMB Mont-Blanc174 km | Ultra: cushioning | Built for it | Copes |
Criteria: mud when it often rains around race day on soft ground; rock for skyrunning and vertical kilometres; ultra from 50 km; mixed otherwise.
Analysis: where they really differ
Same drop (4 mm) and similar weight, but different goals. The Speedgoat 7 is a technical mountain shoe: 4.5 mm lugs, more foam (37 mm) and a stable platform. The Hierro v9 is a comfortable mixed-trail shoe with a medium fit and shallower lugs.
Choose the Hoka Speedgoat 7 if…
- Your races have rock, mud or technical descents.
- You are training for a mountain ultra.
- You have a narrow or medium foot.
Choose the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 if…
- You run fire roads and non-technical trail.
- You want a roomier fit than the Speedgoat.
- You want a comfortable daily trainer.