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New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 GTX

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Well, well, well, this is a nice surprise. I didn’t think much about trying the 8th (and newest) makeup of the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro Gore-Tex since I recently tried on the v7 model and the similar mid Hierro. But I was wrong.

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I admit that the Hierro v8 wasn’t high on my watch list due to the lack of colorways.  While the non-waterproof version has a few colors to pick from, the Gore-Tex model has one color – black. Technically, black with phantom and magnet, the colorway isn’t bad, just very subdued. Beside the monochromaticism of the v8, the shoe is totally different compared to the v7 and mid. Well, maybe not totally different, but there are significant changes to its design.

The overall aesthetic reminds me of the current NB lineup of the 1080 and More. Chunkier midsole with a more curvy and organic inspired upper. It’s actually a nice shoe and does embody the trail runner aspect of this model.

Where do I begin? Let’s start at the bottom – the outsole. It’s still Vibram produced, but the compound is a lot tackier than the v7 with lots of audible squeaks as each step peels off the ground. And the traction pattern doesn’t feature the chevron-y shapes but rather little islands of grip.

The upper of the Hierro v8 looks much more perforated than the v7 with pinholes covering a good portion of the toebox and tongue and even the inner lining. To me, all the holes would made the Hierro 8 less water proof but the shoe weighs more at 340 g versus 328 g so maybe there’s additional unseen layers for that waterproofness. 

This is an odd one but the shoelaces of the black 8 feel nice – waxy smooth but supple. The v7 laces have contrasty colors for style but feel more abrassive. Does it matter? Probably not. 

The fit is still tight in the toebox, I think due to the rigid Toe Protect overlay. I might have to go wide if I go with these. The arch seems more supportive on the 8 since the midsole appears to extend higher than the 7. I can see my arch falling in the 7 but not so much with the 8. This is usually a good sign for me. 

Unfortunately the Gore-Tex model is not yet on sale unlike the regular Hierro 8. Maybe soon, the $169.99 price tag will see some relief. Even with all its pros, this shoe still costs $110 more than the clearance v7. But so far, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 Gore-Tex is my favorite waterproof hiking shoe (keep in mind that I won’t really bet testing the waterproofness of the shoes since most of them would be returns… though waterproof shoes that are not would be grounds for a return…).

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Gore-Tex and Vibram labels
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Plain tongue tag
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GORE-TEX
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Redone outsole
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Outsole of Hierro v7 (top) and v8 (bottom)
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Less of a weird outsole tag
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Hierro v7 and v8
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Toe Protect on both
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Buttery laces
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Not as elegant laces but still good
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Revel in the magnificent outdoors
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Perforations in the liner too

Here’s a little bonus comparison to the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14. To me, the Hierro v8 and 1080v14 share similar design elements. The overall appearance of both are on the beefier side with the thick padding of the Fresh Foam X. This has no bearing on the performance of either shoe, just more of an observation.

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New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX

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Truthfully, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX was a late addition to my list of waterproof shoes to test. Why? Because I found pairs available at Marshalls for a discounted price of $59.99!

These are GTX aka Gore-Tex and essentially look very similar to the Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex but in a low top form. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is there along with the odd outsole outcropping in the rear.

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The “no can help” factors are the color way and size. Marshalls only had half sizes of this Hierro model, all in the blacktop/neon dragonfly color way. I actually don’t mind the color way, but it does present that hiking shoe vibe.

Since no size 10 was available, I went with a size 10.5, and that may not have been a bad choice. Yes, the shoe feels slightly long with space in the toe box, but I also don’t feel the side-to-side squeeze as with the size 10 Hierro Mid. I still would replace the insole, and if still too long, I think a pair of Merino wool socks might make up any difference.

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New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX
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Gore-Tex
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GORE-TEX
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I like the tongue tag
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Same Vibram Megagrip
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Only $59.99

The Hierro v7 GTX has a lot in common with the Hierro Mid.

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Same Vibram Megagrip?
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Same extra outsole
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Low versus mid

The verdict: a very strong contender offering the features and look that I’m going for and at a very affordable price. The fit could be better.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex

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Ordered from NewBalance.com, these Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex were the first to arrive. These are currently marked down 20% to $143.99, and I went true to size with a size 10 in standard width (these are available in different widths).

These shoes look decent, leaning towards a hiking boot appearance. Using Fresh Foam X, I have to assume the shoe is comfortable underfoot. There’s a Gore-Tex label reminding you of the waterproofness while the outsole features a Vibram Megatrip pattern with grippy lugs. 

Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex

I did a quick wear test around the house and found some issues after a few minutes. The toe box feels a little narrow and doesn’t give, possibly due to the added Toe Protect protection. While the mid cut seems like a good idea for extra water protection, getting a good fit was challenging. The open lace closures are convenient, but when simply walking around, one of the laces escaped the open lace loop. I probably needed to do a better job with my lacing but the (minimal) bulk of the mid top was tough to cinch for a secure fit.

Also, I started to feel some chaffing of the lace closure on my ankle bone. It could just be the shape of my foot, but I think with prolonged wear, that chaffing would become very noticeable.

I would probably replace the stock insole with a third party one like the Move All Day or possibly, the new Baseline. I think the arch support from the All Day is what I’d need. But… that replacement insole might steal a little bit of space in an already cramped toe box. For this Hierro Mid to work for me, I would probably need a wide version or maybe go up half a size to hoping to alter the lace closure placement against my ankle.

Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex
Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex
I like the laces
I like the laces
I like the tongue tag
I like the tongue tag
Black with magnet and hot marigold
Black with magnet and hot marigold
Vibram Megagrip outsole
Vibram Megagrip outsole
Weird outsole extensions
Weird outsole extensions
The ankle biter lace loops
The ankle biter lace loops

The verdict: I’m thinking these Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex from New Balance will be a pass/return even though currently discounted. The fit just isn’t the best.

Researching Waterproof Hiking Shoes

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My hunt begins to find a workable pair of waterproof hiking shoes (or boots) for a future trip. The main criteria are waterproofness and comfort for shorter walks and hikes. I don’t imagine walking for miles while hauling gear, mainly a camera and water in a backpack. Of course, like my other shoes, these will have to have some visual appeal to them, but that’s not the primary focus.

Not knowing any better and after reading a few reviews along with doing a little bit of research, here’s my starting list to test:

  1. Salomon X Ultra 4
  2. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 Gore-Tex
  3. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Gore-Tex
  4. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex
  5. Hoka Transport Chukka GTX
  6. Hoka Elite Terrain System Tor Ultra Lo
  7. Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX

The Salomon X Ultra 4 has received many positive reviews across the Internet as the best all around waterproof hiking shoe, but I’ve never owned a Salomon so would like to try out the fit foremost. Another consideration for the shoes are possible wearability in the Hawaii weather. While these are hiking shoes, I don’t need them to necessarily look like hiking shoes while wearing them out and about.

New Balance has been my recent go to brand of late because of its comfort and looks, especially unique collaborations. Currently, NB’s outdoor offerings consist mainly of the Hierro line, in low, mid, and high top form factors. The high top version seems to make the most sense to keep water out but then again, the high top looks more like a hiking shoe.

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And then we have Hokas… I’ve had a single pair of Hokas in the past, and I still pause when seeing the massive cushioned outsoles of most Hokas. But despite my poor experience looking for waterproof Hokas at the new-ish Ala Moana location, they do have Gore-Tex protected shoes that could fit my needs.

I’ll continue to research other options and find reviews of (and ideally try on) the above mentioned shoes.

 

Aloha Kicks Fit: Up Next…

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Not even two weeks since I picked up the South Park aloha shirt from Reyn Spooner did they release another banger. This time, it’s small kid time memories with Ultraman. While I was more of a Kamen Rider and Kikaida fan, Ultraman as a design for an aloha shirt? It’s a must have.

But what shoes would I pair with this sagebrush reverse print? In some ways, the chutney colorway of the KITH x New Balance 998 Frank Lloyd Wright shares similar hues of red, greens, and tan.

But since I already have the apricot colorway, I don’t have this chutney variation. Based on color name similiarity alone, there’s the Joe Fresh Goods and New Balance 993 Performance Art.

But this sage color way is more green than blue/teal of the aloha shirt design. The Arctic Blue colorway is a closer match but still not quite right. The search for matching kicks continues…

Maybe the Salehe Bembury Water Be Thy Guide NB2002R?

Aloha Kicks Fit: South Park x KITH NB

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My most recent aloha shirt and kicks outfit is this South Park design from Reyn Spooner paired with a KITH New Balance Frank Lloyd Wright collab. The New Balance is in the orange/apricot colorway.

Here’s the unfiltered view in bad lighting, followed by an IG filtered version.

I think the orange and green hues of the shoes pair nicely with the South Park crew.

I’ve Been Foamer-ized!

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Mr. Foamer Simpson has gotten inside my head. It started with this video, 5 Sneakers Every Guy Should Own Right Now! where Foamer listed his fifth pick as the New Balance 990. New Balance 990v4?!? Hanging with the Air Jordan 1, Nike AirMax 270, Adidas Yeezy Boost 700 Wave Runner, and Nike Air Max 1-97 “Wotherspoons” is the 990v4? Really???

Then Foamer posted an explanation in The Most Underrated Sneaker in My Entire Collection and I was convinced. I need to buy research these retro-looking kicks.

I gotta say that while still pulling cues from the past, these shoes look pretty good. Some colorways are better than others while some simply look odd, but I think I could do these Black with Rosin ones.

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But these are expensive, quality kicks going for $180+. Actually, the comfort factor plays a big part in these since they look extremely supportive. I’ll have to keep an eye out for discounts on (any) 990, so I can experience them myself.

Kicks for the Older Generation

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Call it what you want, a blunder or pure genius, but the latest low cut, white colorway of Under Armour’s signature for Steph Curry is in the spotlight. Although truly a performance basketball shoe, the white colors of the “Chef” impart an older feel for these kicks. Check out this fictitous commercial made by Jimmy Kimmel.

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Online, this makeup is being killed for its “old man” looks, but then again, with this much coverage, I think this shoe has more public awareness than many other.

Not alone in this “shoe for dads” category, Nike, Adidas, and New Balance has their contributions as well. The aggressive styling of the upcoming Adidas Crazylight Boost 2016 screams for the young, but the white out look appeals to the aged.

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New Balance may use premium materials for the 30th anniversay of the 999 model. But that colorway looks plainly familiar.

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But Nike still owns this space with its top-selling Air Monarch line. The Air Monarch IV is the quintessential shoe for the older generation.

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Unrequited Love from Fresh Foam

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Oh Fresh Foams, how much I wanted this relationship to last. How you made my feet feel when I took my first step. So cushioned, so soft, so comforting. I knew I needed you in my life.

New Balance 988 Fresh Foams

And what a journey it’s been, but this love has been an unrequited one because the foams are not for my best interests. My New Balance MH988 look great, sophisticated and eye catching. And the speckles in the foam soles add a nice touch. However. That however. The longterm wear. It’s just not good for me. The shoes feel great for short distances, but they’re just not supportive enough for medium to long distances. The sole is continuous foam with no added plates for spot support, and I need that support for my arches. Without enough arch support, I start feeling fatigue in my knees. So I know this relationship will come to an end sooner rather than later, and once done, it will be awhile before I open my heart up to a new foam experience.

New Balance MH988

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