Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2

€160

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

€159.95

Quick verdict

Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2

€160

The better pick if you want:

No clear advantage on the specs we track.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

€159.95

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (88 vs 69)
A lighter option (44 g less)
More cushioning (42 vs 35 mm heel stack)

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2· leads in none

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9· leads in 2

CushioningLightness

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
35 mmTop 43%
42 mmTop 4%
Lightness
350 g
306 g
Grip
No data
4.5 mmTop 25%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
5 mm
4 mm
Affordability
$160
$160

A spec without data for a product is left out of its shape, so it doesn't count as a low score.

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (15)

Essentials

€160

€159.95

July 2024

2025

350 g

306 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

Grass, gravel, mud and wet rocks

Trails and rugged terrain

Trail running on mixed terrain and cross-country outings

Trail running, hiking, and outdoor adventure

Cushioning

5 mm

4 mm

35 mm

42 mm

30 mm

38 mm

ANIMA technology for enhanced reactivity and reduced weight

Dual-density Fresh Foam X: plush top layer for comfort, firmer bottom layer for stability

—

High, plush stack for long days on the trail

Grip & protection

Soft rubber in forefoot with Duratech 5000 wear-resistant compound

Vibram® Megagrip with 4.5 mm Traction Lugs™ and micro-traction details

—

Toe Protect layer against rocks, roots and debris

—

Broader, deeper lugs for grip on wet and dry terrain

Upper & fit

—

Engineered mesh with protective overlays

DDATTIVO removable cushioned insole

—

Gusseted tongue to keep out debris, traditional laces

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 should behave on each kind of ground, estimated from lug depth, stack height, weight and outsole rubber. Pick a ground to see what decides it.

Pick a ground							Average
Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2							46
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9							60

FlatPacked, runnable trail

Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.

Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 256

Cushioning31/40
Lightness0/35
Smooth roll25/25

Estimated: no data on lug depth, assumed average.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v973

Cushioning40/40
Lightness12/35
Smooth roll21/25

A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.

Have you used the Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2 before?

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Have you used the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 before?

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Video Reviews

Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.

See all 10 video reviews

Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2 and New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

Ask your own question

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9?

For value comparison: The Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2 ($160) provides premium features compared to the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 ($160). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Which is newer, the Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2 or the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9?

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is newer: it came out in 2025, and the Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2 in July 2024.

Looking for alternatives to Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

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INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2

INOV-8

$160Score 87+18

Better than Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2 at:

A higher overall score (87 vs 69)
A lighter option (108 g less)
A lower drop (0 vs 5 mm)

Compare with Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2

Asics Blazeblast

Asics

$160Score 86+17

Better than Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2 at:

A higher overall score (86 vs 69)
A lighter option (98 g less)
More cushioning (43 vs 35 mm heel stack)

Compare with Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2

INOV-8 Trailtalon

INOV-8

$160Score 86+17

Better than Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2 at:

A higher overall score (86 vs 69)
A lighter option (74 g less)

Compare with Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2

Popular Comparisons

Compare Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2 or New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Diadora, New Balance and more.

Shoes

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2· leads in none

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9· leads in 2

CushioningLightness

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
35 mmTop 43%
42 mmTop 4%
Lightness
350 g
306 g
Grip
No data
4.5 mmTop 25%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
5 mm
4 mm
Affordability
$160
$160

A spec without data for a product is left out of its shape, so it doesn't count as a low score.

Pick a ground

Average

Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Diadora SESTRIERE-XT 2

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Quick verdict

Spec profile