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  1. Shoes
  2. INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2

INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2

$160
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

€159.95

Quick verdict

INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2

$160

The better pick if you want:

  • A lighter option (64 g less)
  • A lower drop (0 vs 4 mm)

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

€159.95

The better pick if you want:

  • More cushioning (42 vs 12 mm heel stack)
SpecsReview10Alternatives5

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

INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2· leads in 2

LightnessGrip

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9· leads in 1

Cushioning

Tied

Affordability
  • Cushioning

    12 mm
    42 mmTop 4%
  • Lightness

    242 gTop 10%
    306 g
  • Grip

    8 mmTop 1%
    4.5 mmTop 25%
  • Drophigher isn't better or worse

    0 mm
    4 mm
  • Affordability

    $160
    $160

Technical Specifications

Compare features between INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Best value in this comparison
Feature
INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2$160New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9€159.95

Essentials

$160
€159.95
October 2025
2025
242 g
306 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe
Trail Running Shoe
Muddy & soft technical trails
Trails and rugged terrain
Short to medium distance muddy trail races, fell running, and technical training runs
Trail running, hiking, and outdoor adventure

Cushioning

0 mm
4 mm
12 mm
42 mm
12 mm
38 mm
FLYSPEED PRO nitrogen-infused foam
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

STICKYGRIP™ rubber with aggressive 8mm lugs
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
—
Gusseted tongue to keep out debris, traditional laces
Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2 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 groundAverage
INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V274
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v960

FlatPacked, runnable trail

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

INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V249
  • Cushioning20/40
  • Lightness29/35
  • Smooth roll0/25
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.

INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2

Have you used the INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2 before?

Help the community by answering

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

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

Help the community by answering

Video Reviews

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

See all 10 video reviews

INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Visual Comparison

See the differences between INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2 and New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

Ask your own question

Can't find what you're looking for? Ask anything about INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 and our AI will answer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9?

For value comparison: The INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2 ($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 INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2 or the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9?

Both came out in 2025.

Looking for alternatives to INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives
1Asics Blazeblast
Asics Blazeblast

Asics

$160Score 86−1

Better than INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2 at:

  • More cushioning (43 vs 12 mm heel stack)
Compare with INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2
2INOV-8 Trailtalon
INOV-8 Trailtalon

INOV-8

$160Score 86−1

Better than INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2 at:

  • More cushioning (31 vs 12 mm heel stack)
Compare with INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2
3Asics Trabuco 14
Asics Trabuco 14

Asics

$160Score 84−3

Better than INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2 at:

  • More cushioning (36 vs 12 mm heel stack)
Compare with INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2

Popular Comparisons

Compare INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2 or New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as INOV-8, New Balance and more.

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