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  1. Shoes
  2. LOWA Fortux vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

LOWA Fortux vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

LOWA Fortux

LOWA Fortux

€161
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

€159.95

Quick verdict

LOWA Fortux

€161

The better pick if you want:

  • A lighter option (46 g less)

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

€159.95

The better pick if you want:

  • To spend $1 less
  • More cushioning (42 vs 32.5 mm heel stack)
  • A lower drop (4 vs 6 mm)
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

LOWA Fortux· leads in 1

Lightness

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9· leads in 2

CushioningAffordability

Tied

Grip
  • Cushioning

    33 mm
    42 mmTop 4%
  • Lightness

    260 gTop 16%
    306 g
  • Grip

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

    6 mm
    4 mm
  • Affordability

    $161
    $160

Technical Specifications

Compare features between LOWA Fortux vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Best value in this comparison
Feature
LOWA Fortux€161New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9€159.95

Essentials

€161
€159.95
2023
2025
260 g
306 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe
Trail Running Shoe
Technical trails and long-distance off-road routes
Trails and rugged terrain
Long-distance trail running and ultra-trail events
Trail running, hiking, and outdoor adventure

Cushioning

6 mm
4 mm
32.5 mm
42 mm
26.5 mm
38 mm
LOWA® DYNAEVA® high-rebound EVA
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

LOWA® TRAC® Ultra outsole for reliable traction
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 LOWA Fortux 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
LOWA Fortux61
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.

LOWA Fortux71
  • Cushioning26/40
  • Lightness24/35
  • Smooth roll21/25
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.

LOWA Fortux

Have you used the LOWA Fortux 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

LOWA Fortux

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Visual Comparison

See the differences between LOWA Fortux and New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

LOWA Fortux
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 LOWA Fortux vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 and our AI will answer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: LOWA Fortux vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9?

For value comparison: The LOWA Fortux ($161) 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 LOWA Fortux 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 LOWA Fortux in 2023.

Looking for alternatives to LOWA Fortux?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives
1INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2
INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2

INOV-8

$160−$1Score 87−1

Better than LOWA Fortux at:

  • To spend $1 less
  • A lighter option (18 g less)
  • A lower drop (0 vs 6 mm)
Compare with LOWA Fortux
2Asics Blazeblast
Asics Blazeblast

Asics

$160−$1Score 86−2

Better than LOWA Fortux at:

  • To spend $1 less
  • A lighter option (8 g less)
  • More cushioning (43 vs 32.5 mm heel stack)
Compare with LOWA Fortux
3INOV-8 Trailtalon
INOV-8 Trailtalon

INOV-8

$160−$1Score 86−2

Better than LOWA Fortux at:

  • To spend $1 less
Compare with LOWA Fortux

Popular Comparisons

Compare LOWA Fortux or New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as LOWA, New Balance and more.

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