Best Value

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Maximum cushioning at a price that regularly dips below $120, with 4.1-4.3 star ratings across hundreds of REI reviews. A rare combination of plush comfort and trail-ready protection without the premium price tag.

$120-$160

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Pros

30mm+ stack height maximum cushioning for long-distance comfort
Men's version regularly available from $119 — strong value
4.1-4.3 stars across 400+ combined REI reviews
Solid traction and protection for varied trail conditions

Cons

Less brand prestige than Hoka or Salomon in trail running community
Heavier than lighter-weight trail options
Fit can run narrow for some runners

Why we recommend it

The Hierro v9 is the trail shoe you recommend when someone wants Speedgoat-level cushioning but can't stomach the price — it punches well above its weight class.

Sources

rei.comThe 5 Best Trail-Running Shoes of 2026 | REI Expert Advice

runninglabstore.comBest Trail Shoes 2025 – Running Lab

redditrecs.comBest Trail Running Shoes - According to Reddit Data

REI Expert Advice

“Shoes with maximum cushioning—like the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 and Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4—boast more than 30-millimeter stack heights.”

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