NB Hierro – $115 – 11.4oz, 4mm drop.
With its pillowy Fresh Foam midsole and an extra wide toe box, the Hierro handled like a Cadillac on the trails. That combination worked well on easy-to-handle trails but not so much on trickier or rocky surfaces where “the sharp stuff made itself known.” Our testers found the forefoot volume to be too much and cautioned about trying on the shoe in a shop to dial in the right fit, as they fit most about a half size too large. The comfort, flexibility and lower drop of the shoe was very welcome and they gained acclaim as welcome hybrid shoes that transitioned with grace between road and groomed trail, especially on recovery days when you want to do your legs a favor and don’t mind cruising around in more substantial footwear.