The Altra Mont Blanc Carbon and New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 are both neutral trail running shoes with maximum cushioning. The Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 costs about $115 less (from $159.99).
Specs side by side
| Spec | Mont Blanc Carbon | Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $275 | $159.99 |
| Rating | 4 / 5 (56 reviews) | 4.1 / 5 (903 reviews) |
| Weight | 10.9 oz | 10.9 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 0 mm | 0–4 mm |
| Heel stack height | 29 mm | — |
| Cushioning | Max | Max |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Surface | Trail | Trail |
| Available for | Men & Women | Men & Women |
Specs and prices from Altra and New Balance, checked 2026-10-11. Weight is usually for a men's size 9–10.
Which should you get?
Get the Mont Blanc Carbon if…
- it fits you better or you like its colors
Get the Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 if…
- you want to spend less
- you want the more widely reviewed shoe
More comparisons
- Altra Mont Blanc Carbon vs Altra Olympus 275 HiLo
- Altra Mont Blanc Carbon vs Altra Olympus 7
- Altra Mont Blanc Carbon vs Altra Timp 5 GTX
- New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 vs Altra Olympus 275 HiLo
- New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 vs Altra Olympus 7
- New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 vs Altra Timp 5 GTX
- New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 vs Altra Lone Peak 9