The Altra Mont Blanc Speed and New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 are both neutral trail running shoes with maximum cushioning. The Mont Blanc Speed is 0.8 oz lighter (10.1 oz vs 10.9 oz). The Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 costs about $35 less (from $159.99) and is rated higher by buyers (4.1 vs 3.5 out of 5).
Specs side by side
| Spec | Mont Blanc Speed | Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $195 | $159.99 |
| Rating | 3.5 / 5 (35 reviews) | 4.1 / 5 (903 reviews) |
| Weight | 10.1 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 Speed if…
- you want the lighter shoe
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 Speed vs Altra Timp 5 BOA
- Altra Mont Blanc Speed vs Altra Olympus 275 HiLo
- Altra Mont Blanc Speed vs Altra Olympus 7
- Altra Mont Blanc Speed vs Altra Timp 5
- New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 vs Altra Mont Blanc Carbon
- 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
