This summer marks a pivotal moment for New Balance, as the brand steps confidently into the heart of the trail running world by becoming the official title sponsor of the Mont‑Blanc Marathon.
It’s not a one-off stunt either, this is the first of a five-year partnership that places New Balance firmly at the centre of one of Europe’s most respected running events.
The move is more than symbolic. It underscores a growing focus on technical performance, community engagement, and outdoor exploration, as New Balance expands its legacy from the roads to the rugged terrain of high-altitude trails.
Founded in 1906, New Balance has long built its reputation on creating high-quality footwear and apparel designed for real runners. But with trail running enjoying a huge surge in popularity over the last few years, the brand is now extending that same performance focus into a more adventurous space, where dirt, altitude, and unpredictability are all part of the appeal.
Why the Mont-Blanc Marathon Matters
Set in Chamonix, France, the Mont‑Blanc Marathon has been a fixture on the trail running calendar since its first edition in 1979.
What began as a relatively niche event is now one of the most prestigious races in the sport. For the 2025 edition, over 12,000 runners from 88 countries, including around 300 elite athletes are expected to take part across eight different races.
From vertical kilometres to ultra-distances, the event brings together a spectrum of runners united by a shared love of mountain endurance.
By sponsoring the Mont‑Blanc Marathon, New Balance isn’t just adding its name to a banner, it’s entering the conversation with the world’s best trail runners and solidifying its technical credentials in some of the toughest terrain imaginable.
Meet the Hierro v9 In New Colours for Summer
In tandem with its Mont‑Blanc announcement, New Balance is also releasing a new colourway of the Fresh Foam X Hierro v9, a shoe that’s become a go-to for trail runners around the world.
Designed to handle the unpredictable nature of the trail, the Hierro v9 balances durability, support, and cushioning, giving runners the confidence to move across mud, rock, gravel and everything in between.
Set to release on 25th July at 9am GMT, the new Desert Clay colourway arrives just in time for summer trail season, offering a clean visual update to one of the most trusted models in New Balance’s performance lineup.
Built with a Vibram® Megagrip outsole and Fresh Foam X midsole technology, the Hierro v9 is made for mountain missions and long-distance adventures, whether you’re racing in Chamonix or hiking your local trails.
Built For Athletes, Backed By Athletes
For elite New Balance runners like Maëlle Beauvir, the Hierro v9 isn’t just a marketing tool, it’s a piece of essential race kit. “When I’m running in my Hierro, I feel free to run in the mountains. The Hierro v9 gives me comfort and security for all my races,” she says. And when you’re pushing limits at elevation, comfort and security become more than nice-to-haves, they’re non-negotiables.
As more runners make the move from the tarmac to the trails, the gear they use has to evolve too. New Balance’s trail offering led by silhouettes like the Hierro and FuelCell Summit is doing just that.
On The Trail and Beyond
What makes this all so exciting is that New Balance’s presence in trail running doesn’t feel forced. It feels like a natural next step.
The brand’s history of understated performance and community focus maps perfectly onto a sport that values the same things.
Trail running is as much about solitude and connection with nature as it is about performance, and New Balance is showing it understands the culture, not just the competition.
This five-year sponsorship deal is only the beginning. As the trails heat up this summer and all eyes turn to Chamonix, New Balance is already looking ahead, not just to future races, but to new product innovations, athlete stories, and a fresh approach to what trail running can look and feel like.
