NB Minimus Review

View my NB Minimus review on The Running Bug.

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5
Price: £70

Review by jonmackintosh

PROS

1. Connectivity to the terrain underfoot.
2. Minimal weight and support with the benefit of strengthening leg and foot muscles.
3. Excellent grip, even on muddy terrain.

CONS

1. Main issue I have had is that when not wearing socks, the shoe does chafe and cut my heels. Any plaster that I put on to help this generally gets rubbed off in a short space of time!
2. Initial tightness.
3. Concern that the lightweight upper may not take a battering without being damaged.

DETAILS & FEATURES

• Takes the proven versatile durability and lightweight traction of a Vibram outsole, and combines it with a fitted, minimalist upper that’s comfortable with or without socks.
• Features include: deconstructed ACTEVA midsole for flexibility and a featherweight cushion. An odour-resistant, synthetic/mesh upper, provides lightweight comfort and support.
• The heel to toe drop is 4mm (a third of that for a traditional running shoe), which gives it the ‘minimalist’ label and works for neutral runners as well as those with gait issues or chronic injury to conquer by learning better form.

When I first tried on the shoe I was concerned by the tight sock-like fit but it was actually this that stopped my foot moving around and made them the comfiest shoe I’ve run in. Other than minor heel rub, the fitted shoe ‘became one’ with the foot and I found that I connected with the terrain underfoot.

The sole, consisting of a large number of circles, was far from a conventional look for a trail shoe. However, it worked and kept me from slipping in a muddy forest.

Being a minimal shoe I did not feel that I received any support but, if it makes any sense, the foot also did not feel unsupported. For me it was perfect, I felt I connected with the terrain underfoot whilst hopefully also strengthening both feet and leg muscles.

The upper was lightweight and the laces were easy to tighten and loosen. The space in the toe box was a little restricted when compared to my favoured inov8 Roclite 305s but this is an entirely different shoe.

It’s worth pointing out that these were not the 2E fit that I would normally go for in a New Balance shoe to accommodate my very wide feet and, as such, I doubt that this would be so much of an issue for others.

Aesthetically, the shoe is good to look at. In terms of performance, I definitely rate the shoe, having run over a number of days in both dry, wet, and highly muddy conditions on road, forest and packed trail. I think that the overall feeling of connectivity that I felt with the terrain underfoot is THE thing that sells the shoe to me and it is superior to other barefoot shoes I have tried.

I would buy these shoes and believe that they’re good value for money. I won’t be running ultras in them (although I have seen others do so) but I will continue to use this shoe for shorter distances and I would be keen to see if I could wear for them for a an off-road half marathon. The real test is time, and I have found with other barefoot shoes that the sole wears quickly.

Find New Balance online at www.shopnewbalance.co.uk

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