New BalanceMen's MT10V1 Minimus Trail Running Shoe

These are not my favorite minimalist shoes I've ever had, but they seem like they will be dependable shoes after putting more than 20 miles on them -- my last run being 6 miles. I had previously worn the NB MT20OR back in the day and they worked out very well. I am 6'1" and 200 lbs so I punish my shoes with each step.My all-time favorite minimalist shoe was the original Merrell Trail Glove -- owned several pairs of them. All of the subsequent models have been disappointing in comparison. However, the Trail Gloves were not good for me in the rain. So I always used my NB MT20ORs when it rained instead of the Merrells.I usually wear these shoes with no socks but occasionally wear thin sock liners. I have not had any blisters with up to 6 miles, but I've had a couple of hot spots that may have developed into blisters after a few more miles.This pair was a little bit tight but the size is mostly accurate for me. The sides are not too rigid so even though the toe box is not very large, my feet splay some.The weight is nice and light. They are airy too so my feet do not get TOO sweaty. My old NB MT20ORs developed a smell so bad I had to keep them in the garage. I washed them a couple of times, and they held up well.There is a little bit of arch support which I do not like. It is more of an irritation, knowing their there, than a pain. They are fine to run in since I am on the balls of my feet, but I will not be wearing them to walk around in.I wear these mostly on streets and sidewalks where they are pretty good. I have bruised the bottom of my foot from stepping on a stone before with the NB MT20OR's, but my feet are VERY tender. I've also done this with the Merrells and other shoes.I don't wear these everyday. I like to switch between shoes on different days. I have also run in INOV-8s and Skoras. Both of which I have liked a lot. I occasionally still wear my Vibram Five Fingers but only when running on a track or grassy area -- my feet are much too tender to wear these on the road even though I have put several miles on them doing so, but now I've learned my lesson. I would really like it if Merrell brought back a Trail Glove that was like the original, especially without the arch support they like to put in their shoes now. I ran two marathons and many 1/2's with the Trail Gloves (they just weren't very good in the rain).Hopefully, this will help someone decide if this is the shoe for them. I read a lot of reviews each time I decide to change shoes.Just remember if you are just getting started running in minimalist shoes, start out slowly and keep good form. These shoes are not as forgiving as running on the typical mattress shoes. However, after you get past the soreness and good form is a habit, you will not have leg, joint, toenail, etc. problems -- at least that was my case.

These are my favorite running shoes -- my old pair has held up for at least 5 years, through 3 marathons, a trail marathon, and untold hours of gym time. The new pair has a slightly different color scheme; the mid-sole is a very dark blue, which doesn't show up terribly well in the product pictures, but still looks nice nonetheless.Going from my *fully* broken in pair to these made me realize how tight the heel area of the shoe is, right off the bat. Granted, these are made to support the mid-foot and heel, with a wide, flexible toe box that allows your toes to splay a bit and "grip the ground" as you run. I typically wear a US size 11.5 or 12; my previous pair of these was a size 12. I recommend going about a half size larger than you think you need, if you're not used to wearing this kind of minimalist shoe, just because of the "odd" shape -- that is, narrow heel, wide toe box.The materials are all very durable, soft in all the right places, and contoured to the foot so everything fits snugly without any loose bits to rub and give you blisters. While the sole isn't terribly thick, it still has enough cushion to add a little bit of comfort to every step, without seriously detracting from "road feel," or limiting mid- and fore-foot strike. All in all these are my favorite shoes, and I highly recommend them for anyone looking for a very comfortable - but still minimalist - shoe.

I was looking for an ultralight alternative to hiking boots. I've had good luck on sizing with New Balance before, so I took the chance of ordering these. Overall the fit is a little small compared to other New Balance styles. However, the sneakers preformed better than I'd hoped.First these are either zero drop or are very close to it. I felt pain in my Achilles tendons after wearing these a few days. I had to go back to my regular shoes and let my tendons heal. I went back to these wearing the MT10V1 only an hour a day in the house. It wasn't long before I could wear them all day, even doing yard work or shopping. Then I headed out to do some trail runs and hike.Eventually I changed the laces out for Lock Laces. This improved the overall comfort by a huge margin.Finally after breaking them in for 3+ months, I headed out to the Pemi Loop for a 30+ mile hike on the boulders and mud of the White Mountains. I've included a picture to show you just how rough the trail could be.During my hike I wore a 20 pound pack. Since I took the time to strengthen my ankles and joints gradually, I never once felt I didn't have enough support in these trail runners on my hike. There preformed well beyond my expectations. Amazing traction on wet and muddy rock, scree, anything. Excellent trail shoes. My only word of warning is they are quite well ventilated. It was very easy to get water seepage into the shoe. This is not a criticism. Just an observation.I will buy these again and again. They are now my favorite sneaker.