New Balance Barefoot shoes!!! page

[Girown]

NB Minimus : New Balance

tell me what you think

[iniQuity]

hehe that's way too much padding to be considered anywhere near minimalistic...

[Mainer]

I tried these on and I really like them. I currently own a pair of Vibram 5 finger KSO Trek that I like but I think these might even be better based on how they felt, a new pair is in my immediate future. I have also tried the Merrell trailglove but didn't like the excessive toe spring and tight feeling.

[gordo]

hehe that's way too much padding to be considered anywhere near minimalistic...

+1 They've got 4mm of heel rise, too. Might be a good starter shoe.

Gordo

[jfreaksho]

I've got the Minimus Trail and I love them, but they seem to wear the treads down quickly if you run on pavement much.

Also, I get blisters on my Achilles' if I try to walk in them with no socks. Running is fine, with or without socks.

I wouldn't bother with the road ones. They seem too thick to me.

[Jenny]

"providing the necessary support"
Huh, I must've missed some basic concept where minimal running = "necessary support"...

[supersellen]

"providing the necessary support"
Huh, I must've missed some basic concept where minimal running = "necessary support"...

Exactly! I normally wear VFFs but tried on some Merrells recently and the salesperson explained to me that they had "negative heel technology" to help force you to adjust your gait onto the front of your feet. If you remove all the technology, that will happen on its own!

[ciep]

...the salesperson explained to me that they had "negative heel technology"...

Lol. First they sell us their technology, then they sell us the absence of it.

@ the OP -- I actually own the Trail Minimus. I really love them for anything I do off-road that feels like it would require footwear/protection. I agree with the other posters though, it's not a truly "minimal" running experience -- way too much protection (plus the slight heel-rise).

[Littlesigh]

I have two pair! One Orange and One Black... LOVE THEM!!

[Invictus14]

I have the NB Minimus Trail and the Merrell Trail Glove. I had the NB 1st and really like them. They do have more padding, but are a good transition to minimal footwear. I really like them for lifting. I like the Merrells a little more for trail running because while they have less cushion on the heel, the outsole is tougher and handles rocks and roots better. When I started running in the Merrells I think I definitely began forefoot striking a lot more naturally. They are both good shoes. It all depends on what you are really looking for.