Before I continue with the review I want to post a quick disclaimer. These shoes are considered a bit more "minimal". So when I say that they're "comfortable", I don't mean that they're super cushioned or real plush! :) If you're considering getting into a more minimal shoe I think this is a great way to do that without going barefoot.
So with that said, here's my review.
Quality of Construction: 4/5
In regards to the quality of construction I'd say these are definitely well made shoes, but I do have one or two very minor complaints. I tend to be pretty dang hard on my shoes and these are no exception. I have noticed that on the toe box of the shoes there is a strap type design that goes over the top (I'm assuming to keep your toes from jamming forward) which has all the sudden developed a small little rip. Nothing horrible, but I do think it has potential to grow and will update after a few more hundred miles.
I have also noticed that the sole or under of the shoe is barely starting to peel off. It's very, very minor but again has potential to become a problem. For now I'm giving the shoes a 4 outta 5.
Fit: 5/5
This shoe literally fits like a glove! I read on their website that it's meant to be run sockless in and boy it feels great sockless. I've put so many miles on this shoes without socks that the one time I did wear socks it felt SO weird. The shoes felt a little odd the first time I put them on, but after about 20 miles on 'em they felt snug and comfortable. Zero complaints on the fit. I'd say that fit true to size if not a half size smaller.
Comfort: 5/5
Again, I think comfort goes along with fit. These shoes fit like a glove and are very comfortable for a minimalist shoe. Compared to my other trail running shoe (the MT100) it's a good step up on comfort. The shoe breathes REALLY well making it even more comfortable, especially in the hot Texas summers.
Please keep in mind that these shoes are not comfortable in the sense of having a lot of cushion. As I said earlier they are a minimal shoe with little to no cushion or support.
Durability: 4/5
Since I only have about 200 miles on these shoes it's really hard to say how durable they really are. Like I mentioned in my Quality of Construction section I've had a few very minor issues, that I'm afraid could become bigger issues later. The soles also seem to be wearing down pretty quick for only having 200 miles on them. We shall see!
Value: 2/5
This is the only place I have any beef! I seriously don't understand why a minimal shoe would cost $100! The MT100 and MT101 are around $65-$75! The Minimus has A LOT less structure/etc and is an extra $25-$35! I'd think that the more minimal shoes get the cheaper they would be, but I guess this just isn't the case. Maybe if NB keeps making the Minimus they'll drop when the novelty wears off.
Appearance: 5/5
This shoes look great! I work in a hospital and have worn them to work multiple times as well as traveled cross country in these shoes. They come in three different colors (maybe 4) and are a big jump from your typical neutral colored ugly trail shoes.
Performance: 5/5
At 7.1oz this shoe has performance. It's light, nimble, flexible and ready to run.
In case you're interested HERE is what New Balance has to say about that shoe. You can purchase them HERE if you like! I'm sure if you do some looking around you can find a better price. I ordered mine from Sun & Ski Sports in Frisco.
_Jacob_
Thanks for the review! I might try these shoes out, but am definitely interested in an update on the durability if those two minor issues become major. :) Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteHey it cost lots of money to minimize it!
ReplyDelete