I've been an avid/casual runner for over 12 years, and I usually run every day for a solid 40mins. I've always used a traditional heel-heavy running shoe, and through the years I've trained myself to land flat-footed (a good mid-foot landing). ...With that said, I didn't know until a month ago that these "minimal running shoes" even existed, so finally today I went to a local shoe store and bought a pair of Minimus Zero.
Before running in them, be sure to remove the "size" sticker on the inside of each shoe, it's slippery and will reduce your in-shoe traction, and if you aren't wearing socks it will eventually begin to scratch against your skin due to the stickers sharp edges.
After buying the shoes I ran ~2 miles, and wow, what a huge surprise they turned out to be! First off, I've always worn an 11.5D, and that's the size I got for these shoes too; I'm wearing socks because I don't want to bother with blisters/sweat, so I can't [yet] comment on how they run w/out socks (see 'UPDATE 2' below to learn about sock-less running). ...But so far I'm really enjoying them. But wow, the muscles in my feet and calves were not accustomed to this new form of shoe. While running in these shoes for the first time, I had to stop and walk twice as often as I normally would in traditional shoes. I read the reviews here, and over at the NB website, and it's 100% true what they say about "being focused on your feet." ...For my 1st run, I was constantly thinking/analyzing my footing, and it was rather enjoyable, because I was experiencing a totally new form of running!
After ~10mins into my run I had to stop and tighten the laces, which made them more snug to my feet. ...Now that I've mentioned how the shoes feel: I gotta say the heel feels excellent, and the width feels good too. I believe that my true foot size is actually 11D, and while wearing socks I have a small amount of "wiggle room" for my toes, and I'm really wondering if I should have gotten a size "11D" instead of my traditional 11.5! One thing I notice is how "slippy" my toes feel when wearing socks, I'm no expert on shoe-mechanics but it feels like my socks have very little traction against the bottom of the shoe, because I'm able to rub my toes [wearing socks] against the bottom as if it were a smooth as a marble/granite surface; it's just different, but thankfully it hasn't negatively impacted my running performance (just an observation).
It was easy to feel the cracks between the sidewalk, but it's not like you're gunna be able to feel the peaks & troughs in a paved road (unless that road is some ghetto mix of tar & gravel). Overall I really like these shoes, and I don't see myself ever wanting to go back to a heal-heavy shoe; but of course these shoes aren't for everyone. These shoes are for people who are self-aware, and able to adapt themselves to improve their personal running form: these shoes shouldn't be giving to young kids who are more or less oblivious to their environment & self well-being: because they'll just run off and begin playing as usual thinking the shoes are just like any other pair, and one hour later they'll come back crying "my feet hurt, why is the sky blue, what are hotdogs made of, etc..." These shoes are intended for people who want to improve themselves, because there's a big chance that you'll be just like me, and your feet & calves will be amazed at how different they feel versus a traditional shoe (and in a ton of pain while transitioning).
I gave these shoes 4 stars because (for my foot shape) I'm slightly concerned that the laces don't reach far enough towards the front of the shoe; when I tighten the laces I don't feel it tightening in all the locations that I would prefer them to just mainly gets tighter around the arc of my foot (I'm not flat-footed, it's really just a preference IMO). As a side note, the laces are a bit too long for my taste, but just double-knot them and it's all good. I also enjoy that the laces are "flat" in design, as opposed to a thick rope shape (which would tend to dig into the arc of your foot). NewBalance really made a great shoe, and I strongly recommend you go out and experience these for yourself, because I'm betting you'll be equally impressed!
Pros:
+ [from UPDATE #4 below] Have owned these for 9mos, and run ~800mi on them with minimal wear!
+ Lightweight build.
+ Well ventilated.
+ Snug fitting heel, for balanced mid-foot landings.
+ Flat laces (as opposed to bulky-rounded laces).
+ These shoes will quickly teach you how to run with good form, and if you ignore its' teachings then your calf-muscles will put you in a great deal of pain for many-many days/weeks afterwards...
+ A fair price IMO.
+ Can run without socks (but may be more prone to blistering/sweating/slipping).
+ Can feel most surfaces though the base of the shoe, helping to keep you in-tune with your feet.
Cons:
Cannot run during any amount of rain, or water on the road; your feet will begin to feel wet within 5mins guaranteed.
Laces are a bit too long, requiring me to "double knot" them (hardly a Con honestly).
No reflective sticker on back of shoe for nighttime running (big safety concern IMO).
If the shoe is too large for your foot, your socks will have a tendency to slip on the in-sole.
...This might just be my foot-type, and shoe size, but I feel the laces don't reach forward enough towards your toes -I'd prefer a tighter fit around the front of my foot, but I can't get it (I might require a 0.5 size smaller of this shoe than I normally wear; but it's a very-very minor problem.
UPDATE 1: It's now 3 days since my initial run, and my calf muscles are still sore from my first run! ...And I've still been running each day (despite the soreness). These shoes are completely different from traditional shoes, and I'm positive that they'll totally reshape your calf muscles, and improve your barefoot walking-form. I can't believe the running industry didn't capitalize on this form of shoe before; it boggles my mind, and honestly seems rather ridiculous to me. I swear, I feel like all the years I've been running -prior to getting these shoeswere utterly wasted! I'll never run in a traditional shoe ever again; oh how ignorant I was just 3 days ago, jeeze!
UPDATE 2: Alright, it's now been 1 month! And I finally ran in them without socks, and I gotta say they are most definitely made to be worn without socks! When wearing socks my toes slip around a lot, and my foot probably does a lot of moving as well; but when I wear these barefoot my feet tend to slip a bit less (NOTE: when wearing socks my feet tend to "slip/travel" ~1 millimeter). Without socks I feel a bit more grounded/secure when running, and can run a bit more solidly. ...I like them without socks, but my toes are way more prone to blisters without socks, so I do NOT see myself running barefoot often. I still believe these shoes are amazing, and they are probably the only "type" of shoe that I'll ever recommend to another runner (if asked). If you don't own a pair of these yet, you're really-REALLY missing out. 5 stars for "you must try them," (but still 4 overall due to my personal preference).
UPDATE 3: It's now been 6 months, and I've uploaded pics that show the wear on my shoes. I run ~5 times a week, averaging ~40mins, and I run on cement (sidewalks/street). The ware is pretty low, even around the heel! I expect them to last another 6 months.
UPDATE 4: Been 9 months, and have run ~800mi on them, and there is very little wear.
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These are my first Minimalist shoes, I started off on the track with them only running 1 mile at a time. After 2 weeks I went for a 6 mile road run. The shoes force you to focus on form. Not pushing it hard my first 6 miler and only focusing on form I was still 5 seconds a mile faster than my average 6 miler. I hope to condition my body to run 26.2 in these shoes. Also I am in am running on bad roads with gravel everywhere. There is enough of a sole to protect your feet from discomfort. NB has made a great shoe.Best Deals on New Balance Men's MR00 Minimus Running Shoe
I was extremely skeptical when I first encountered this shoe at a local specialty runners store. I had actually went looking for a good Merrell running shoe when I decided to try these out at the recommendation of the salesperson. This shoe felt as if I was barefoot, so I gave it a try. My experience with the shoe after six months of what I consider 'moderate' running (20 miles/week) follows.First off, a bit about my running routine for reference. I am:
mid forties of athletic build
run in the Austin Texas heat and cold (depending on season)
on average of 4 days a week
3-5 miles of running each stretch
pavement and some graveled trail for bikes and joggers in Zilker Park
The very first day I took these out for a brisk run, I was amazed by how light they felt. It was literally almost as if wearing socks only and at first this was a little disconcerting after being so accustomed to more bulky running shoes. This was compounded by the thin sole that had a tendency to really 'feel' the road beneath my feet. Rocks and sticks were noticeable, but nothing painful or rough. It actually felt like I was running barefoot, but protected enough to not injure the bottom of my feet. It felt amazing!
After 1 mile, I noticed my ankles and shins began to become fatigued. I thought to myself "Oh no! These shoes aren't giving me the support I need!" I couldn't have been more wrong. As it turned out, finally my legs and feet were running NATURALLY, without the shoe interfering with my gait and stride. I realized this only after the full 4 miles was run, because much to my amazement, the soreness was really from the same muscles that I hadn't been exercising the same way than if barefoot. After only a few days of using the shoes, my legs became stronger, my pace felt smooth, and it was like I was running correctly for the first time in my life.
Six months later, and I could never imagine buying a shoe that is not similar in make and design. Simply put, I am amazed by the difference a shoe can make. Call me a fanboy, but this shoe has made me a fan for life. I have also been surprised by how well they have held up to literally hundreds of miles of use. I was concerned by this when I bought them because they seem so sparse in material. So far though, they are still going strong with tight seams and only normal sole wear from constant jogging activity.
So in a nutshell:
Super light
Feels 'natural', like being barefoot
Can be worn without socks, but the seams will still rub odd in places. At least they do for me
Well crafted and holding up after approximately 500+ miles
Snug, comfortable fit. I needed a size 1/2 larger than I usually get, so they run just a tad small
Best shoe I have ever owned.
I am going to be running my first ever marathon soon, and I will absolutely be buying a new pair for the run. I plan on getting a trail pair too for more varied terrain.
Honest reviews on New Balance Men's MR00 Minimus Running Shoe
I've been running in the Nike Free world for a few years and then migrated over to this shoe from New Balance. Wow is the word that comes to mind every time I wear these. They are incredibly light and they really force you to work on your stride and overall running technique. If you don't run correctly with these you will be in a great deal of pain!I can promise you this If you have never ran with these shoes specifically / barefoot, take it slow when starting to use them. I thought the transition from a Nike 3.0 would be really easy and then I learned the hard way. These shoes are great tools to improving your technique but they also allow a lot more room for injury if you're not used to them. They provide little or no stability in my opinion and they don't have much forgiveness on the road. They do seem to promote a more natural way of running but that can be a difficult transition when most of us have been running with conventional high heel-toe drop shoes for our whole lives!
Aside from the break-in period with your own body, these shoes are fantastic. The shoe's material is very breathable, although I would recommend not running with these in the rain as you will get your feet soaked. The color selection is pretty sad in my opinion but it's easy to get past what color they are when they provide a new found sense of freedom for your feet.
Don't hesitate to try these out just start off slow for the first couple of weeks and don't neglect stretching after your runs!
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for New Balance Men's MR00 Minimus Running Shoe
I love this shoe! I am a collegiate runner with an average of 50-60 miles per week. I have just gotten into minimalist running and these are my favorite by far. I started with the New Balance 730's because they had more of a drop. The drop is the distance from the ground from the heel and the front of the foot. These shoes have zero drop meaning the heel has the same amount of distance to the ground as the front of the foot. Most shoes have a drop greater than 13mm! If you haven't ran in a minimalist shoe before I recommend the 730's first which have a 4mm drop. The first couple times your calves will be absolutely burning, don't be alarmed, minimal running strengthens the foot and works muscles that aren't usually worked by traditional trainers.Pros: Extremely lightweight, I wear these on my fast days as flats, but also on my long runs because I feel super fast. I gave 4 stars to the 730's but these 00's are far better in my opinion. They are durable and I have gone around 75 miles with no holes or breaking down of the shoe whatsoever. The sole is made of vibram material and is more flexible than any version of Nike Free. They fit like a sock and don't require socks to run comfortably in. There is no insert and conforms perfectly to my foot. I have a relatively wide foot and these fit perfectly.
Cons: Shoelaces that come with them are too long, and I'm not a fan of double knotting.
I recommend this shoe over any other minimalist shoe. I am very happy with this product.
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