New Balance Men's MX20v3 Minimus Cross-Training Shoe Review

Customer Ratings:

I bought this shoe for use in the gym and running. The size ran true for thin socks or no socks that the shoe is designed for, and the 4mm drop supports my foot just enough for cardio work.

The shoe is extremely breathable, all of the mesh is thin enough to see through both sides.

My only complaint is with the no-sew assembly. When I received my pair the inside was very tacky/sticky, and some of the material on the outside of the shoe was peeling off and needed to be pressed back together.

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I have used traditional running shoes (Brooks Glycerin) for some time for both weight resistance and cardio training and decided to try a more minimal shoe with a lower heel drop and am pleased.

Sizing: Many reviews on this model and the earlier versions all recommended to order a 1/2 size larger. In Nike running shoes I normally wear a 12 and are borderline small (finding 12 1/2 in Nike's can be a challenge). The Brooks Glycerin running shoe a 12 was perfect with a 12 1/2 slightly too large. I ordered the 12 1/2 in the New Balance MX20v3 and it fits perfect. I have no prior experience with New Balance to compare.

Fit and Comfort: You barely notice this shoe when wearing it due to both it's light weight and conforming fit. The shoe easily snugs around your foot when laced and provides good lateral support. The sole and insert provide some cushioning while still allowing you to feel the surface. I do not plan to use these shoes for running, only weight lifting. Traction on the sole is good and had no issues with various leg training movements (lunges, leg press, squats etc). The fabric covering around the foot is breathable to help keep your feet dry.

Quality: The pair I received had no visible flaws and the shoe seems well made. As this is a very light weight shoe time will tell how long they hold up relative to the price.

Summary: I would recommend this shoe if you are considering a light weight or minimal type shoe. It looks more normal than some of the 5 toe style minimalist shoes.

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I rated 4 stars as I think this is a great shoe, but I'd like to have a little little more traction. On surfaces such as basketball courts, laminate, or smooth finish concrete, I feel this shoe lacks a little grip. It seems like the tread pattern is alright, but that the compound or surface finish of the compound isn't as sticky as I might like. The shoe is very light and airy, and I think it has enough support for the movements I intend to do with it. It provides more lateral movement stability and control than fivefigers, which I was using before this shoe. The shoe seems to fit fairly true to size, and laces up snugly on my foot. I'm only a few workouts in, but it seems like the construction will hold up well to indoor use.

Like: Weight, stability (for what the shoe is), minimal heel to toe drop, openness and breathability, looks, balance.

Dislike: I might like additional grip from the tread.

recommend for: crossfit, indoor gym work

Update:

I've put a ~3 months of weightlifting-centric crossfit on these shoes now. They've held up well. As an additional dislike, I'd say that I feel the inward angle of and extra room/material on the toe is a bit extreme. I'm not sure if I could claim that the shoe slows my sprints, but I don't think the sole outline is quite right for running, at least for my form. The top-down view of the shoe doesn't suggest the extreme angling, but the bottom-up view (showing the sole of the shoe) does. I wouldn't remove another star, but I would revise my purchase, having this experience.

Update 2:

After 9 months, I'd say the traction is only a concern on surfaces which would be slick for any shoe; it's not an issue on tractioned rubber (e.g. diamond plate patterned), astroturf, asphalt, or textured concrete (e.g. outside, or sidewalk). A stickier compound may still be an improvement. I still see the sole profile as a bit odd, though it's a 4-star shoe. I use this shoe in a hot, dry, often dusty environment.

Honest reviews on New Balance Men's MX20v3 Minimus Cross-Training Shoe

great for INSANITY. They provie tons of side to side support. Plus my arches no longer hurt (im somewhat flat footed). great shoe

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Started doing crossfit a few months back. Did not feel like spending $150 on Oly Lifting shoes and another $70 on sneakers. In the Minimus the heal is much more stable than in my vibram's, they are super light. Work great for rope climbs, oly lifting, hill sprints and my double unders have improved a whole lot since I got these.

Highly recommend.