See 12 week update below:
I'm transitioning to minimalist running and these shoes meet the next requirement in my development. For the last year and a half I've been running in Brook Cascadias (size 11.5). About 6 months ago I started running in the Newton trail shoe (size 11), and continue rotating with the Cascadias. During this time I've been working on the forefoot and mid-foot strike stride. I felt I was getting it down pretty good and then I went on my first run with the 1010's (size 11.5).
I was a loud clopping plodder in the Cascadias and Newtons. Now I'm running much quieter with the 1010's.
The shoes are light. I'm starting to experience the unfettered feel of barefoot running I didn't get with the heavier Cascadias and Newtons. At the same time I'm feeling weakness in my stride as I stroke through and lift my foot from the ground. Before I had the rebound from the heel cushion on the Cascadias and from the forefoot lugs on the Newtons to help propel me forward. That's gone and forward propulsion is all me now. It will take awhile to build up the required strength in my calves and quads for this style of running. I'll continue rotating the three pairs of shoes.
The 1010's provide enough protection from rocks and stabbing sticks that I don't feel vulnerable. That's not to say that occasionally a "chingoncito" (a naughty pebble for you non Caballo Blanco fans) doesn't nip me. I have to be present in the run and be aware of where I am putting my feet. I had one rock nip me behind the big toe and it felt like when I hit my funny bone but in the toe. I've also had my feet flex in ways (sometimes not comfortable ways)as I cross large stones that never occured when I was wearing the beefier running shoes. I am also more aware of the texture of the trail. You can feel the sand giving way as you run, or feel the baked clay push back. I've had no problem with sand working it's way through the side fabric of the shoes. I do run with socks.
I like the feel of the size 11's but felt the lugs in the tread didn't line up right with the pressure points on the bottom of my feet. The size 11.5 lugs seemed to line up better. I think I lost a little downhill control by going with the bigger shoe.
The shoes look a little funny due to the front toe box rubber wrapping around the top of the shoe off center. This makes the shoe look pointy (think elf shoes) with the illusion of the toe box curving to the inside. It's due to this that I subtracted a star. So far I like the shoes but my runs have been limited to 4 miles.
12 week update:
I continue to rotate the MT1010 with three other running shoes throughout the week as I run. The longest distance I have run at one time with the 1010's is 7 miles. I would say I have between 50 and 60 miles in the shoes. They are a joy to wear on trail runs and the wear is minimal. So far no sign of the fabric ripping.
80 Mile Reveiw:
These shoes have been in the closet through the winter and I just started running trails again. After a 9 mile day the fabric around the big toe ripped out, so I'm seeing the same 80 mile limit that everyone else is seeing. The shoes are very comfortable. These are my favorite shoes for running. They just don't last more than 80 miles.
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I was excited when I saw these shoes coming out. I've been in the army for 5 years now and, for someone with wide feet, it's difficult to find a fun running shoe. This looked to be that and stylish as well. It used to be the rule that running shoes never ran wide and the only ones that did were the stiff ulta-supportive sneakers (if you have wide feet, you know what I'm talking about). Nowthis is the second pair of Minimus shoes I've owned. I've got a pair of the MT00s but I needed something with a bit more support and the MT00s have issues of their own but I was impressed enough to buy them.
The shoes are light-weight and enjoyable to run in. They also look pretty darn sharp. They are noticeably more supportive than the MT00s and seemed like a good transition shoe to minimal running.
Unfortunately, I'm sorely disappointed with the durability of the shoe. After owning these for less than two months with an average of only 10-15 miles a week (ie. I ONLY wear them when I'm running) and all on paved trails, the fabric is pulling apart right around the head of my fifth metatarsal. It's not a tear its looks like the fabric could not handle the stress and started to separate. They still look brand-new but the quality of the fabric seems poor. If you have wide feet like me, I'd recommend saving some cash and looking somewhere else.
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The overall concept of this shoe is great. Very lightweight and flexible with a rock plate in the forefoot so rocks and roots don't hurt as bad. The execution is a complete failure. The mesh which makes up the upper failed on both the left and right shoe after less than 50 miles and 4 runs. The mesh separated and ripped right along the seam for the big tow protector on each shoe so now the shoes are reverse flip flops, not a good design for a long trial run. Wait for next years improvements before you spend money on these.
Honest reviews on New Balance Men's MT1010 Minimus Trail Running Shoe
Only wear the shoes to work and in a month they are ripping out! This product is terrible and need to have some type of warranty!!!
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for New Balance Men's MT1010 Minimus Trail Running Shoe
I have owned many running shoes in the past and one of my friends who is an ultra runner recommended that I purchase these shoes. After running in them today for 21 miles (and a series of several smaller runs such as 14 miles and below), I am convinced that these shoes are by far the best i've owned.
Cons: These shoes are meant to run in fair conditions which makes them light and air passes through them. If you should find yourself, like I did today, running in a snow storm on top of a mountain, be aware that you will definitely feel the cold. Luckily, I was wearing compression socks (still didn't help).
I recommend these shoes to anyone who plans on running trail runs, marathons, and ultra's.
I'm currently set to run in these shoes next weekend for the Mountain Marathon. Depending on how I do, well dictate whether I write an update to this review.
