New Balance Minimus Preview

“What’s Removed Is Just As Important As What’s Included”

Barefoot-inspired category just gotten a little more interesting with the introduction of NB Minimus, a collection of lightweight, versatile, minimalist footwear designed to provide a “better than barefoot” experience. A three shoe collection, NB Minimus will include road running, trail running, and wellness styles.

Key to the NB Minimus collection is a new anatomically correct last designed with significantly less drop from heel to forefoot (4 mm in all styles compared to 12.5 mm in traditional athletic shoes). This gradual drop positions the foot into a more neutral stance and promotes a more natural stride by moving the wearer off their heel and encouraging a mid-foot landing. Each shoe uses stretch materials and minimal constructions that reduce weight. (each NB Minimus style in men’s size 9.5 weighs less than 8.5 oz)

Extensive research conducted through the New Balance Sports Research Lab (SRL) shows that the tendency for mid-foot or forefoot strike is correlated to midsole thickness and that less cushioning encourages a mid-foot strike. As a result, each NB Minimus shoe was engineered with lower sole unit heights. The reduced midsole and outsole thickness also allows the foot to flex up and down more easily.

Key benefits include strengthening the wearer’s feet and calves, encouraging good form running and walking, and increasing ground feel for better control.

Both the NB Minimus road shoe–the MR/WR10–and the NB Minimus trail shoe–the MT/WT10–are designed for road and trail runners who prefer minimal footwear and to serve as a training tool for runners who aspire to change their gait.

For the NB Minimus trail shoe New Balance collaborated with Vibram®, the world leader in advanced performance sole design, to create an outsole design that is engineered for natural movement and provides off-road durability and traction.