Customer Reviews New Balance Minimus TR

This is a minimal trainer, not barefoot. If that's confusing, figure it out before buying. 1st shoe in 20 years I had to size up for. I liked prior minimus' more but this is still the best trainer to me.

I used to run in a NB 880s v12s, which I loved, but I wanted to get a zero drop shoe for lifting and some runs. These shoes earn 5 starts for lifting, but they aren't breathable, so 3/5 for running.

I wear these shoes primarily for working out with kettlebells along with some mobility work. They work well for me. I like the low heel rise. The tongue doesn't open very wide making the shoes difficult to get on/off. I have a high instep making this issue worse for me than it would be for others. Also, I typically wear a 12 1/2 wide which NB does not offer in this shoe. I went with a 12 wide instead. A bit more snug than preferred, but I think a 13 would be too big.

I have worn previous Minimus Prevail, Minimus 20v7, and 20v5 all in 11.5 D. I think for these I would need 12 D or 12 2E. In build it seems much higher quality than the Prevail, similar to the 20v7 in a good way. The bottom is much more rigid than the 20v7 or the 20v5.

The shoe is a great feeling minimums shoe and looks very nice. That said, I usually buy NB because of their wide toe box options. I bought this shoe in 2E and it's more narrow than a stand size Reebok Nano. Toe box feels cramped for a standard shoe let alone a 2E.

Def cool looking. Took a little bit to get used to the "minimal" feel, but enjoy using them as gym shoes. I wouldn't run in them, but then again I don't run (on principle). I like that the upper seems tougher than my normal shoes, I'm hoping they last since they were more pricey than what I would normally pay for shoes.

First and foremost, these are purpose-built, cross-training shoes. I think many reviews complaining that these are tight or don't fit correctly are unmerited. These are not cushy, roomy clouds you run on for miles like the more traditional New Balances. They fit nice and snug like a proper pair of cleats or basketball shoes. However, there is more aggressive arch support in them compared to my New Balance running shoes. The cushioning is minimal, and the sole is flat and grippy, like a brand-new pair of skateboarding or basketball shoes. I've worn them for multiple workouts now, and they are comparable to the crosstraining/CrossFit shoes of other brands like Nike metcon, Reebok Nanos or Nobulls. I find them fine for shorter distances or sprinting. My only complaint is that after walking on an incline for 10ish minutes, the outside of my foot gets bothered. Flat-ground walking is completely fine, so I believe it is more so my history of feet problems more than the shoe. Will probably acclimate to this after more use. Lastly, as others have mentioned, these are a light gray color, not white. Personally, I like this because it helps with preventing stains as this is a shoe meant to get used.

I have the non lace version of this shoe. After about 2 months of heavy usage, this shoe is still comfy in terms of the sole/ under my foot. Great grip for when I'm deadlifting, squatting, or other lifting on my feet. Now, I do have wiggle room for my toes BUT I personally feel like it's super narrow on the sides. I normally purchase my other balances in a 9.5 EE, but this shoe still feels narrow. I feel like the outsides of my feet are going to pop out of shoe. If I look into purchasing another Minimus shoe it'll have to be in an X-Wide

Got a pair for Christmas and the sole is already becoming separated. Fits comfortable, but disappointed that they are already falling apart after less than 2 months of wear.

Used for HIIT, weights, CrossFit. As some other reviews indicate, the show is very narrow. Length is fine, but the width feels uncomfortable and tight. To compare, I also use NB 1080s US size 10 regular width for running, and these fit my feet perfectly. I don't have wide feet. Minimus is a great shoe in terms of look, and the sole and fabric are wonderful for in the gym, but make sure to physically try them on before purchasing. Either that or go with a bigger size or the wide version.

I've had these for a few months now as my main gym shoe. In short, these are ok for the gym but if you plan to do any running I would look for another shoe. They fit too tightly so go up a half size Definitely don't wear them without socks because hold smells and moisture a little too well, and the insole is actually pretty uncomfortable on a bare foot. If you try to run any further than a short sprint you'll notice they wear unevenly and you can feel knots in the strike pad after a few miles. They're alright as a minimalist gym shoe but aren't quite zero drop enough. They're fine for most things like squats, lunges, deadlifts etc. They're pretty comfortable for wear as well.

As others have commented - too narrow. Minimus wide width has fit me well for a decade now. Not this pair. The arch support is great, and it's a super light shoe, but it's too narrow.

I was looking forward to these being my solution for the gym but they're made really narrow.

Love the color on these and wanted another minimus shoe but these shoes run very narrow. I ordered 10 wide and immediately regretted it after my first training session. This is my third pair of assorted minimus and by far the most disappointing.

This shoe is nice, it's just not for me. I was hoping it would be different but it's REALLY minimal.