Comments on: New Balance Minimus Road: First Run and More Pictures

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to guest.

Only sold through New Balance and in stores right now. Not available on-line
from most places.
Pete

By: Race2thebigtree

Race2thebigtree — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Has anyone had issues with durabilty of this shoe? after only ~45 mi the black portion of heel on one shoe seems to be de-laminating.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Briderdt.

I'd say they are fairly similar. My Kinvaras are far more broken in so they
have a bit more flex. Kinvaras definitely have a softer EVA misole though.

Pete

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Francesc.

Thanks for the comment! The Mizuno Universe numbers are off - I have
measured them at only about a 5 mm drop from heel to toe. I'd say that both
of the shoes you mentioned (Free 3.0 and Kinvara) are good choices. The
Kinvara is probably a bit softer than the Free 3.0 and is a nice distance
shoe.

Pete

By: CSzumigala

CSzumigala — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks for the sneak peek. That undercut heel does indeed spark my interest as to what sort of effect it might have towards contributing to better form. Have you had the opportunity to further ascertain whether the design makes it harder to catch the heel as the foot contacts the ground? Thanks again for another insightful and informative review Pete!

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to gramck24.

Kinvara

By: Therunningclinic

Therunningclinic — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I did too feel the raised area across the shoe in front of the heel as you mentionned. I kinda liked it as it was helping a good form stride but unfortunately the sole softened up and the feeling went away. I found the shoe exciting at the begining but at last it felt quickly like an aged shoe.
Lee from The Running Clinic

By: guest

guest — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Anyone know of a good site where these can be bought, size 13? Having a tough time finding them anywhere on-line.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Spyros.

I would say the Minimus is much firmer and has less arch support than the
Kinvara. It's also a bit wider in the forefoot, though I have not had any
problem with the Kinvara in this respect. If those are the reasons you
didn't like the Kinvara, I suspect you will like the Minimus.

Pete

By: Doug W.

Doug W. — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

These look awesome! I think I may have to try these, at least maybe the trail version. I’ve been trying to find a trail shoe with a minimal heel-toe drop and haven’t found anything i’m comfortable with yet. i’ve been thinking about the NB MT101 but can’t find them in any of the local specialty running stores and I’d really like to try them out (at least on a treadmill) before making the purchase. I’ve always wanted to try the VFF’s, especially the Bikila’s, but have been hesitant b/c I have slightly webbed toes (shh… don’t tell anyone). These may in fact be perfect for me to transition to barefoot-style or “natural” running (I’ve been running in Newton’s for a year now, so calf strength/issues won’t be a problem). BTW, you and I have to talk. I’d really like to geo to the next level with my blog, including getting companies to send me stuf to try out/review… LOL!

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Fran Peruzzi.

I think rubber on the heel makes sense in any shoe since we do have to
walk in them from time to time, but yes, the forefoot is often
overlooked.
Pete

On Sunday, November 14, 2010, Disqus

By: Spyros

Spyros — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to searayman.

Pete how does the Minimus compare to the Kinvara. I liked the small heel to toe drop, but it was too soft and had arch support.