Less is More: The Minimus Trail 20

This past spring New Balance released it’s much anticipated line of Minimus shoes, with the trail version (MT10) receiving the most attention. The MT10’s received positive reviews but there were some nagging flaws that were irritating runners. Many runners complained of a very tight fit across the rubber metatarsal band above the toe box and of the excessive toe spring. I do not own a pair of the MT10’s but I have tried them on and taken them for a test run and I did notice those two issues. The MT20’s felt like they had a much more comfortable and natural fit when I first put them on—a feeling I did not get with the MT10’s.

The MT20’s seem to take the Minimus mantra of “less is more” to heart. The upper’s design takes everything that was good about the MT10’s and improves upon it while at the same time simplifying the design. The rubber metatarsal band does not seem as restrictive and toe box does not spring up at all. The toe box is still just as roomy as before.

I’ve only been able to get in a short two miles so far, but it was two miles through a torrential downpour. The MT20’s drained very well and held their traction (most of the run was on a paved trail). Overall a great shoe so far. The only complaint I have is that the pull loop on the heel is useless, its too small to get a finger in. The MT20’s retain all of the great qualities of the MT10’s with some minor adjustments and improvements.

I was able to pick up my pair at Finish Line here in Destin. Apparently they just came in on Friday, Jul 15. The shoes are still not listed as being for sale on the New Balance site.