Acceptable replacement for the previous model of NB minimus. These are great lifting shoes for the gym; your foot stays in contact with the ground and yet you're protected from the nastiness of lifting barefoot. The side not-a-tongue thing takes a little getting used to - but I LOVE that there isn't a tongue to get bunched up and off-side in the center. THAT is fantastic. Will look for that feature in all my future lace-up shoes. Size was great - I have a thoroughly wide Flintstone foot, and they do not pinch or annoy The Bunion at all. <I usually wear a 7.5-8.5 Wide, bought the 8D.>

The only thing I've changed is to add my PF insole for better arch support - my only complaint.

I'll also shout out at New Balance to make more shoes like these without wacky colors. NOT ALL WOMEN WANT NEON PINK JUNK ON OUR SHOES, Y'ALL. GET THE MESSAGE. Sometimes we need these for work, or want them to match more than that one shirt. Come on!