let me first say a bit about my background as a runner:  I generally run between 35 and 45 miles a week, putting in two long runs per week between 8 and 11 miles and then averaging about 5 miles every other day.  Ever since I was running cross country in high school I was an ASICS faithful, until I was convinced to try a pair of minimus shoes by a running partner.  After a month of wearing my new balance MT20 v. 1's, I was officially converted.  I could tell that my stride was straightening, my feet were hitting the ground flatter, and pain in my lower back and shins completely disappeared.  Over the past 1.5 years, I have worn nothing but minimal shoes (a pair of New Balance MT20 v. 1's and a pair of Merrell trailgloves) and have never looked back.

The idea behind minimal shoes is that they do not provide added support to your feet, allowing your body to naturally correct itself into perfect running form over time without the harmful effect of orthotics or cushioned soles.  This is where the MT10's fall short of a true "minimal shoe".  I was surprised when these came in the mail and I saw that there was added support added to the inner arch and was equally surprised to feel just how rigid the strap across the toe box is.  These two parts of the shoe make it feel almost like wearing a piece of hard plastic when you put the shoe on your foot (a good minimal shoe should feel like almost nothing when being worn).  Because I had such a good experience with my MT20v. 1's from New Balance, I decided to put my judgement aside and give these shoes a whirl.  I was instantly disappointed.  The arch of my foot felt constrained and began to ache within the first mile of my run on all 4 occasions that I have worn these shoes.  Also, the toe strap makes it difficult for my toes to spread out when running; which brings to mind attempting to run with two pieces of tupperware on the ends of your legs.

To be perfectly honest, I expected more from New Balance.  They created one of the best minimal shoes on the market in the MT20v. 1's, but then discontinued it in favor of this shoe, which is infinitely worse.  More is not always better, especially in the case of minimal shoes, where the aim should be to have as little material on the foot as possible.  If you're a avid runner who prefers the feel of a minimal shoe, these are not for you.