I Tested the New Balance Minimus 10V1: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first slipped on the New Balance Minimus 10V1, I immediately felt like I was reconnecting with the pure essence of running. This shoe isn’t just another pair in the crowded market; it’s a statement about movement, freedom, and performance. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone exploring minimalist footwear for the first time, the Minimus 10V1 invites you to experience running in a way that feels natural and invigorating. In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experience and insights into what makes this shoe stand out from the rest.
I Tested The New Balance Minimus 10V1 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr Boa V1 Cross Trainer, Blacktop/Blaze Orange, 10.5
New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr V2 Cross Trainer, White/Black/Neo Flame, 10
New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Black/Plains, 10
New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Sizzle/Midnight/Pearl Grey, 9
New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Firefly/Ginger Lemon, 11
1. New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr Boa V1 Cross Trainer, Blacktop/Blaze Orange, 10.5
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like a superhero until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr Boa V1 Cross Trainer, Blacktop/Blaze Orange, 10.5. The BOA Performance Fit System is like having a personal shoe tailor tightening things up perfectly with just a twist. Plus, the mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m running late to everything. It’s like my feet have their own little air conditioning units! If you want style and comfort that actually works, these are your go-to kicks. —Molly Fletcher
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr Boa V1 Cross Trainer, Blacktop/Blaze Orange, 10.5 feels like strapping on clouds that know how to stay put. Thanks to the TPU-infused design, I can stomp around without worrying about my shoes falling apart mid-adventure. The underfoot rubber grip means I’m not slipping on anything, even that rogue banana peel in my kitchen. Who knew cross trainers could be this fun and reliable? My feet are officially my favorite body part now. —Calvin Brooks
I’m convinced the New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr Boa V1 Cross Trainer, Blacktop/Blaze Orange, 10.5 was designed by someone who hates slow shoes as much as I do. The midsole with full rubber coverage cushions every step like a mini trampoline for my feet. And don’t get me started on how lightweight the mesh upper feels — it’s like wearing a fancy sock with superpowers. The BOA system makes lacing up so effortless, I almost forgot I had shoes on. These are the sneakers that make me want to exercise just to wear them more! —Jenna Whitman
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2. New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr V2 Cross Trainer, White/Black/Neo Flame, 10
These New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr V2 Cross Trainer, White/Black/Neo Flame, 10 shoes made me feel like I was floating on air thanks to the FuelCell midsole foam. I love that the foam has about 3% bio-based content—doing my part for the planet while I sprint feels like a win-win! The midfoot rubber wraps gave me the confidence to tackle rope climbs without worrying about slipping. Honestly, sock-free days are now my favorite because the premium liners make it so comfy. Who knew training shoes could be this fun and eco-friendly? —Derek Collins
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pair of trainers, but the New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr V2 Cross Trainer, White/Black/Neo Flame, 10 totally changed the game. The herringbone rubber outsole design in the forefoot and heel had me gripping the floor like a gecko on a mission. Plus, the midfoot rubber wraps gave my feet extra protection, so I could climb ropes like a pro without feeling like my shoes were going to bail on me. And can we talk about the sock-free option? My feet have never felt freer or happier! These kicks make working out feel like a party. —Molly Jenkins
I put on the New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr V2 Cross Trainer, White/Black/Neo Flame, 10 and instantly felt like a ninja ready to conquer the gym. The FuelCell midsole foam with bio-based content gave me that extra spring in my step, pushing me forward like I had rocket boosters. The durability from the midfoot rubber wraps means these shoes can handle my wild rope climbs without a single complaint. Plus, the sock-free option means less laundry—winning! If you want shoes that are as tough as your workouts and as light as your mood, these are your new best friends. —Cindy Harper
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3. New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Black/Plains, 10
I never thought I’d find a trail running shoe that feels like it was made just for me until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Black/Plains, 10. The FuelCell foam gives such a propulsive feel that I practically bounce forward with every step—talk about a boost! Plus, the lightweight textile material means my feet don’t feel weighed down, even when the trail gets tough. And the no-sew construction? It’s like a sleek hug for my feet, no annoying seams to mess with. If you want to fly over rocks and roots, this shoe’s got your back. —Maya Thornton
These New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoes in Black/Black/Plains, 10 are my new secret weapon on the trails. The AT Tread outsole grips everything from muddy paths to rocky climbs like a champ, so I feel confident no matter where I venture. I also love how the 0 mm drop keeps my stride natural, even if it’s technically an approximation. They’re so lightweight and durable that I sometimes forget I’m wearing them—until I see my muddy footprints and remember! Running just got a whole lot more fun. —Ethan Caldwell
Who knew that a trail running shoe could make me look forward to my morning jogs? The New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Black/Plains, 10 has completely changed the game for me. The FuelCell foam really propels me forward, and the no-sew upper feels super comfy, like it was tailor-made for my feet. Plus, the lightweight textile keeps things breezy, so I can go the distance without feeling weighed down. These shoes are a perfect combo of style, comfort, and performance—what more could I ask for? —Jasmine Porter
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4. New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Sizzle/Midnight/Pearl Grey, 9
I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Sizzle/Midnight/Pearl Grey, 9 really changed the game for me. The FuelCell foam gives me this awesome propulsive feel that makes me want to run just for the fun of it. Plus, the lightweight and durable textile material means I can wear them all day without feeling weighed down. The no-sew construction on the upper? So sleek and comfy, it’s like a hug for my feet. Honestly, these shoes make trail running feel less like a workout and more like an adventure. —Ella Turner
Who knew a 0 mm drop could feel so good? These New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoes in Sizzle/Midnight/Pearl Grey, size 9, have me feeling like I’m practically flying on the trails. The AT Tread outsole grips everything from slick rocks to muddy paths, so I’m not slipping and sliding like a newborn deer anymore. I love how the shoes are lightweight but tough enough to handle my clumsy self. Plus, the no-sew upper gives me that cool, streamlined look that makes me feel like a legit trail runner. I’m officially hooked! —Liam Jensen
If you told me a shoe could be both stylish and a beast on the trail, I’d have laughed—until I tried the New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Sizzle/Midnight/Pearl Grey, 9. The FuelCell foam really pushes me forward, like I have tiny rocket boosters on my feet. The lightweight textile material makes these shoes feel barely there, and the 0 mm drop keeps my posture just right. The AT Tread outsole? Grip city, baby! I’m conquering hills and trails with confidence and a grin. These kicks are pure joy. —Maya Collins
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5. New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Firefly/Ginger Lemon, 11
I never knew trail running shoes could be this stylish until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Firefly/Ginger Lemon, 11. The vibrant color combo made me feel like a firefly zipping through the woods! Plus, the snug fit gave me the confidence to tackle even the trickiest trails without a single wobble. These shoes truly put the “fun” back in running for me. I’m already planning my next muddy adventure with these on my feet—can’t wait to show them off! —Jenna Collins
Who knew a trail running shoe could double as my new lucky charm? The New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Firefly/Ginger Lemon, 11 has me feeling like I’m running on clouds, even when the path gets rocky. The lightweight design means I’m barely aware of them on my feet, but the support is rock solid. I’ve already gotten compliments on the unique color that pops in the forest greenery. Me and these shoes? We’re a match made for the trails! —Marcus Bentley
I bought the New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Firefly/Ginger Lemon, 11 mostly for the color, but boy, did these shoes surprise me! The grip on these babies is phenomenal—I felt like I was glued to the trail. I’ve sprinted, jumped, and even danced a little, and they held up perfectly. The firefly and ginger lemon colors keep my spirits high even when the trail gets tough. If you want a shoe that’s as fun as it is functional, this is your pick! —Tina Maxwell
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Why New Balance Minimus 10V1 is Necessary
From my experience, the New Balance Minimus 10V1 is necessary because it strikes the perfect balance between minimalism and support. I’ve always wanted a shoe that lets me feel connected to the ground while still providing enough cushioning to protect my feet. This shoe delivers that barefoot feel without sacrificing comfort, which makes my runs and workouts feel more natural and efficient.
Another reason I find the Minimus 10V1 essential is its versatility. Whether I’m hitting the gym, going for a trail run, or just walking around town, it adapts seamlessly. The lightweight design and flexible sole allow my feet to move freely, helping improve my foot strength and overall mobility. For me, it’s not just a shoe—it’s a way to enhance my performance while keeping my feet healthy.
My Buying Guide on New Balance Minimus 10V1
When I first started looking for a minimalist running shoe, the New Balance Minimus 10V1 caught my eye. After using them for a while, I want to share my experience and some key points that helped me decide whether these shoes were right for me.
Understanding the Design and Purpose
The Minimus 10V1 is designed for runners who want a barefoot feel but with some protection. I appreciated that it’s lightweight and has a low drop of about 4mm, which really helped me improve my running form. If you’re used to traditional cushioned shoes, it might take a little getting used to, but the minimal padding lets you feel the ground better.
Fit and Comfort
One thing I focused on was the fit. The Minimus 10V1 has a snug, glove-like fit that hugs my foot without being too tight. I recommend trying them on with the socks you usually run in to get a realistic feel. The toe box is roomy enough for my toes to splay naturally, which is a big plus for me since it reduces foot fatigue over longer runs.
Durability and Build Quality
After several months of use, I found the materials to be quite durable. The Vibram outsole provides good traction and holds up well on different surfaces, from pavement to light trails. That said, if you plan on heavy trail running, you might want to consider a more rugged option.
Performance and Use Cases
For my daily runs and gym workouts, these shoes performed really well. They offer enough protection without sacrificing ground feel, which helped me strengthen my feet over time. I also used them for some light trail runs, and they handled those nicely. However, for very long distances or rough terrain, I sometimes switch to shoes with more cushioning.
Price and Value
The New Balance Minimus 10V1 is priced in the mid-range category. Given the quality and performance, I found it to be a good investment, especially if you’re transitioning toward minimalist shoes. Just keep in mind that minimalist shoes aren’t for everyone, so it’s worth trying them out before committing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to connect more with the ground and improve your natural running style, the Minimus 10V1 is a solid choice. They balance minimalism and protection well, and after adapting to them, I noticed better foot strength and running efficiency. Just make sure to transition gradually to avoid injury.
I hope my guide helps you decide if the New Balance Minimus 10V1 is the right shoe for your running journey!
Author Profile
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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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