New Balance Minimus: First Reviews

Thanks to Jason, and to NB for letting him write it.  I had a chance to see Jason's Minima (?) in NYC, and they are fine looking shoes.  I just wish they'd ditch the heel rise.  They'd be perfect.

Bryon Powell also got a pair.  Since he's not a barefoot-style runner, he had the reverse problem that Jason did: he found the heel to be a bit too low, but acceptable.

What's interesting is the warning that NB has affixed to the shoe (the box, I guess?):

"Caution: This product increases the strain on the foot, calf, and Achilles tendon. Overuse of this product or use of activities outside of running and walking may increase the risk of sustaining injury."

"This product should be introduced slowly into a running exercise routine. New Balance recommends limiting initial use to 10% of overall running workouts and very gradually increasing training time and distance."

I think this is commendable, and probably a good service to their customers, so that no one goes out and tries a 20-mile run first go in these.  They'd be very unhappy about it...

But, I'm probably going to skip these.  After my experience with the latest Inov-8 model, I have no interest in a sneaker with a heel.  But if you're looking to transition down from a regular sneaker, without having to re-start from zero, this is probably a good way to go.

P.S.: Here's a third review, from Runblogger.  Pete also loves them.  Sounds like a real winner.