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Sole Mates – The New Balance Minimus Trail Review and Giveaway

If you have read my blog for any length of time you know that I love to workout barefoot. Not only is it the safest way to lift kettlebells, I love the feeling of my toes digging into the grassy earth. When it’s warm. When it’s dry. When it’s clean.

Since the ground is not always warm, dry and clean, I face a dilemma.

Do I wear traditional cushy shoes and risk injury a due to an unstable surface? Or do I deal with the mud, splinters, rocks, and cold among other scary things?

Not to mention that most gyms won’t allow the patrons or instructors to go barefoot.

A double dilemma.

Until now.

The New Balance Minimus Trail

Love.

Yes. LOVE.

The moment I opened the box it was love at first sight.

I’ve never been a big fan of the “tennis shoe” look and the New Balance Minimus defies the word “sneakers”. They are funky, functional, and cool with a personality of their own.

But how do they perform?

Keep in mind, my primary purpose of these shoes is strength training with kettlebells. While I do spend a fair amount of time on the trails around my town, I was really looking for something that I could wear while lifting and running because the majority of my workouts include a variety of movements like swings, sprints, and straight lifts.

Let’s have a closer look.

The New Balance Minimus Traili shoes are designed to be worn barefoot.

The first thing I noticed was the tongue, it attaches almost seamlessly to the inside of the shoe eliminating any extra rub to the top of the foot and well as reducing “adjustments”. The interior lining is super duper comfortable and the mesh design allows your feet to breath while keeping out rocks and other small debris. A win-win! Of course, if you want to wear socks you can and you can wear normal socks as opposed to the “toe socks” necessary for some other barefoot-style footwear, which could be a major plus for some.

The soles are flexible (they could be easily folded in half) made out of Minimal Vibram outsole with a hexagonal pattern on the bottom. The entire shoe weighs only 5.5 ounces.

The sole is thin enough to still feel the ground to “dig in” or “root” my energy for maximum tension which equals greater strength. I also didn’t experience a noticeable difference in my body alignment or balance from the 4 mm heel drop even during a long set of hardstyle type swings.

As a personal trainer, one of the problems I face is trying to convince clients to train with kettlebells (and other weights) barefoot or in flat thin soled shoes. Most have spent their lives training in the thick raised soles of cushy tennis shoes. Some will agree to a more flat soled shoe, like the classic Converse but understandably don’t like to do any running drills in the more stiff soled shoes. However, the New Balance Minimus was designed for running and they work for kettlebells (or other strength training) remarkably well. Another win-win.

Along with my kettlebell workouts, I also hit the trail regularly for some hiking or running. I’ve been contemplating barefoot running for a few years but until now I hadn’t had the nerve to try. Honestly, I’m just not really that keen on hitting trails totally barefoot. Rocks hurt and dog poo is gross. As much as I want to be “closer with the ground” I don’t want to spend the entire time worrying about what I may step on or in. The New Balance Trail is the perfect solution for me. My feet were protected but I still had a “near barefoot” experience.

Barefoot running requires that a person adjust their gate from a heel strike to a more mid-foot strike. Since barefoot running is new for me, I like having a bit of heel cushion for those strides I accidentally strike heel first. While I can’t speak for long time hardcore barefoot runners, I do think these shoes are ideal for transitional runners like me.

If I haven’t made it clear, I absolutely loved these shoes. Truly. I couldn’t have been more excited when New Balance contacted me about a review as I have been a long time New Balance fan and I was equally excited to review a product that fit my needs so perfectly.

And…

I couldn’t be more thrilled that New Balance has offered a pair of Minimus Trail shoes to one lucky reader!!!!

Mandatory Entry…

Check out the New Balance site (it’s full of great information!) and leave a comment telling me something you learned or mention a pair of shoes you liked!!

For up to 4 additional entries (5 total) you may do any of the following and leave a separate comment for each entry. (Comments are numbered and the random number generator picks a number so more comments = more chances to to win.)

1. Tweet about this giveaway and mention @NewBalance and @girlhero. Here is a shortened link you can copy and use http://bit.ly/l3VW2R.

2. Become a fan of New Balance on Facebook and leave comment telling me you did so. (If you have already “liked” it you can leave a comment.)

3. Become a fan of the new Girl Heroes page on Facebook and leave a comment telling me you did so. (If you have already “liked” it you can leave a comment.)

4. Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with the link to your post.

Open to US residents only. Contest ends May 5th, 2011 at 9 p.m. PST. Winner will be randomly selected and has 48 hours to get back to me by email or a new winner will be randomly selected.

Good luck!!!

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

Disclosure: I was provided a pair of New Balance Minimus shoes for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

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Tags: Kettlebells, weight training, women's strength training

About jennincat

I'm so happy you stopped by my little corner of the web where I write about fitness, food, and amazing women I "meet". I live in California with my wonderful husband and two rambunctious boys. I'm a personal trainer and dreamer. I enjoy most things but some of my favorites are reading, acting, camping, cooking, music, writing, traveling, and being in the moment with my favorite people! You can read more about me here! I hope you stop by often!

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105 Responses to “Sole Mates – The New Balance Minimus Trail Review and Giveaway”

On April 28, 2011 at 2:16 am Joob responded with... #

1. I sport a pair of vibram’s fivefingers for lifting and I LOVE them. I don’t like the barefoot
running experience but they are fantastic for squats, deadlifts, standing rows, and the like.

2. I became a new balance fan on fb!

3. I became a girl heroes fan too 😀

4. I’m gonna tweet it as soon as i’m done typing this comment
On April 28, 2011 at 5:33 am Tess Moore responded with... #

The web site was very good. I like these shoes because they are similar to vibrams but don’t have the weird toe thing going on. I also like that they are odor resistant and can be worn with or without socks. Have a good one!
On April 28, 2011 at 6:21 am Rachael responded with... #

I went to the New Balance site and learned they had healthy recipes. Fantastic!
On April 28, 2011 at 6:21 am Rachael responded with... #

Also, I’m a fan of NB on FB
On April 28, 2011 at 6:22 am Rachael responded with... #

And of course I’m a fan of GH!
On April 28, 2011 at 7:57 am Katie responded with... #

I love the look of those shoes! I finally learned the difference between running and training shoes. Oops….I’ve been wearing the wrong ones.
On April 28, 2011 at 7:57 am Katie responded with... #

I liked you on FB.
On April 28, 2011 at 8:02 am debby responded with... #

Wow, I’d love a chance to win those shoes! I checked out their site, and they have some great looking shoes. Plus some very tasty sounding recipes.

I loved seeing a picture of your doggie!
On April 28, 2011 at 8:10 am Retta @ RunRettaRun responded with... #

I love that nb have wide widths. They are actually the first wide width shoes I found to run in.
On April 28, 2011 at 8:13 am Retta @ RunRettaRun responded with... #

I liked you on FB!
On April 28, 2011 at 8:14 am Retta @ RunRettaRun responded with... #

Oops. I liked New Balance on FB and you
On April 28, 2011 at 8:19 am Retta @ RunRettaRun responded with... #

I tweeted!!
On April 28, 2011 at 8:50 am [email protected] responded with... #

I’ve been wanting to get some non-cushy shoes for a while. (the ones I have aren’t super cushy, but still cushy). I know it’s not about looks, but I really love the way they look! All the color combos look great! My kind of shoes!
On April 28, 2011 at 8:53 am Allison responded with... #

The development of this shoe is so fascinating! I love that they asked RUNNERS what they thought! Also, I have been interested in kettlebells and had no idea that lifting barefoot is best, but it’s not surprising!
On April 28, 2011 at 8:53 am [email protected] responded with... #

I tweeted
On April 28, 2011 at 8:54 am [email protected] responded with... #

I like GirlHero on FB!
On April 28, 2011 at 8:54 am [email protected] responded with... #

I like nb on FB!
On April 28, 2011 at 9:19 am AJ @ atothejay.wordpress responded with... #

They come in Black….YAY!! I’m constantly looking for minimal shoes for powerlifting. I debated the vibram 5 fingers but didn’t like the between the toe idea. This is a perfect compromise!!!!
On April 28, 2011 at 9:24 am Tamara responded with... #

I love those shoes!!! I checked out the NB site and learned that they sponsor a program called “good form running” — that apparently started at a running store right here in michigan!
On April 28, 2011 at 9:25 am Tamara responded with... #

Also, I “liked” your new FB page yesterday…
On April 28, 2011 at 9:25 am Tamara responded with... #

… and I just now liked NB on FB as well. Thanks for the opportunities!
On April 28, 2011 at 9:27 am Meg W responded with... #

I went to the New Balance website. I like their info on barefoot running. It’s something I’ve been interested in but also haven’t had the guts to try. If I don’t win these shoes, I just might have to buy some.
On April 28, 2011 at 9:27 am Tamara responded with... #

Tweeted about the giveaway. Whew. Thanks again, Jenn!
On April 28, 2011 at 9:29 am Meg W responded with... #

I like Girl Heroes on Facebook!
On April 28, 2011 at 9:29 am Meg W responded with... #

I like New Balance on Facebook.
On April 28, 2011 at 10:08 am Carrie Zaring responded with... #

Okay I don’t have a twitter page, but I ‘like’ new balance and girl heroes. Love your logo. Would look super cute on a tanker. Also on new balance page I love the kids ideas on ways to get them active. Was looking for some fun and different things to do this summer with my son and they r cute. Love these shoes too. I agree barefoot is the way to be!!!
On April 28, 2011 at 10:17 am Larissa responded with... #

perfect timing as I too have been looking into barefoot runnint and these seem great! I would love to try them – I visited the new balance website and would love to try these and also loved the new balance rock and tone flip flops – they look so comfy and great for summer!
On April 28, 2011 at 10:17 am Larissa responded with... #

I liked new balance on fb.
On April 28, 2011 at 10:17 am Larissa responded with... #

I liked Girl heroes on Facebook too – excited to see you on fb now (:
On April 28, 2011 at 10:23 am charlotte responded with... #

You are doing a weighted pistol squat?!?! You are my hero. I just barely mastered the regular pistol squat. And thank you for the review. I’ve been eyeing these minimalist shoes for a while and I keep thinking I need to try some. It’s between these and the merrell’s…
On April 28, 2011 at 10:27 am Rhiannon Decker responded with... #

Hi jenn!
Tweeted comment on Twitter!
Liked New Balance on FB
Liked Your FB page
Like the New page
keep it going Jenn – your doing awesome things!!!
On April 28, 2011 at 11:31 am Marissa Freier responded with... #

You know im going to go like your FB page. I don’t tweet…and I will post this giveaway on my new blog. I love the minimus trail wt10 same color as you have. i like that on their site that they have different kinds of minimus shoes; the road and life. but i see these are similiar to the vibram (names on the side) but without the creepy toes! i hate hate hate wearing socks and the thought of things being inbetween my toes creeps me out..so these may be the perfect answer!! i will also go like new balance on fb and put a link to these shoes cool!!
On April 28, 2011 at 12:11 pm Natalie J. Vandenberghe responded with... #

I like the WW512 Walking Shoes. Years ago, I went to a foot clinic and they recommended that I wear new balance. I need a shoe with a deep toe-box; new balance is the only walking shoe I’ve purchased since. Currently, I have two pairs–they need to be replaced. Thanks for the giveaway.
On April 28, 2011 at 12:13 pm Sabrina responded with... #

Very timely post– I was just researching what shoes I should get for crossfit to replace my overly cushy saucony shoes! I went to the NB website and learned they are odor resistant (important if you are going to skip the socks!) and come in black. I also liked your page on FB.
On April 28, 2011 at 12:19 pm Natalie J. Vandenberghe responded with... #

Tweet! https://twitter.com/#!/lexiquin/status/63682566150045696
On April 28, 2011 at 12:23 pm Natalie J. Vandenberghe responded with... #

I already like New Balance on Facebook
On April 28, 2011 at 12:24 pm Natalie J. Vandenberghe responded with... #

I like Girl-Heroes on Facebook
On April 28, 2011 at 1:39 pm Jenna Z responded with... #

I could really go for the New Balance 890! So sporty and light!!
On April 28, 2011 at 1:40 pm Jenna Z responded with... #

I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/corgipants/status/63703989665021952
On April 28, 2011 at 1:47 pm Shannon responded with... #

I liked Girl Heroes and New Balance on Facebook. I would love another option for my kettlebell workouts!
On April 28, 2011 at 4:16 pm Joob responded with... #

thanks for the email!
On April 28, 2011 at 4:16 pm Joob responded with... #

I’m just going to make 4 total comments….
On April 28, 2011 at 4:17 pm Joob responded with... #

and tell you to refer back to comment one to meet contest criteria… hehehehe
On April 28, 2011 at 5:37 pm Lorraine responded with... #

I tweeted!
On April 28, 2011 at 5:38 pm Lorraine responded with... #

I “liked” girl heroes on facebook!
On April 28, 2011 at 5:39 pm Lorraine responded with... #

I “liked” new balance on facebook!
On April 28, 2011 at 5:41 pm Lorraine responded with... #

i went to the new balance web site and checked out the minimus trail shoes. i love the look and the $99 pricetag is not bad!
On April 28, 2011 at 6:27 pm Tiffany @ Simply Shaka responded with... #

Cool giveaway! I like that they offer tips on how to simplify your life on their site.
On April 28, 2011 at 6:27 pm Tiffany @ Simply Shaka responded with... #

I tweeted! @tiffanynico
On April 28, 2011 at 7:05 pm Rachel responded with... #

New Balance are made in the U.S.

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

Check out this New Balance Shoe Giveaway! « - April 28, 2011
[…] the creepy in-between your toe feeling. But you get the same benefits as walking barefoot!Â Click here to check out Jenni’s Girl Hero site and to enter the […]
Road Trip for Two | Girl Heroes - April 30, 2011
[…] Taekwondo Previous […]
A Little Man, a Mom, and a Mat | Girl Heroes - May 5, 2011
[…] reviewed a pair of New Balance Minimus Trail shoes with an accompanying giveaway. Â This one ends […]
Shoes that Look Like Feet – A Vibram Five Fingers Review | Girl Heroes - August 3, 2012
[…] over three years now. When I can’t workout barefoot I wear a thin soled shoe like Converse or my New Balance Minimus which I still […]

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Sole Mates – The New Balance Minimus Trail Review and Giveaway

Mandatory Entry…

About jennincat

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105 Responses to “Sole Mates – The New Balance Minimus Trail Review and Giveaway”

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