Firstly, I want to start out by saying that I love these shoes. I don’t especially like their orange colour, but I do love the functionality of the shoe.
I have traditionally been an adventure racer, but I have recently branched out into running. Salomon shoes have always been my go to for adventure racing needs, but the more I have got into running, the more I question the need for the shoe for pure running type shoes. I initially bought a pair of Vibram Five Finger Belkini shoes and enjoyed the freedom of movement. I transformed my stride from heel striking to more of a bare foot runner. I wanted to wear them trail running, but I chickened out at the 5 peaks race at Rattlesnake and wore my Salomon shoes. I didn’t want to wear them because I was afraid of the rocks.
I decided that I was going to purchase the New Balance Minimus shoes for trail running as I was eyeing up a 50km Ultra. I bought them and have not looked back. I run in them on road, I run in them on trail. They are light, comfortable and durable. Every once and awhile I find a rock the hard way, but for the most part, the minimal padding seems to do a great job of protecting my feet. The zero heel drop is wonderful as it forces me to continue short and efficient strides. I ran the Vulture Bait 50km trail race in these on a rainy day that made the course slippery and muddy. I had great traction and on a number of occasions watched others wipe out while I had ample traction. They were very muddy, but a quick wash in the washing machine made them great once again.
I also wore them for a 30km Orienteer race entitled Raid the Hammer’s Don’t Get Lost. We bushwhacked, ran single track, trudged through rivers, and ran on road. These shoes were up for the task in both traction and foot protection.
Overall, I love them for all of my needs. I wear them at work, I trail race in them, I orienteer race in them, and I intend to use them in my next adventure race.
