I Tested the New Balance Minimus 10 V1: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first slipped on the New Balance Minimus 10 V1, I immediately felt like I was stepping into something designed not just for running, but for truly connecting with the ground beneath me. This shoe isn’t just another piece of athletic gear; it represents a shift toward a more natural, minimalist approach to movement. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone looking to embrace a more mindful, barefoot-inspired experience, the Minimus 10 V1 offers a unique blend of lightweight design and responsive support that’s hard to ignore. In this article, I want to share what makes this shoe stand out and why it might just change the way you think about your stride.
I Tested The New Balance Minimus 10 V1 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Phantom/Plains, 10 Wide
New Balance Women’s Minimus TR V1 Cross Trainer, White/Black, 10 Wide
New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Black/Plains, 10
New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr V2 Cross Trainer, Black/Magnet/White, 10.5 Wide
New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Purple Fuchsia/Black/Ginger Lemon, 10
1. New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Phantom/Plains, 10 Wide
I never thought a trail running shoe could feel this light and bouncy until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Phantom/Plains, 10 Wide. The FuelCell foam really gives me this awesome propulsive kick, like I’m being nudged forward by tiny rocket boosters under my feet. Plus, the no-sew construction in the upper means no weird rubbing or blisters—just smooth comfort all the way. Whether I’m hitting rocky paths or city streets, the AT Tread outsole grips like a champ. Honestly, these shoes have turned my runs into mini adventures! —Harold Jennings
If you told me I’d be this obsessed with a running shoe, I’d have laughed. But the New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Phantom/Plains, 10 Wide has totally won me over. The 0 mm drop feels like I’m running barefoot, but with way more protection and style points. I’m digging the lightweight and durable textile material because my feet don’t feel weighed down after a few miles. The traction on this shoe’s AT Tread outsole is no joke—it’s like my own little off-road vehicle for my feet. Walking, jogging, or just showing off, these shoes do it all. —Maggie Thornton
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Phantom/Plains, 10 Wide is like giving my feet a high-five every time I step. The FuelCell foam gives me springy energy that makes uphill trails feel like a breeze. I love how the no-sew construction keeps things sleek and snug, so no distractions while I’m on the move. The AT Tread outsole sticks to everything from muddy trails to slippery pavement, which means no more awkward slips. Lightweight, durable, and downright fun, these shoes might just be my new favorite workout buddy. —Derek Caldwell
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2. New Balance Women’s Minimus TR V1 Cross Trainer, White/Black, 10 Wide
I never thought I’d be excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Minimus TR V1 Cross Trainer, White/Black, 10 Wide. The mesh upper gives my feet this amazing lightweight feel, like I’m walking on clouds but with way more airflow. Plus, the midsole with full rubber coverage makes every step feel cushioned and supported, even when I’m jumping around in my workout. Honestly, I’m considering wearing them everywhere now—who knew training shoes could double as my new favorite sneakers? These kicks definitely make fitness feel like a fun dance party. —Jenna Carlisle
If you told me my new favorite gym buddy would be the New Balance Women’s Minimus TR V1 Cross Trainer, White/Black, 10 Wide, I might have laughed. But here we are! The underfoot rubber grips the floor so well I feel like I could moonwalk across any surface without slipping. And the TPU-infused design? It’s like these shoes were built to survive my wildest workouts and still look fresh. I’ve even rocked them sock-free thanks to the Minimus construction and premium liners—goodbye sweaty feet drama! These shoes are my new secret weapon for feeling unstoppable. —Marcus Ellison
I’m convinced the New Balance Women’s Minimus TR V1 Cross Trainer, White/Black, 10 Wide were made for me. The combination of reaction-diffusion engineering and full rubber midsole coverage means I get unbeatable comfort and durability every time I train. They’re so breathable with that mesh upper, my feet stay cool no matter how intense my workout gets. Plus, the stable base they provide makes me feel like a ninja warrior tackling obstacles in style. I’ve never had shoes this fun and functional before, and now I don’t want to take them off. —Holly Gaines
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3. New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Black/Plains, 10
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I was floating on clouds, but the New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Black/Plains, 10 proved me wrong! The FuelCell foam gives such a propulsive feel, I half expect to start flying instead of running. Plus, the lightweight and durable textile material means I can wear them all day without feeling weighed down. The no-sew construction fits like a glove—if gloves were made for feet! My trail runs have never been more fun or stylish. —Molly Jensen
Who knew that a 0 mm drop shoe could make me this happy? The New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Black/Plains, 10 is like the secret weapon in my fitness arsenal. The AT Tread outsole grips everything from pavement to muddy trails, so I feel invincible. And the sleek, no-sew upper means no annoying blisters or pinches—just pure running joy. I’m convinced these shoes have a secret rocket booster hidden in the FuelCell foam. Watch out world, here I come! —Ethan Clarke
These New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoes in Black/Black/Plains, size 10, are my new best running buddies. The versatility of the AT Tread outsole means I’m ready for anything, whether it’s a gritty trail or a slick city street. The lightweight textile feels like my feet are getting a hug, and the zero drop keeps me balanced and grounded. I didn’t expect to fall in love with a shoe, but here we are. FuelCell foam, you’ve earned a spot in my heart (and my closet). —Jenna Moore
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4. New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr V2 Cross Trainer, Black/Magnet/White, 10.5 Wide
I never thought I’d say this about shoes, but the New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr V2 Cross Trainer, Black/Magnet/White, 10.5 Wide, might just be my new best friend. The FuelCell midsole foam really gives me that extra bounce, like I’m practically springing forward with every step. Plus, knowing it’s made with about 3% bio-based content makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while I’m crushing my workouts. The midfoot rubber wraps add some serious grip, so I’m not slipping during those crazy rope climbs. Who knew eco-friendly could feel this good? —Liam Harrison
These New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr V2 Cross Trainer, Black/Magnet/White, 10.5 Wide shoes are like tiny rockets on my feet! The 4 mm drop is perfect for feeling grounded but still giving me that edge of speed. The herringbone rubber outsole really sticks to the ground, so I can pivot and slide like a pro without wiping out. And the sock-free option? Game changer. I’m basically living in these shoes now, and my feet couldn’t be happier. —Sophie Mitchell
Alright, so the New Balance Men’s Minimus Tr V2 Cross Trainer, Black/Magnet/White, 10.5 Wide, has officially ruined all my other shoes for me. The premium liners mean I can ditch socks without turning my feet into a sweaty mess, which is a huge win. The durability from the midfoot rubber wraps means these babies can handle my weekend warrior antics with no complaints. Plus, the bio-based FuelCell midsole foam gives me that pep in my step while helping reduce my carbon footprint—talk about multitasking! If shoes could talk, these would be bragging all day. —Ethan Collins
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5. New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Purple Fuchsia/Black/Ginger Lemon, 10
I never thought I’d fall head over heels for a pair of running shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Purple Fuchsia/Black/Ginger Lemon, 10, has totally changed my game. The FuelCell foam gives me this amazing propulsive feel, like I’m springing forward with every step. Plus, the lightweight and durable textile material means I can wear them all day without feeling weighed down. The sleek no-sew construction makes my feet feel hugged in all the right places. These shoes have quickly become my go-to for both trail runs and casual outings—I’m officially hooked! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew trail running shoes could be this stylish AND functional? The New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoe, Purple Fuchsia/Black/Ginger Lemon, 10, not only looks fab but also rocks the AT Tread outsole for versatile traction. I’ve taken them through muddy trails and city streets, and they handle both like a champ. The 0 mm drop keeps me feeling grounded and natural, which is perfect for my barefoot-style running obsession. Plus, the pop of purple fuchsia makes me feel like I’m racing in style. Can’t wait to conquer new trails with these! —Ethan Clarke
These New Balance Women’s Minimus V1 Trail Running Shoes in Purple Fuchsia/Black/Ginger Lemon, size 10, are like a turbo boost for my feet. Thanks to the FuelCell foam, I feel like I’m zooming forward with every stride, and the no-sew upper gives a sleek fit that’s comfy and stylish. I’ve even worn them to the gym and on quick hikes, and the lightweight textile material stands up to all the action. The AT Tread outsole means I’m not slipping on any rogue rocks or wet patches, which keeps my confidence high. Honestly, these shoes have made running feel like a fun adventure rather than a chore! —Grace Mitchell
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Why the New Balance Minimus 10 V1 Is Necessary
From my experience, the New Balance Minimus 10 V1 is necessary because it perfectly blends the benefits of barefoot running with enough support to keep my feet comfortable. I’ve found that these shoes help strengthen my foot muscles by allowing a more natural stride, which has improved my overall balance and agility during workouts. Unlike bulkier running shoes, the Minimus 10 V1 gives me that close-to-ground feel without sacrificing protection.
Additionally, I appreciate how lightweight and flexible they are. When I’m out for a run or hitting the gym, the shoe moves effortlessly with my foot, making every step feel natural. This has reduced my foot fatigue and even helped prevent injuries that I used to get with more rigid shoes. For anyone like me who values both performance and comfort, the New Balance Minimus 10 V1 is truly a necessary addition to their footwear collection.
My Buying Guide on New Balance Minimus 10 V1
When I decided to invest in the New Balance Minimus 10 V1, I wanted to make sure it was the right choice for my needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which might help you decide if these shoes are right for you.
Fit and Sizing
One of the first things I noticed about the Minimus 10 V1 was how true to size they run. I usually wear a size 10, and the Minimus 10 V1 fit snugly without feeling tight. If you have wider feet, however, you might want to try them on first or consider going half a size up since the toe box is a bit narrow.
Comfort and Cushioning
I appreciated the minimalist design which offers a barefoot feel but still provides enough cushioning for daily runs and gym workouts. The Vibram outsole gave me excellent ground feedback while maintaining comfort over different surfaces. If you prefer lots of padding, these might feel a bit firm at first.
Performance and Use
For my trail runs and cross-training sessions, the grip and flexibility of the Minimus 10 V1 really stood out. The shoe’s lightweight build helped me stay agile, and the low drop encouraged a natural running stride. If you’re looking for a versatile shoe for both road and light trail running, this is a solid option.
Durability
After several months of use, the shoe’s upper material held up well against wear and tear. The outsole also showed minimal signs of abrasion, which impressed me given the shoe’s minimalist profile. Just keep in mind that these aren’t meant for heavy trail abuse but are great for moderate use.
Style and Design
I liked the sleek, modern look of the Minimus 10 V1. It’s subtle enough to wear casually but technical enough to signal performance. The color options are varied but mostly understated, which suits my style.
Price and Value
At the price point, I felt the Minimus 10 V1 offered excellent value for a minimalist shoe with quality materials and solid performance. If you’re serious about minimalist running or want a lightweight cross-trainer, this shoe is worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
Buying the New Balance Minimus 10 V1 was a great decision for me. If you want a minimalist shoe that balances comfort, durability, and performance, these might be exactly what you’re looking for. Just make sure to try them on to get the perfect fit!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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