Newbalance Minimus TR

Detailed Review

The New Balance Minimus TR is made for working out in the gym or casual walks in the city. Users can wear them when lifting heavy or doing HIIT workouts with the shoe’s lightweight feel and adequate support.

It does not provide the most barefoot feel among other minimalist shoes, but it balances conventional and minimalist. This makes it suitable for users gradually transitioning to going barefoot as they exercise.

Style and Design

Besides the New Balance Minimus TR’s retro colorway choices it’s known for, the design is also rooted in science. Its unique appearance on the upper and outsole are patterns coming from reaction-diffusion systems. 

According to Chase Robinson, New Balance’s senior designer, reaction-diffusion engineering refers to using software to design the shoe’s upper to create different zones of stretching and structuring with knit fabric. The knitting style, known as intarsia, knits all the zones continuously in a piece of fabric. 

As a result of using intarsia, users receive shoes with seamless construction for improved durability and breathability. Besides that, the unique design will give the user’s midfoot more lockdown without adding more layers to the pattern.

Reviewers are impressed with the shoe’s bright, attractive aesthetic that works well in the gym or casual wear. But for those who aren’t fans of the vibrant colorways, there are neutral colors to choose from as well. 

Materials and Durability

Weighing around 227 grams per shoe, the Minimus TR is considered lightweight considering the way it’s constructed. 

Many consumers like using the shoes because of their breathability, thanks to the seamless mesh upper that provides an airy feeling. That way, feet will stay cool during hot days or intense workouts. Furthermore, the shoes have premium liners, so people have the choice to go sock-less.

As for its durability, the Minimus TR is well-designed to last for years in the gym. Users have said that the shoe’s TPU-infused midsole won’t collapse even when carrying extremely heavy weights. Instead, it gives them adequate rebound. 

Combine the midsole with a supportive rubber shank; it gives the Minimus TR a good system to keep the shoes from wearing down too quickly.

Performance

As mentioned, the New Balance Minimus TR doesn’t provide the best ground connection. Reviewers consider it a conventional shoe with minimalist features! 

While numerous New Balance Minimus TR reviews commented on how tough it is to put the shoes on, they also shared how agile the shoes are when worn. Even if the shoes feature a thick midsole, it has good flexibility. When combining flexibility with the snug and lightweight fit, the shoes are pretty nimble.

Take note that these shoes are gym-specific trainers. Some people have used the Minimus TR for running but for low-intensity jogs in the gym or road. The shoe’s midsole will give proper cushioning and rebound for runs, but the traction won’t be enough when used for running outdoors, mainly off-road. 

The New Balance Minimus TR works best indoors and on hard surfaces, where users experience maximum grip and contact area. Those two factors are essential when lifting weights to stay stable and supported. 

How It Feels

Users say that the shoe’s stability and flexibility make it versatile, whether you’re doing dynamic exercises or lifting heavy. Reviews share that the Minimus TR doesn’t provide the most natural feel as other minimalist footwear. However, they also add that the zero-drop trainer is a good start to using minimalist footwear after being accustomed to the traditional ones. 

The Minimus TR is a zero-drop shoe, which encourages natural movement on the feet. This also improves your stability and natural ability to grip the surface. 

With the support from the midfoot rubber shank, the body prevents any aft and forward movement. That is crucial when performing dynamic exercises and also to avoid any exercise-related injuries from poor posture. 

Fit and Sizing

The shoes’ structure is more on the traditional side, featuring thick midsoles supported by rubber shanks to increase user stability. It also has a more conventional fit, using a full mesh wrap for feet to feel more snug and secure when worn. 

The tight fit comes from a stiffly sewn tongue constructed into the shoe vamp. While that feature contributed to the snug feel, it makes the shoe more challenging to wear or take off. 

As for the sizing, reviewers mention that the shoes run small, so it’s recommended to purchase half a size larger than your usual shoe size.