Facts

  • Use
    Use

    Workout

    Shoes with optimum cushioning, lateral support, and flexibility for daily workouts and studio sessions. See workout shoes

    CrossFit

    Versatile, low-profile shoes for constantly varied exercises including plyometrics, sprinting, weightlifting, and rope climbing. See CrossFit shoes

    Weightlifting

    Heavy-duty shoes with a wedge and an elevated heel that create a sturdy platform and promote ankle mobility. See weightlifting shoes

    Walking

    Shoes for daily wear that ensure a smooth walking gait cycle. Check out walking shoes

  • Arch support
    Arch support

    Neutral

    For people with normal pronation. Also provide support for high-arched feet with underpronation (excessive outward rolling of the foot). See neutral training shoes

    Stability

    For people with low-arched or flat feet and moderate overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot). See stability training shoes

    Motion control

    Shoes feature stabilizing technologies for people with severe overpronation. See motion control training shoes

    Good to know

    Stability and motion control add-ons are uncommon for workout shoes and are never present in CrossFit or weightlifting footwear. They are mostly found in walking shoes where the gait is easier to correct.

  • Price
    Price
    $120
  • Weight
    Weight
    Men: 10.3oz
    Women: 8.1oz

    Weight

    Training footwear typically weighs between 200g and 300g per shoe to accommodate agile workouts. Minimalist trainers go as low as 150g, while weightlifting shoes can go as high as 500g.

  • Heel to toe drop
    Heel to toe drop
    Men: 4mm
    Women: 4mm
  • Width
    Width
    Men: Normal, Wide
    Women: Normal, Wide
  • Release date
    Release date
    Unknown
Show more facts

Summary

We spent 6.9 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what training geeks think:

6 reasons to buy

  • A considerable number of users admired the versatility of the Minimus 40 Trainer; it worked well for all aspects of CrossFit WODs, HIIT workouts, and Bootcamp training.
  • Many reviewers agreed that this workout shoe provided the right amount of cushioning for high-impact activities, as well as firmness for weightlifting.
  • The lightweight construction of the product gained the favor of many wearers.
  • Some users valued the flexibility of both the upper and the sole unit.
  • The shoe performed well during quick lateral movements, according to a handful of users.
  • Several athletes appreciated the breathability of the upper unit in hot environments.

4 reasons not to buy

  • Some buyers observed that this training shoe ran about half-a-size long.
  • Both width options fit narrower than most wearers expected.
  • Several athletes found that the platform lacked stability for heavy weightlifting.
  • A few users reported that the rubber on the outsole started peeling off after moderate use.

Bottom line

The New Balance Minimus 40 Trainer was able to impress a significant number of training enthusiasts. This workout shoe walked a fine line between the various aspects of cross-training. Lightweight and flexible, yet sturdy and supportive, it provided an easy switch between training, weightlifting, and running. On the flip side, a lot of buyers faced inconsistencies in the size and fit of the trainer. Other drawbacks included the lack of stability when lifting heavy weights and the frailty of the outsole.

Rankings

Top 37% overall
Best training shoes
Top 27% New Balance
Best New Balance training shoes
Top 4% most popular
Most popular training shoes

Expert Reviews

Experts are training geeks, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.

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91 / 100 based on 4 expert reviews

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Updates to New Balance Minimus 40 Trainer

  • The New Balance Minimus 40 Trainer is a minimalist workout shoe that was crafted to suit the various needs of cross-training aficionados. It features a woven synthetic mesh upper to keep the foot ventilated during vigorous exercises. The synthetic rubber reinforcements and an external TPU heel clip give structure to the façade and support the foot throughout the movement.
  • This shoe is marketed as the most run-friendly Minimus training shoe due to the minimal, yet responsive cushioning. It is delivered through the proprietary Rapid Rebound foam, as well as the REVlite compound in the heel.
  • A 4 mm heel-to-toe differential offers a relatively flat disposition. It helps in keeping the foot stable during lifts and lateral movements. A low-profile construction offers a more sensitive ground contact.
  • The trainer employs the Vibram® rubber outsole for multidirectional traction and enhanced durability.

New Balance Minimus 40 Trainer size and fit

The New Balance Minimus 40 Trainer is offered in both men and women’s versions. Lengthwise, it follows standard training shoe measurements. A range of full and half sizes is available from 7 to 15 for men and 5 to 12 for women. The width profiles are standard and wide: gentlemen can choose between D – Medium and 2E – Wide, and ladies can take a pick between B – Medium and D – Wide. The shoe is meant to be close-fitting.

Outsole

The Minimus 40 Trainer utilizes a Vibram® rubber outsole to provide athletes with boosted multi-directional traction and protection against abrasion. The sole extends to the lateral and medial sides for added lateral stability and security.

The geometrical flex grooves throughout the unit make sure that the natural flexibility of the foot is not hindered.

Midsole

The New Balance Minimus 40 Trainer uses the Rapid Rebound foam for a cushioned and responsive ride. It is claimed to give more energy return than the standard foam.

The REVlite technology features a foam compound for extra shock absorption in the heel section. The material is 30% lighter than other New Balance foams, but it offers the same responsiveness and durability.

Upper

The upper unit is made up of a woven synthetic mesh to provide a lightweight and breathable coverage. It is also designed to be flexible, bending along with the foot without creating any pressure points.

The shoe is reinforced with synthetic rubber overlays for more structured support and protection against wear and tear.

A molded external heel cup is made of a lightweight and sturdy TPU material to hold the rear firmly in place throughout the training session.

Comparison

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