Facts
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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
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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.
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Price$120
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WeightMen: 10.3ozWomen: 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.
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Heel to toe dropMen: 4mmWomen: 4mm
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WidthMen: Normal, WideWomen: Normal, Wide
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Release dateUnknown
Rankings
Expert Reviews
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91 / 100 based on 4 expert reviews
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New Balance MX40: A reliable companion in and out of the weight room
The New Balance MX40 is designed for use as a multipurpose weightlifting shoe, making it appropriate for activities such as cross fit.
The TPU reinforcement over the mesh upper makes the shoe resistant to rips. A Vibram outsole provides amazing grip while ensuring a long lifespan for the shoe. The RevLite heel and Rapid Rebound midsole contribute to the shoe’s versatility, as it can be worn comfortably for runs, unlike New Balance’s other Minimus shoes.
This shoe also features a hard plastic heel cup for added support. Additionally, the 4mm drop allows the shoe to feel balanced during lifts. I believe that this shoe is not missing much in terms of the aspects needed to serve its purpose. I did notice that the shoe feels a tad bit clunky on foot, which can be attributed to the Vibram outsole.
Fit
Lengthwise, the MX40 fits true to size. However, the forefoot fits narrow and constricts even average width feet.
Fortunately, this shoe comes in a 2E (wide) width, which will work for most. The heel opening of the shoe is also a bit bigger than I was used to, causing slight heel slippage. This is not a shoe for wide footers.
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Value
At $140 CAD retail, this shoe sits at an average price. The MX40 is a great bang for your buck because it can serve many purposes.
Buyers can save their money and buy the MX40 instead of buying separate shoes for training and running. It performs well out of its price range and is a great do it all shoe.
Versatility Embodied
The MX40 is designed for cross-training, weight lifting, and short runs. Personally, it is my favorite shoe to squat in and I also use them for deadlifts, among other things.
This shoe has performed well for me and I appreciate that it feels extremely stable and supportive. I am able to feel the ground, yet still feel the responsive cushioning underneath my feet. The Vibram outsole feels extremely grippy, and I feel this especially while doing lateral agility drills.
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The midsole feels springy and combined with the Vibram outsole makes for a shoe that is very easy to make quick cuts with. The MX40 also performs well during short runs.
The shoe feels bouncy, responsive, and performs much better than other shoes in New Balance’s Minimus Line.
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The MX40 is a do-it-all cross trainer that is great for weightlifting. It feels bouncy and responsive which lends to its versatility on short runs and quick lateral movements.
One thing to note is that the shoe feels slightly clunky during runs, and is a bit too heavy to do any sprints in. All in all, it is a great value for the price.
Final thoughts
The New Balance MX40 is a versatile shoe that can be used for both weightlifting and short runs.
The Rapid Rebound and RevLite midsole feel responsive and comfortable. I, unfortunately, had problems with the fit of the shoe, which affected how it performed for me.
Buy this shoe if you have average/narrow feet, it is a great purchase for the price!
This expert has been verified by RunRepeat. Reviews are neutral, unbiased and based on extensive testing.
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When it comes dowm to everyday training...the New Balance Minimus 40 is probably the best that you're gonna get.
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I'll have to say it's a damn good shoe. It's damn good all way around.
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While not as stable on heavy squats and cleans as top performers like the Nike Metcon 3, the New Balance Minimus 40 performed well under moderate loads for lots of repetitions.
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. 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 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.