Verdict from 7 experts and +100 user reviews

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, weightlifting, and short running sessions.
  • Many people enjoyed the low-profile midsole which helped them feel grounded and stable throughout the workout.
  • The trainer was described as lightweight by the majority purchasers.
  • A good number of wearers lauded the grippy and durable Vibram outsole.
  • Multiple wearers agreed that the shoe feels comfortable on the foot.
  • The style and color options of the product delighted most customers.

2 reasons not to buy

  • A handful of buyers experienced durability issues after only a few weeks of using the trainer; some of them wrote that the outsole unit detached from the upper, while others griped about the ripped upper.
  • Several users found the sole unit too cushiony for heavier squats and deadlifts.

Bottom line

The lightweight, flexible, and low-profile construction of the New Balance Minimus 40 Trainer made it a comfortable workout shoe for various aspects of cross-training. It was also considered sturdy enough for moderate weightlifting.

Tip: see the best training shoes.

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Our reviews

85
/100 by , posted on .

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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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!

| Level 1 expert Verified
Hi, I'm Kyle! I have been involved in Track and Field for 3 years as a sprinter and long jumper, and as a result I have gone through many pairs of shoes. I also collect shoes and have great knowledge on the fit and technology of many shoes, particularly New Balance.

Good to know

The New Balance Minimus 40 Trainer is a minimalist workout shoe that was crafted to suit the various needs of cross-training aficionados. It 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

How Minimus 40 Trainer compares

This shoe: 86
All shoes average: 84
68 95
This shoe: $120
All shoes average: $126
$90 $200
This shoe: 10.3oz
All shoes average: 10.5oz
6.9oz 14.1oz
Ready to buy? Available from $86
Not sure yet? Overview of all 471 training shoes
Author
Nicholas Rizzo
Nicholas Rizzo

Nick is a powerlifter who believes cardio comes in the form of more heavy ass squats. Based on over 1.5 million lifts done at competitions, his PRs place him as an elite level powerlifter. His PRs have him sitting in the top 2% of bench presses (395 lbs), top 3% of squats (485 lbs) and top 6% of deadlifts (515 lbs) for his weight and age. His work has been featured on Forbes, Bodybuilding.com, Elite Daily and the like. Collaborating along the way with industry leaders like Michael Yessis, Mark Rippetoe, Carlo Buzzichelli, Dave Tate, Ray Williams, and Joel Seedman.

nick@runrepeat.com