Our verdict

We found it refreshing to see a traditional brand like New Balance still making true minimalist shoes. The MT10 mixes a classic running shoe fit with a moderate drop and a super-thin midsole. In our experience, it felt light, very flexible, and great for trail or road runs. The Vibram outsole grips well, and we believe it’s also a solid choice for anyone transitioning toward barefoot shoes. However, we really wish the toebox was wider and had more room for toe splay!

Pros

  • Super-flexible build
  • Good durability
  • Low stack height
  • Sock-like comfortable upper
  • Cushioned heel
  • Vibram outsole
  • Great value
  • Works for road and trail running

Cons

  • Limited toe splay
  • Non-removable insole reduces customization
  • Lacks a zero-drop geometry

Audience verdict

N/A
Not enough reviews yet

Who should buy

We tested the New Balance MT10 thoroughly, and we believe it's a great match for:

  • Runners who love minimalist footwear and need a versatile, road-to-trail option that keeps things simple but functional.
  • Those with slim feet who often find barefoot shoes too roomy and prefer a more classic, narrower fit.
  • Anyone transitioning into barefoot shoes who still wants a touch of underfoot cushioning.

New Balance MT10

Who should NOT buy

We found that the MT10 misses the mark for those chasing a natural ride—its 5.0 mm offset may disappoint purists seeking a truly flat feel. If that’s you, we suggest the Merrell Trail Glove 7 as a zero-drop alternative.

From our perspective, the tapered, traditional toebox will be another letdown for some. It lacks the foot-shaped spaciousness many minimalist fans love. We recommend checking the Xero Shoes Scrambler Low instead—it features a roomy forefoot and a Michelin outsole, making it a better fit for wider feet and natural foot splay.

New Balance MT10 parts

Cushioning

Heel stack

The New Balance MT10 is a true minimalist running shoe with just 15.6 mm in the heel, yet it still includes a slim midsole for light protection. In our view, it strikes a nice middle ground between ground-feel and long-distance comfort, especially for extended mountain sessions.

New Balance MT10 Heel stack
Test results
MT10 15.6 mm
Average 31.9 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
19.6 mm
Heel stack
42.4 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot comes with less stack height at just 10.6 mm, which we clearly felt during our field test of the MT10. By the way, the name stands for “Minimus Trail 10” and keeps the spirit of this barefoot-inspired series from New Balance alive.

New Balance MT10 Forefoot stack
Test results
MT10 10.6 mm
Average 24.5 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
13.4 mm
Forefoot stack
33.9 mm

Drop

The advertised drop of this shoe is 4.0 mm, but we measured a real drop of 5.0 mm. That’s such a tiny change—about the width of a few human hairs—that it’s impossible to feel underfoot.

The MT10 is built for trails, but it can also handle city walks with no issues. 

However, we believe that this drop might deter zero-drop purists. New Balance follows a low-drop setup rather than going fully flat, and that’s something to keep in mind when considering the MT10.

New Balance MT10 Drop
Test results
MT10 5.0 mm
Average 7.5 mm
Compared to 136 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.1 mm
Drop
17.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Having such a paper-thin midsole, it simply couldn't be soft—it would bottom out too fast, and durability would take a serious hit. That’s why a firm setup makes sense for minimalist shoes like this.

The firm EVA layer we tested delivered a 34.4 HA reading—one of the highest we've recorded in the lab. While this would feel too harsh in most shoes, we believe it’s the right choice for the MT10’s ground-connected design.

New Balance MT10 Midsole softness
Test results
MT10 34.4 HA
Average 22.6 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 113 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
9.1 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

Under cold temperatures, the MT10 held up well for being EVA based, firming up by just 24%. And since it already feels quite hard, we’re pretty sure you won’t notice the extra firmness creeping in.

New Balance MT10 Midsole softness in cold (%)
Test results
MT10 24%
Average 26%
Compared to 113 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
5%
Midsole softness in cold
68%

Rocker

Like most minimalist running shoes, the MT10 uses a barely-there rocker with a light toe-off that helps during runs and walks. Just don’t expect any dramatic motion—it’s more of a subtle push than a rolling ride.

New Balance MT10 rocker

There’s also almost no rear bevel—just a small human-shaped curve that mimics your calcaneus bone.

New Balance MT10 Rocker

Size and fit

Size

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Toebox width - widest part

Most minimalist shoes are wide and shaped like a human foot—but not the MT10. New Balance went with a more traditional last that feels noticeably narrower than the ultra-roomy design used in barefoot shoes.

We proved with our 1:1 gel mold of the toebox that the MT10 offers a compact-and-snug fit. We measured just 91.8 mm at the widest part, making it one of the narrowest minimalist shoes we’ve ever analyzed, and we think it's ideal for those with narrow or average feet.

New Balance MT10 Toebox width - widest part
Test results
MT10 91.8 mm
Average 95.8 mm
Compared to 58 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
89.8 mm
Toebox width - widest part
99.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

While the ball of the foot feels a bit snugger than most shoes, the big toe area stays fairly standard (75.0 mm) with an average-shaped taper. 

New Balance MT10 Toebox width - big toe
Test results
MT10 75.0 mm
Average 74.9 mm
Compared to 58 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
69.8 mm
Toebox width - big toe
85.3 mm

Toebox height

While the MT10 doesn't offer much horizontal wiggle room, there’s a surprising amount of vertical space for upward movement—something we rarely find in a minimalist shoe!

Through our evaluation, we discovered one of the tallest toe areas we’ve ever tested, reaching a super-high 38.3 mm. This spacious design makes it incredibly accommodating for upward toe motion.

New Balance MT10 Toebox height
Test results
MT10 38.3 mm
Average 27.2 mm
Compared to 58 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
22.0 mm
Toebox height
31.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Minimalist shoes often feel grounded and inherently stable thanks to their ultra-low profile, but at the same time, they can feel unsteady for some runners due to the total absence of support-enhancing features in the design.

From our perspective, the MT10 offers top stability that works well for runners with neutral mechanics thanks to its low-stack midsole. However, we found that any side-to-side movement is not controlled—this shoe won’t help if your feet start to roll or wobble.

Torsional rigidity

For a shoe to qualify as a minimalist model, one key requirement is ultra-low torsional rigidity—in simple terms, it should twist with ease. Fortunately, the MT10 nailed this test, scoring just 1 out of 5.

Test results
MT10 1
Average 3.6
Compared to 131 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

We also expect a minimalist shoe to feature an unstructured heel counter, allowing tendons and muscles to handle foot alignment and stability. The MT10 passed this test as well, scoring another 1 out of 5.

Test results
MT10 1
Average 3.1
Compared to 129 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

After some hands-on tests, we grabbed our calipers again to measure the MT10's midsole. In the forefoot, we recorded just 104.4 mm—a below-average figure that, in our view, perfectly matches its lightweight construction perfectly.

New Balance MT10 Midsole width - forefoot
Test results
MT10 104.4 mm
Average 112.3 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
102.1 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
124.3 mm

Midsole width - heel

The heel is ultra-narrow, closely mimicking the natural shape of the human foot, with zero midsole flare to assist.

As we mentioned earlier, stability depends on you—and this minimalist 72.0 mm measurement confirms it.

New Balance MT10 Midsole width - heel
Test results
MT10 72.0 mm
Average 89.5 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
72.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.0 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

In our opinion, aside from midsole thickness, this is the most revealing test to confirm whether a shoe meets true minimalist standards.

The MT10 passed brilliantly—scoring just 5.6N in our 90-degree bend test—thanks to its yoga-like, ultra-flexible build.

Test results
MT10 5.6N
Average 27.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
5.6N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
54.5N

Weight

The MT10 is a feather-light trail running shoe, no doubt about that, as it tips our scale at just 7.05 oz or 200g. Still, for such a low-stack, slim-profile build, we think it could shave off a few more grams.

New Balance MT10 Weight
Test results
MT10 7.05 oz (200g)
Average 10.23 oz (290g)
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
7.51 oz (213g)
Weight
12.66 oz (359g)

Breathability

When we first looked at the MT10’s upper, it didn’t appear especially breathable. But we never guess—we test. So, we hooked it up to our smoke machine and waited to see how much airflow made it through.

After testing, we were content with the outcome. We rated it 3/5, which is close to average for trail-ready shoes. It’s not overly airy, so we suggest pairing it with thin socks for warmer days to improve comfort.

Shining a light behind the material gave us more insight. It’s clearly not a lightweight upper, as transparency was limited in most areas, showing a denser build.

New Balance MT10 microscope

Through our microscope, we discovered a dual-layer mesh.

New Balance MT10 mesh

The inner lining is thick and limits airflow, but this extra protection likely prevents premature wear in rugged conditions—something we think that New Balance considered carefully.

We were pleasantly surprised by the upper’s stretchy feel. For a minimalist shoe, the rear of the MT10 feels exceptionally cushioned—ideal for runners who want the best of both worlds.

Test results
MT10 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 114 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Thanks to the dual-layer mesh design, we recorded an outstanding durability score—earning a rare 5/5 in our lab and joining an elite group of ultra-tough uppers.

Test results
MT10 5
Average 3.1
Compared to 94 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel counter didn’t match the upper’s durability, but it still achieved a solid 3/5 score. That's enough to ensure it holds up well for the majority of runners.

Test results
MT10 3
Average 2.8
Compared to 92 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The outsole of the New Balance MT10 features a Vibram compound (84.0 HC) with a rare circular-lug pattern that maximizes surface contact. We think it’s designed for solid grip across mixed terrains—from smooth pavement to rocky trails.

New Balance MT10 outsole

Each lug is small and tightly packed, offering a highly-flexible yet grippy underfoot feel. According to our assessment, this layout favors natural movement, which is essential in a minimalist running shoe.

New Balance MT10 Outsole hardness
Test results
MT10 84.0 HC
Average 85.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
75.5 HC
Outsole hardness
96.1 HC

Outsole durability

Vibram outsoles typically perform well in durability tests, and this one was no exception. After using the Dremel, we measured just 0.9 mm of wear—an excellent result that easily passes our benchmark.

Test results
MT10 0.9 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 87 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

The outsole (lugs included) measures 4.3 mm thick, providing solid ground protection. That’s especially important for the MT10, which lacks the extra cushioning found in high-stack shoes.

New Balance MT10 Outsole thickness
Test results
MT10 4.3 mm
Average 2.3 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
0.9 mm
Outsole thickness
5.5 mm

Misc

Price

We think the MT10 is priced competitively within the minimalist market—especially considering it features a Vibram outsole. From our perspective, there's really nothing to complain about here.

Test results
MT10 $110
Average $148
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
$60
Price
$260

Reflective elements

The MT10 skips reflective elements, which didn’t catch us off guard—after all, it’s a shoe that lives by the “less is more” mantra. Still, we believe this would’ve been a smart exception to make.

New Balance MT10 Reflective elements
Test results
MT10 No

Tongue padding

The tongue, just like most parts of the MT10, follows a stripped-down, no-frills design. It packs only 1.3 mm of padding, so don't expect a cushy step-in or pillow-like feel.

New Balance MT10 tongue design

The lacing setup also leans toward the simple side, featuring flat laces and no extra eyelet for a runner's knot.

New Balance MT10 Tongue padding
Test results
MT10 1.3 mm
Average 6.3 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
12.3 mm

Tongue: gusset type

While the MT10 skips the usual tongue loop, it doesn’t need one, because its sock-like construction keeps everything locked in place with zero shifting.

New Balance MT10 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
MT10 Sock like

Heel tab

The back of the shoe includes a finger-loop heel tab that makes slipping into the snug, sock-like upper much easier.

New Balance MT10 Heel tab
Test results
MT10 Finger loop

Removable insole

Unlike most shoes, the insole of the MT10 is not removable.

New Balance MT10 Removable insole
Test results
MT10 No