New Balance MT110 Trail Running Shoes - Men's

Awesome Trail Shoes
June 19, 2012

Prior to these shoes I have been running in the New Balance Minimus Road and Minimus Trail shoes. I have had zero issues with the Road, and do enjoy the Trail, but I had stepped on enough rocks that I was attracted to the 110 to offer more protection with the rock plate. The 110 is built on the same last as the Road and Trail, but it is narrower. Not a ton narrower, but combined with the stiffer upper material the toes feel more constrained when compared to the Road and Trail. However, I have not had any issues with this while running. The heel cup of the upper is also stiffer and more supportive than the Trail. This shoe feels more like a traditional shoe in regards to how it holds your foot while the Trail feels like a moccasin. I prefer that aspect of the Trail, but I love the rock plate of the 110. I do not need to pick my way down rocky sections in the 110. The traction is amazing. It is similar to the La Sportiva C-Lite (which was too narrow and too much heel for me) with the large lugs. However all of this traction did not bother me while running roads to get to the trails. The best part of this shoe for me is the lack of any arch support. The Trail has a small bulge under the arch that irritates my feet. I have not had that issue with the 110. My second run with these shoes was 14 miles on road and trails, and they felt great, no break in period required. I will definitely grab these shoes for any longer trail runs, or especially rocky trails, and I imagine I will also use these as a hiking shoe. For shorter trail runs I will probably swap between these and the Trail. Plus they are less expensive than any of the Minimus shoes. I read a lot of complaints about the colors, but I think the black with blue and orange looks cool. If you like running in lightweight, more minimal shoes but want more protection than barefoot slippers then these will be great.

Impressed, great trail shoe
April 01, 2012

Have very few miles in these yet, but very impressed. Took a chance and used them brand new out of the box in a 10k trail race I have done many times, last year in the NB 101's. And sockless too, since they are marketed for that, and I will be using them without socks in Xterra tri's later in the year. I loved the 101's but feel these are step forward. The extra cushioning in the forefoot just makes a better feel and grip of the trail. Think your sole is conforming to the terrain better instead of bouncing off. You still have a rock plate for protection, but these have a better grip and my stride felt very smooth. Faster time also. They are silky soft inside and have a wider toe box than the 101's. The color choices are little much, but when I switched out the red/orange laces for blackish Lock Laces in my titanium model they looked fine, especially now very dusty.