New Balance Minimus Zero General Info
The Minimus Zero takes the minimalist design of the award-winning Minimus shoe and goes even lighter—creating a shoe that mimics the design of a racing flat but with more comfort and durability, allowing runners to take the lightweight experience on the road or trail as a daily trainer.
The Minimus Zero is a shoe which does its best to not be a “true shoe” – the barely-there sole, zero drop design, and mesh upper yields a shoe which feels more like a slipper, allowing the runner to have an unparalleled tactile experience.
Weighing in at a scant 7.8 ounces, the Minimus Zero is among burgeoning minimalist models which provide an “ultra-minimalist” experience by shedding weight, cushioning, and creating a close-to-barefoot experience while still protecting the foot.
New Balance Minimus Zero Impressions
When I felt how light the shoes were while still in the box, I knew I was in for an interesting test drive. The Minimus Zero is the thinnest, lightest shoe I’ve ever worn.
The design is incredibly intuitive, as every element of the shoe is engineered for lightweight performance. The barely-there sole features a rugged, simple, and flat design while the midsole provides but a scant amount of cushioning. Most impressive of all is the shoe’s upper, which is made entirely of an almost see-through mesh fabric.
Topped off with a pair of flat, study laces, the shoe felt like the running equivalent of a high-end sports car: light enough to maintain speed, designed for performance, and unforgiving of poor form and technique.
When I went out for my first run, I knew my form would need to be perfect in order to get the best experience possible. Since the Minimus Zero is cushioned only where it is needed, I suspected the shoes would not be forgiving of heel striking or less-than-efficient foot movement.
As I became better acquainted with the shoes, however, I was shocked to see that there was some leniency for improper form. Longer runs on tired legs did not impact the comfort and efficiency of the workout, as the shoes stayed comfortable despite their lack of cushioning.
All things considered, I truly enjoyed the Minimus Zero. My experience with minimalist shoes tends to include models with more cushioning, but I found these shoes to bring my foray into minimalist running to an entirely new level. Having a shoe which is half racing flat and half minimalist trainer will be an incredible asset for my training, and could yield tremendous results for runners seeking a lightweight, slipper-like shoe.
New Balance Minimus Zero Sole Unit
The Minimus Zero sole unit is small but powerful. The road model’s outsole features a layer of rugged Vibram rubber, including patches of high-strength rubber in impact areas along the heel and midfoot. By including a thin layer of high-grade rubber, New Balance is able to improve the shoe’s lifespan without relying on a greater amount of lesser material. The pod design replaces a conventional tread pattern, creating concave portions along the bottom of the shoe which provide greater traction on uneven or gravel surfaces. The trail version of the Minimus Zero takes this design a step further, featuring cutouts in the outsole where unnecessary rubber was removed entirely to shed weight.
The midsole features a similarly-minded design—featuring cushioning only where it counts, and only in conservative amounts. For starters, the shoe features a zero heel drop, creating a truly flat running experience. This design element can take some getting used to: I tend to run in shoes with a small heel drop, and the zero drop design of the shoe was still noticeable. The learning curve was overcome easily, however, and I truly loved having a flat striking surface for my feet as I ran. While it forced me to work harder, I knew that the extended effort required to run efficiently in a zero-drop shoe would help strengthen my legs and improve my flexibility during long runs.
Additionally, the midsole features a svelte level of cushioning throughout—only truly noticeable in the arch. New Balance cautions runners interested in the Minimus Zero who may be used to higher levels of cushioning, and with good reason. I felt that the midsole of the shoe was truly designed for advanced runners, as a high level of proprioception is necessary in order to make the most out of this shoe.
New Balance Minimus Zero Upper Unit
When the New Balance design team pointed toward the burrito as an influence on the shoe’s upper unit, I knew we would be kindred spirits. My love for Mexican food is rivaled only by my love for the built-in tongue of the Minimus Zero, which is created only through an asymmetrical cut along a unibody design.
This design feature creates a shoe with a slipper-like feel, and provides an efficient method of adjusting the wear, fit, and comfort of the upper without removing the potential for adjustments by eschewing a tongue altogether. The rest of the upper is made from a lightweight mesh material which dries incredibly fast—often before a mid- to long-distance run is complete.
New Balance was able to shed considerable weight in this regard by opting for one of the more lightweight materials available, and in turn created a running experience which is breathable and comfortable. Outside of a minimally-designed upper, the shoe features a hard, supportive heel cap. Based on my experiences in the shoe, I found the heel cap to rise uncomfortably high when running in low-rise socks. This small critique of the upper, however, is not enough to overshadow the wholly-positive design elements throughout the rest of the shoe.
New Balance Minimus Zero Opinion
At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, the Minimus Zero tested my mettle as a minimalist runner. The shoes made my go-to trainers look like neutral-cushioned shoes by contrast, and provided an experience unlike anything I’ve had before. Despite having tried countless shoes in the minimalist market, I found that the Minimus Zero presented something incredibly unique: I came away feeling I had run in shoes which had done all they could to not “feel” like shoes.
New Balance has created a model with seeks to have no real influence on the wearer’s gait, style, or function, and has created an amazing road shoe in the process. If I had been blindfolded, it’s quite possible that I would forget I was wearing a pair of shoes entirely. The slipper-like feel and minimal design helps create a trainer with a racing flat feel. The Minimus Zero is an advanced shoe for an experienced minimalist runner, and I for one loved the challenge of running in a shoe that was barely there.
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Written by Brian O'Connor
Brian is a writer/editor focusing on running, fitness, and sports medicine. With experience in Sports Medicine, Orthopedics, and Nutrition, Brian's interests include research on running and endurance activity-related injuries, rehabilitative medicine, and the role of footwear in orthopedics. Brian is a longtime contributor to RunningShoesGuru.com, focusing on the minimalist shoe market along with technological advances within shoe design.
I have a pair strictly as a foot strengthening tool.
The fit is brilliant – so snug. Like a cross between a sock and a slipper. The forefoot is wide but I find the midfoot very narrow. So much so that the lateral edge of my foot overhangs the midsole.
I also don’t like that I can feel the uneven circular outsole pattern through the midsole on the ball of my foot – feels like there’s a pebble or something stuck inside the shoe.
Not quite as flexible as the Nike Free, but a better, more foot-conforming fit IMO.
I expect a minimalist runner would probably go ape over these. However, for my purposes (as a runner using conventional trainers and wanting a foot strengthening tool) I find they’re a tad disappointing. Another 1 or 2mm of midsole padding and they’d be ideal for that purpose.
In addition to my comments above – the red foam section of the sole in the heel area is wearing extremely fast. The entire medial section of the heel area is made from this material and soon the shoe will be worn down on the inside, forcing my feet into an over-pronated position. What a monumentally dumb design feature. These obviously are designed for people whose heels never touch the ground!
Yes, they are designed for a midsole strike. So the heal is unlikely to wear!! Great shoe for Good Form Running.
Steve WHY on eath are you heal striking in these shoes!? Do some research because you clearly are running wrong in them.
I did research them Chris. A midfoot landing will accumulate wear on the foam section of the heel, resulting over time in forced over-pronation.
I also use the MR00s for walking, which wears the foam section on the heel.
I don’t think your review is fair. These shoes are made specifically to be light, almost a racing flat, yet you’re wearing them as a daily shoe and walking in them. This results in a completely different and increased wear pattern. Granted, our gait is probably considerably different, but I’ve not seen abnormal wear and tear of the mid section whatsoever. In fact, the harder rubber juts out further than the middle foam, taking almost all of the impact and abrasion.
Also, it is worth mentioning that these shoes are supposed to be made to be worn barefoot. I have narrow feet, so I wear them with socks – but for those that have indicated the shoe is far too narrow, you’ll need to account for it by going up a half size or more.
It’s hard to rate a shoe, since what is a good shoe for some isn’t so for others. I was super-excited to try these on, and thought for sure I would get a pair, but they just weren’t the shoe for me. My ankles rolled inwards in these, and I don’t have pronation issues at all. Even when just standing in these I felt it, and I had to walk out of the store with a sad face.
The new 00′s are more narrow at the fore front (ball) of the foot resulting in a pinched uncomfortable shoe. I ordered the 2E (wide) version and was so very disappointed. I have two pair of the NB minimun 10′s (same size and width) and they are roomy and perfect as I’ve run several 1/2 marathons and have run 100′s of miles in them. I was hoping the 00′s would be the replacement to get me more minimalist – but I guess not for me. They either need a 4E width or a redesign. How frustrating!
I had a similar frustrating experience – at first. It turns out that the MR00 is built on a different last(NL-0)than the MR10 (NL-1). What I had to with the MR00 was go up half a size and go from a D width to 2E. The length still works and the upper is flexible enough that the heel still fits tight enough while still being very comfortable without being too loose.
At first I wanted the Nike Free 3.0 but a friend talked me into NB and Im glad he did! I have the ‘orange, white, surf web’ color and LOVE them to death. The orange is more of a YELLOW.
After wearing them around them gym and then on a few runs I liked the Minimalist feel so much I decided to get a second pair. One for running and one for the gym/casual. I went to buy the Nike Frees’ I first wanted. After trying them on, I put the Nikes back on the shelf and then went home and odered another pair of NB Minimus Zeros in red/black.
I particulary like doing calve raises and squatsin these. Its improved my form and I feel its easier to target the intended muscle groups.
My previous shoe of choice were the Saucony Hattori. I went through 3 pairs of those things. Having narrow feet, though, I never felt like they were all that secure. I believe they have a version of the Hattori out with laces, but I haven’t brought myself to try them yet.
These are now my running shoe of choice. For trail runs, I need the support and stability of the MT10s, but for everything else, these are my favorite.
Longest I’ve run thus far in these is 10 miles and given proper minimalist training, I believe they would take you through a marathon without issue.
On my most worn pair, I have just under 200 miles on them, and it looks like I can probably put another 100 miles or so. I’m a lighter runner (just over 170 pounds) so I can’t speak to how they might wear for heavier runners, but so far, these are my favorite running shoes I’ve ever owned.
I love these shoes. I changed over to them as always suffered with toe/nail problems. I wear them without socks which seems to have been the cause of my nailbed inflammation for some reason. I’m not a fast runner but my times have improved dramatically, running feels so much easier and I’m loving it at the moment. Only criticism is ankle collar a bit too high and I suffered with blisters to start with, all ok now though. Running form previously obviously not too good as also suffered with sore/stiff glutes but not since changing to NB. Win win situation for me.
Ordered the trail version too and although ok not as comfortable as road shoe. Material not as comfortable, shame not same tongue design but still a good shoe to run in.
Hi Brian,
Decided to give these a go before grabbing a pair of kinvara’s. I got more curious about 0 drop and a more minimal cushioning to improve my form.
Went on a couple of runs on them already, and these have already become my favorite pair of shoes to run in. Only thing holding me back to running with these on a long run is the warning on the box. lol.
Currently switching these and my K-Ona’s and 1260v2, and I already notice that running on those shoes seem to be a lot easier since I started running with the Minimus Zero’s.
Btw, is it a good idea to keep switching between the shoes that I have on my training runs? I’m also expecting a pair of Asics Gel Neo33 soon, and will be adding those to my rotation as well.
Thanks for the great reviews, and more power to the site.
Great to hear they’re working out so well for you! By all means feel free to rotate shoes in your training–as long as it’s working for you, it’s perfectly fine to do. Most would recommend switching out shoes, so if you find a good schedule it’s perfectly fine to follow it.
Cool! Thanks for the reply!
Happy New Year and more miles to come!
These are far and way my favorite road shoes. I second everything this article mentions, except for the cons (I never had any issues with the collar). I’ve put around 1,000 miles on these and just ordered two new pairs as I’m worried the NB Hi-Rex (release April 2013) won’t live up to the MR00s.
I am relatively a new runner. I started running in Nike Lunar glide4, because I have low arches (not totally flat) and they are supposed to give you some support. Long story short I got an injury wearing those shoes(peroneal tendonitis) though I can’t just blamed the shoes, there might have been some other factors. After doing some research about running mechanics I decided to give these a try(I know I went extreme trying a 0 drop minimal show). I can only say these are the most comfortable shoes I have ever had, and I am so happy with them. Now, I have been exclusively running in these shoes. I have improved my running mechanics, speed, and have become a midfoot striker. I love the light weight, tongue design, feedback (the moment you hit your heel you will know, and that’s the point of these shoes), and the way that it kind of wraps around my foot. I am looking to by a second and third pair of these before they disappear. btw I had never owned a new balance shoe before, but I am definitely a fan now. Thank You!