Updated: February 10th, 2013
User Review: New Balance MO80 by Brett Kinggard

I wanted a flexible shoe that would hold up to daily trail running, so when I saw the New Balance MO80, a brand new shoe to the Minimus line, I was intrigued. The MO80 by definition is an all-purpose trail shoe. I can tell you that this shoe is a great addition to the Minimus family, and dare I say the best.

After 6-8 months of incorporating minimalist footwear into my training I began to feel much more excited about my running. But now I was beginning to wonder about the foot protection needed in my trail excursions. I feel nimble as a fox running trails in Bikilas, but after a few sharp rocks and an invisible tree root that has the potential to introduce you to the taste of the local dirt, I knew that more shoe protection was necessary, not to mention the need for traction.

The MO80 has a low profile, all Vibram sole, and a breathable synthetic mesh upper. I have run about 120 miles in them already and they have yet to disappoint. The shoe has a large toe bumper to protect your toes from trip hazards and the lugs are aggressive and spaced just far enough apart to allow a door to trail running route. I have had some issues with another shoe that just felt like a clodhopper on any stretch of pavement. But the MO80 is just the right mix of a hard pack gravel and technical trail workhorse. It has a seamless interior for those who prefer to go sockless and a non-removable insole. It is built on the same last as other Minimus shoes so the fit is the true to size and has a wide forefoot for toe splay. There is very little arch support, as should be expected, so the shoe feels very flat.

I really like the fact that when they get wet that the water just escapes the shoe. There is nothing on it that will hold water. The upper mesh is non porous and thin. As a result this is more of a three season shoe and I would not take it out in the snow. It is built for keeping your feet cool and comfortable.

The only downside I have discovered with the shoe is a slight heel slip. I need to lace these fairly tight to keep it locked down. It seems to slip more on the uphill stretches when I am really pushing on a forefoot climb. As such the slip is unnoticeable when I am relaxed and landing more on my mid-foot.

I feel that the MT00 was a misfire on the part of NB. The MO80 was what the MT00 should have been from the start. We are all not waif sized runners with limitless bouncing ability. Some of us are 6 foot tall and 180 pounds trying to keep from injuring ourselves on a daily run. Thus, I have come to realize that I need a little more shoe. The specs on the shoe give it a drop of 3mm, with 18mm heel and 15mm forefoot. That may seem beefier than what some would expect, but the shoe is very flexible. I have seen no wear on these shoes as of yet and expect them to be much more durable than the MT10. I have been running through trails ravaged by flash floods so the terrain is rocky and full of broken branches. A few times I have been poked by sticks and wondered if I would have holes in the upper after my run. Luckily they have held up beautifully.

If you are looking for a nimble shoe with a tad of cushion than the New Balance MO80 deserves your attention. I don’t know why New Balance doesn’t designate it with a true ‘MT’ label, maybe they hope for it to be a more all-around outdoor shoe. I can assure you that it is the best Minimus trail running shoe they have offered yet.

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