Review: New Balance Minimus 3090 Ionix Running Shoes

It was finally the day to say goodbye to my Nike Shox from 6 years of running indoors, outdoors, through the mud, through my bikini competition prepping, dodgeball-ing, and of course chasing the boys :D

Don't get me wrong, I could probably wear those Shox down until I couldn't wear them anymore. I love my old shoes. But when splashed water on the front of the shoes would make my socks wet or the foam padding at the heels would come out after each use...I knew it was time to replace them.

Good thing SportsChek at West Edmonton Mall was having one of their BOGO 1/2 off sales or I probably would have waited another year to get some new shoes. Sam, the fiancé, was also on the market for new shoes. His situation...even worse than mine...having had his shoes for a good 10 years. It was definitely time!



I tried on a couple of running shoes. Nike Free's - I didn't enjoy too much. It felt too much like a barefoot running shoe, which I already own (Vibram FiveFingers). I then tried on the New Balance Minimus and WOW I was impressed.

Here are the details about the shoe:

 

Features:
4mm drop
No sew synthetic overlays for support
Synthetic/Mesh upper
EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) foam footbed for cushioning

This shape provides a standard fit with slight adjustments, including a more anatomical heel, an improved arch and a closer fit in the toe box. One of our most popular lasts in running, cross-training and court.

I immediately enjoyed the cushioning in the shoe, as well as the lightweight feel it had (so different than my Shox, which were extremely HEAVY). I felt support horizontally and throughout the heel area. These shoes are also very breathable, which is awesome. My other shoes...not so much. You wouldn't want to be near me when I took off my Shox. They could scare off ANYONE.



I typically weight train doing total body circuits and treadmill training. This shoe is perfect for both horizontal and vertical movements. My old shoes were definitely weighing me down. NOW, I feel as free as a bird when I do my workout. I am superwoman!!!

If there was one bad thing I would have to say about the shoe, it would be that it comes a little narrow at the front of the shoe...but then again...I do have wider feet. MEH! I still enjoy them nonetheless.

Conclusion: These shoes are great for any type of training style. There are great for anyone who wants something in between a minimalistic shoe and a support shoe. It was well worth the amount I paid for them. I highly recommended this shoe. New Balance, I give you props for making an amazing shoe.

PS. Thanks to Brandy for recommending the Minimus. I adore them!

Five Things (or more) about Vibram Five Fingers

"Those are some interesting shoes."

  

"Those look funny." 

"Are those clown shoes?"

"How do they feel?"

Just some of the comments you will get from strangers on a regular basis if you own a pair of Vibram Five Fingers.  They look like this:

YUP!  Those are my feet!

Now Let's Talk About Them "Shoes".  It all dates back to the pre-historic times when cave men were chasing animals for food...okay okay...that is how I think they came up with the idea.  But truthfully, they were running on their bare feet.  Trying to stabilize themselves with both their heels & toes.  They call this "natural running" or "barefoot running".  

One of the benefits of performing your daily physical activities with Five Fingers is the ability for each individual toe muscle to be utilized.  When wearing a shoe, all the piggies are compacted tightly together.  This does not allow for them to ever get exercised or stimulated.  Because the VFF design allows for this, a person can expect significant changes in strength within the toes, calves, legs and even your core stability muscles.  Another great benefit is your feet are able to move in a more natural way as compared to wearing a sneaker.

A couple of things about the VFF:

• It isn't for everyone.  I personally LOVE mine but listen to your body and do what's best for you
• They tend to smell after a while.  VFF are machine washable (gentle cycle-warm water cycle).  Pop them in the wash and TA-DA they are brand new again.
• People will constantly stop you and ask about the shoes (somewhat of a nuisance, especially when working out)
• Light as a feather.  VFF are super lightweight.  No more heavy shoes weighing down your gym bag.
• Killer Calves!!!  They will hurt at first but trust me when I say your calves will look fabulous after many sessions of wear.  
• No-no for people who need ankle support.  I definitely would say stick to a regular running shoe if that is the case.
• Take a break. There are some activities that may require the stability a sneaker holds.  Just play around with what works best.
• There is controversy in everything.  Some Podiatrist's say barefoot running can lead to injuries while Pro-users claim it has helped them with proper form and helps reduce injuries (from their own personal experience).
• Don't do a marathon on your first wear. Switching to this type of training takes time for your body to adapt and adjust.  Make it a gradual process...kind of like a marathon.  

Bottom Line: As a personal trainer,  it is my professional opinion that every muscle group (no matter how big or small) needs to be stimulated for overall body development.  It is your own personal decision to make the switch or not.

Now I leave you with a poem by yours truly about the Vibram Five Fingers.  ENJOY!

This little piggy went to the market.  

This little piggy stayed home and slept.  

This little piggy had lean beef.  

This little piggy had a whole wheat bun.  

And this little piggy went running WEE WEE WEE all the way home....in Vibrams.

 Official Vibram Website: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/
Purchased locally or online at: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Footwear/Barefoot.jsp