For the past few months, I’ve been on a shoe search for the perfect CrossFit shoe. Most of my friends utilize the Inov-8?s, converse or some other random running shoe, however, most of my friends agree that none are completely perfect. In any given workout, we could be lifting heavy weight off the floor {Deadlifts} or Box Jumping or Sprinting or even lifting heavy weight that requires some precise foot movements such as squat cleans. In a perfect world, I’d wear only my Olympic lifting shoes for anything that requires heavy lifting, racing flats for sprint workouts and a good cross trainer for everything in between. And, the hunt continues… So, I have a true story to share with you. I’ve always been a New Balance fan, so recently, I wrote to New Balance using their standard customer service form and asked them if they had a CrossFit shoe! This began a very helpful and intelligent string of emails with customer service and how they do have a new shoe called the Minimus that they are marketing for CrossFitters! Then, just two days later, I received an email from New Balance’s PR representative telling me about the new Minimus and would I like to try them for purposes of review on my blog!! It was my lucky day! The New Balance Minimus is designed for cross training with or without socks. They are a very lightweight, flat soled shoe that has a really cute pink accent trim. These shoes have been designed also for the barefoot technology in a very minimal approach to running that is very popular now.
How did they work for me?
Well, they work great for box jumping, I love lifting in them, I can throw wall balls and do burpees. They are cute, lightweight and easy to wear. My one main problem with them is that I can’t run in them. They are simply too flat. This is not the fault of New Balance, it’s mine. I haven’t yet learned how to run using more of a barefoot style running – meaning less heel strike and more on the balls of the feet. When I run in these shoes, even for a short distance, I feel like I need more support in the soles. But, for everything else that I do in CrossFit, they work great- even pushing heavy sleds!
Would I recommend them?
Heck yes! They are a great all around good cross training shoe that is reasonably priced, easy to obtain, and of high quality. How many of you have had good experiences with New Balance?!