New Balance

NB Minimus Technology

1. Minimal means many things.

   "From the start, we envisioned creating a range of "minimal" within the collection in order to satisfy the interests and needs of a broad spectrum of runners. The response to our original 10 series product (4mm drop) has been terrific, but we know that there are many runners who are intensely interested in zero drop products. There are good reasons why a runner might prefer one style over the other — and we ultimately want to support them both and more."

2. 'Zero' refers to more than just the size of the drop.

   "We define our NB Minimus collection by 3 measures: weight, stack height and the heel-to-toe drop. Those are the levers that we can pull to create different levels of minimal product. In addition to the reduced drop, NB Minimus Zero products also feature lower stack heights and weights than the 10 series — 6.4 oz for NB Minimus Zero Road and 4.4 oz for NB Minimus Zero Trail."

   
3. Zero wouldn't have been possible without the first round of NB Minimus product.

   "We definitely learned a lot in the process of making the first NB Minimus product. I don't think we've ever done more prototype rounds on a shoe than the MT10!"

4. We've had too many ideas to fit into just one model.

   "We had some ideas for the 10 series that we weren't able to execute at the time. You'll begin to see those on the NB Minimus Zero product. One example is the coring of the midsole on the Zero that greatly reduces weight and provides amazing flexibility. In fact, we had an idea for the original product that we are still working on for the third evolution of NB Minimus in 2013."

   
5. These shoes are going to make you work for it.

   "The NB Minimus Zero series product is for runners who are looking to go even more minimal — more ground feel, more independent foot movement, less weight. The Trail Zero is particularly minimal. It will really force the runner to pay attention to how they are running because the shoe won't be doing any of the work for them."

6. You're going to want to come prepared.

   "We would recommend the NB Minimus Zeros to runners who are already experienced with minimal trainers. NB Minimus Zero would be a big departure for people who are running in traditional shoes — even more so than our current line. The zero drop is only part of the minimal equation that runners should note. We have significantly reduced the amount of foam and rubber underfoot."

7. Zero drop is going to be an adjustment for a lot of people.

   "Transition times vary per person, but it's important that even experienced minimal runners make transitions cautiously. Incorporate more minimal products slowly into your running schedule and be hyper-aware of what you are feeling in your feet, ankles and calves. We also highly recommend employing Good Form Running techniques while using minimal shoes."

8. NB Minimus is inspiring updates in other running shoes.

   "In general, we've found that runners are increasingly interested in more neutral platforms. We have taken this thinking into other areas of our running product line and have expanded our use of non-traditional off-sets. In Spring 2012, we'll launch 2 key performance updates that will move from a 12mm to an 8mm drop."

9. And even in some places that don't have anything to do with running.

   "You'll definitely see that influence in other products... you've already seen it with NB Minimus Life and NB Minimus Training."

   

NB Minimus Trail

A different approach to trail running, the NB Minimus Trail takes the proven durability of a Vibram® outsole and combines it with a fitted, minimalist upper that's comfortable with or without socks.

NB Minimus Life

Engineered for post-run recovery as well as for other casual wear, the slip-on NB Minimus Life shoe is sublimely comfortable with or without socks. This shoe is your perfect everyday approach to the minimalist lifestyle.

NB Minimus Cross-Trainer

The NB Minimus Cross-Trainer brings both elegant simplicity and technical advancement to your gym and circuit workouts. Engineered to keep your ankle stabilized in an ideal position, this cross-trainer is tremendously comfortable with or without socks, while providing the support and versatility of more traditional trainers.d

NB Minimus Road

The NB Minimus Road is designed to be used with or without socks on pavement and other varied running surfaces. Supremely comfortable and extremely lightweight, the NB Minimus Road is taking the running world by storm.

Width & Shoe Sizing

Just like people, feet come in all different shapes. Because shoes that fit better perform better, New Balance knows that proper fit means multiple widths. New Balance is the only manufacturer to offer the majority of shoe models in multiple widths, from narrow (2A) to extra-extra-wide (6E).

What size are you?

• In general, the standard Men's width is "D"; for Women, the standard width is "B". If the majority of shoes you own, or have purchased in the past, fit adequately, these are the widths you should select.
• If the shoes you own tend to feel overly spacious in width, you should consider selecting a narrower width size. If the shoes you own tend to feel noticeably narrow or snug, then you should consider selecting a wider width size.
• If your feet seem "between" sizes and you cannot decide which size to select, we suggest you choose the larger size. You can make adjustments for a better fit with socks, insoles, or a different lacing pattern.
• Since feet always swell during the day, we encourage you to try shoes on later in the day when your feet are at their largest.

Sizing Tips

• With respect to feel, your heel should fit snug with no slipping; the midfoot of the shoe under your arch and over the top of your foot should be snug but not tight; and you should have enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes.
• People are more than twice as likely to buy a shoe that is too small than too big. Clues that your shoes are too small or narrow include - foot cramping or "falling asleep" while running or just after running or the formation of blisters and calluses between or on your toes.
• New Balance shoes are made to fit directly out of the box. They do not need to be broken in.
• Feet typically get bigger with age. We encourage you to have your feet measured every year.
• Women's feet often become a half-size (or more) larger after pregnancy.
• Your left and right feet may differ in length or width as much as a full size. Be sure to measure and try shoes on both feet, and always buy shoes to fit your larger foot.

Shoe Lasts Chart

New Balance earned our position as the leader in shoe fit by offering more fit combinations than any other footwear company. In addition to shoe length and width, we use a shoe last. A shoe last is a 360 degree model of the foot used to create each shoe's heel width, instep height, toe box width and toe box depth. Though it's not the primary factor, in conjunction with length and width, the shoe last helps our customers achieve the best possible fit.

Last Type	Heel Width	Instep Height	Toe Box Depth	Forefoot Width
Women's
AL-2	Standard	Higher	Deeper	Standard
NBJ	Standard	Lower	Reduced Volume	Reduced Volume
PL-1	Anatomical	Lower	Reduced Volume	Reduced Lateral Forefoot Girth
PW-1	Anatomical	Lower	Reduced Volume	Wider and Lower Profile than PL-1
RL-1,SL-1, WX-001	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
RL-2, RL-3	Narrower	Standard	Standard	Standard
SL-2, WOL-01	Narrower	Higher	Deeper	Wider
Men's
AL-1, MB-001, MF-001, MX-001, RL-1, SL-1	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
CW-1, RL-2, RL-3	Narrower	Standard	Standard	Standard
MF-002	Standard	Higher	Deeper	Wider
MOL-01, SL-2	Narrower	Higher	Deeper	Wider
NBJ	Standard	Lower	Reduced Volume	Reduced Volume
PL-1	Anatomical	Lower	Reduced Volume	Reduced Lateral Forefoot Girth
PW-1	Anatomical	Lower	Reduced Volume	Wider and Lower Profile than PL-1
TSL-1	Narrower	Standard	Reduced Volume	Wider

Men's sizes

Women's Sizes