The New Balance Minimus Trail Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The New Balance Minimus Trail is a versatile trail shoe designed for those who appreciate a minimalist approach. Its lab results indicate that it effectively combines characteristics of traditional trail footwear with the lightweight feel of a minimalist model, making it ideal for runners seeking agility on varied terrain.

With its notable features, the New Balance Minimus Trail provides a solid foundation for off-road adventures. Lab testing reveals that its construction supports both stability and flexibility, translating to reliable performance during dynamic movements.

This shoe presents a balanced option for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a fair-priced solution that maintains functionality without unnecessary bulk.


Pros

  • Outstanding durability
  • Bends like a yoga teacher
  • FuelCell foam delivers good bounce
  • Reasonably priced
  • Great for transitioning towards barefoot shoes
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Bold design
  • Works wonders for hiking too

Cons

  • Moderate drop won't fit everyone's needs
  • Heel rocker can feel unnatural
  • Narrow, tapered toebox limits toe splay
  • Poor grip

Key Features

  • FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to enhance your performance.
  • AT Tread outsole provides versatile traction for both on and off-road activities.
  • Constructed from lightweight and durable textile material.
  • No-sew construction in the upper ensures a sleek fit and feel.
  • 0 mm drop; note that this may vary due to manufacturing processes.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Rubber
  • Inner material: Textile, Cotton

New Balance Minimus Trail Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

New Balance Minimus Trail Inov8 Trailfly NNormal Kjerag Hoka Zinal 2
Price $120 $150 $195 $180
Trail terrain Light Light Light Moderate
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 7.5 oz / 213g 9.9 oz / 282g 7.5 oz / 214g 7.5 oz / 213g
Lightweight
Drop lab Drop brand 5.2 mm 6.0 mm 8.6 mm 7.2 mm
Strike pattern Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot
Size Slightly small Slightly small True to size Slightly small
Midsole softness Soft Soft Balanced Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Big Small Normal Big
Plate Rock plate
Toebox durability Very good Decent Decent Very bad
Heel padding durability Good Good Decent Good
Outsole durability Good Good Decent Decent
Breathability Moderate Moderate Warm Moderate
Width / fit Narrow Medium Medium Narrow
Toebox width Medium Wide Medium Medium
Stiffness Flexible Stiff Flexible Stiff
Torsional rigidity Flexible Flexible Moderate Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Flexible Flexible Flexible
Lug depth 3.3 mm 3.9 mm 3.0 mm 3.7 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 19.5 mm 30.1 mm 25.0 mm 29.8 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 14.3 mm 24.1 mm 16.4 mm 22.6 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Ranking Bottom 2% Top 39% Top 2% Bottom 38%
Popularity Bottom 39% Bottom 11% Bottom 36% Bottom 15%