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New Balance’s Retro Trail Shoe Is a Minimalist Masterpiece in the Making

First released in 2011, this quietly technical trail runner finds a second wind following a string of high-profile collaborations.

New Balance Minimus trail shoeDistrict Vision

By Jack Seemer

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First released in 2011 at the height of the barefoot-shoe craze, the New Balance Minimus MT10 continues its comeback tour courtesy of high-profile collaborations that including Issey Miyake and Ice Studios.

The latest in line is a partnership between New Balance and District Vision, an LA running label best known for its sleek performance eyewear, all but confirming that the Minimus’s best years may yet lie ahead of it.

New Balance Minimus trail shoe
The latest Minimus MT10 collab comes courtesy of LA running brand District Vision.
New Balance

Minimalist masterclass

Like previous versions of the shoe, the District Vision x New Balance Minimus arrives in a pair of monochromatic color palettes that discreetly blend materials like synthetic suede, rubber and ultralight mesh.

New Balance Minimus trail shoe
According to both brands, the monochromatic color palette is designed to minimize distractions on the trail, encouraging a more mindful approach to running.
New Balance

According to both brands, the understated aesthetic isn’t just for street cred. The stripped-down look is intentionally designed to keep runners and hikers “mindful of every step” in a way that bright, neon colors might not.

When it comes to technical attributes, that theme continues underfoot, where a low-profile sole keeps runners close to the ground without sacrificing grip: rounded lugs provide multidirectional traction, while a durable Vibram-sourced rubber compound promises many miles of life.

New Balance Minimus trail shoe
Round lugs boast multdirectional grip.
New Balance

Ahead of their time

In the age of cushion, the Minimus risks coming across as something of a dinosaur from a bygone era. But in fact, the shoes are the forefoot of a burgeoning trend to run with the trail, not over it.

New Balance Minimus trail shoe
With a minimalist design that highlights ground contact, the Minimus MT10 is at the forefoot of a new trend in trail running.
New Balance

Earlier this year, trail darling Norda unveiled its first racing shoe, the minimalist 005 that flips the script on the traditional super shoe formula, namely by placing runners closer to the ground with a low-profile midsole.

pair of norda 005 shoes on a dirt surface
The Norda 005 is another recent trail shoe celebrating minimalism.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Even Hoka, the king of chunky shoes, is in on it. The brand’s 2024 collaboration with Satisfy, the Mafate Speed 4 Lite Stsfy, was guided by a similar premise.

white hoka shoe
Even Hoka, the king of cushion, is getting in on the minimalism trend.
Hoka

“Each material and detail is there to support that connect, to make every step more responsive and real,” said Satisfy founder Brice Partouche upon its release. “It’s about creating gear that amplifies the runner’s connection to the ground.”

Pricing and availability

Both colorways of the District Vision x New Balance Minimus are available now in limited sizes from District Vision.

The shoe will also be available at New Balance, starting on April 30, 2025. It costs $175.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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