For the past year, I have been trying to be as sportive as possible. That is why I picked up the habit of going on a run every day. Well, my usual go-to running shoes were the New Balance Minimus. However, over the years, the brand has shown some quality drop, which is not worth its high price. So, I was quick to search what are some shoes like New Balance.
Well, to my surprise, there are a lot of shoes like New Balance Minimus. Brands such as Xero, ASICS, Men’s On Cloud, Under Armor, etc. These brands provide all the features, such as a New Balance Minimus, with the addition of some extra new perks to help you have the best running session possible.
To know more about it, continue reading the article.
Top 5 Best Shoes Like New Balance Minimus In 2022
The below-mentioned shoes are one of our top choices for New Balance Minimus Alternatives. These shoes are unique in terms of quality with additional features such as specially engineered mesh, the Hypnokit, dual-density sock liner, and more.
The best part is that all these shoes come at a more or less affordable price range.
| NO. | Sandal | Comfort | Cost | Durability | Disadvantages |
| 1. | Xero Shoes Men’s Mesa Trail Running Shoe | High | Affordable | Moderate | Sizes run small |
| 2. | ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 24 Running Shoes | High | Expensive | High | Too narrow |
| 3. | New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe | High | Affordable | Moderate | Comparatively quicker discoloration |
| 4. | Men’s On Cloud X Running Shoe | High | Expensive | Low | Outsole wears off |
| 5. | Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe | High | Affordable. | Low. | Rough material. |
Now that you have gotten a brief overview of all these shoes. Let us jump into a more detailed review.
1) Xero Shoes Men’s Mesa Trail Running Shoe
The first shoe on our list is the Xero Trail running shoes. In our opinion, these shoes are the most excellent alternatives to New Balance Minimus. Moreover, these shoes come at a reasonable price than New Balance Minimus.
This shoe has a unique build that makes it extremely lightweight. It makes the shoe perfect for running, especially trail running. It provides uncomparable comfort, grip, and speed.
Product Detail
- Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 6.5 x 4.25 inches; 1.25 Pounds.
- Item model number: MTM-FGN-M6.5
- Department: Men’s
- Date First Available: February 6, 2020.
- Manufacturer: Xero Shoes
Key Feature
The first feature worth mentioning is how lightweight it is. This shoe is made while keeping sportspeople in mind. It is barefoot friendly, so you don’t have to bother wearing socks.
Furthermore, the Mesa Trail is made in a foot-shaped design, giving it the maximum possible comfort, traction, and speed. It made to feel like you were flying over the track.
Secondly, it also features Xero Drop Sole, which provides the perfect posture. The sole gives a non-elevated heel and is low to the ground. It helps maintain the required posture, balance, and agility.
In addition, It comes with a wide toe box for maximum space and has lugged dual chevron tread. All of this allows the shoe to provide superior comfort to your feet.
Moreover, their patented 5mm Feel true sole gives premium protection to your feet and the ground feedback your feet require.
Pros
- Vegan-friendly to promote a healthy green lifestyle.
- Extremely comfortable.
- Solid grip and traction.
- Wide toe space.
- Barefoot friendly.
Cons
- The sizes run small.
2) ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 24 Running Shoes
It is a comparatively less famous brand on the list. But just because the shoes are not known worldwide does not mean they cut corners when it comes to providing high-quality shoes. Their shoes are specially engineered to give maximum breathability and durability.
Product Details
- Package Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.72 x 4.8 inches; 1.5 Pounds.
- Department: Men’s
- Date First Available: August 13, 2021.
- Manufacturer: Asics.
Key Features
The ASICS Gel Nimbus running shoe’s noteworthy feature is the rearfoot and forefoot gel technology cushioning system. Besides providing maximum comfort, this cushioning system allows the shoe to attenuate shocks during impact and toe-off phases.
This shock absorption ensures your feet remain safe and allows you to move in multiple panels as your foot transitions through the gait cycle.
Furthermore, the Trusstic system technology reduces the weight of the sole unit and retains the structural integrity of your shoe. It allows the shoe to be lightweight while being durable.
Moreover, the FF Blast+ cushioning gives you an extremely soft landing and increased response time during toe-off. In addition, the FLYTEFOAM cushion gives an extra layer of comfort and shock absorption.
Lastly, they also offer a specially engineered mesh upper that wraps your feet with a soft feel and gives increased breathability. It ensures your feet remain cold and less sweaty.
Pros
- Durable
- Breathable
- Maximum cushioning
- Shock absorption
- Extremely comfortable
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Too narrow.
3) New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe
New Balance is a brand known for the sturdy shoe they make. Their shoes are globally famous for how durable yet comfortable they are. The shoes are available in various colors, allowing you to choose the right one.
Product Details
- Package Dimensions: 12.44 x 7.36 x 4.61 inches; 3.53 Ounces.
- Item model number: W1080B12
- Department: Women’s
- Date First Available: June 4, 2021
- Manufacturer: New Balance Athletics, Inc.
Key Feature
The shoe has a specialized rubber sole which gives the shoe a very strong grip and traction. It gives enhanced foot strength and stability.
In addition, the New Balance Fresh Foam has its own Fresh Foam X cushioning. It allows your feet to have an extremely comfortable atmosphere while running. It gives you enhanced cushioned surroundings which give superior safety.
Furthermore, the Hypnokit upper design provides you with strategic areas so that the shoes have sufficient place to stretch and support your feet.
The upper bootie construction makes you feel like the shoe is hugging, resulting in a snug and supportive fit.
Lastly, the lightweight and breathable makes sure the shoe has proper ventilation.
Pros
- Proper grip
- Good Supportive fit
- Comfortable
- Available in various colors.
Cons
- Prone to discoloration
- Not enough arch support.
4) Men’s On Cloud X Running Shoe
The Men’s On Cloud running shoe is another alternative suitable to be a perfect replacement for New Balance Minimus. The sturdy body and classy colors make the shoe durable and fashionable at the same time.
It has several unique colors available, matching your every style perfectly.
Product Detail
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Item model number: CLOUDX
- Department: Men’s
- Date First Available: June 13, 2017.
- Manufacturer: On
Key Feature
The shoe has a high-quality rubber sole that provides excellent grip and traction. It allows you to stop running instantly without slipping or injuring your feet.
Furthermore, it has a dual-density sock liner for good cushioning and a seamless shoe tongue to provide your toes with great space and comfort.
In addition to that, it also features new-generation inner materials. These materials provide the most comfortable running experience possible.
The materials include a performance upper made using a specially engineered mesh that provides adequate support to your feet at all times and proper breathability. It suits the shoe for hot temperatures, as no matter how hot it gets, the breathability will ensure your feet are cold and sweat-free.
Alongside all that, the lean engineered heel cap has second-to-none precision-molded cushioning. This cushioning pad technology helps you maintain a good posture and stability while running without causing any strain to your feet.
Lastly, their very own CloudTec sole built from zero gravity foam has very high shock absorbing capacities in all directions, thus making you have a firmer stance.
Pros
- Shock absorption
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Lace-up closure
- Seamless shoe tongue
- Premium cushioning.
Cons
- Comparatively less durable.
5) Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe
The last one on the list is the Under Armour Charged Assert 9 running shoe. This shoe is one of the most affordable ones on our list, and alongside affordability comes a wide range of features.
Alongside providing their signature durability and comfort, the shoe also gives maximum flexibility, breathability, and traction.
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 15 x 5 x 9 inches; 10.58 Ounces.
- Item model number: 3024590
- Department: Men’s
- Date First Available: April 29, 2020.
- Manufacturer: Under Armour
Key Feature
The most noteworthy feature of this shoe is its lightweight upper mesh that comes with 3 colors digital print that delivers maximum breathability. Despite having the lowest price point, this shoe’s breathability is no less than its competitors.
The rubber sole gives it enough grip to run as fast as you want without worrying about tripping or falling.
Furthermore, the shoe also has a durable leather overlay. It makes the shoe extremely sturdy, provides stability, and locks your midfoot.
Moreover, the EVA sock liner provides the softest feeling ever every time you wear it. The step-in comfort makes the shoe wearable for long hours without worrying about your feet aching.
In addition to all that, the shoe has charged cushioning midsole. It uses compression molded foam, making it an extremely responsive shoe and adding a layer of durability to it.
The solid rubber outsoles cover the high-impact zones, providing maximum protection. This outsole allows the shoe to provide greater protection while remaining lightweight.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Comforting cushion
- Standard Lace tie
- Shock absorbing
- High-quality breathability.
Cons
- Material rubs rough on Achilles tendon area
- Comparatively, less durable.
Things To Consider When Buying Running Shoes
Having the right pair of running shoes is extremely important for two reasons. The first is due to how expensive they are and secondly due to the harm a wrong pair of shoes can do to your feet while running.
You should consider some things when buying yourself a new pair of running shoes, you should consider some things.
- Sole
Both the outsole and insole are extremely important when it comes to running shoes. The outsole gives you the required grip and traction so that you can run at full speed while maintaining the correct posture and stability. Without suitable sole construction, there are high chances you may injure your soft tissue.
So, check the sole first to see how long they can stay with you.
- Cushioning
Running is a very hard task to do, without a doubt. That is exactly why it is crucial for your feet to be as comfortable as possible. It is only possible if your shoe has the right amount of cushioning. Without this, running can become an annoying and painful task.
Wear the shoes before buying to see if your feet are comfortable.
- Fit
Both shoes, too small in size or too big, can be harmful while running. Smaller shoes will put too much strain on your feet, decreasing blood flow. It results in your becoming tired quicker and your feet getting sore. Wearing more oversized shoes can lead to slipping out while running or tripping due to the loose fit.
So, choose a pair of shoes that fit your feet like a glove.
- Material
The last thing to consider while buying a running shoe is its material. Not all shoes are made with the same material. It is up to you to decide which material is comfortable for you. Choose one that suits your comfort.
FAQ’s:
- Can you run in New Balance Minimus?
Well, of course, you can. These shoes are designed to be excellent running shoes with enhanced grip and comfort. They can also be used as gym shoes.
- What are Zero-Drop minimalist shoes?
Drop refers to the heel size a shoe has, and typically when a shoe is called zero-drop, it means the shoe has 0mm of drop, meaning no heel elevation.
- Do you wear socks with New Balance Minimus?
The answer to this question depends on reference. Some people like wearing socks whereas others don’t. However, we suggest wearing socks, so your feet do not get injured. In addtion, they also help your feet be comfortable and shoes protected.
Bottom Line
If you are a running enthusiast searching for shoes like New Balance Minimus, you have plenty of options.
Typically, a good running shoe requires a solid grip to ensure stability. In addition, you need adequate breathability so that all the heat your body creates can leave and a proper cushioning system to keep your feet comfortable.
All the shoes mentioned above offer these features. These New Balance Minimus alternatives provide excellent foot support, comfort, breathability, and durability without breaking a bank.
However, what is the best shoe for you totally depends on your taste and preference. We suggest trying out all the shoes we suggested and finding the best one among them.
