Running

A Brighter Geometry: Inside the New NB Minimus Zero Uppers

 
 

Somewhere in the middle of explaining the thinking behind the design of the upper for a new minimalist running shoe, Drew Nyssen has gotten stuck on pin art. "Those toys with the metal pins that take the form of whatever you put against them", explains the Senior Designer in New Balance's Advanced Products Group, "every pin represents a point of geometry — and it's this combination of geometry and nature that's at the heart of what we're trying to do with the design of NB Minimus. I think you really see it on the Minimus Zero."

To hear Drew and fellow Senior Designer Chris Wawrousek talk about the design of the uppers for the forthcoming NB Minimus Zero Trail and Road shoes is to follow points of reference that range from pin art to outerwear to Mexican food. It quickly becomes clear that there was no roadmap for ultra-lightweight, zero drop shoes and that the primary influence on these shoes would be the lessons learned from the original NB Minimus Trail and Road.

"It was a really happy moment when we learned that we'd be keeping the original NB Minimus and making the Zero", says Chris. "It gave us the opportunity to develop an amazing shoe suited solely to the needs of the person looking for a zero-drop trail or road shoe. With the road shoe, I think Drew really nailed it in terms of comfort."

To get there, Nyssen started with an unfortunate reality, namely that "most racing flats are just really uncomfortable." While acknowledging that the NB Minimus Zero Road aren't strictly-speaking racing flats, the minimal, stripped-down construction presents a similar problem — how to build a shoe that could have a 'slipper-like' fit without adding weight.

To this end, Drew used a 'burrito' or mono-tongue: a single piece of material that wraps around the foot, providing medial support while simplifying construction. "It delivers this ideal blend of flexibility & movement in the forefoot, and minimizes the number of seams on the interior", says Drew. "This shoe feels great in bare feet."

To further explore ways in which the designers could reduce weight while adding structural support — an "all mesh upper", Drew notes "is not very supportive" — Nyssen and the design team applied a series of ultra-thin (0.5mm thick) overlays to the surface. These overlays, welded — not stitched — to the surface of the shoe control the stretch of material in the forefoot and have a pronounced impact on both the way that the upper of the NB Minimus Zero Road feels and responds to flexing in the forefoot. "Mesh, by its very nature will stretch" notes Drew. "These overlays are placed to stop that stretch at specific points across the foot."

The redesigned NB Minimus Zero Road takes strong visual cues from the NB Minimus Trail, particularly evident in the translucent mesh upper. Expect that to continue. “Repeating geometry has become a defining feature of Minimus”, says Drew.

The evolution of NB Minimus Zero Trail is every bit as pronounced, beginning the moment you pick it up. “The difference in weight is really noticeable,” says Wawrousek, “although with this shoe we wanted it to start light – and finish light, too.” This meant using a material formed from monofilament fiber, which doesn’t saturate when the trail meets water.

Trail runners will also immediately notice fewer internal seams – designed to minimize surface contact for barefoot runners – and a redesigned, streamlined tongue that eliminates even still more weight from the already ultra-light NB Minimus Trail. They’ll also notice that the NB Minimus Zero Trail and Road shoes are available in completely updated collection of colors that, in combination with the new materials used in the uppers, really catch the eye. “These are shoes designed for the most vocal, outspoken group of minimal runners,” Chris says, “They’re not afraid to let people notice their shoes.”

NB Minimus Zero Road and NB Minimus Zero Trail will be available online and at select running stores in March 2012.

 
 
21 Comments
November 11th 2011 at 12:11 PM EST

We're looking forward to trying these out! ((paleorunners.blogspot))

 
November 11th 2011 at 2:42 PM EST

Can't wait! #whatsanothermile

 
November 11th 2011 at 7:53 PM EST

These shoes are going to be amazing. I will probably using these, and the mt110, for all my running. I'm very excited.

 
November 15th 2011 at 3:20 PM EST

I'm curious as to whether or not they'll have the same lug on the inside of the shoe? Bit of a problem when running longer more ambitious trail runs as this tends to push the larger toe inward.

 
November 15th 2011 at 6:58 PM EST

The mono-tongue is awesome! Loved it on the 905s and excited to see it on Minimus!! Probably the only thing that could make this shoe any better! Thanks New Balance!

 
November 16th 2011 at 12:28 AM EST

The structural design looks great, but again, would it kill you to make an all black shoe I can wear to work? I can't be the only person who wants a super lightweight and comfortable minimal shoe to wear all day. All of your designs look like insane clown shoes, not something remotely sensible for business casual dress.

I definitely appreciate the ****** on these new designs. Hopefully we'll see some nicer dressy colors like black.

 
November 16th 2011 at 11:13 AM EST

this shoe looks like its going to be amazing

 
November 16th 2011 at 11:04 PM EST

I cannot wait for this.

 
November 22nd 2011 at 6:46 PM EST

Cannot wait for these shoes! When will it be out? Will it be available in 4E?

 
November 22nd 2011 at 7:02 PM EST

Chris Wawrousek, how did you get into shoe design?

 
November 24th 2011 at 9:30 PM EST

Really excited about the MT 00 and the MT 110. I would love to find a pair (or retailer with a pair) to take for a spin (pre-launch). Any chance these will be in the New Balance DC location? seems like my arsenal of MT shoes is growing and the evolution is amazing from the MT 100 >101 > 10!!! Keep ip the Good Work New Balance!!!

 
November 25th 2011 at 7:53 AM EST

Excellent. Well done NB! I love the MT10, I reviewed it at http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.com/2011/10/merrell-trail-glove-vs-new-balance.html and found the only slight negative was its 4mm drop, something your sorting out, and well it seems. Great stuff, I eagerly await the arrival of the MT00 in the UK (please ship it quickly upon release, pretty please) x

 
November 27th 2011 at 6:26 PM EST

Ugh! They don't come out until after Christmas AND my birthday! I've already run a marathon in my current minimus and I'm asking for another pair for the holidays.

 
December 11th 2011 at 12:02 AM EST

Absolutely love the Minimus shoes. I now own 4 pairs, 2 trail and 2 road and will be purchasing a cross trainer. I agree with an earlier post please have some with more subtle colors for those who also want to wear these shoes to work and as an everyday shoe.

 
December 11th 2011 at 2:31 PM EST

I look forward to seeing these shoes.

I do hope the toe box is more relaxed like the MT10 (minus the rubber band), as opposed to the MT20 and MT101, which are too traditional and tapered for me. They constrict my toes too much, even in 2E width.

Maybe Tony K's feet are shaped like bullets?

Also, more padding on the tongue prevents hot spots from the laces. That and the heel are two places I would not reduce padding.

 
December 19th 2011 at 5:16 PM EST

looks like a pretty awesome shoe! slightly octopussish bottoms though.

 
December 25th 2011 at 10:23 PM EST

Great design for CHI Running, Midfoot strike will be very comfortable, easy on all major muscle groups..... No complaints here, these shoes can give anyone that extra juice. 4mm drop is significant to diffrent foot types, for me it is just a matter of snow days....... great shoe New Balance, along the lines of the fulcrum design (KARHU)

 
December 26th 2011 at 4:37 AM EST

I too support the notion of an all-black Minimus shoe. I would love to wear the new Minimus as an every-day shoe.

MAKE AN ALL-BLACK MODEL, PLEASE.

 
December 26th 2011 at 12:41 PM EST

Are the new NB Minimus Zeros going to lay flat from side to side too, instead of pushing my feet to over pronate like the NB Minimus?  I know they supposedly don't when running according to a store, but I find that not to be true, especially for the relaxed runner or just standing up straight.

Is that less surface contact so less bottom of the shoe hits the ground?


I had two major issues with the NB Minimus trail shoes.  They push my feet to over pronate, and the bottom was so big and flat, it does not allow for as much flex in the foot and ankle.  Which means more knee and ankle problems while engaging muscles to keep the body aligned.

They are very comfortable otherwise.  I liked the extra toe room, and lack of arch support inside the shoe.  Nike took out the toe room in the newer waffles, so they get holes quickly,  and the most recent ones added more arch support.....

I've run a half marathon in waffles and over 11 mile runs in NB Minimus trail shoes.  I also wear these shoes as everyday footwear.  

I'm looking for the flattest shoe to keep my feet warm in the winter, covered so I can enter a store, but I'd rather engage all my muscles as they were intended to be used so I don't lose muscle and so my feet do not get stupid.  I would also rather buy  American made and manufactured.  Thank you.


P.S.  With either shoe I have an issue with landing on rocks on the sides of the roads in flats.  They can be hard to avoid too, but that's a risk I take.

 
December 26th 2011 at 5:45 PM EST

These are mind blowing. Not only do they look functionally sound, but their aesthetics are out of this world. I'm very pleased to see New Balance is leading the minimal running shoe revolution. I've gone through three pairs of the original Minimus trail and road shoes, and can safely say they are amazing. I'm very excited to try the new zero drop versions. So far the latest zero drop choices from other companies have been disappointing in fit, function, and aesthetics. It's nice to see that they are concentrating so much on support for the upper. That's one area where other companies have fallen short. It's especially apparent when conturing. Phalange splay is great (and that's all people seem to talk about), but what they don't get is if there is too much room, or too much foot movement when conturing on the side of a hill it's an awful foot crushing endeavor. Plus for most of us splaying of the phalanges doesn't take much room anyway. Keep up the good work, and continue to use the input you get from great runners like Anton K.

 
January 3rd 2012 at 12:20 PM EST

I'm from the Philippines and the wait is killing me.

 
Need help choosing a pair of shoes or have questions about particular shoe models?
Please use our Ask an Expert tool, search our FAQs, or call us toll-free at 800-595-9138 anytime from Monday, 8 AM ET through Saturday 8 PM ET (closed Sundays).
Have a comment or question on the article you just read? Add it below.
Already have an account? Login
 
 
Characters remaining: 3000
close
Your email:
Your friend's email: