I just got a new pair of sneaks! And they are amazing. They’re the New Balance Minimus 10v2, the send pair in the Minimus series type of sneaker I’ve gotten in a row. They are such a great shoe for so many reasons, and for all types of exercising activities. Here’s the scoop:
What “Minimus” Means.
It’s New Balance’s minimalist footwear line, made to simulate running closer to how barefoot would feel than typical running shoes. They are super light weight, flexible, have a wider toe area so your toes can spread out as they naturally would, a reduced heel-to-toe drop (4mm), and the sole of the shoe itself is reduced in thickness to increase the ground feel. These shoes in particular are just a thin mesh material on top…super breathable.
Why All That Matters.
Humans have been running since the beginning of time – long before the invention of the modern running shoe. Minimalist shoes (or running barefoot) allows the foot to impact and push off of the ground differently than traditional running shoes , with less harsh impact on our ankles, knees, shins, and hips. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the foot and lower leg will get stronger and stretch, most likely reducing injuries.
That is why I was so sold on them after getting my first pair. I used to have the worst shin splints (both anterior and posterior, lucky me!). I had them for years. But ever since I switched to the New Balance Minimus line, they have completely gone away!
I do all types of exercise in them, from long walks, to runs, to my favorite HIIT routine videos.
How to Start Working Out with Minimalist Shoes
With a minimalist shoe, your foot, ankle and lower leg have to work to maintain and support your body in motion. This means the foot, ankle and calves have to be stronger…and will get stronger as you wear them. Pretty cool right? When I got my first pair, my friend Lindsay advised me to start slow with them, don’t put them on and go for a long run. So naturally I put them on and went for a long run, a couple of miles (that’s long for me!). My calves hurt so bad after it I could barely walk for days. That was because my old shoes didn’t require that strength from my lower legs. It had to build up. Once it did, i felt great, and my shin splints I had been suffering with for years disappeared!
Final verdict: I would absolutely recommend these shoes, especially if you have shin splints or any type of lower leg/foot problems. Having your feet move in a more natural way lets your body work in the way it’s supposed to!
Oh and they glow in the dark!
