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Newbalance Minimus Prevail

4.5 
Based on 1428 user reviews

Men's Sizing:

80% "Felt true to size"

Based on 61 user reviews

Women's Sizing:

85% "Felt true to size"

Based on 48 user reviews

92% "Felt true to width"

Based on 11.04 user reviews

The New Balance Minimus Prevail is a versatile pair of shoes suited for trainers and runners. They have adequate stability and durable materials to last long.

Most suitable for:

Best used for road running and exercise

Minimal Meter:

Pretty good minimalist standards

What does it mean?

Manufacture Short Description

The Minimus Prevail men’s cross trainer is designed to help bring strength, style and stability to your workout. An engineered knit upper that’s infused with TPU fibers to help offer stability to your stance and a Vibram® outsole helps keep your feet firmly grounded for weight training, and beyond.

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  • Men's
  • Women's
Newbalance logo From 109$ See deals
Amazon logo From 119$ See deals
Amazon UK logo From 127£ See deals
Newbalance logo From 109$ See deals
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  • Review
  • Description

Review Summary

The New Balance Minimus Prevail is an adequate cross-trainer made for indoor spaces. While they are not the best used on the road or speed runs, they perform reasonably when high-intensity interval training and some weightlifting. Its features are decent enough but, according to reviews, require more refining to achieve a more minimalist style.

  • PROS
  • Breathable uppers with proper ventilation
  • Adequate stack height to encourage natural movement
  • Lightweight for more comfort and minimalist feel
  • Suitable for high-intensity workouts and weightlifting
  • CONS
  • Not the best for road running
  • Complaints of the uppers ungluing from the shoe
  • Users say the heel slips when running

Detailed Review

Users admire the New Balance Minimus line because of its versatility, as they are useful in cross-training, running, weightlifting, and casual wear. With the Minimus Prevail, reviews say that they don’t get the experience expected. 

 

While they are stable enough, the shoes have performance gaps, primarily when used on the road. Furthermore, the fit and durability are questionable, which we’ll be tackling in the following sections. 

Materials and Durability

The New Balance Minimus Prevail is a decent choice for runners who need a lightweight shoe weighing about 300 grams. The outsole’s rubber material is placed strategically, targeting high-impact areas, while the midsole is made with a strong Vibram rubber.

 

While the materials seem durable enough to last, several reports show that the uppers become unglued. However, other reviews claim otherwise, so it’s best to take great care of the shoes’ uppers. Other than that, the shoes’ are said to last for a long time with proper care.

 

In terms of the Minimus Prevail’s style, it looks like your typical athletic shoe, with the simple black-and-white colorway. Its simple design looks great in most casual wear and trips to the gym. 

Performance

The New Balance Minimus Prevail is best used as cross-trainers in the gym. However, they are versatile enough to use for casual wear in urban areas. It can withstand the road but is not suitable for speed runs outdoors, which reduces its longevity.

 

The Minimus Prevail features a 4mm REVlite midsole, a refined EVA material unique to New Balance. This material is said to be up to 30% lighter compared to the typical EVA foam. Reviews say that it feels firm and offers decent responsiveness with minimal energy loss.

 

Minimalist runners have commented that the shoes’ landing isn’t too bad, with the thin REVlite midsole offering the right amount of cushion to protect your feet from impact. The outsole is meant to provide an even landing platform through dispersing force equally. 

 

However, manufacturers flattened the shoe’s bottom, designing it with a broad platform. According to reviews, this made the landing subpar. 

How It Feels

The Prevail offers a minimalist feel but has its shortcomings in terms of stability and responsiveness. 

 

Users say that the shoes’ uppers are roomy, but the toebox feels narrower than the midfoot. It also has a stiff sole and flat platform design, making it uncomfortable when worn for long periods. According to Minimus Prevail reviews, it’s not the best for running long distances or spending hours in the gym. 

 

In terms of breathability, the Minimus Prevail surpasses expectations. The shoes’ thin knit uppers assist in keeping moisture out while allowing the cool air to pass through. Even with the extra padding from the heel, the forefoot and midfoot offer good ventilation.

 

As for the minimalist feel, it does the job adequately. You can remove the insole for more ground connection, improving your balance and stability as you lift heavy weights. 

 

With a 4mm stack height, it gives enough protection when your feet make an impact from running, jumping, or sprinting. But, the stack height is low enough to promote natural movement. Plus, the shoe has a minimal outsole built in the middle, which is helpful when rope climbing. 

Fit and Sizing

Minimus Prevail reviews have mentioned that the shoes are narrower compared to other New Balance Minimus models.

 

Furthermore, users also say that the heel would slip, so they lose energy having to scrunch their toes when that happens. While New Balance mitigated the problem by adding an external TPU heel counter and molded foam Asym collar, it may not be enough. As a result, consumers complained that the shoe didn’t encourage natural movement and fit.

Expert Reviews

  by 

Expert reviews

User reviews:

FAQ

Can you run in the New Balance Minimus?

It’s possible to run with the New Balance Minimus Prevail, though it isn’t the best for long distances, speed runs, and roads. The shoes will suffice for short jogs on the road or treadmill.

Is the New Balance Minimus considered a barefoot shoe?

The New Balance Minimus Prevail shoes are considered barefoot shoes for their low stack height and cushioning. It also provides only the essentials, though such features can be improved for better performance.

Are the New Balance Minimus shoes waterproof?

These shoes are not waterproof, but their knit uppers and thin soles offer excellent breathability and ventilation. They help wick sweat and moisture away for added comfort.

Does New Balance make zero-drop shoes?

New Balance does make zero-drop shoes, with the Minimus models being their line of minimalist training shoes.

Are zero-drop shoes good for walking?

Yes, zero-drop shoes are suitable for walking as they promote natural movement, which improves posture. That way, zero-drop shoe users will walk efficiently and have more stability.

What are the pros and cons of zero-drop running shoes?

Zero-drop shoes allow the feet to engage itself as it absorbs the impact of running, which strengthens the legs and feet. Such shoes are usually lightweight and use fewer materials, allowing people to move efficiently and with more agility. However, zero-drop shoes have far less cushioning, which might be uncomfortable for those new to going barefoot. Furthermore, it has less arch support, which may add more pressure to your lower legs.

What is the best heel-to-toe drop?

There is no best heel-to-toe drop, as this depends on your individual needs. It’s best to talk with your doctor regarding what shoes you need for walking or running. A medical professional can evaluate whether you need a higher or lower heel-to-toe drop. However, many new types of research show health benefits in 0 heel-to-toe drop, as it’s the most natural body posture.

Specs

Brand New Balance
Model Minimus Prevail
Product Type Shoes
Activity Type Daily Use, Strolling, Training
Terrain Road
Eco Friendly
Design ,Casual, Shoes,Sneaker
Materials Rubber
Season All Year
Sole Attributes Vibram Sole
Water Protection Breathable,Quick Drying
Weight 284g 42 men's, 227g 38 women's
Heel Toe Drop 0

Manufacture Short Description

The Minimus Prevail men’s cross trainer is designed to help bring strength, style and stability to your workout. An engineered knit upper that’s infused with TPU fibers to help offer stability to your stance and a Vibram® outsole helps keep your feet firmly grounded for weight training, and beyond.

Manufacture Full Description


284 grams (10.0 oz)
  • 4 mm drop; due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 4 mm drop are approximate
  • Asymmetrical, anatomical collar offers support and comfort for ankles
  • Durable Rubber Outsole
  • Engineered Knit
  • REVlite midsole delivers incredibly lightweight cushioning
  • Tpu External Heel Stabilizer
  • Vibram® outsole provides superior grip. Vibram® is a registered trademark of VIBRAM S.p.A All rights reserved.
  • Description
  • Review

Manufacture Full Description


284 grams (10.0 oz)
  • 4 mm drop; due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 4 mm drop are approximate
  • Asymmetrical, anatomical collar offers support and comfort for ankles
  • Durable Rubber Outsole
  • Engineered Knit
  • REVlite midsole delivers incredibly lightweight cushioning
  • Tpu External Heel Stabilizer
  • Vibram® outsole provides superior grip. Vibram® is a registered trademark of VIBRAM S.p.A All rights reserved.

Expert reviews

User reviews:

Specs

Brand New Balance
Model Minimus Prevail
Product Type Shoes
Activity Type Daily Use, Strolling, Training
Terrain Road
Eco Friendly
Design ,Casual, Shoes,Sneaker
Materials Rubber
Season All Year
Sole Attributes Vibram Sole
Water Protection Breathable,Quick Drying
Weight 284g 42 men's, 227g 38 women's
Heel Toe Drop 0
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