New Balance MT1010 Long Term Update

As a running shoe, the New Balance MT1010 has become my favorite walking shoe. That isn't to say it isn't a great runner, it is, but I love it for wearing to work at my day job. Of course, my day job is running a conservation organization, so a lot of the time I am heading out into the woods. As a dedicated minimalist/barefoot running kind of guy, my daily shoes when I am staying low-key or surfing the desk all day are casual shoes like Vivobarefoot Aquas, Merrell Barefoot Edge Gloves, and even the Vibram Trek LS. When I know I am going to be on my feet a lot in the woods, heading off trail (most of our protected lands are truly nature preserves, with hardly any trails or developed amenities), I reach for the MT1010.

I have done some running in these and I don't think I have much to add that Ken or other bloggers have not said already in that regard, but I can tell you that they drain well, fit a little loose, offer tons of protection underfoot (but still feel pretty minimal), are flexible, tear easily when poked with something sharp (that said, I hike off trail in them as I mentioned, and we have lots of scrubby, thorny stuff here in Michigan), and they look awesome.

As for fit in the long term, I would have preferred a rounder toebox, a sentiment I state every time I review a Saucony or New Balance shoe, even their minimal offerings.  I am spoiled by Merrells and Altras for that rounded, roomy toebox and snug arch.  The upper of the MT1010 is basically a floppy, thin material with a lot of overlays that offer just enough structure.  The sole seems hard at first glance, but softens up well and provides some cushioning while still riding pretty firm.

Many other bloggers complained that the shoe has seams inside that preclude sockless wear, but I have not found that to be the case.  To me they wear soft and sockless has been my preferred way to wear them.  Of course, I have worn them a LOT, and most of that hasn't been running, so your milage may vary.  

The only thing I would definitely change is that I need that toebox more rounded, I get hot spots over my pinkie toes when I wear this for too much walking, but nothing really to write home about; I'd simply prefer a rounded shape.  

As for the look, I love these.  They look right on when you run trails, but also look cool with jeans or a t-shirt heading into the woods or out to a bar.  I am not sure all the colors would lend themselves to that, and I think that is mostly due to the ubiquitous New Balance presence in casual settings thanks to their retro designs. All in all, a cool-looking shoe I lump right in with a similar favorite, the Merrell MixMaster.  

There are lots of new things coming around the bend for 2013, and minimal is even a bigger part of the specialty running market moving forward. I have registered myself for the North Country 50 mile this coming summer, so I have to ramp back up and make time to test shoes and get in miles over the next 6 months, so look for a flurry of posts from me over the winter! I am going to be testing a full Merrell line, something from a non-traditional running company, and maybe even a few other new things from Saucony (let's hope). After a season of readjustment to our new life in a new city, its time to get this average guy back on the road.