New Balance Women's WR00 Minimus Running Shoe

I love the Minimus line and am sad that New Balance isn't producing it anymore. These have been the best shoes for me in my 10 years of running for fitness (have also completed some 5ks, a half marathon, and a sprint triathlon). My all-time favorite is the WR20, but this WR00 definitely comes in second. I only wear them for running so I don't know if they're comfortable all day, but I would guess they might be. Given that they're the Minimus line, the toe box is wide and roomy, which I love (narrow toe box = toes go numb/fall asleep after a couple of miles). So, it's wider than a conventional running shoe. My feet have room for a little swelling that occurs over longer distances, and the mesh is fairly breathable so my feet don't get too too hot, even in West Texas heat (though I don't run during the heat of the day, that's just dangerous and stupid here!). These are zero-drop and not meant to be super supportive, which is what I wanted for running since I am used to the minimalist running style. It would take transition if you are not used to that. These are not pillowy-soft, but I find the cushion to be enough and fairly responsive as I run. The lighter amount of cushioning allows me better ground-feel and proprioception than a conventional chunky, tall cushion, the traction of the Vibram sole is good, and so far (after several months of wear with some rotating with a couple other pairs) it has held up beautifully as far as durability. I love the narrower heel of the NB Minimus line - I've tried shoes of other brands, but the heel was too wide/loose and caused some swelling along the side of my ankle near the achilles. I do not have that problem with these shoes. My ONE issue is that the material lining the inside of the heel is a little rough, so my first few runs in these did leave me with slightly raw heels (not a problem with my WR20s, which have a softer lining). It hasn't been an issue as I've continued wearing them, even if I don't wear taller socks, so all is well.

UPDATE:I ordered a 1/2 smaller than original Minimus and they fit. I could probably even get away with ordering a full size smaller but in the wider width, however I didn't want to waste time returning. They seem to be narrower than the original construction in the mid/rch area, but wider in the front toe box. This style has a mesh that is tighter than the original, so I"m hoping this means they will last longer.Overall, I recommend ordering at least a 1/2 size smaller if you are used to the original miniums WR00. I had 3 pairs of the original in the last 4 years so I have a good idea on how these fit. Plus, these are pretty snazzy and they really give your feet a nice shape.ORIGINAL:I really wanted these to fit! I ordered these without thoroughly reading the reviews which I regret. I have bought the original style of this shoe 3 times because I love them. These are just too big. Not sure if they changed the construction but I normally wear a 6B and opted to try the same size in the wider 6D, which I thought would just be wider, but it turns out to be 1/2 inch longer in length. I want to order these in the correct size and might size down to a 5B or 5.5B. If anyone has any input please let me know! It's a great shoe..just a bit tricky on getting the right size.

I've only had these for a day, so I'll update on durability at a later date. Straight out of the box, these shoes are kind of amazing. They fit perfectly, but I did go down a half of a size after reading the other reviews. I'm typically a 7.5, so I bought a 7. They're a little roomy in the toe, but perfect for running, for me. The zero drop is heaven! I have several pair of zero drop and minimal running shoes, but I traded those in for some regular ol' Nike's last year. LOVED the Nike's, but my sciatica came back. I felt immediate relief walking in these, today and can't wait to wear them to the gym.As a side note, they're super bright. I wanted bright, but they're even brighter in person than the picture, and my husband says they're hideously obnoxious. Not that I care, but some people might.***** Update 2.27*******I wear these shoes almost every day, and they're still in great condition! They're fantastic for the gym - I work out a minimum of 5 days a week, for 45 minutes to an hour, and then I don't change shoes after. No blisters, no wearing, and the shoes are still rockin' it. The brightness no longer seems so bright - they haven't faded, I think it just grew on me (and my husband - he loves them, now!).

I've been searching for a way to improve the heel and arch foot pain I now experience with various shoes and inserts for some time. I decided to take a new approach and find a minimal shoe suitable for improving my feet rather than babying. I couldn't be more pleased with this shoe or the results I've seen in such a short amount of time. It's light as a feather and extremely flexible, plenty of toe room, true to size. My feet are already acclimating and adapting. I have better balance and less foot pain, and although I haven't had a run in them yet, I've spent up to 18 hours at a time wearing them. The absence of heel elevation and cushioning even had a positive effect on my posture.The shoe itself is attractive and sturdy. One of my favorite features is the attached tongue - those of you who have shoes that "swallow" the tongue know what I mean! This shoe boasts a wrap around type system where the elongated half of the side becomes the tongue of the shoe. I love it. Lacing the shoe tightly feels firm but not binding.Definitely worth a try if you are becoming frustrated with the world of inserts and "helping" your feet by encouraging their reliance on support!

Light as a feather and super fit. They feel like slippers but have all the support I'd expect of a contoured running shoe. No wonder they sell out so quickly

It is really nice shoes, but feel different from what I expected. Need to buy slightly bigger size the usual

I just love everything about these - the colour is gorgeous. They're so light and comfy. These are my 4th pair of New Balance - I was an Asics only girl until I tried a pair of NB Minimus and now I'm hooked. I was afraid they might have been a bit on the big size but they were absolutely perfect thank god.

Fit ok but the heel rubs a bit

Lightweight stylish running shoe, very comfortable and gives you the support where needed.