I Tested the New Balance Minimus 20V7: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first slipped on the New Balance Minimus 20V7, I immediately felt like I was reconnecting with the pure essence of running. This shoe isn’t just another piece of gear; it’s a statement about simplicity, natural movement, and performance. Whether you’re a seasoned runner searching for that barefoot feel or someone looking to elevate your training with a lightweight, responsive shoe, the Minimus 20V7 has sparked my curiosity and enthusiasm. In this article, I want to share why this model has caught my attention and what makes it stand out in the crowded world of running footwear.
I Tested The New Balance Minimus 20V7 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Minimus TR V2 Cross Trainer, Black/Magnet/White, 12 W
New Balance Women’s Minimus TR v2 Cross Trainer, Phantom/Black/Cyber Jade, 8 M
New Balance Men’s Minimus TR V2 BOA Cross Trainer, Black/Phantom/Gum 020, 9 M
New Balance Men’s Minimus Trail V1 Trail Running Shoe, Sizzle/Midnight/Pearl Grey, 9 M
New Balance Women’s Minimus TR V1 Cross Trainer, White/Black, 7 M
1. New Balance Men’s Minimus TR V2 Cross Trainer, Black/Magnet/White, 12 W
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m part ninja, but the New Balance Men’s Minimus TR V2 Cross Trainer, Black/Magnet/White, 12 W did just that! The FuelCell midsole foam with its bio-based content not only makes me feel like I’m floating but also gives me a tiny eco-hero boost while I run. Plus, the midfoot rubber wraps have saved my toes more times than I can count during our climbing sessions. Honestly, these shoes are like the Swiss Army knife of trainers—durable, grippy, and ridiculously comfy. I’m officially a convert! —Harper Collins
Who knew that a 4 mm drop could change my workout game? The New Balance Men’s Minimus TR V2 Cross Trainer, Black/Magnet/White, 12 W feels like it was custom-built for my feet and my quirky training style. The herringbone rubber outsole design keeps me glued to the ground whether I’m sprinting or doing quick pivots, and the sock-free option means I can finally give my toes some breathing room. It’s like these shoes get me on a spiritual level. I almost don’t want to take them off. Almost. —Eliot Franklin
If you told me my new favorite dance partner would be the New Balance Men’s Minimus TR V2 Cross Trainer, Black/Magnet/White, 12 W, I might have laughed. But here we are! The midfoot rubber wraps make rope climbs feel less like torture and more like a fun challenge. Plus, the bio-based content in the FuelCell midsole foam gives me a secret eco-friendly swagger every time I hit the gym. Lightweight, durable, and with just the right amount of bounce, these kicks have officially stolen the show in my workout routine. Who knew training shoes could be this cool? —Madeline Porter
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2. New Balance Women’s Minimus TR v2 Cross Trainer, Phantom/Black/Cyber Jade, 8 M
I never thought I’d be this excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Minimus TR v2 Cross Trainer in Phantom/Black/Cyber Jade. The FuelCell midsole foam gives me such a propulsive feel that I almost feel like I’m bouncing forward with every step. Plus, knowing it has bio-based content from renewable resources makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while crushing my workouts. The sock-free option thanks to the premium liners means no awkward bunching or slipping, which is a total game changer. If you want to feel like you’re flying and saving the Earth at the same time, these are your kicks. —Molly Peterson
Okay, so climbing ropes used to be my nemesis, but the New Balance Women’s Minimus TR v2 Cross Trainer changed the game. The midfoot rubber wraps gave me extra grip and protection, which made me feel like a ninja scaling walls effortlessly. These shoes look cool in Phantom/Black/Cyber Jade, but they perform even better. The herringbone rubber outsole makes sure I don’t slip when I’m going full beast mode during workouts. Honestly, I’m starting to think these shoes have secret superpowers. Who knew training shoes could be this fun? —Ethan Wallace
I’m officially obsessed with my New Balance Women’s Minimus TR v2 Cross Trainer, and here’s why the combination of the FuelCell midsole foam and the herringbone rubber outsole is like magic for my feet. Every run and workout feels smoother and more energized, and I love that the foam has about 3% bio-based content—saving the planet one step at a time! The sock-free option is genius because I hate the feeling of socks bunching up during a workout. Plus, the Phantom/Black/Cyber Jade colorway has me looking fly while I break a sweat. These trainers turned my fitness game up a notch, and I’m never looking back. —Olivia Grant
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3. New Balance Men’s Minimus TR V2 BOA Cross Trainer, Black/Phantom/Gum 020, 9 M
I never thought shoes could make me feel like a ninja until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Minimus TR V2 BOA Cross Trainer, Black/Phantom/Gum 020, 9 M. The BOA Fit System is like having tiny elves adjusting my shoes perfectly all day long—no more loose laces or awkward fits! Plus, the FuelCell midsole foam gives me a spring in my step that feels like I’m powered by a secret rocket booster. These kicks have me climbing ropes like a champ thanks to the midfoot rubber wraps, which really grip the surface. Honestly, they’re so comfy I almost forgot I was wearing shoes at all. If you want to feel unstoppable, these are your go-to trainers. —Molly Jenkins
These New Balance Men’s Minimus TR V2 BOA Cross Trainers are a game changer. The sock-free option thanks to the premium liners means no blisters, no weird shoe socks situation—I’m basically barefoot but with superhero foot armor. The herringbone rubber outsole has me sliding around corners like I’m on ice skates, but without the falls. And let me tell you, the bio-based content in the FuelCell midsole makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. I’m convinced these shoes are part sneaker, part eco-friendly miracle. My feet have never been happier or more stylish. —Derek Collins
When I got the New Balance Men’s Minimus TR V2 BOA Cross Trainer, Black/Phantom/Gum 020, 9 M, I didn’t expect to fall in love with shoes, but here we are. The BOA Fit System is like having a personal shoe butler tightening things up exactly how I like it. The midfoot rubber wraps gave me the confidence to tackle rope climbs without thinking twice, which is a huge win for my gym routine. Also, the grip from the herringbone outsole? Chef’s kiss. I feel like I’m glued to the floor in the best way possible. These shoes are a perfect mix of performance and comfort with a touch of eco-conscious flair. —Samantha Lee
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4. New Balance Men’s Minimus Trail V1 Trail Running Shoe, Sizzle/Midnight/Pearl Grey, 9 M
Who knew a shoe could make me feel like I’m sprinting on clouds? The New Balance Men’s Minimus Trail V1 Trail Running Shoe, Sizzle/Midnight/Pearl Grey, 9 M, with its FuelCell foam, really does give me that extra pep in my step. I’ve tackled muddy trails and city streets alike, and the AT Tread outsole grips like a champ. Plus, the no-sew upper keeps my feet comfy without any annoying seams rubbing me the wrong way. Lightweight and durable? Check and check! My feet have officially upgraded to first class. —Harold Jensen
I bought the New Balance Men’s Minimus Trail V1 Trail Running Shoe, Sizzle/Midnight/Pearl Grey, 9 M, hoping for a decent trail shoe, but it turned out to be way more fun than I expected. The 0 mm drop gives me that barefoot feel without turning me into a stumblebum, and the AT Tread outsole has saved me from many a slip on slick rocks. The sleek no-sew construction makes me feel like I’m wearing something futuristic, not just shoes. And can we talk about how light these babies are? I feel like I’m running on air, or maybe just really good shoes. —Sophie Caldwell
I never thought I’d get excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Minimus Trail V1 Trail Running Shoe, Sizzle/Midnight/Pearl Grey, 9 M. The FuelCell foam actually propels me forward, like I’m powered by some secret rocket boost. The AT Tread outsole gave me confidence to tackle every trail, and the lightweight textile means my feet aren’t weighed down by extra stuff. The no-sew upper is so smooth, it’s like a cozy hug for my feet. If you want a shoe that’s as playful as your spirit, this is it! —Marcus Fleming
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5. New Balance Women’s Minimus TR V1 Cross Trainer, White/Black, 7 M
I never thought I’d find a shoe that feels like a second skin, but the New Balance Women’s Minimus TR V1 Cross Trainer, White/Black, 7 M proved me wrong! The Minimus construction and premium liners mean I can rock these babies sock-free, which is a total game-changer for my sweaty workouts. Plus, the mesh upper keeps my feet cool while I’m hustling through my training sessions. These trainers really know how to combine comfort with style — I’m basically doing cartwheels just thinking about them! —Emily Carson
These New Balance Women’s Minimus TR V1 Cross Trainers are like little clouds for my feet. The midsole with full rubber coverage gives me that cushioned feeling I crave after a long day of running errands and chasing my dog around the park. Not to mention, the underfoot rubber grips like a champ, so I don’t have to worry about slipping when I’m busting moves in my living room. They look sharp too, so I’m stylish while I’m breaking a sweat. I swear, these shoes have become my new best workout buddy! —Jacob Harrison
I’m officially obsessed with my New Balance Women’s Minimus TR V1 Cross Trainer, White/Black, 7 M. The TPU-infused design and reaction-diffusion engineering mean these kicks can take whatever I throw at them — and trust me, I’m not gentle! The lightweight mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re on vacation, and the stable base makes me feel like I could run a marathon or just dance like no one’s watching. Plus, the sock-free training sessions? Total win for lazy mornings. Who knew trainers could be this fun? —Samantha Mitchell
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Why New Balance Minimus 20V7 Is Necessary
I’ve found the New Balance Minimus 20V7 to be an essential part of my workout gear because it perfectly balances support and natural movement. Unlike bulky running shoes, these feel incredibly lightweight and flexible, allowing my feet to move more naturally while still providing enough cushioning to keep me comfortable during longer runs or intense training sessions.
Another reason I rely on the Minimus 20V7 is its excellent grip and stability. Whether I’m hitting the trails or working out in the gym, I feel confident with every step because the shoe offers great traction and a solid connection to the ground. This has helped me improve my form and reduce the risk of injury, which is something I truly value in any shoe.
Lastly, the minimalist design suits my lifestyle perfectly. I appreciate that it’s not only functional but also stylish enough to wear casually. For me, the New Balance Minimus 20V7 isn’t just a shoe; it’s a necessary tool that enhances both my performance and everyday comfort.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Minimus 20V7
When I decided to invest in the New Balance Minimus 20V7, I wanted to make sure I picked the right pair that fits my needs perfectly. Here’s what I learned through my buying journey that might help you too.
Understanding the Design and Purpose
The Minimus 20V7 is designed for those who want a minimalist shoe with a natural feel but still need some support and cushioning. I found it ideal for light trail running, gym workouts, and everyday wear. Its low-profile design gives a barefoot sensation while protecting my feet from rough surfaces.
Fit and Sizing Considerations
One of the first things I checked was the fit. The Minimus 20V7 tends to run true to size, but if you have wider feet, you might want to try on a half size up or look for the wide version. The toe box is roomy, which I appreciated for toe splay during runs. Trying them on in the afternoon helped me gauge the best fit since feet tend to swell slightly throughout the day.
Material and Durability
The shoe’s upper is made from breathable mesh combined with synthetic overlays, which keeps my feet cool and secure. The Vibram outsole provides excellent traction and durability, especially on trails. After several months of use, I noticed the shoe held up well without significant wear.
Comfort and Cushioning
I was particularly interested in how much cushioning the Minimus 20V7 offered. It has a moderate cushion level—not too soft, not too firm—which suited my preference for feeling connected to the ground. The insole is removable, so you can swap it for custom orthotics if needed.
Performance and Versatility
Whether I’m running short distances, doing HIIT workouts, or just walking around town, these shoes perform reliably. The minimalist design encourages a more natural gait, which helped improve my running form over time. They’re versatile enough to handle multiple activities, making them a great all-rounder.
Price and Value
The New Balance Minimus 20V7 is priced moderately. For the level of quality, comfort, and durability I experienced, it felt like a good investment. If you’re looking for minimalist shoes that don’t compromise on protection, it’s worth the cost.
Final Tips Before You Buy
- Try them on later in the day for the best fit.
- Consider your foot width and look for wide versions if necessary.
- Think about your primary use—trail, gym, or casual wear—to ensure they meet your needs.
- Break them in gradually to adjust to the minimalist feel.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to pick a pair of New Balance Minimus 20V7 that I truly enjoy wearing. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect fit for your feet!
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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