New Balance MT100/WT100

[elainevdw]

So I tried the Nike Frees and ended up rolling my ankle at the gym. Those suckers are going back.

Now I need to find something else to run in -- does anybody have any experience with the New Balance MT100 (the women's version is the WT100)? I saw them on ZombieRunner.com (http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/shoes_and_insoles/new_balance/product2479.html) and they look promising:

This low-profile, ultra-lightweight trail racer is made for the neutral gait and features puncture-resistant toe material and ROCK STOP® in the forefoot to protect your feet from debris on the trail.

ACTEVA Midsole cushions and resists compression set - 12% lighter than standard foam

Rock Stop embedded into forefoot provides protection from sharp rocks and debris

Sure Lace secure shoe laces provide added midfoot support and keep the shoe snug around the foot

EVA foam on the upper provides visual contrast and supports and cushions the Achilles; it does the same with the ankle as the EVA extends to the shoe collar

Puncture-resistant toe material in the toe wrap provides lightweight protection from debris

Synthetic/Mesh upper provides lightweight comfort and support

Color: Gray with Black

Shoe Weight: 170 grams (6 ounces)

Shoe Last: RL-3

All I really want is a shoe that is a) flexible, b) relatively thinly soled, c) has a slight, but not huge, heel (my achilles is really tight, so completely neutral-heeled shoes put a little too much strain there right now).

[dfitz0223]

These are supposed to be the replacement for the 790s so I too am curious to hear what other ChiRunners think of them.

[elainevdw]

Well, I guess I'll have to give you a review then. I ended up with a 10% off coupon from a retailer who carries these, so I ordered a pair this morning. In 7-9 business days from now, hopefully my ankle won't be swollen anymore and these shoes will rock!

[OldXCguy]

Please do post a review. I loved the 790's (I've still got a couple of more pairs stockpiled, kind of like Elaine with her sponges), and I would like to find out if the MT100's are a suitable replacement.

[elainevdw]

I got them today! My ankle is still sore, so I only did 1.3 miles in them, but my initial impression is very positive. The soles aren't quite as flexible as my martial arts shoes, but the toe box flexes in the right spots and is flexible enough that you can touch the tip of the toe to the top lace. If you hold the heel in one hand and the toe in the other and twist it, it moves a little bit -- not much, but a little, mostly on the outer front toe box. There is exactly enough heel for me, not too much, but just enough. (This was a key factor I was looking for, I can't do completely neutral heels yet.) I wear a 9.5 in Asics and got a 10 in these, and they fit perfectly. Very lightweight, plenty of width in the toe box, very breathable and flexible uppers. The rock guard sole filters out any specific feedback you'd get from stepping on something unpleasant (e.g. it doesn't hurt if you step on a sharp rock), but it's thin enough that your feet don't feel completely "stupid" (to pull a phrase from the Chi Running book). If I concentrated, I could sort of feel cracks in the sidewalk, or that bumpy textured concrete they put on the curb next to a crosswalk.

I will post again after I've worked back up to doing longer runs in them. I don't see why they wouldn't stand the test, but we'll see.

Also, the 1.3 miles felt great on my ankle... Was tempted to go further but I didn't want to push it. Chi Running is great for loosening your joints, eh?

[elainevdw]

And if you missed Danny's blog on Feb 7, here's what he says:

NB-MT100 – (7.0 oz.) One of the lightest trail shoes ever made. Very flexible and breathable…also drains well when wet. Great for most trail running, but tend to lose traction on wet surfaces, especially wet rock. Personally, I’d like the lugs a bit more aggressive for these North Carolina mountains, but they’re adequate as is on dry trails.