The Original Model Makes a Strong Comeback! Why New Balance's "Minimus MT10" Boasts Enduring Popularity

By stripping down the shoe to its essential functions and achieving a barefoot-like experience, the revolutionary shoe "New Balance Minimus MT10" aims to maximize the natural abilities of the human foot, making a comeback as a lifestyle model.
 
The one-tone finish, which is conscious of the low-profile sneaker trend, has garnered a loyal fan base. This time, we spoke with Shigeyuki Kunii, the creative director of mita sneakers, about the reasons for the popularity of this model.

Design that Evokes the Trend of "Low-profile"

A barefoot running boom emerged around 2010. This training method focuses on running in a near-barefoot state to strengthen the ankles and foot muscles while improving basic leg strength. Amid this trend, New Balance introduced the "Minimus" in 2012. When we asked Kunii about its features, he responded:
 
"This 'Minimus' was conceived with the concept of maximizing the original functions of the foot by wearing shoes that replicate a near-barefoot state within the category of barefoot running.
 
"The model name takes inspiration from the phrase 'Less is More,' proposed by German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
 
"Recently, shoes with a flat-soled court-like silhouette have been emerging in the 'low-profile' category, prompting this revival to adapt to current trends.

"However, 'New Balance' is also putting significant effort into sports shoes, so the 'MT10' from this 'Minimus' line is not only released as a lifestyle choice but also has performance-oriented trail running versions from the same series. This is a key point."
 
It’s not simply because low-profile is trendy and has been pulled from the archives; the connection between sports and lifestyle is what makes "New Balance" truly distinctive.

The Allure of Luxurious Charcoal Gray in a One-tone Finish

Why has the "Minimus," popular in barefoot running, gained support in lifestyle? When asked about this factor, Kunii shared:
 
"At that time, there was a trend of incorporating new functions into sole units, and many people likely chose shoes simply to test the feel of a thin sole.
 
"For those wanting to experience a shoe but not seeking the level of a performance shoe, this 'MT10,' released from the lifestyle category, was just right for them.

"At that time, there were hybrid models like 'Minimus' that showcased familiar colors by sampling the palette of the '1300,' which visually appealed."
 
Regarding the recent revival of "Minimus," Kunii continued:
 
“As the trend shifts from volume-heavy silhouettes to sleeker, flat-soled options, this may have been a response. Considering the recent urban trail trend, this shoe is well-positioned to align seamlessly with it.

"This charcoal gray one-tone colorway is used in the prestigious 1000 series models. In '2040,' charcoal gray was also the primary color. Gray holds special significance for 'New Balance'; while ice gray has a classic image, charcoal gray balances luxury with versatility, making it an understandable choice for this revival."

A Presence that Restores Fashion to its Original Essence

Upon seeing the revived "Minimus" "MT10," what thoughts crossed Kunii's mind? We inquired for his candid opinion.
 
"Currently, the sneaker landscape is shifting significantly, with a tendency towards styles that blend seamlessly into outfits, rather than emphasizing bulkier shapes. A common sentiment among women is that chunky (fat) soles make legs appear longer, while low-profile models present a more elegant leg line.

"This one-tone calm color, when considered from the perspective of styling, makes us feel the user-friendly essence of 'New Balance' rather than a contrast-focused design."
 
Finally, when I asked Kunii how the "Minimus" and other low-profile shoes would evolve in the future, he replied:
 
“A few years ago, chunky-soled models were trending, but I don't think that the pendulum swinging back towards low-profile shoes will happen.
 
"While chunky soles remain popular, there's a growing interest in low-profile designs as their counterpart; however, I don’t believe it will lead to a complete shift towards thin-soled options.
 
"This trend in low-profile shoes started with the 'Adidas' 'Samba,' which began in football shoes and has now branched out into motorsports and even martial arts like Taekwondo. In the outdoor category, trails that originally favored chunky soles are also shifting towards barefoot styles.

"In fashion, sneakers have gained societal acceptance, so rather than a single style becoming overwhelmingly popular, the choices vary by personal style and individual. It seems to have returned to its original form. Ultimately, what's important is that the variety of choices has expanded, allowing people to pick what suits their style."
 
Recently, there seems to be an increase in people who follow similar fashion trends, but true fashion should allow for freedom and individual expression. I hope that the "Minimus" can contribute a thought-provoking element to the current state of fashion.