New Balance 101 Trail Run Shoe - Women's - 2010 BCS

I've heard all the buzz about running barefoot and ultra light shoes. I've tried on a pair of those shoes that separate the toes and they are not for me. But these are great! No bulky heal to trip over while on the trail. Enough of a sole to not feel every rock I land on top of and super light. I'm very satisfied with my new shoes :)

I have been running in the male version of these shoes for over a year, and I love them. If you are considering purchasing a pair it would be important to note that this is a very minimalist shoe. The upper is composed entirely of mesh/soft foam, and the sole is very thin. People with arch support issues will want to look elsewhere. Those of you that are looking for a proper trail running shoe… your search has ended!

My girlfriend and I like to go on trail runs and mild hikes, so proper footwear is a must. I recently bought her a pair of her own 101’s, and she is very pleased. The construction is identical to the male version (besides the fit) so if you would like a more detailed description of the 101, you can check out my review of the male version. In a nutshell; the shoe is super light and breathable, the sole is very thin yet comfortable, the Rock Stop plastic does exactly what it claims to do (and it does it very well), and the durability is topnotch for such a light shoe (over a year of strenuous use and my pair is ready for year 2). Obviously, the style and price are equally awesome. If you have a chance to see these in person, check out the trim (it’s super cool, almost an iridescent/pearl effect). Even if you never take these out in the hills, they are still an awesome gym shoe. However, avoid cement/pavement as the sole will wear extra quick! New Balance does make a lightweight/durable road shoe, this isn’t it.

When it comes to shoes, I doubt that I have to remind you ladies that, “you get what pay for.” With New Balance, you get nothing short of a perfect, purpose driven, American made shoe. Do your feet, and your workout a favor. Get a pair of the 101’s.

I ordered these shoes the night before last and they were on my doorstep the next afternoon. I immediately took them for a 6K run and loved them. This is my first time running in a more barefoot style of shoe, so after my run i had a ton of sore muscles in my calves and ankles that i didn't know were there before. The shoe is super light and i was surprised at how rigid and hard the bottoms of them were. You wont be feeling any rocks underneath you, trust me. I'm a size 7 1/2- 8 1/2 and got these in 7 1/2. They are a little snug by my big toes which worried me, but i dont notice it at all while i was running. These shoes remind me a lot of my old sprint shoes from track..They feel great. I'd highly reccomend these shoes to anyone!

Was tired of my old "running" shoes giving me blisters on my little toes, and was looking to try a more barefoot style of shoe. These are great so far, have worn them running once. I put them on straight out of the box and went for a 7km run. No blisters, even without wearing them in first. They are SUPER light, and breathable. The shoelaces are the nice bubble type/wave design so they don't come un-tied. I can feel them pushing me into each step much more than any other running shoe I have owned, and can feel myself immediately falling into a much more natural stride. Day after running I can feel the burn in my feet and legs from working muscles I didn't use before in a more padded running shoe. These give me more contact with the road, which is strange at first but what I wanted. I normally wear a size 7.5 to 8.5 depending on the shoe, in these I got a 7.5 and they fit perfect. I got the purple ones, the color is a little more intense/brighter than I am use to, but not obnoxious. With these in my closet can't wait to get out for my next run. Well done New Balance.

my girlfriend has worn nike free 5.0 and finds these shoes to be even more barefootish. i wouldn't recommend lacing a pair of these up without letting your foot get use to the lack of cushion. but after that, you will feel like a track star, running with such light shoes is a great feeling. join the revolution and just say no to cushion.