Gear Review
New Balance 101 Trail Run Shoe - Men's
Great, but not for everyone
By Dominick Layfield
Ranked #32 - Men's Trail Run Shoes
February 16, 2011
First up, check out the weight of these shoes. My pair of 10.5's weigh exactly 1 lb (8 oz each). For comparison, my Brooks Cascadia 4's weigh 1 lb 10 oz per pair. That's a massive weight difference. The NB 101's are amazingly light. But that also means that they provide minimal support and minimal cushioning. So this shoe is going to feel *very* different to a traditional trail shoe.
If you're a trail-runner and have been watching the barefoot running revolution, been wanting to dip a toe in the water, but can't quite bring yourself to run in the (ridiculous-looking) FiveFingers, then this is the shoe for you. The 101 provides an impressive amount of foot protection for the weight, while still retaining great ground feel. Hallelujah!
What's not to like? Well, firstly, I found that they run a little small. I ordered a 10, which felt too tight, and had to return them for a 10.5. After a few runs, the shoes have stretched a little and now feel a little roomy, so maybe I could have got away with the 10. Hard to say. But it seems like they run about 1/4 size small, so if in doubt, I would suggest sizing up. (Maybe they are sized for use without socks?) Also, when I first put them on, the arch felt a little high (no real reason for arch support in a minimal running shoe!), but within a run or two, the arch seemed to flatten out, and was unnoticeable.
Finally, I've only put about 25 miles on these shoes, so I can't comment yet on their durability, or their capability in a wide range of conditions. I'll try to update this review when I've had more trail time in them.
View Details: New Balance 101 Trail Run Shoe - Men's
Helpful Votes: 4 Yes
Change me.
3 Comments Last Reply: April 14, 2011 By: Dominick Layfield
In response to the sizing question, I'm 100% positive that the size 10 felt a little small, and that the 10.5 feels better. And since I wear a size 10 in almost every brand of shoe I've ever tried (New Balance, Brooks, Salomon, Vasque, Nike), I'm confident that my foot is a 'typical' US 10. As I said, I think the shoe is sized for barefoot use. So with socks, even thin ones, they feel tight. If you are planning to use socks, I would definitely go 1/2 size up. Additionally, I think you get a more "barefoot-like" experience with a slightly roomier shoe that allows your forefoot to splay out.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I have a question for you, Are you sure they run 1/4 size smaller?, NB tends to say their footwear is perfect in sizing. I would be super disappointed having to return.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
I'm now up to about 150 miles in these shoes, and liking them more and more. They seem to work well in a good range of conditions. Like Scurlox said, though, "expect wet feet if you hit puddles, rain or snow."
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes