New Balance Is Bringing Back an Acclaimed Trail Running Sneaker From the Barefoot Era
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Frequent New Balance collaborator Action Bronson previewed his take on an archival Minimus trail sneaker late in the summer, but the cult-favorite barefoot model will get its debut collaboration through a lesser-known source.
The Ice Studios x New Balance Minimus is set to bring back the minimalist silhouette through a playful color scheme focused on primary colors. Red, blue, yellow and green accents primarily decorate the upper, but room at midfoot on the black and gum sole unit carved out for a yellow shank. The brand’s thermometer logo graces the heel and tongue, while its name appears beneath the collar on the shoe’s lateral transparent mesh.
New Balance debuted the Minimus in 2011 amid the craze for barefoot-style running shoes — a far cry from the maximalist-cushioned models that define the market today. The shoe was widely praised for its fit and flexibility, and it also came in at a low weight with a breathable upper that could be worn without socks and a rugged Vibram outsole (the latter of which doesn’t feature now).
The model has quietly made its return with FuelCell cushioning this year, but more noise is coming from the collaborations. Now that running shoes for the trail or road have firmly veered away from minimalism, the Minimus may have better luck in the lifestyle sector. And for as much as gorpcore has died down in broader fashion, shoes like the Minimus show it still has strong legs in the narrower field of footwear.
The Minimus marks just the third sneaker collaboration for Ice Studios, a New York- and London-based creative agency founded by Renell Medrano and Jess Moloney. In 2022, the collective took on Gel-Kayano 14 which took on an “ice” theme quite literally, much like its first New Balance project did just months ago.
The Ice Studios x New Balance Minimus will release Thursday, October 17, through Ice Studio’s website before a wider launch October 24 on New Balance’s site. Pricing has not yet been announced.
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About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.