Customer Reviews

New Balance Men's MR790 Trail Running Shoe,Black,8 D

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

See, most running shoes have these horrible huge overbuilt heels that practically force you to land heel first...which is the worst way of running especially when combined with overstriding (stepping too far in front of the body) and by far the main cause of running injuries, because it basically creates a braking motion with each step, especially hard on your knees and lower back. What most people find to be a far more efficient and enjoyable way of running is to strike with the midfoot and land directly underneath or slightly behind the body...something which is difficult and sometimes impossible to do if you have the misfortune of having bought one of these huge-heeled shoes (the Nike "Shox" series are probably the worst of the worst). I suspect the reason that shoe companies like to put huge overbuilt heels on their shoes is because they know that most people will assume that "bigger is better" (kind of the SUV-buyer's mentality) and are also unaware of midfoot running as an alternative.

Well these 790s are one of those rare exceptions. While not completely flat-heeled, it's noticeably lower in the heel than most shoes, which makes midfoot running much much easier. The shoe is also nice and light and the outsole is fairly flexible: lightness in a shoe = more speed, flexibility = the muscles in your feet can stretch/strengthen themselves more fully and naturally with each step. There is a flexion plate which provides a nice bit of energy return too.

My only slight quibble is that the fit is a bit looser in the 790's forefoot than I would have liked. This is dependent on the shape of each individual's foot, however. One of the reason I love Brooks shoes is because they fit my feet like a glove, and a shoe salesclerk confirmed that Brooks are especially good for people with narrow-ish feet and low to medium arches, like me. So if you have slightly wider feet, perhaps with slightly higher arches than mine, this shoe might fit YOU like a glove.

That said, I still use my 790s for short runs of 6-9 miles on grass or dirt, including tempo runs. They're ok on asphalt or concrete if you are a highly efficient runner with a really soft stride, otherwise they can be a little rough. I have used them for daylong hikes and they were extremely comfortable---the low heel and the lightness made them far superior to my usual hiking shoes. I wouldn't recommend them for really difficult trails of course, but for casual easy trails they are wonderful. They are also so attractive (I have the gray and black model) that I will use them for casual wear when they have worn out for running...took them on a long flight once, they were also very comfy.
I bought mine for about forty bucks online with shipping included; not sure if I'd pay full retail price for these.

My favorite trail shoe by far. A racing flat for the trail. Almost guaranteed to make you faster. You do have to take more care in foot placement as sharp objects can be felt through the sole, but one learns good foot placement quickly. The low profile of the sole is a definite advantage in stability and efficiency. The only downside is a tendency for the tread to separate from the EVA, and that it's been discontinued. Get them while you can!

This shoe is great for mid-strike running. I was running in the new New Balance 800 shoes supposedly designed for Chi running but they are so cushy that my feet seemed to wobble when striking pavement. The NB 790 shoes cost less the 800's and they feel great and stable. Running in these is much less stressful on my feet and knees (no after running pain). I love these so much that when I found out they are being discontinued I bought myself an extra 3 pairs. They are that good and the price for this performance is unbeatable.

Best running shoe I have ever bought. Seriously. Being a Sergeant in the Marine Corps running 20+ miles a week these shoes cause me less shin pain and are extremely lightweight and flexible.

I first bought these after noticing the low to the ground fit (like a sports car with a low center of gravity). At the time I wanted something that would help prevent ankle twists; ankle twists seem encouraged with the many super cushioned 1"+ platform like heels one many running shoes. Well, these shoes worked and their light weight design makes them really fast. Even with their minimalist build they also hold up well lasting longer than many other running shoes.

Shoes are very lightweight, almost look too small. Very good for walking around the city, and the more subdued colors look good with casual wear. However, I'll have to agree with others that they're not really running shoes (much less trail running), and would probably not hold up long. Good for the urban hipster, not so much for the active athlete.

I haven't had any of the quality problems that other people have described, but I believe them. (Not particular to New Balance, it just seems that everything we buy these days is potentially shoddy.) I'm a casual runner, some of it on dirt roads, and they're great. I've worn the sole out before I've had anything fall apart, and I have no complaints.

For me, though, I have a special affection for them them; after fighting mild plantar fasciitis for several years, discovering and wearing these shoes almost full time has improved my condition 98 or 99%. The things that cause people the stresses of plantar fasciitis to begin with are most likely unique to individuals, so I doubt they're some kind of universal cure, but I've tried everything including expensive Z-Coil shoes, and these provided instant relief and what may be permanent recovery. I've owned about 5 pairs of these, mostly the charcoal/orange ones and one pair of the lighter gray/burgundy, and they've all held up to my use very well. I try to always keep a spare pair around in case they become unavailable. By the time they stop making them, maybe my recovery will go from 98% to 100% and I won't even need to worry about them.

I bought the 790's on the advice of Danny Dreyer of [...] His advise was spot on. The 790's are the best midfoot running shoe around. Very lightweight and roomy. Almost like running barefoot. If you can, pick up a pair before they are all gone as NB stopped making these recently.

I really love this product. Its very light and fits to my feet. Shipping was fast.

I owned a pair of these previously and I loved them so much I had to buy them again. Amazon had the best price and delivered promptly.