The long awaited update to the MT110 version is here from New Balance. I have not run in the first iteration of this shoe, thus my review will be limited to version 2. Let’s take a look at the MT110 V2.
INITIAL IMPRESSSIONS
The MT110 V2 came in at 9.10 oz (~258 g) with a 4 mm drop. I found the fit to be narrow in the midfoot (D width). I could easily go up a half a size for a better fit. The MT110 V2 also come in wider widths (2E).
The upper has been updated to feature a layer of synthetic material on top of mesh material adding to the durability of the shoe.
The midsole is slightly thicker using New Balance’s REVlite midsole that is 30% lighter than EVA.
The outsole has been updated with ample traction and a new rubber compound meant to be stickier. It still includes the ROCKSTOP plate to protect the feet from sharp trail objects.
TRAIL TESTING
The first test was the out-of-the-box twenty miler. The MT110 V2 handles technical trails well – rocks, scree, etc. They did not drain well in stream crossings (could be due to the extra overlay material to add durability). I noticed some slippage on the steep descends, but re-tied my laces into a different configuration which solved the problem. I also felt a slight hot spot on my right small toe (but no blister) near the “n” of new balance on the lateral side of the shoe. It could be how this pair creases when the shoe is flexed.
I tried to run sockless in the MT110 V2, but quickly put the socks back on. They did not feel comfortable enough for my barefoot unlike the other Minimus line of shoes.
Overall, I liked the durable upper with improved traction, but would either size up or get a wider width. I did wish it had a gusseted tongue as the tongue would move out of place at times.
Tech Specs
- Heel: 20 mm
- Midfoot: 16 mm
- Offset: 4 mm
- Non-gusseted tongue
- Neutral Shoe
- Rock Plate
- Midsole – RevLite (30% lighter than EVA)
- Upper – Synthetic
- Made In – Vietnam
- Women’ Version
Weight Table
CONCLUSION
The New Balance MT110 V2 is updated with a more durable upper and sticky rubber traction to tackle most terrain. The MT110 V2 are for the runners looking for a lighter trail shoe for faster training sessions that has amble protection under the foot. However, for you MT110 fans, the V2 may be a disappointment in that it really is a different shoe in fit and last.
