Our last review of New Balance shoes was of the Leadville 1210 running shoe, designed for the Leadville cross-country race. We were much taken with the Leadvilles for running, and went so far as to buy some more ourselves. So what does New Balance do for an encore? Well, they refer to the MT910V1 shoe as the little brother to the Leadville (and a 'cousin' to the 890), and claim that, "the 910 borrows the best of both to create a lightweight, high-cushion trail shoe for all types of terrain". Not sure where the "little" bit comes from: the non-GTX version weighs almost exactly the same as the Leadville at 11.2 oz (318 g) each for size 10 4E. The marketing stuff says that, "the 910 is the flagship New Balance performance trail shoe" - for 2014 at least.
As you will note from the title, New Balance is making two versions of this model: the MT910V1 with a "mesh" body and the MT910V1GTX with a Goretex lining. The GTX version is about 2 oz (54 g) heavier. New Balance sent us one (pair) of each. My wife took the bright blue mesh version and gave the grey GTX version to me.
The shoes use the UL-1 last. The text with the shoes claims this gives a wider heel and a standard toe box; the diagrams suggest almost exactly the opposite. The New Balance web page explaining about lasts matches the text version.
Readers with a long memory may remember that I reviewed the MT910GT joggers early in 2010. Am I reviewing the same shoes again? Oh no - the ones I am reviewing here are the MT910V1 shoes and bear no relation to the previous 910GTs. Apparently New Balance understands this fine distinction ... Anyhow, these are new shoes.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Overview
- Details
- Soles
- Midsole and Footbed
- Rand
- Uppers
- Tongue
- Fit
- Field Testing
- Specifications and Features
# WORDS: 1950
# PHOTOS: 7
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Companion forum thread to:
New Balance MT910V1 and MT910V1GTX Trail Shoes Review
Thanks Roger agian for covering these shoes over the last year or so! I'm basically hooked on the UL-1 last now, and was looking at the 910's the other day on the NB website. These, and the next run of 1210's should keep me satisfied for a while.
There is a considerable difference between the wet grip that shoes from different manufacturers provide. Even between different soles from the same maker.
One pair we have provides good grip on dry rocks, but are lethal when the same rocks are wet from rain. I know you may have problems finding a suitable test location, but is it possible for you to comment?
Absolutely agree!!! Some of the synthetic soles grip wonderfully in the dry and are skating rinks in the wet.
To the best of my memory, none of the NB shoes I have ever tested have had any problems in the wet. There was one brand I reviewed (I forget which) which did skate badly, but it was not NB.
More specifically – we have been running in the 910s in the rain recently, over some rock (sandstone), and the grip was excellent.
Cheers
Thanks. Good to know.
Just to add, a salesman told be that there were 101 versions of vibram. Certainly I have three pairs from one manufacturer which use vibram, all of which have different hardness characteristics. Don't know how this affects wet grip.
I now avoid any gortex lined shoes. Inevitably water gets in, but not out. Swamp feet.
It a weird issue – I guess I should understand the physics better, but I don't. I resole all of my shoes in 5-10 aqua-stealth – a harder version of rock climbing sole rubber designed for underwater and wet grip which it does great.
In the other hand, while it grips everything stronger than anything else I have ever used (not being an actual rock climber), there is a certain kind of floor and polish I have found, particularity in grocery stores, where it suddenly become exactly like an ice rink. Very weird.
So if you ever hear I slipped and broke my neck on a thru hike, it will probably be during a resupply.
I've not noticed any performance upgrades with the models with Vibram soles. Wear has been just as fast as any other trail shoe I've tried. Wet traction with the 889s is terrible. Passable with the Leadvilles. So maybe New Balance sees no need to continue down that path. Why pay somebody else and get nothing in return.
I am happy with the Leadvilles though. Glad to hear them being continued. If I could only find a place that stocks more than one pair in a size 15. Can't wait for subdued colors to become fashionable.
Well, now I have to admit that I simply cannot find the Mens version of the 1210s on the NB web site at all. One day I can buy my size and width in volume (3 pairs); the next day they simply don't exist. Don't ask me: I have NO IDEA!
Cheers
"In the other hand, while it grips everything stronger than anything else I have ever used (not being an actual rock climber), there is a certain kind of floor and polish I have found, particularity in grocery stores, where it suddenly become exactly like an ice rink. Very weird. "
I walked into an A&W restaurant with my merrel trail gloves and I was like a ice rink… it was very suprising. I almost fell face first in front of everyone. That's the first time I've experienced that.
NB is infamous for suddenly discontinuing what seem to be successful items.
Or as any American woman instinctively knows…… if you find shoes or pants that fit you well and make you look and feel good, IMMEDIATELY return to the store and buy three more, before they get discontinued. If you REALLY REALLY like them, buy 6 more
I know about the skating. Really FUN.
Many years ago an Asian company came out with a new tyre made with synthetic rubber. Cheaper to make and they claimed a longer life as well. They were imported into Australia and sold for a (little) while. THEN people tried them out in the rain. Aaahhh …
I still like carbon rubber.
Cheers
March 6, apparently you guys will be able to get an additional hit of the 1210's. Hope you can hold off the shakes until then. As for me, like Trace, I when to "the man" a few weeks back and bought some half-priced close outs.
Stay away from the women's versions…but Joes has a nice selection still….
http://www.joesnewbalanceoutlet.com/search_results.asp
I've ordered a few tines from here and they're great.
Curious why avoid the women's version ? Was thinking of picking up for my wife at Joe's. .
Travis, see this thread for the answer: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=81789&skip_to_post=748703#748703
"Curious why avoid the women's version ? Was thinking of picking up for my wife at Joe's. "
I guess I should have specifically mentioned Avoid the women's version in size 10. Until I can buy a bunch. Then have at it!
Hi Jennifer
Remember that the Womens version comes in sizes B & D. If your feet are that narrow, fine. But I know a lot of female walkers these days just buy the Mans version.
Cheers
Thanks for the heads up Roger…but yes, my feet are super duper narrow. To be honest, during my first trip with the shoes I was worried because I couldn't seem to get them cinched up tight enough. But I kept working at it and now I just love 'em
Ah…missed the other thread. She's a 9 or 9.5, so we're not going to be competing.
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