New Balance MR790 Review (Trail Shoes)

The New Balance MR790 is a lightweight trail racing shoe that is built low to the ground with
exceptional responsiveness.  It features a Rock Stop shock distribution plate to provide protection
from rocks.  This shoe comes in at an incredible low weight of 9.5oz.

This shoes gets ten points on style.  That is out of a scale of 10, thus 10/10 on the looks department.
 However, that is not why I purchased the shoe.  I was looking for a lightweight and responsive trail
running shoe.  Last year I had a pair of New Balance 902's and loved them, one of my favorite pairs
of shoes ever.  Thus, I figured if I needed a lightweight trainer that I should give New Balance another
chance and see how their trail running shoes hold up.

I love this shoe.  It feels like a lightweight performance trainer and even has a racing flat feel to it.  I'd
say the traction is decent but not great.  Due to the lightness of this shoe, you are sacrificing
cushioning and protection from rocks and stumps.  I felt like the cushioning was adequate for me, but
I am a fairly neutral runner who does not need a lot of support.  Also, I probably would not run in
these if the course was extremely rocky as the shoe would not offer enough protection to prevent
bruising of your feet.

Overall, I would highly recommend this shoe.  If you're a runner looking for a minimalist shoe, that is
extremely lightweight than the New Balance MR790 is the shoe for you.  It does not offer all the bells
and whistles (i.e. Gimmicks) that a lot of the other trail running shoes offer.  I've read complaints
about not enough cushioning and not enough protection from rocks, etc.  But when a shoes comes in
weighing 9.5oz you shouldn't expect the protection of a pair of Red Wing Boots.

The traction is also adequate, nothing stellar, so watch yourself on those steep descents or on any
rocks covered with water.  If you're looking to fly up the trails, pick up the New Balance MR790 Trail
Shoes.