New Balance Revives a Uniquely Technical, Barefoot-Era Trail Superstar With Elevated Materials

The M10L builds on a heritage style and adds innovative construction, delivering a shoe as comfortable on the trails as it is on the streets.

Close-up of a blue and black athletic shoe with a textured mesh upper and a gum sole against a green background.

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By Hayley Helms

Published March 18, 2026

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Updated March 18, 2026

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Barefoot running is common today, but back in 2010 it was a novelty. In 2011, at the dawn of the barefoot running craze, New Balance released the Minimus Trail 10.

The shoe was groundbreaking, thanks to its trail-ready design and 4 mm heel-to-toe drop, a stark contrast from the bulky trail shoes of the era that borrowed mostly from road running.

Pair of black and blue New Balance trail running shoes with gum rubber soles and red laces. — The close-to-ground feel, plus a flexible construction that encourages a natural stride and foot movement, helps define the M10L and its predecessor.

Fast forward 15 years, and New Balance has just released the spiritual successor to the Minimus Trail 10, outfitted for 2026.

The Cayl x New Balance M10L expertly balances technical materials, a city-to-trail aesthetic and innovative construction, while staying true to the shoe’s barefoot inspiration.

A step in the right direction

The M10L is a collaborative effort between New Balance and Cayl, a South Korean outdoor label known for ultralight, highly technical hiking gear defined by a minimalist, utilitarian aesthetic that suits both city streets and technical trails.

Close-up of a gray and black trail running shoe with orange laces on mossy ground. — Exposed stitching complements the textural design of the upper.

The new trail runner embodies that philosophy while staying true to its New Balance roots.

Pair of black and blue New Balance running shoes with brown laces and gum soles, viewed from above. — Toggle speed lacing provides a dialed-in fit.

The design uses a lightweight grid-based mesh and mesh overlays on the upper, creating a textural look without weighing down the shoe.

The segmented outsole provides flexibility and supports natural foot movement.

New Balance

The M10L retains the low-profile silhouette and 4mm drop of its forebear, now augmented with FuelCell midsole foam, custom insoles and a 3D-printed mudguard.

The most uncommon feature is a rugged, split-design outsole that maintains traction on smooth and rough surfaces while supporting natural foot movement.

Pair of blue and black New Balance Minimus trail running shoes with tan rubber soles on pine needles. — Branding hits on the tongue and insoles pair Cayl’s mountain insignia with the classic NB logo.

The unique “Black Ink with Lavender Lustre and Smoke Paprika” colorway (I know, it’s a mouthful) complements the material choices supplied by Cayl and the overall construction of the shoe, helping the M10L continue to walk an untrod path.

Availability and pricing

The Cayl x New Balance M10L is available now on New Balance’s website, retailing for $140.

Black and blue New Balance sneaker with a textured mesh upper and gum rubber sole.

Cayl x New Balance M10L

$140 at New Balance

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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