The rock plate will prevent rocks, tree roots etc from impacting on the sole of the foot. The MT1010 also provides a little cushioning which is likely to make it ideal for longer trail runs.
I decided to contact New Balance UK today to find out if they had any plans to release the shoes here (they have been available in the US since July 2012). I have always been impressed by the level of customer service from New Balance and this query was no different. Half an hour later I received the reply I was looking for:
So great news I can’t wait for the shoe to be released on this side of the pond. Generally I am a big fan of the New Balance minimus range being the owner of the New Balance 730 (US version), New Balance MR00 (road) and New Balance MT00(trail). I am sure the MT1010 will live upto the high standards these shoes have set.“The 1010 minimus will be released next season in the UK and will be available in green/yellow. The estimated arrival will be end of January in stores and will be available from Sweatshop.”
Below is the official MT1010 promotional film just to get our British(and others countries in the world where the MT1010 has not been released) juices flowing!