Why walk, run, bike or spin in New Balance shoes? Customers ask me questions like this all the time that pertain to doing a mix of sports with one shoe model. This is the great thing about cross-trainers and why they make a difference. New Balance Cross-Trainers are a step up from ordinary athletic shoes!
To my knowledge they offer:
More Support – Combines lateral and forward motion support that lets you do more. Superior to other types of athletic shoes that only provide forward-directional support.
More Durability – Durable abrasion-resistant materials last longer than the mesh used in other running shoes. Built to better endure movement-induced stress.
More Versatility – Designed for multiple activities in different environments – in the gym or outdoors.
More Benefits – It’s a fact. Athletes who cross-train show significantly improved cardiovascular health and general fitness compared to athletes engaging in only one activity.

So the other day a customer asked me what's the difference between combi-lasted and slip-lasted?.

For starters a last is a device shaped to resemble a foot which the shoe upper is assembled or shaped around. The job of the last is to determine the fit of a shoe. Why is that important? Because a shoes last construction has a major impact on its performance characteristics.

Here are the popular types of last construction that deliver the optimal blend of stability and flexibility.

Boarded Lasted
These shoes have a sturdy insole board running the entire length of the footbed and this type of construction provides the greatest stability.

Combi-Lasted
These shoes employ slip lasting in the forefoot for enhanced flexibility and the insole board in the rearfoot to control excessive motion.

Slip Lasted
These shoes are constructed without an insole board. So that provides the greatest possible flexibility and lightest weight.

Strobel Lasted
And these shoes are constructed with a thin material acting like a sock liner stretched along its perimeter. This construction provides an excellent blend of stability and flexibility.

I just finished reading an article about Jim Davis, CEO of New Balance Athletic Shoes. New Balance is the only major U.S. sneaker brand still manufacturing in America; most others have fled to China, Indonesia and Vietnam. I think that the way he markets New Balance is very unique with the motto "Endorsed by No One". Can he continue to be a Sole survivor? I think so. To read the article go to Time.com.Let me know what you think?