Wow, I just read the press release about New Balance announcing a new advertising campaign called "For Love or Money"?

This quote was taken from that press release and pretty much says it all about what this campaign is about. "It's a celebration of the amateur athlete who plays for the love of the sport", New Balance spokeswoman Amy Vreeland said. "This is taking an edgier stance for New Balance."

This campaign could not come at a better time in sports when so much is happening in every arena. Basketball has had it’s sportsmanship issues this year. Hockey, well, yeah what about that? Baseball, with the salaries those guys are making. Steroids? Football and injuries, now there’s some guys playing for love and money!!!!

It is indeed a very critical time in the Sports world. Whether it be amateur or professional, we all have a lot of thoughts on how sportsmanship is affecting the sport.

What New Balance is doing with this campaign is asking consumers to go to their website and answer very emotional questions about what you would do or how you feel about a certain situation when it comes to sportsmanship.

We’ll be blogging a lot about this. It opens up a lot of conversations about what is going on in the sports world today!

Anyway for now, go to this link and answer these questions about what is your motivation! “For Love or Money”! http://www.newbalance.com/vote/

We’ll be answering these questions ourselves and sharing our thoughts with you.

Press release at http://www.newbalance.com/aboutus/media/pressReleases/02.28.05

The New Balance Sport Thong Sandal will be released in March. I have 2 pairs of a similar flip flop type with trail bottom sandal made by Ecco. They are 4 years old and I still wear them everyday whether it is at the gym, around the house or to run errands. I love how they just slide on yet offer cushioning and comfort. They’re great and I know a similar model put out by New Balance will be even more cushioned and lightweight. Naturally, I require a pair in every color!

These are the style numbers so you can keep an eye out for them:

Did you know that all New Balance athletic shoes have removable insoles? An insole is an inlay found inside the shoe that molds to the foot providing extra cushioning and comfort. Why is the insole removable? That’s simple, to accommodate over the counter insoles to fit your individual needs. Hey, we all have different feet right? So here are some insoles that can help you with special foot conditions.

Oh, by the way… All New Balance insoles feature the ABZORB SBS™ technology which offers the ultimate in cushioning.

I've worn out quite a few pairs of the New Balance 879 running shoe. When I tried the updated version, the New Balance 880 I thought that they felt really good.

In my opinion, which by the way is backed up by a New Balance technical sales rep at New Balance Tampa. "The 880 fits about 1/2 size smaller than the 879". The footwear guru I talked to fits hundreds of customers a week.

So when you purchase the M880WG go up to the next ½ size.

New Balance Exit shorts were listed as one of the Best of Fitness 2005 Products in the January/February issue of Health Magazine.

The Men's exit short is in the New Balance apparel line for Spring 2005.

What is so great about these shorts? The exit shorts have a suspended brief to help with great fit, good moisture control so that you don’t have chafing and better mobility when running.

The Exit shorts are made of stretch woven fabric which are ultra lightweight with a zippered fly and snap closure.

The big feature of the Exit shorts is that it has a 3D Stash-N-Dash. This is a zippered pocket in the back of the short which comes with a headphone valve and enough room for your MP3 Player, keys, energy gel, lip balm or whatever else you need to keep secure while running.

The Exit short also has an elasticized cross strap on the outside pocket which can hold your running hat when your not using it. The MSRP will be $50.00.

The layering system is comparable to the old days when we put on a tee shirt, then a sweatshirt and then a windbreaker. However, with technology the way it is today, we have some better alternatives to help us perform better.

New Balance technical apparel makes us more comfortable, warmer and dryer. New Balance technical clothing is lighter weight which allows our clothing to not get in the way of our game. The New Balance layering system shows you how to layer your clothing to keep you dry, warm and protected by wearing high tech apparel.

New Balance starts with a base layer, middle layer and outer layer. Your base layer is next to your skin and should act as a second skin moving the sweat away from your body. The middle layer acts as a defense zone slowing thermal energy and ventilates extra moisture. The outer layer protects you from the weather such as wind, rain, snow ect.

Click here for examples of the following Layers:

I noticed my son wearing an old tee shirt and shorts to run in the other day. Afterwards the cotton tee shirt was soaked. I wondered just how healthy that is to go out in the cold air with that wet fabric lying against his skin soaking into his pores. I told him that he was going to get sick.

My son said that his science teacher told him that a person cannot get sick from going bare foot outside or sweating then going outside or going outside with a wet head in the cold? Was that just an old wives tale? I did a search to see. This is what I found out.

In 1909 the Armory in Upper Manhattan was built as a training center for the National Guard. It became a venue for many of the cities big events. In the 1960’s it held many track & field competitions. In the 70’s economic decline came about and in the eighties the Armory became a homeless shelter with over 1,800 beds.

The Armory in Upper Manhattan was nearly condemned. In 1992, with the help of economic recovery and policies regarding the homeless, Dr. Norbert Sander, a doctor and winner of the New York Marathon led an effort to gain funds through private and public contributions.

New Balance was one of those supporters that stepped up to the plate and helped with these efforts. The New Balance Track and Field Center now hosts 90 local, national and international track meets yearly. Also to serve the community, the New Balance Track and Field Center is being used by local residents as a place to exercise, usage of computers for job seaching and to utilize the Armory’s special programs for literacy, job training and senior citizen activities.

What is unique about the New Balance 1007 Cross Trainer? New Balance states that this is the one cross trainer that you can take from a workout at the gym to a run up to 5 miles. Cross-trainers are designed to be used in a combination of activities while getting the support and cushioning that you need.

The New Balance 1007 is the updated version of the 1006. It is offered in 2 color combinations for women WX1007GR or WX1007W and 2 color combinations for men MX1007NV and MX1007W. It offers Stability Web, N-durance Outsole, Medial Post (Pronation Control) Abzorb SBS (maximum in cushioning), Acteva Midsole, and Synthetic/Mesh upper, making this model flexible and lightweight.

Check this
out for an up close view of this model.

Gosh, I could tell you what kind of New Balance walking shoes to wear when you walk. But take a look at some of these questions.

What's the best time of day to walk?

Should I eat before I walk?

What's the simplest way to determine how fast I'm walking?

My walking shoes have two sets of eyelets. Which should I use?

I feel dizzy when I get off my treadmill; is there something wrong with me?

Hmm? Click here to find out!

New Balance is using an advertising campaign to promote the expansion of new products that they are introducing. It comes as a little flyer in an envelope inside the boxes of the new 2005 shoe line. It states that New Balance is expanding new ways to achieve.

New Balance is partnering with industry leaders on new collections. These include, Franco Apparel which have a good reputation for making children’s apparel. New Era who in the fifties developed the 59fifty cap, has developed a line of hats for New Balance. Mortez Sports has come up with a line of performance technology sockwear. New Balance Fitness equipment is made by Fitness Quest Inc. Even shoe and apparel care products such as Apparel cleaner, Apparel Water & Stain Repellent, Gel Cleaner and Water & Stain repellent for shoes. They mask odors and are environmentally safe. Granger International is the manufacture of these products. Packworks Europe is creating a global line of packs and sports bags appearing in the Spring 2005 line. These bags will be highly functional.

And last of all, if you tried on glasses lately you may have seen the eyewear line with “Xtreme Peripheral Vision” put out by New Balance, made by Eyewear Designs Ltd.

Go out and get your tickets now, they're available for purchase. The New Balance Major League Championship Weekend will take place at Boston University's Nickerson Field Aug. 19 and Aug. 21. Tickets may be purchased by phone or online here.

"Last season’s New Balance Championship Weekend was unbelievable. The Boston crowd came out in huge numbers to support the MLL. We look forward to partnering with the City of Boston, Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Boston University again to bring this world class sporting event to a world class city. The atmosphere at Nickerson Field on August 19 and 21 will be awesome, something all sports fans will want to be a part of." said MLL Founder Jake Steinfeld, CEO of Body by Jake Global. Read the entire press release put out today at the Major League Lacrosse website.

Recently New Balance discontinued the MW746BR. Many customers are looking for this model because it is slightly different in coloring than it’s updated version the
MW747BR. The updated model the MW747BR has a darker colored leather and does not have the black rubber accents at the toe tip and back of shoe. Other than that it is the same ol’! So if you really like the old model better, I found some of the MW746BR still floating around out there. Check these sites, hopefully they will have your size.

Joe’s,

Online Shoes, and

Shoebuy.com.

The Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk benefits the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. The 3 Day Walk is a 60 mile walk which takes place over 3 days starting in the Summer 2005. New Balance is a sponsor of The Breast Cancer 3 Day Walks. Some New Balance stores will offer a 10% discount when you bring your donation card to their store. Participating stores are listed at www.3day.org ,when you click on the Outfitters link. This online New Balance dealer will give a 10% discount on your entire order when you enter 3DayWalk as a coupon code.

The New Balance Games which took place at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory in Upper Manhattan will be broadcasted 7 times in the next 2 weeks. According to an article at

Runnersweb.com YES Network will broadcast a 3 event series called the Armory Track Series. The series include the Marine Corps Classic, New Balance Collegiate Invitational and The New Balance Games.

A listing of air times on YES Network.
Wed, Feb 16, 11:00am
Thurs, Feb 17, 7:30am
Sun, Feb 20, 8:00pm
Sun, Feb 20, 11:30pm
Mon, Feb 21, 6:30pm
Wed, Feb 23, 1:00am
Sun, Feb 27, 7:00pm

The New Balance Classic basketball shoe, the Men's 585
Men's 585 will make it's debut in early Spring 2005. We will keep you posted on it's release.

Directions to try on shoes, isn't that pretty easy! My advice is - if the shoe fits, wear it. But you'd be suprised how many people are walking in the wrong size shoes.

Here are some words of wisdom when trying on shoes.

First and foremost, visit a store with expert fitting technicians. Judge your shoe by how it feels, not by what the size is inside of the shoe. One manufactures size may be smaller or larger than the competitiors. The shoe should conform as closely to the shape of your foot. There should not be gaps that are really loose or places that feel really tight. The size of your foot may change with age, pregnancy, weight lose or gain. So make sure you make shoe size changes accordingly. Try the shoes on your largest foot. The larger foot is the size you should wear on both feet. Your feet are at their largest at the end of the day, this would be the best time to try on a pair of shoes. Try shoes on with the same type of socks that you plan to wear with the shoe that your are trying on. Make sure that there is 3/8 to ½ inch at the end of your longest toe to the tip of the shoe when you stand. You should be able to wiggle your toes. Make sure the ball of your foot fits the widest part of the shoe. Make sure shoes fit and don’t plan on them stretching out, make sure they are comfortable to begin with. Relace the shoes so that you tighten them to what feels good to you. Your heel should not slip. Walk around in the shoes to make sure they feel good. It is a good idea to wear your shoes at home for a few days, inside on the carpet to break them in. Most shoe stores will take them back if you have not worn them outside. If you are purchasing athletic shoes, and you workout 3 times a week in a specific sport, you need a sport specific shoe, such as running, tennis, walking, ect. It is of our opinion of fitting many customers that New Balance tends to run a half size smaller than the size measured with a Bronnack device (device used to measure feet).
http://www.brannock.com/

New Balance is reporting that the 766 is the Runners World Editors Choice Winner. Nice going!

Ok... I know this blog is New Balance related but these are really cool shoes. I hope New Balance considers making shoes for skate boarders.

New Balance and Girls on the Run have put together a fitness and self-esteem program for preteen girls, ages 8-14 years old. This program not only encourages physical fitness but emotional, social and spiritual growth which teaches self respect and healthy living concepts.

Today, there are over 10,000 girls participating in over 30 states. Check here for local chapters.

New Balance and Franco Apparel Group are launching a new line of clothing for the Girls on the Run program. Look for the clothing line to be available in spring 2005 at all New Balance concept stores.

Here’s a question that we hear often. "I’m flat footed, what can you recommend?"

Today it arrived with a twist. "I’m flat footed and have been wearing the 991 shoe for 2 years. I Love them but it's time for a change; enough gray for awhile any suggestions???"

Hey, I understand wanting to switch. I was tired of the battleship-gray myself. Now I’ve got a pair in Navy Blue.

If you’ve been following this blog then you already know how much love we’ve been giving the 991. Here are a few 991 posts:

Runner’s World Magazine awarded the New Balance 766 running shoe an “Editor’s Choice” award in its Spring 2005 Shoe Buyer’s Guide. The 766 is the most recent update to the 760 series. This running shoe is available in both Men’s and Women’s running category. The entire review will be available in the March 2005 issue of Runner’s World Magazine.