New Balance signed a deal this week with the University of Northern Colorado athletic department to give athletes the option to outfit with New Balance products such as football, baseball, volleyball and women's basketball.

New Balance is going strong promoting their line of Team Sports cleats, spikes, apparel and accessories.

- Michele

What is Abzorb EX? - Abzorb EX is a combination of New Balance's premium Abzorb foam and peripheral pocket of non-pressurized air that is encapsulated in an engineered thermoplastic. The abzorb EX provides a cushioned ride that is also apealing to the eye.

These new models are equipped with the Abzorb EX: M/W 1000 and M/W 891 in all colors. The New Balance 1000 is a step up because it has the 3/4 abzorb EX.

New Balance Technology

- John

Today's Question: What is the benefit of the Rollbar feature in New Balance shoes?

Many podiatrist request customers to come to our store to get good everyday shoes. The podiatrist recommends that the customers purchase a shoe with the rollbar feature.

The rollbar is a TPU(molded plastic) medial and or lateral post with a plate. The rollbar is desgined to minimize rearfoot movement such as pronation and supernation.

When the rollbar is combined with the TS2 it provides the best support for motion control. I

One of the most supportive shoes we have that has the Rollbar feature is the 1122. This shoe is available in both Mens and Womens.

Womens 1122

Mens 1122

The #1 Walker for New Balance the 843.
Not only is the 843 great for a 10 mile walk, the black version of the Mens MW843BK or Womens WW843BK is an excellent choice for people in the restaurant or food service industry. The all black version has a slip-resistant outsole.

843 Black

M992GL
Did you know that the Mens New Balance 992 in grey comes in 5 different widths? 2A, B, D, 2E and 4E.

New Balance 992 Fit

- Michele

Wow, even Running Times thinks the the 872 is exceptional, that is except for the orangish-yellowish color.

If your not so keen on the orange color; Try the Black 872's, I love the look and feel of this model in black.

M872OR

M872BK

Running Times reviews the New Balance 1010. Running Times states that this is one of the most stable shoe they have ever tested.
This shoe is sold in New Balance concept stores only, unfortunately we cannot sell this shoe online.

To order New Balance 1010 Running Shoe

- Michele

Running Times reviews the New Balance 719.

Mens 719

Womens 719

Today's Question: What is the difference between a New Balance Walking shoe and a Running shoe?

A running shoe is designed to withstand two and a half times your body weight. Running shoes are generally lighter than walking shoes because of the features that are added to a running shoe. The technologies in the walking shoe provides more flexibility in the forefoot. The strike paths in both shoes are also different. The strike path for a walking shoe is center heel to center forefoot. Whereas, the strike path for a running shoe is outside heel to inside forefoot.

-Vanessa

Here's an email from a customer that came to me today. It was stated something like this -
It’s hard to go through your website to find all the running shoes with SL-2 lasts for Women? Which running shoes have SL-2 lasts? The SL-2 shoes have a wide toe box, correct?

Yes, that is correct, SL-2 shoes have a wide toe box.
The following New Balance running shoes are SL-2 lasts:

• W1122MC - Most stable with Rollbar, extreme cushioning, our best SL-2


• W587WB - Least expensive


• W816WT and W816WB - Middle of the road with Rollbar and good cushioning - Available in 2 colors


• W881WB - No Rollbar but extreme cushioning


• W907OR -Off Road Running,technical shoe, TS2 for support

These models are all available in Mens sizing also.

- Michele

Today's question: What is the difference between the discontinued New Balance 991 and the New Balance 992?

If you look at both the 991 and 992, they appear to have a slight cosmetic change.

M991GL

M992GL

• The 991 had a generic EVA insert. The 992 has an ABZORB insert.


• The 991 had ABZORB in forefoot and heel. The 992 has ABZORB SBS in forefoot and heel.


• The 991 had a one width bottom. The 992 has a two width bottom.


• Also the mesh and collar lining are more abrasion-resistant than the regular mesh and collar in the 991.


The difference we are noticing as far as the fit, is the 992 runs fuller in the toe box. Take the time to get fitted, customers seem to need a 1/2 size smaller in the 992.
- Michele

I enjoy walking the trails at the state parks here in Florida. I don't feel I need a hiking boot for the terrain because it is mostly uneven sand, small rocks and soggy marsh near the water. When the tide is low, I walk with the kids hopping from rock to rock along the edge of the natural beaches. My ankle is very weak and I need to wear something with more support than my water shoes or sandals. I needed to get a walking shoe that is waterproof and would have a Rollbar for stability.

I was surprised to find that none of my regualar choices of New Balance walking shoes are waterproof. The only walking shoe that is waterproof is the 976.

This model is made in both Men and Women sizes.

Yes, no more soggy socks.

Women's 976

Men's 976

Hey check out this link to find out about all of the New Balance Apparel technology.

New Balance Apparel Technology

The big thing to remember is to stay away from cotton frabics. Any ployester microfiber or blend will wick moisture away from the body and help to keep you dry while training. Coolmax, Lighting Dry, and Cadence materials will help you perform at your best.

-John

New Balance Insole

Today's Question: Are New Balance Insoles available in mulitple widths?

They do not come in widths however they generally accomodate all widths. With narrow widths you may have to trim the edges of the insoles to fit your shoes.

- Vanessa

You remember last summer. That week cruise. The all inclusive hotel. All inclusive, yes, that gives you permission to eat all the food you would like and not normally eat. After all, your on vacation. Don't feel guilty. Just take your New Balance shoes with you and make a plan to work in some exercise.

Here's some links to help you make a plan and not come home with that unwanted memento around your waist!

• The Athletic-Minded Traveler


• Find Balance


• How to stay in shape when you travel


• It can be done!
  

New Balance M872BK

Here's another off road New Balance running shoe worth mentioning.

The M872BK, which is the middle of the road between the 907 and the 809 running shoes. The 872 in the orange/yellow/black combo is really popular with our customers. I think that this new color, black, is a even better looking shoe.

- Michele

Today’s Question: Which running shoes should I use for off road running?

My suggestion is any of the 809’s and the 907.

The 809's are all terrain running shoes that are rugged with their N-Durance and AT TREAD outsole technology . They offer support with the Internal Shank in the midfoot. The 809 has a smooth, comfortable ride. It is also available in an array of different color combinations.

Compared to the 907 the 809 is heavier, more rugged and is made on an SL-1 Last.

Women: W809NV , W809BR and W809AT
Men: M809AT , M809BR

The 907 provides extra stability on off-road use. The 907 is lighter weight, more technical and is built on an SL-2 last.
Women: W907OR
Men: M907OR

Run the Path Less Travelled is a great article from New Balance about off road running.

- Michele

We will begin blogging about questions that we receive through out the day from our customers.
Our tech specialists, fitting techs and New Balance Tampa bloggers would like to share our feedback with our readers.

So, if you have any questions, please feel free to email us. Or post your questions as a comment.

- Michele

Did you know that the origin of New Balance Arch Company derived from a chicken's foot? According to William Riley, the three-pronged claw allowed the chicken to walk in perfect "balance".

Check out this collective article on 101 Things that You Didn't Know About Sneakers

More New Balance History.

- Michele

New Balance WX716WP
The womens New Balance cross trainer, the 715 has been updated to the 716.

The WX716WP is part of the Pink Ribbon Collection.

The 716 will also be available in another color, the white/kiwi combination. This is due to arrive in July. I'll keep you posted on its release.

This model is part of the Lace up for the Cure program.

We often talk about the Pink Ribbon Collection which bears the pink ribbon to show support for breast cancer. However do you really know what is behind the pink ribbon on New Balance products?

New Balance has a program called Lace Up for The Cure ™ . This program is benefitting theSusan B. Komen Foundation ®. The program takes $5.00 from all sales over $25.00 from any item in the Pink Ribbon Collection ® from May until November and donates it to the Komen Foundation.

New Balance has become a member of the Komen Million Dollar Council which means New Balance has contributed at least one million dollars through the Lace Up for The Cure ™ program.

New Balance is also a sponsor for the Race for the Cure ® races. New Balance has sponsored these races for 15 years. These races are held across the world to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.
The Race for the Cure ® races are the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world.

So now when you see the pink ribbon on a New Balance product you will know that it is there to show strong support in the fight against breast cancer.

Have you done a self exam lately?

- Michele

I just checked over the New Balance Women's 767 in the catalog. It is listed as having a WR-001 Last. I checked the Fit Form System Chart and sure enough it wasn't listed. Now we just revised this page and I am thinking what is New Balance doing coming up with all these different lasts. Just trying to confuse us even more? I don't know but I'll get the new Fit Form System Chart up on the site as soon as I can and try to find an answer to why all these new lasts are coming about?

New lasts:
WWL-1, WB-001, WX-001, MB-001, MX-001, MF-001, MF-002

Info on New Balance Lasts
New Balance Lasts

- Michele

New Balance W767ST

The Women's New Balance 767 is here. This model replaces the 766 which was a good model for New Balance.

New Balance Men's 767

- Michele

New Balance W891WG
This is the new color in the women's New Balance 891. We've been seeing this color green everywhere this summer.

Other 891's
Women's W891WC and
Women's W891WL

Men's M891 and M891
Men's M891BS
Men's M891WB and
Men's M891WS

- Michele

I make mention of these New Balance terms all of the time, but just what are they?

New Balance MW643BR

This updated New Balance country walker for Men was originally the 642. The new 643 now has Stability Web which provides midfoot support and torsional stability while reducing the weight of the shoe.

- Michele

Happy Father's Day from New Balance Tampa.

Today, when you purchase a pair of Men's shoes you will receive a free six pack of New Balance socks. A $15.00 value. This free offer is for one day only, Father's Day, June 18.

We have all of your favorites in a full range of widths -- from 2A to 6E -- in boat shoes, golf shoes, sports sandals, tennis, cleats, spikes and more

- Michele

Check out this new web page on the New Balance 1222. This is the replacement model for the 1221.

In addition to my first blog I have some other info on the new updated 1222 in comparison to the old 1221.

• New Balance took out the rollbar that the 1221 had and added Extended Web.


• Full length ABZORB in the strobel board.


• ABZORB in forefoot and heel.


• Antimicrobial PU sock.


• Better heal fit than the 1221.


• Added N-Lock.


• Softer Blown Rubber in front of shoe.


• Acteva Midsole.


• Weight has been increased by .4 ounces.


• Built on 2 width platform.

Men's M1222SG

Men's M1222WS

Women's W1222SP

Women's M1222WB

How many shoe companies publish a New Balance Supplier Code of Conduct? I encourage you to read this. Not many organizations of this size care about the folks from top to bottom the way New Balance does.

- Vic

The Men's and Women's Running shoe, the 833 was updated to the 825.

Normally the next updated version of a particular model will be the next number in sequence. Seems New Balance is running out of numbers as in this case they went back to the number of the original shoe, the 825.

- Posted by Michele

And it's my own fault...

Earlier this year I slid a pair of New Balance Insoles into my 991s w/o taking out the factory insole because I was frazzled. My wife and I were having a baby and I went home to get a more comfortable pair of shoes so this nervous father could pace more comfortably... I really wasn't thinking straight.

A few weeks later my feet were still aching and the pain really wouldn't go away. So, fast forward 4 months and my feet were still hurting. So I had a hunch and took my shoes off, removed the insoles and ah-ha, there they were. The factory insoles were hiding right beneath the New Balance Insoles.

When buying insoles customers should remove the factory insert before putting in the new insole. It seems like I reconfigured the bones in my feet and some days I walk very gingerly. In fact I'm really incapable of walking barefoot on a hard surface now. The carpet padding in my house has been my savior but I'm slowly getting back to normal.


Related Posts:

• Oh, Those Achy Feet


• Check your Footwear For Wear

Hey, who is reading our blog?

We would love to hear your comments and questions. Just click on comments, scroll down and type away. We have tech reps, fitting reps, managers and bloggers to answer any of your questions on any of our posts.

Let's talk.

- Posted by Michele

The Women's basketball shoes, the New Balance 707 aren't available at this time. The 707 is being discontinued. We have very little stock left in these.

The 708 women's basketball shoe will be the updated model.

I'll keep you posted on the release of the 708.

- Posted by Michele

We are looking forward to the New Balance
4th Quarter releases.

These are due to arrive in November. I'll keep you posted.

- Posted by Michele

Did you know New Balance is one of the most comfortable shoes around?

Why New Balance? You can achieve your proper fitwith New Balance. With most other shoes brands we need to settle for an okay fit. But with all of the sizes and widths that New Balance offers, your chances of pinning down a near perfect fit is much better.

Click here for other brands that are on the most comfortable list.

Have you been fitted lately?

Sit and Fit, That is what New Balance Recommends

What do you do for sore and swollen feet?
Do you get one of those massaging foot spas and fill it with warm water?

Soaking your feet in warm water is not a good idea for swollen, sore feet. Try soaking them in cool water and epsom salt.

Ways to prevent swollen and achy feet:

New Balance WW743FO

Walk briskly in this womens New Balance model which is lightweight and made for cardio walking.
The New Balance 743 is the replacement model for the 742.

The WW743FO is the Official Shoe of O, The Oprah Magazine's OYou! event which will be held in Boston, MA on October 7th.

- Posted by Michele

New Balance M767ST.

The New Balance M767ST has replaced the M766NG.

Let's see if the 767 can stand up to the famous 766, which was named the Runner's World Editor's Choice Winner during it's time.

- Posted by Michele

New Balance M891WS.

The newest color in the mens New Balance 891 has been released. I like this 891 the best out of the three released in the mens 891

The 891, the updated version of the 890 has the
Abzorb Strobel Board which will provide exceptional shock absorption. This feature sets the 891 apart from it's discontinued model, 890. This is a new feature.

Other Men's New Balance 891's:

Are you just hanging out, bored? How about some New Balance target practice?

New Balance created this game on their new football advertisement with East Bay who sells a full line of New Balance football cleats.

Sound effects are great. You'll hear "quack, quack, quack - I'm a duck". A goopher and a crow.
Then try to kick the stuff with the football. I'll give you a high scoring hint, if you kick the ball and it hits the girl, it's 10 points.

Top score anybody? My score was 10. Yeah, I hit the girl, she said, "Whatever!"

Yeah, I know, get back to work.

New Balance Football Cleats

- Posted by Michele

I'd really love to hear from customers who have purchased the New Balance 992 after being a 991 fan.

I am getting some feedback from customers that feel the 992 toe box runs fuller and that they needed to go down a 1/2 size.

Let me know your thoughts.

Matt Downin is a member of Team New Balance.
New Balance represents some of the world’s top runners through sponsorship. These runners are called Team New Balance. These athletes are everyday athletes not celebrities.

Matt Downin finished 16th in the New York City Marathon last year. Today he is running the Sounds to Narrows 12-kilometer run.

Check out some interviews from New Balance with Matt Downin.
Training With... Matt Downin and Tips From Matt Downin
discusses more in depth Matt's love for running and tips for training.

More Team New Balance Stuff
Team New Balance
Khalid Khannouchi Member of Team New Balance Focuses on Chicago Marathon
Team NB

- Posted by Michele

The New Balance 1000 Men's running shoe has been released.

It is available in 2 color combinations.

This running shoe is a superior fitting neutral running shoe with a seamless upper.

Men's M1000YS

Men's M1000SR

We added two New Balance crosstrainers on the site for Grade School sizes 3.5 - 7. Widths are available in Medium, Wide and X-Wide.

Girls KX484PLG

Boys KX483BRG

The New Balance 766's are being discontinued. The replacement model will be New Balance 767.

Women's 766

Men's 766