In the July 2007, edition of XXL the Limited Edition Vegas Collection, specifically the M574LVWD, is highlighted with some other limited edition styles. These were previewed earlier by NBT and have already been shipped so look for them soon. The black kicks with the cards are definitely my flavor. These should come in around $85. Those "Pump-Ups" on the bottom are bringing me back to 6th grade and possibly the start of my sneaker love.



-JOhn

I ran across a question today when I was reading my August 2007 issue of Runner's World. On page 36, it has a fact or fiction question.

"Is running bad for your bones and joints?"

Check the article out for the answer, however, I will let you know that the article mentions that high impact activities actually increase bone mass, which in turn improves bone health. It also mentions running with proper form and a "good pair of running shoes" will help keep your bones healthy.

Some more helpful info on running and bones:

New Balance and Major League Lacrosse team up to raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The Wounded Warrior Project is dedicated to bringing comfort and support to wounded servicemen and women and their families.

New Balance has donated 40 camouflaged jerseys to the MLL All Stars to be worn during the game on July 8. The Jerseys will then be autioned off after the game. New Balance will match the donations made by the aution.

To read the full article view New Balance And Major League Lacrosse Team Up To Support Wounded Warrior Project at www.OurSportsCentral.com.

- Michele

Women's Trail Runner 790

Another color combination available for women in the lightweight trial runner 790.

More info on the New Balance lightweight trail running shoe.

- Michele

Men's Cross Trainer 1007

New Balance Mens 1007 back for a short time only. We have stock from 7-15 D, 2E and 4E widths. Last chance for this model, it has been replaced by the 1008.
- Michele

The New Balance 825 running shoe will be discontinued. We now have very limited stock.
No major change with the update, just new color variations in the new model.

The 826 for men and women will arrive in early July.

I'll keep you posted on their arrival.

- Michele

If you go to New Balance Kids you can now view the tour dates for Sesame Street Presents: The Body. An interactive exhibition that teaches children about keeping the body healthy. New Balance is the exclusive national sponsor of Sesame Street Presents: The Body. New Balance plays a part in the exhibit by providing an interactive way to educate the importance of proper footwear fit to parents and children. Check out the tour schedule by clicking on Elmo, Sesame Street, The Body.

Other information: New Balance Sponsors Sesame Street Workshop

- Michele

We had a problem with our coupon code that went out yesterday, it worked for one day, Father's Day, but the email stated that it expires on 6/18/2007. To me that would mean midnight, as many of you are thinking also. We had a little glitch in our system, which expired the coupon at the beginning of the day on 6/18/2007, so the code is not working today.

Just to let you know we will extend it one more day and you can use this code til midnight tomorrow.

You may use the coupon code: DAD002
This code will expire at midnight on 6/19/2007.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

- Michele

N-Lock™ Midfoot Support is designed to provide upper midfoot structure and enhanced support. As you can see in the picture, the material stitched near the sole goes through the "N" to the laces in two of the eyelets of the shoes. When you tie the laces, they lock which holds the instep and arch. This lock will prevent the rolling of the midfoot by putting and keeping the foot in a neutral position.
- Michele

You may notice in most of the descriptions of New Balance shoes, you will see the word ABZORB. Abzorb cushioning is New Balance's basic cushioning compound used in their shoes. The Abzorb disperses the shock from the point of impact, reducing the shock and transferring it through the shoe and up into the legs and body. Poor cushioning is sometimes responsible for heel, ankle and back pain.

Some New Balance shoes feature Abzorb cushioning. The cushioning can be located in both the heel and forefoot. Or you may find some shoes which have Abzorb FL, which is a full length Abzorb midsole. Abzorb cushioning has exceptional shock absorption. An example of a shoe with Abzorb is the New Balance 767.

If you see the word Abzorb EX, it is a combination of New Balance's premium Abzorb foam and a peripheral pocket of non-pressurized air encapsulated in an engineered thermoplastic. It not only provides cushioning, it also is designed to provide stability and durability.
Abzorb EX provides specific cushioning for both the outside edge and inside edge of a shoe. The lateral Abzorb EX is made to provide maximum shock absorption. The medial Abzorb EX is designed slightly firmer to decrease rate of pronation and provide stability. Abzorb EX is most often positioned in the heel allowing for superior cushioning, stability and durability. An example of a shoe with Abzorb EX is the New Balance 810.

Abzorb SBS is incorporated into the New Balance premium shoes. In testing, Abzorb SBS have a 5-10% better tendency that the shoe will not lose cushioning ability over time. The cadillac of cushioning, it has the maximum of cushioning. An example of a model with Abzorb SBS is the New Balance 1060.

Sometimes you may find a combination of Abzorb, Abzorb EX or Abzorb SBS positioned and adjusted for each shoe to satisfy biomechanical and sport-specific requirements. This model would be an example of this, the New Balance 1024.

Check in tomorrow to find out: What is N Lock and why you might need this feature in your shoes?

- Michele

I received an email today from a customer who wanted to know which New Balance walking shoes have the most cushioning. I thought that I would share my answer with you since cushioning is a very important part of your everyday shoes. A good set of walking shoe will make your walking smoother and there will be less impact on your ankles, knees, hips and back. Also if you have a more cushioned walking shoe, you will be able to walk longer.

Men's Walking:
MW965BR, all of the 926's which are available in White 926, Black 926, Brown 926, Grey 926, Black Velcro 926, all 901's which are available in Black 901, Tan 901, Brown 901, all 844's - Black 844 and White/Navy combination, MW792WN and the MW748BR

Women's Walking:
WW965BR, all of the 926's which are available in - White 926, Black 926, Grey 926, White Velcro 926, all 844's - White with Pink Ribbon 844 and Black 844, the WW792WB and the WW748BR.

It is also very important to replace your shoes when the cushioning breaks down.

Tomorrow I will discuss the different types of New Balance cushioning used in their shoes.

- Michele

Did you see Adam Sandler sporting the M992GL at the MTV Movie Awards while presenting the Award for Best Kiss. The big winner … Sacha Baron Cohen and Will Farrell for their passionate lip lock in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. They also had some pretty funny stage antics. Don’t worry if you didn’t catch the awards show, MTV will have it on a heavy rotation for about 6 months.

-JOhn
UPDATE: Here is a link to MTV where you can check out the Tape

Believe it or not, you have been asking for this. Every day we are asked in our store for the M574GS in a Velcro version; well here it is. The M574VGY is scheduled for delivery the first week of September and should retail for 74.99. This is the standard NB 574 but with the three strap Velcro. When I was in Spain I saw every thing in a Velcro version so there is no surprise NB is bringing this out in the Fall. Old School definitely, but still a very clean look.

-JOhn

Here's a story that I came across about a wedding, a man who wants to lose 30 pounds in a month, a pair of running shoes with a small chip and an iPod.

Will he lose the weight by his wedding day? I hope so.

Just so you know, you don't need Nikes to connect to your iPod. You can purchase the Sports Kit and put the sensor on any brand, even your favorite New Balance running shoes.

Maybe I can even ask John to explain to us how it works. I might even try it to lose 30 pounds before my 25th Class Reunion in September!!

Should we start a 3 month challenge?

- Michele

The corporate New Balance site has put some new stuff on their kids page.

Check it out for a Shoe Tying Brochure, a Foot Facts Brochure, a Lace Up game for the kids and a peek at the latest New Balance spots on TV.

Also, here is some great info on We Fit Kids.

New Balance Kids Running and Cross-Training.

- Michele

Today, I am reminding you that Sunday, June 17 is Father's Day. Take some time today to find the perfect gift for Dad. Whatever his game is, we have something to fit his needs. Check out some of these gift ideas.

Team sports are for your Dad, we have baseball, football, turf and coaching shoes available in a full array of sizes, widths and colors.

We won't forget our Dads you love the game of golf. Traditional golf shoes with New Balance technology.

Casual comfort Dad needs, check out our Dunham casual sandals and shoes.

If he’s into boating or water activities: Dunham Boat shoes would be a great choice, keep Dad safe on the boat with their slip resistant soft outsole pods with multi-directional design for traction.
MCE6210W
MCE622BR

A new item for those hard working Dads, steel toed cross trainers made by Dunham.
Available in black or white

If Dad likes to relax or you want Dad to relax a little more, try our New Balance sports sandals.

The 992 Sports Sandal is a very, very comfortable slip on sandal, so cushioned they feel like slippers. Gotta have these if Dad wears the 992's.
Black 992
Grey 992

Socks, socks and more socks. An active Dad can never have enough socks!!!

New Balance shorts and tops make a great add on gift. Especially one of our Specials of the Week.

If you place your order from June 3 - June 6, we will have time plenty of time to ship your gift this week. Here's an added incentive, a 10% coupon code, good until June 6. Enter this code when you check out and you will receive 10% off your purchase. Coupon Code: NBTLOVESDAD.

- Michele

Don’t worry – New Balance Tampa will be carrying these shoes! They release just in time for the holidays on November 1st. They have been getting a lot of buzz lately – as they should, the detailing and texture is ridiculous. The price should come in right at $100. These shoes may supplant the 574AE’s as my favorite.