New Balance January 2010 Blog Archive


Jan 28, 2010

Kickin' It Old School!

New Balance keeps it retro with their own take on the classic vulcanized blueprint with the new V74 series. Much like its counterparts Converse and PF Flyers, the V74 maintains the classic vulcanized black rubber bottom. New Balance brings it current however, with a minimalist canvas upper on a simple midsole/outsole combination. With its simple sleek look the V74 is the must have item for your closet. A Women's version of this model will be made available later on this Spring.    

                      

               V74BS                                                  V74GB

                        

            V74NV                                                        V74WS

Currently available in Black. The rest of these new color ways will be introduced in late Spring.  Sizes are limited, so get your pair ASAP!

 

 

                                 

Jan 26, 2010

Slip into Dunham


   Dunham has released the MCR458 Parkland collection. A casual slip on inspired by athletic comfort technologies. What does that mean? It means this shoe is loaded up with all the comfort and cushion that you might find in a New Balance running shoe but contained in a sporty relaxed every day slip on. Features include a  Premium removable insert made with a molded dual layer of ABZORB and Memory Foam. An ABZORB lasting board and EVA midsole for superior cushioned comfort. A smooth leather finish on the upper and shock absorbing rubber outsole makes this shoe great for hanging out around town as well as a fun night in. 

                  

              MCR458BR                                                            MCR458BK

 

 

 Available in a variety of extended widths and sizes, Dunham truly fits.

          

 

Jan 22, 2010

Running Barefoot!

   As children the concept of running around barefoot was nothing new or strange it was something completely natural, something we did without thinking. As we grew older we still enjoyed running around but now with the preference of protection from the rocks and debris that running shoes provided. And with the advancements in cushioning and motion control technology in running shoes, they became a necessity for us. However, an ever growing group of barefoot enthusiasts are going back to the carefree days of youth and in the process are reintroducing us to this concept. 

   These hardcore runners say that running barefoot allows you to shorten your stride to a more natural length and land closer to the ball of your feet than a typical running shoe will, thereby teaching your feet and ankles to become the flexible shock absorbers they were made to be. You would think the idea of running barefoot would strike fear into the hearts of a shoe company like New Balance but that would be incorrect. New Balance has heard the call of barefoot runners and is answering it with MT100/WT100. Their low profile lightweight trail racer is the alternative to this new trend for when going barefoot isn't a possibility. 

   This minimalist shoe is made with a puncture resistant toe material and ROCKSTOP in the forefoot to protect your feet from debris. For those of us living in metropolitan areas the idea of running barefoot through the streets might be the kind of thing to put us off running entirely. The NB100 series offers a healthy compromise of the feeling of running barefoot but with a thin layer of sole to protect your feet. To learn more information about this new running style check out barefootrunner.com.

Jan 19, 2010

Who's wearing New Balance?!

  Ever wonder what your favorite celebrity wears to the gym or the grocery store?  There is a great website that lets search your favorite brand and a list of celebrities pops up along with pictures of them wearing the product. Naturally, I did a search for New Balance and a bunch of stars popped up wearing America's favorite shoe! Some VIP's include: Katie Holmes, Jennifer Garner, Barack Obama, Ben Affleck and, my personal favorite, Will Ferrell! Check out more here.

                 

 

Tom Cruise is pictured wearing the 904; Jennifer Garner is pictured wearing the 993.

Jan 17, 2010

Crazy for Kids!

  As many of you know New Balance comes out with fun and exciting things for the youth line every year. Last year was the Sesame Street version of the famous 574. If you haven't already seen them, New Balance has paired together with Peanuts brand and made the cutest ones yet! Check out them here.

I found a great website, Mommies with style, that gives useful information on many things, including the New Balance peanuts collection.
 

Here are just some of the styles available:

 

                              

 


Jan 12, 2010

Green is the new black

 Everywhere you go nowadays, going green is the topic. From supermarkets and the reusable bags to utilities and paperless billing. New Balance has jumped on and has gone green. While gathering some info on the eco-friendly show New Balance has produced I came across a great article from Shoebizness.com.

            

"The first shoe in New Balance's eco-preferred collection, the New Balance 70, is developed for fashionable consumers who consider the environment without relaxing their standards of style and comfort. Seventy-five percent of the upper components are "environmentally preferred materials." The laces, webbing, rand, quarter, tongue and saddle incorporate recycled polyester; the foxing and the tip of the shoe are synthetics made with fewer solvents than traditional materials. Rice husks filler in the outsole reduces the amount of rubber needed, thus reducing the amount of petroleum used. Water-based adhesives (rather than solvent-based) are used to join the upper and the sole unit and no paper stuffing or paper wrapping are used in the packaging of 70.

The 70 was also thoughtfully designed to reduce waste. The upper is constructed with minimal layers to reduce unnecessary material usage. It features a uniquely efficient design–the parts fit together much like a puzzle–in an effort to utilize as much of the original cutting material as possible".


Why do widths matter?


Not all feet are the same. If you have wide feet, narrow feet or an oddly shaped foot, you know it's not easy to find comfortable footwear that doesn't leave your feet hurting. New Balance makes 26 different foot models or -"Lasts"-to design their shoes to make everyone fit perfectly.


Because we're the only major footwear manufacturer to offer the majority of our shoe models in multiple widths, from narrow (2A) to extra-extra-wide (6E), you'll never have to choose between the shoe you want and the shoe that will help you be or feel your best.


A shoe that's too wide causes pain and injury. Too narrow, again pain and injury. But when your shoe fits just right, there's nothing to stand in the way.

 

We offer a handy tool on our home page that will allow you to search for the exact size and width you need. Not sure about your size? or just have questions on how a certain style fits? Just call us!

Jan 8, 2010

Where do "Newbies" come from?

Ever wonder where your favorite pairs of New Balance come from? Or how do they get such great technology into such a small package? New Balance offers a video on their corporate website that lets you take a virtual tour of the factory in New England where your favorite shoe is made. There are also tabs that show where the American factories are, the history of New Balance, and a quick video showing the pride that goes into making shoes in the USA. 



                                             

            



New Balance is the only athletic shoe manufacturer still making shoes in the US. We're proud of that commitment. We're proud of the workers in our five New England factories.
And we're proud to say that 25% of our shoes sold in North America are made or assembled right here.

New Year New Prices For Select Aravon's!

Just because Christmas is over doesn't mean the holiday sales are! We have now reduced the prices on select Aravon slides, sandals, and boots.

                 

        Piper                             Maeve                           Petra



Set your sights on Spring and Summer with sandals and slides like the Piper and Petra or if you can still feel the Winter chill take a look at the Maeve. Step into the New Year with savings of up to $75.00! Now available in a variety of colors and sizes.

Jan 6, 2010

New Balance will clear Charles River Pathway!

Nothing cramps your exercise routine like a bunch of snow!

New Balance announced a sponsorship agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) that will ensure area runners, joggers and walkers have clear running paths along the Charles River during the 2009-2010 winter season.



Under the agreement, New Balance, which is based in Boston, has pledged to provide funding to support snow removal efforts along the 17-plus mile Charles River path spanning from the Museum of Science area in Cambridge to the Galen Street Bridge in Watertown.

Check out the full article here.

 I thought that was pretty cool!







Pictured above is NB CEO Rob DeMartini joins DCR Commissioner Rick Sullivan and Newbie, the NB Mascot, to officially kick off the new partnership on Tuesday, December 22nd.






What's the difference??

  I thought I lost a dear old friend when New Balance discontinued the 926. Then New Balance redeemed themselves with the 927. I get tons of people a day ask me what's the difference between the two?

So here it goes....


The 927 is lighter in weight and a bit more streamlined reducing the bulky look that the 926 had. It also features the Abzorb SBS Heel and Abzorb Forefoot providing the ultimate ride. One of the newest features of the 927 is the Phantom Liner, which keeps feet dry and reduces irritation. Once you fall in love with the 927, the 926 will never cross your mind again!
 

                    



If you have any more questions on the difference of models, let me know!

Jan 5, 2010

Winter Running Tips

As a native Floridian I may not have a lot (i.e. any) experience with running in the snow and what the many hardships that come with maintaining an exercise regimen in the dead of winter entail. However, that doesn't stop me from considering our snow friendly states and the many runners that have to contend with Mother Nature's icier temperaments. So in honor of you here is a 13 Step Runner's Guide for Winter presented by Team NB member Nicole Bush.

 
1. Be Safe - Pay Attention! In addition to wearing reflective clothing take responsibility for what's going on around you. 

2. Find A Friend - A partner will help you stay motivated and keep you from procrastinating.

3. Go Indoors - Check you local running clubs for indoor tracks to help break up the monotony and add a little fun to your routine.

4.Try The Treadmill- It's a good way to supplement the grind of winter and an alternative to bad weather.  

5. Cross Train -A stationary bike or elliptical work out is a good break when conditions are bad and your legs get tired.

6. Don't Be A Hero- Don't be afraid to take a day off. Sometimes rest is a part of the training.

7. Choose Light - The closer you are to "high noon" the warmer the temps will be.

8. Choose The Road Less Travelled (by cars) - Try to minimize the traffic you have to contend with by finding an empty street.

9. Enjoy The Serenity - Take some time to enjoy the sights and reflect.

10.Take Small Steps - Keeping your body weight directly above your feet and working on short quick steps should reduce your risk of slipping.

11. Avoid Puddles - Keeping your feet as dry as possible will help keep your extremities warm and make your run more comfortable.

12. Dress To Feel Fast - Avoid baggy clothing . Fitted clothing can help make you feel sleeker and faster.

13. Prep For The Wind - Apply petroleum jelly to the parts of your face and body that takes the brunt of the cold, it acts as an excellent insulator. 





These are just some tips from NCAA Cross-Country and Track Star Nicole Bush you can go to newbalance.com for a larger overview of her tips and some recommendations from your fellow runners.