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New Balance will be changing the last in some of their top performing running shoes.  The PL-1 last is designed to provide a performance fit For consumers that have normal foot types.  According to New Balance, “this new last will provide a snugger feel and streamlined toe box characteristics improving fit and cosmetics.”  NB is hoping this “fit” is appealing to dedicated runners looking for a high performance, snug fit as well as the younger consumer.  In comparison to the current SL-1 last, the shoe will have less volume. 

The downside to this change is that if you love the roominess of your current shoe, you may not like the updates cut.  Of course you can try a wider size, but I would suggest stocking up on what you love.  This being said, if you have a narrow foot or you like your shoes snug then old off until after the new year for some new shoes.

The replacements for the following running shoes will have the PL-1 last:

1062, 903, 768, 748, 8508

The current ad campaign from New Balance is getting some mixed reviews.  Many people love the fresh take on running and relate to the termotous relationship a runner has with the sport.  Some people are offended by the obvious effort to atract younger consumers and a break from New Balance’s traditional grass roots advertising campaigns.

Smith of Harlem 26.2, says: “I think young people connect to those that inspire them…but Nike’s got Ryan Hall, etc. New Balance needs to hand pluck some up and coming talent in the U.S. and put them in their shoes, maybe they can sign up David Goggins or something.” 

Michele Miller and WonderBranding, is infuriated, and qoutes David Wolfe in an email exchange describing NB as having “committed a classic marketing error of stupendous proportion:  departing from the brand’s traditional essence.  Rarely do brands succeed in making so sharp a break with their past.  It’s like walking down the street one day, seeing your best friend and quickly learning that some brain trauma has robbed him of the personality you’ve known him by for years.”

Rachel seems to disagree and the folks over at NB are hoping that most people will also disagree with the critics.  I personally like the new campaign, it embodies how alot of runners feel about running.  I don’t feel that it excludes NB’s core demographic, New Balance is simply introducing themselves to younger runners. 

NB’s new ad campaign officially kicks of today with the Love/Hate commercials and marketing materials in the stores.  These new ads are a product of New Balance triplying their advertising budget.  This will put their advertising budget close to 60 million dollars, Nike in comparison spent 170 million in 2007.  I think that these commercials will help to build brand awarness with younger urban athletes.  NB has never been known as a marketing juggernaut and still relies mainly on grass roots marketing instead of high-priced athletes.  Vic, over at NBTampa had some great things to say about the subject, check them out here.  As far as the ads go - they are great.  I think they really make a great statement about what NB is all about.  One add features the new Zip 8508 and the other features the 1062s.

The A09Wt was featuredin the March-April 2008 edition of Hoop in their “Hoop Gear.”  The A09wt is a release from NB Japan and features a one piece upper with the “N” painted-on instead of stiched. The A09 has also been released in black.  The white A09 featured on this page has a full grain leather upper.  The black version (Ao9bk pictured below) has a Hemp upper.  For those of you that it matters to, that makes the A09bk about as vegan as it gets in a NB classic.  Best place to buy online, Zappos.com, for $115.00 with free shipping both ways.

Pic via NB

Take a look at this article in the February 2008 issue of Footwear News.  It highlights NB’s new innovative midfoot strike technology in the wr/mr800mf.   This shoe has a scheduled release date of August 1st this year.  New Balance is catering to midfoot strike runners with material and cushioning in the midfoot area and a flatter heel.  As pointed out in the article most running shoes have between 10 to 12 millimeters of heel lift; the 800 only has 8.  NBkicks will also keep you posted as the shoes become available and where to buy them.  Here is the article.

If you need some shoes today, check out these recommendations by New Balance and Chi Running.  Shoe selection tips are given for all runners and walkers based on body mass index and experience.

Check out Will Ferrell sporting a pair of M574MGYB’s in this February 23 issue of USA Weekend.  The Article discusses the actors new film, Semi-Pro, and his family life.  I know the guy is funny and I love his comedy but I had no idea that he had such great taste in shoes.