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The New Balance 805 is a lightweight trainer designed for the athlete preparing for a variety of sporting activities, and who use speed and interval training as their main form of conditioning.  This trainer comes in a variety of colors and is available in medium and wide.  This shoe has a very breathable upper, Lightning Dry upper, and an Acteva midsole, weighing in at only 281 grams (9.91 ounces).  The Abzorb insert and the full length Abzorb strobel board create a nice first feel.  The shoe has a very snug fit, so try it a half size larger than you’re other NB’s. 

The 805 has a very unique forefoot design, with lots of forefoot cushioning.  Not a good choice as a everyday trainer if you are a heel striker.  Chi Runners, or midfoot strikers have liked the placement and feel of the cushioning system. A perfect choice for Chi Runners looking for a lightweight training or racing shoe.

Zappos has them for $89.00 and free shipping both ways. New Balance Tampa has the best price I’ve found at $79.99 but customer pays return shipping.

 The trail running 874 has been out for a couple of weeks and is getting great reviews.  The Runer’s World, April 2008 had the following to say:

New Balance focused on tightening up the arch area of this update. The laces connect to an independent inner liner that, when pulled taut, holds the foot more securely on the sole. The new memory-foam sockliner is built up a bit under the arch to help lock the foot in place. A mix of hard- and sticky-rubber lugs provides excellent traction and a supportive foundation. Another nice feature: The upper overlays and mesh are made with 30-percent-recycled material. Recommended for runners with normal arches looking for a firm midfoot fit.

 This update to the award winning 873 runs more narrow in the forefoot.  If you ran in the 873 you want to get this shoe a little wider than the last.  They added more midfoot structure and drastically changed the sole and the toe from the previous model.  Overall this shoe is an upgrade but it fits and feels different than the last one so I’m sure some trail runners wont be happy.  I will say that you can not beat the new color.
 

Best places to buy: check it out here.

The men’s and women’s cross training 854 is now the 855.  The 855 still has the same features that made its predecessor such a great shoe.  Abzorb SBS in the Heel and Forefoot, full grain leather uppers and the Rollbar are still key features in the new version.  The forefoot SBS is no longer top-loaded so the shoe feels softer and more flexible.  The men get the addition of an all black version (MX855BK).  The BK is only offered in 3 widths while the white and blue versions for both men and women are available in 5 widths.  All colors of the 855 have the non-marking outsole.

Tech features aside the 855 is also a much better looking shoe than the previous model.  The detailing on the midsole and graphite graphics on the heel, help give the shoe a much cleaner, sleeker profile.  All in all a great update, so if you can’t find the 854 anymore, don’t be afraid of the new and improved 855.

Here is a 855 tech sheet if you are interested.  Pics and tech sheet via NB.

The 903 is hitting the shelves and is amazing.  The ladies version is the first to arrive with the men’s version a bit delayed.  The first reponse is great.  The 903 uses the same sole unit as the 902, featuring an Acteva Ultra Lite Midsole with Abzorb Cushioning and a full length Abzorb Strobel Board.  The 903 also keep the N-Lock system and the Sure Laces.  The 903 has a different feel to the upper, lighter more breathable and a crepe like material.  The shoe feels more flexible and a little softer than the 902.  The colors on the new models are great, they look very fast.  By this shoe if you are looking for an ultra- lightweight training shoe with a touch of stability. 

WR903LW

MR903LW

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.

This year New Balance will release the first running shoe designed specifically for Chi Runners.  The wr/mr800mf is a high mileage trainer designed for the nuetral runner whose gait cycle starts at the midfoot area.  This revolutionary shoe features and Acteva Ultra Lite midsole, Abzorb loaded Midfoot (red area on sole of shoe) and an Abzorb Strobel Board. 

 So what is Chi running? “Chi Running” is a form of running influence by t’ai chi.  Danny Dreyer the founder of Chi running stresses posture and focusing on your center.  Chi Running also creates a midfoot strike instead of a heel strike keeping the feet centered under the body instead of out in front.  This is supposed to be great for older runners and runners more injury prone due to the substantially less stress put on the lower legs.  If your like me and you need some more information check out these sites and articles.  I will also get you some more information so stay posted for updates.

Chi Runners Poised for Softer Landings 

Joe Friel’s Blog

Chi Running Website

The men’s cross-training 1009 is also being released in two new colors.  This is one of the best trainers that new balance has on the market and is great for the gym and maybe a light run or warm-up.  This is perfect for those who mix in core training and a lot of jumping into their workouts.  Check out the earlier review here.  These are the men’s color-ups, the women also get a white and pink version.  All of these new colors release on the 1st of April, but look for them a week or to early.

3/14 update: These babies are hitting the stores early, the gray is a clean look and by far the best color.

mx1009br and the mx1009gr

NB will release a few new colors of some of there performance models.  These shoes release on the 1st of April, no fooling, and may be available a couple weeks early.  So if you are looking to purchase one of these styles, you may want to wait for the new colors.

First up:  the 768 with new colors for both men and women.  The women’s color up is a pink ribbon shoe.  Some of the earlier pictures of the shoe had it with a white midsole instead of the gray.

3/14:  Update - the 768’s are hitting the stores already.  The men’s color looks as good as the picture with the lime green staying subtle and not overpowering.  The women’s version is a little lighter color with a white midsole.

mr768eu

wr768km

Secondly, the ultra-light men’s trail running 790 is also getting a new look.

mr790au

All pics via NB

With the release of the 8508’s, NB also has released a new Zip crosstraining shoe, the 8518.  Like the running version, the new crosstrainer uses the same sole unit as its predecessor (the 8517) and has a similar feel.  The upper has changed drastically, improving the look and the fit of the shoe.  The toe box is a little bit rounder and the midfoot has more structure.  Nb has used more mesh in the 8518 creating a lighter more breathable shoe.  Overall a great review for the new Zip crosstrainers.  I think the blue and white in the men’s line is by far the best color package. 

pic via NB

The new Zips are in the stores a little early than there 3/1 release, and have a nice clean look.  The running 8508 has replaced the 8507 and is available in 4 colors for both men and women with 2 additional colors releasing in about 2 months. The 8508 uses the same sole unit as the 8507 with a new pearlized treatment to the Zip component.  The first feel of the shoe is nice and the toebox is a little deeper.  Fit-wise the 8508 fits true to size and is available in wide width.  The new upper design is a little busy in both women’s and men’s.  I would like to have seen NB step out of the box a little more with the use of colors and upper materials.  The 8508 is a fitness runing shoe and should be great for the gym, the treadmill and short runs.  The MSRP is $90 but it should be easy to find for less.  Very few stores have them yet but look for them in the next couple of days.

Men’s Styles:

Women’s Styles:

pics via: NB