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The wr/mr800mf, a high mileage trainer designed for the neutral runner whose gait cycle starts at the midfoot area, has hit the shelves.  With this, New Balance has released the first running shoe designed specifically for Chi Runners.    This revolutionary shoe features and Acteva Ultra Lite midsole, Abzorb loaded Midfoot (red area on sole of shoe) and an Abzorb Strobel Board. I still haven’t tried them out yet but I will Keep you posted.  Check out the reviews here.

For all of you that love the 2001 running shoe and are still driving your local running store crazy trying to find them, rest easy.  I have heard rumors that the 2002 will be releasing after the first of the year.  Look for it to release in January at a price point of $225.00.  We will see how this works out for runners, and those who love the 2001’s.  NBKicks will keep you informed with any information we get regarding this new release.  If you have some news let us know!

UPDATE: After a quick call to the customer care line at NB, the nice young lady said that this was just a rumor and their is no update planned for the men’s running 2001.  I know that this is not true, but it may be more like 3rd quarter 09 instead of this January.  I guess we will see if NBKicks knows whats going on.

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 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 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

The 992 is the current model in a running series that NB originally released in 1981 as the 990.  This was the first running shoe that broke the $100 price barrier.  This is normally the shoe that people think of when they think of New Balance.  Well, the 993 is going to replace the 992 in the fall.  No pictures as of yet, but the word is, it fits more like the 991.  NB has also added the DTS in the heel (think 1061/1062), which should give the shoe a softer “first feel” and more cushioned heel strike.  The 993 will also be more expensive than the previous model with a suggested retail price of $150.  The 992 was originally released at the end of ‘05, just in time to help celebrate NB’s 100th year in ‘06. 

The 1350 has been released in a new color scheme for both men and women.  I caught both new colors in my local NB concept store.  These stores usually recieve their shoes first with the general release coming 4/1.  The original release of this shoe was previewed earlier on NBKicks, so you can check that out here.  These lighter color schemes are perfect for spring and summer styles.  The men’s version is much cleaner than its previous color-ups and the all white is always a no brainer with the ladies.

NB has seen sluggish sales with this model since its release, and the hope is that these two colors help jump that into gear.  The question is weither or not consumers will pay the suggested $140 for a shoe that is geared toward fashion and not an elite performer.  This style will never be a Runner’s World Mag. award winner but it is a nice combination of style and comfort.  Perfect for those of us who need a shoe that is great for the track and also great to sport around.

WR1350WT

MR1350WT

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

I was watching George Carlin’s HBO exclusive “It’s Bad For Ya” last night and what do I see, George is sporting some NB’s for the show.  As far as the show, it was crude but funny and definitely worth watching.  It is hard to believe that he is really 70 yrs old.  As for the shoes, he was wearing a pair of the m2001bk.  The 2001 was the first running shoe to retail for $200 and has been discontinued for some time.  The 2001 had the Abzorb SBS in the forefoot and the Energy Cartridge in the heel providing a unique feel.  NB does not have a direct replacement for the 2001.  I think that the 992 has the most similar feel and weight.  This is what it looks like.

pic via NB