Just got back from a little R&R on Monday and must say I’m well rested but very disappointed in the shoe culture of Portland Oregon. I know I was in the heart of Nike country but I figured I would something I couldn’t live without. It was even worse I couldn’t even find a decent pair of NB classics anywhere. I stopped by the famed Compound which was a nice store with crazy shoes but not a NB in the joint. Disappointed to say the least.
If you have been trying to buy the 1062s oline it has been a challange. Although many stores carry them, NB has not allowed the shoe to be sold on the web. It looks as though this is changing, Web Express is now carring the 1062 for men and women. They have them for 119.99 with free shipping. The 1062 is a great nuetral training shoe with amazing cushioning and very smooth transition from heel to toe. Check out some more reviews here.
pics via web express
This question is a frequent question asked by someone who first comes in contact with or becomes familiar with the New Balance brand. NB.com has the following answer:
Today, New Balance holds onto its history through the numbering system that owes its origins to a man named Arthur Heckler. Instead of naming the different shoe models, Heckler chose to number them because he wanted to place an emphasis on the New Balance philosophy, not any one particular shoe. To this day, that philosophy is upheld as model numbers are advanced to incorporate new technologies and designs.
Generally speaking, the higher numbered shoes are more technologically superior to the lower numbered shoes. This is a very general statement and before you buy any shoe you should make sure it is the right shoe for you by doing your research.
Overkill has the M574NDK’s in stock and available for order. The 574 is probably NB’s most widely used canvas for its classics. Its wedge shape is very recognizable. The Ndividual series allows the wearer to change the laces as well as the “N’s” on the shoes themselves. The logos are attached via a velcro backing and come in neon yellow, neon camo, and grey camouflage. The Ndividual series is still very collectible and definitely gives a change to the standard 574. I am not big on this shoe. For some reason I find them a little cheesy. The creativity and originality of most of NB’s limited edition styles is lost on these.
NB has begun to phase out the men’s and women’s crosstraining 854. The 855 will be released on April 1st of this year. They will begin shipping March 15th so you can find them a little sooner. The price has bumped up a little and will come in at $100. The 855 will be very similar to the 854 and will also be available in men’s widths B-6E, and women’s widths 2A-4E. The women’s shoe will weigh in at 359 grams with the men’s at464 grams. NB has decided to add a black version of the shoe for the men only but this color is only available in widths D-4E. The 855 will continue to have the Rollbar as well as the Abzorb SBS in the heel and forefoot. NBkicks will keep you posted as to when and where you can start buying these.
If you love the 854, then look for the prices to drop right before the new shoe releases. There is still plenty of stock out there so you shouldn’t have a problem finding your size.
Current low prices for the 854:
$69.95 Holabirdsports (not all sizes and widths)
$79.99 onlineshoes
$79.99 NBTampa
Buying online can be an easy way to find at buy your NB’s at a great price. You shop, click and then the shoes suddenly appear. Here are two steps that can help you be a successful shopper and make the process as easy as it can be.
#1 Do your shoe research: If your are just buying the same pair of running shoes that you already have than it is easy. If your buying a new style or an upgrade than make sure those are the shoes for you. Start with NBkicks or your favorite running blog to find out what shoe are the right fit for you.
#2 Do your store research: What’s most important to you? If you know exactly the size and fit of the shoe go cheap all the way, don’t worry about fit. If it’s a new shoe than find a retailer that will cover return shipping for free and does not have a restocking fee. Also make sure you find out about their return policy.
Comparrison sites can make this process very easy. I always check prices on Nex Tag and read the reviews.
Now is the time to buy your last pair or two of 1061’s (review). This neutral cushioned running shoe has already been phased out and the new version (1062) should be in stores any day. Although the 1062 will be very similar to it’s predecessor, they always change something and the prices on the 1061’s can’t be beat.
pics via: newbalance
Best place to buy: New Balance Tampa $89.99 with free UPS ground
*Make sure you know your size - the customer pays for return shipping and they have a restocking fee.