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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.

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 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 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

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

I just got a new pair of kicks, the 1350’s.  These new beauties are in the fitness running category.  What does that mean, you may ask.  Well it means that they are not great for running but they look really cool.  Although that is a bit sarcastic it is very true.  The 1350 would be a great shoe for the casual runner or someone who wears their shoes to the gym and may hit the treadmill for a warm-up before tackling some free weights or machines.

The 1350’s are the first shoe released with the full length Abzorb EX (which looks better than it feels).  Also has the Phantom Liner, abzorb insert, memory foam and blown rubber outsole.  This shoe weighs in at about 400 grams for the men and 312 for the ladies.

All in all this is a nice shoe with a clean look, but not for the serious competitor.

pic via: NB