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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

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

NB is launching the NBFits website with Excercise T.V.  NBFits is touted as the ultimate fitness information tracking system that both motivates and inspires.  Fits tracks and compares your results, promotes teamwork and competition and helps you achieve your individual fitness goals. 

I like the ease of use and set it up, it doesn’t take much time or effort to get started.  It is also very nice to have a chart that will track whatever I want it to with out much work from me.  I also like the daily calender where I can impute information and set goals, this make me more accountable.  I won’t ever use the “team” function but I think some people may find it useful.  I did enjoy a few of the short videos, they gave me some tips I would like to incorporate into my routines.  All and all a very usefull site that I would recomend checking out.

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

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

The Spring Buyer’s Guide in the March issue of Runners World Magazine gave a few NB’s some great reviews.  Buyer’s guides are great sources of information, and good to check out before you go buy your next pair of performance kicks.  Keep in mind they don’t test every shoe out there so you need to make sure you so your research.  Here is what they had to say about the NBs.

Review of the New Balance 1011:

“The 1011 is one stable shoe. While RW Shoe Lab tests showed it to be the firmest in this guide, its forefoot is surprisingly flexible. This is due to an updated flex-groove pattern that runs all the way across the width of the shoe. This, along with a new sockliner and an extra layer of foam, gives the 1011 a better fit and feel. The laces now connect to the midsole with four nylon bands (New Balance traditionally only uses two). Recommended for bigger runners with flat arches who need plenty of motion control.”

Review of the New Balance 768:

New Balance has increased this update’s flexibility by removing a layer of rubber from the forefoot flex grooves. A longer midsole post, also new, makes the 768 more stable than the 767. Another welcome addition is the internal liner that backs many of the upper seams with mesh to reduce blisters and hot spots. A less-welcome change is the $5 price increase. Recommended for runners with low arches looking for a durable everyday trainer.

Review of the New Balance 1062:

New Balance overhauled the sole of the 1062 to make it more supportive than its predecessor. The transition bridge is now thicker, and the heel is segmented into three independent pods to better isolate impact forces and promote a smoother transition from heel-strike to toe-off. It’s still the stiffest shoe in this guide. Recommended for bigger runners with normal to high arches who want good cushioning with a bit of added support.

Here is a very early look at the 1224s.  These will be replacing the current 1223 stability running shoe, generally considered NB’s best performance running shoe.  Much like the 1223, the new shoe will feature the TS2 medial post and extended stability web, offering amazing stability, while the Abzorb FL midsole and the Abzorb DTS in the heel provide amazing cushion.  The new 1224’s will sport Cocona Phantom Liners, which is a great product for moisture management inside the shoe.  This will also be the first shoe with a Cocona liner.  When the 1224 releases in September, it should run a bit more than the 1223’s with a msrp of $150.  NBKicks will keep you updated as more information is released about these shoes.