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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.

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.

Kicks-n-jams just previewed the Spring 09 classics collection.  Great colors and style choices.  Make sure you check them out and all the details.  Here are just a few of the pictures that I snagged, I have to go with the silver ones all the way. 

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.

This post is brought to you by the letters NB and the number 574.  In 2006 NB “finalized a four-year multi-million dollar agreement with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization, to become a program sponsor of the Emmy-winning children series, Sesame Street.”  Check out the press release here. 

Nb will release a series of kids classics featuring some Sesame Street favorites.  These little classics are on the timeless 574 frame and range in sizes from an infant 2 all the way to a kids 7.  The smaller sizes will start at about $40 with the larger sizes pricing out at $60.  I expect these babies to be a hit, definitely can’t miss.  NB Concept stores should have them in the middle of this week, followed by a national release of July 1st.

Elmo has a smooth leather upper.  The Cookie Monster has a Velvet Nubuck upper.  Oscar the Grouch is sporting a suede upper.  Enjoy!

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.

Check out these little kicks!  Kicks-n-Jams posted these great picks a bit ago, but if you haven’t seen them here they are.  These little statuettes are modeled after the timeless 576, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.  They picked up some sweet styles can any of you sneaker heads identify them all?  No release date as of yet.

NB-blog and Nice Kicks both previewed the 576 Elements Collection.  These three 576s are said to be inspired by Chinese Taoism and the basis of the universe.  The Earth, Wood and Water 576 are in truth just take downs of the ST 33’s that released October 07.  All 3 feature leather uppers and less than inspired detailing.  These are tier 2 at best.  Not NB’s classics departments best work.  I understand if you don’t agree but take a look at all the pictures and then see what you think!  All these pictures are property of NBKicks.com, feel free to use them just make sure you show the love.

 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.
 

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