Everyday running in the 1225

Let’s just get this right out on the table: I love my New Balance 1225s. Okay, now I can back up a bit. Whenever I make a switch to another running shoe, I get a little nervous. I loved running in my 1063s, but because I loved running in them I put too many miles on them—my hips and knees were starting to feel the bumps in the road. Side note: I can’t stress how important it is to get new running shoes after 350-500 miles no matter how great they may look on the outside.

I consider myself an average distance runner. I participate in local 5k’s, 10k’s, have done marathons and I have two half-marathons scheduled in the near future. Some of my runs are short, some long, some hilly, some flat, some hot, some cold, some muddy and some filled with time on the "dreaded" treadmill. I am happy to report that the 1225s performed great in all of the above runs and situations.

They have wonderful cushioning, which of course comes in handy during those long runs, as well as during trail runs on gravel! They breathe well in hot weather, my feet stay cool and despite the fact that the rest of me is soaking wet, my feet are not. The 1225s are flexible but still provide the support I need when running on rough terrain or on the treadmill. If you have been looking for a shoe that can take you from a 5k to a marathon with ease, check out the 1225s for happy feet either way.

In future posts, I'll write specifically about how the 1225s perform during both shorter distance events, like 5- and 10ks, and longer distances like a half-marathon.

Ann Hankins
Fitness Director, Personal Trainer, and Guest Blogger

Using the 1210 for Group Exercise Classes

Sometimes as fitness professionals, we need to be reminded to practice what we preach. One of the first things I tell new participants in my classes is to make sure they have a good pair of cross-training shoes. However, for the last few years I have been teaching step and conditioning classes in my running shoes! While I must say that I felt my running shoes did an adequate job, I noticed an immediate difference the first time I taught a step class in the New Balance 1210s.

The heel cushioning that the 1210s provide, especially during a forceful foot plant off the step, is exceptional. The other cross-training function the 1210s provides is to prevent your foot/ankle from rolling. During group exercise classes like Zumba, step and conditioning, there are so many connected motions that consequently your feet and ankles get a real workout. Many times conditioning classes include activites like sprints, shuffles and running laps, and the 1210s feel like a running shoe during these activities. In a later post, I will discuss using the 1210s to do small distance running (e.g., training for your first 5k).

So if you've been just "getting by" with your running shoes instead of purchasing cross-trainers, make the switch now. You'll be glad you did.

Ann Hankins
Fitness Director, Personal Trainer, and Guest Blogger