Take running to the x-treme in NBx apparel.



If you’re an elite or competitive runner you know that to excel at your sport the apparel you choose is just as important as the shoes you wear. Not all running apparel is created equally. One size does not fit all. And what works for casual runners may not be enough for competitive athletes. To respond to the elite runner’s needs, New Balance created NBx.

NBx is a premier line of running footwear and apparel designed with performance-packed technology, from moisture-wicking materials to reflectivity and high visibility accents. The spring NBx collection adds fresh new color combinations and builds on the popular qualities found past seasons.

 

Available in both men’s and women’s styles, the NBx line includes everything from shorts to jackets that you can mix and match or layer as needed. Most styles are semi-fitted, but some pieces are available in a compression fit as well.

A hallmark of the spring NBx line is X-Static®. This technology consists of silver fibers woven into the material that are anti-static, odor resistant and help you stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. X-Static® also lasts the life of the garment—you can’t wash it out.



Moisture-wicking fabric is also an important quality found in the NBx line. It keeps you comfortable and dry during your toughest workouts. More comfort-boosting technologies found in many of the NBx styles are welded seams that reduce chafing. The NBx Welded Tight, Men’s Half Zip and Women’s Sports Bra and Capri all feature this technology.

Performance apparel may not make you run faster or harder, but to continually beat your personal best you need every advantage you can get. The NBx line from New Balance can help by keeping you focused on your run. Discover the entire line today at shopnewbalance.com.

-- Shoe Girl

shopnewbalance.com

Anue yoga apparel. A practice in movement and comfort.

The yoga lifestyle is often seen as one of peace and tranquility, but what non-practitioners may not realize is that each flowing movement requires complete concentration and strength to execute. This type of dedication and focus cannot be accomplished in improperly fitted clothing.

2011 Anue Yoga Spring Apparel

Yogis both new and experienced need apparel that moves with them and gently encourages them quietly behind the scenes. This balance has been achieved in the Anue yoga apparel line from New Balance.

Made of organic materials and super-soft fabrics, Anue jackets, tops, pants, capris, shorts and accessories offer maximum comfort before, during and after your yoga practice.

New to the collection this season is the Lunar dress. It features drawstring accents on the sides that allow you to wear it with or without leggings. In basic black, cashmere blue, fragrant lilac and fossil gray, you’ll want one in every color. Another highlight is the Bohemian Wrap. In soft French terry, it provides a nice cover-up option before and after class.

In addition to feeling great, the Anue yoga apparel line from New Balance has a modern look that speaks to the yoga lifestyle with Eastern-inspired embroidered and screen-printed designs. You may find yourself wearing them on rest days as well. The tops and jackets blend well with everyday casual wear, allowing you to go from class to running errands without changing clothes.

View the entire Anue line now and discover your favorites. Then wear them to your next class and you’ll find they melt into the background as you breathe in and focus on your work ahead.

-- Shoe Girl


shopnewbalance.com

A new way to squeeze the most out of every workout.

The New Balance compression line

offers sleeveless and long sleeve tops

as well as shorts and tights.

There’s no question that having the right tools for your workout is essential to improving performance. If you want to increase your speed, run in lighter shoes. Need to stay dry? Wear moisture-wicking clothing. Protect yourself on the road? Ensure your footwear and clothing is reflective. But what if you’re just looking for a slight advantage that could help you workout longer? Compression apparel could be the answer.

Though there are differing opinions on the benefits this type of apparel may offer, many athletes--from runners to weightlifters to walkers--have found it helps them workout longer and recover faster.

New Balance compression apparel is designed with strategically placed seams that gently support the muscles to reduce vibration and help increase blood flow and oxygen to those targeted areas. It doesn’t promise a drastic difference in performance, but many who use it regularly say that they have found that it reduces fatigue during and after the workout.

Outside of the potential health benefits, a large part of the appeal of New Balance compression apparel is its streamlined, modern look. The seams help highlight the muscle groups you’re working, helping you focus your concentration to get more out of each movement.

The New Balance compression line also features advanced technology that makes it attractive. Lightning Dry fabric keeps you comfortable and cool while Jacquard knit in key heat zones helps regulate body temperature.

Try it out today and let me know what you think. Post your review of the New Balance Compression apparel line to this blog.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

-- Shoe Girl


shopnewbalance.com

Take 69 seconds today to #fightbreastcancer

As many of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year we're doing a little something special to kick it off. If you're reading this blog post today, September 30, you may notice that our beloved Shop New Balance website is a little. . . pink.



It took Susan G. Komen for the Cure CEO and Founder, Nancy G. Brinker, approximately 69 seconds to promise her sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to #fightbreastcancer. What can you promise to do in the next 69 seconds at http://69-seconds.org?

Why 69 seconds?
Every 69 seconds, a woman dies of breast cancer somewhere in the world. Breast cancer will strike 1.3 million women this year and kill almost 500,000, making it the leading cancer killer of women worldwide – a fact we’re trying to change with the help of others. 69 seconds is about how long it takes to visit 69-seconds.org and make a promise to drive change by signing a petition to make breast cancer a global priority as a UN millennium goal and educate yourself and others about breast cancer.

Real-Life Review,Anue Yoga Apparel

Since I've been practicing yoga for over ten years, I was excited as anything when New Balance debuted the new Anue Yoga apparel collection. Designed to make your yoga experience as comfortable as possible, this apparel line is made with environmentally preferred materials and features design details that help make sure you look good in any posture. It's great for Pilates, too. I was especially intrigued by Anue Yoga because the designers really do know how yogis and yoginis move, and the collection has all sorts of little touches that prove that—like tank tops and camis that have longer hems so your bare back doesn't show when you're in Child's Pose or Downward-Facing Dog. Or piecing on the back of the Spree Capri that forms a lovely eastern architecture-inspired shape that just happens to help make you look slimmer!

Recently I got a pair of capri pants from the Anue Yoga line that have absolutely blown me away. The Devi Crop Flare Pant has the stylish flare at the hemline that I always look for in a capri, plus it has the slimming graphic seaming on the back yoke that reminds me of a lovely Moroccan archway. What I didn't expect is the waistband, which both puzzles and astounds me. I have no idea how they do this, but my pants don't move an inch, regardless of what pose I'm in or how hard I'm working out. These capris have been through hour after hour of both Pilates and yoga, and the waistband stays put and stays comfortable(!) no matter what I do. I'm so pleased. Also, I stay dry: the moisture-wicking fabric totally works. And knowing that the clothes I'm wearing are made from recycled materials is just icing on my proverbial gluten-free cake. In summary, these capris have me very excited to try out more Anue apparel in the yoga studio, at Pilates class, and even in my living room while I practice with the latest Rodney Yee yoga video. Next on my list are the Suzani Racerback bra top and the delicious Ummi Wrap. (How can I say "no" to the softest organic cotton I've ever touched?) Check in with me in a couple of weeks, when I give you the details and my final opinion.

Reza Armstrong
Copywriter
Shop New Balance

New Balance Seamless Dress

Run in a Dress? Yes! You’ll LOVE it! This little dress just slips right on and you’re ready to go. It’s adorable and made just for your everyday run or workout. Because it’s seamless and has mesh ventilation in “just the right places” you stay cool and comfortable. The shelf bra and cute cross back straps give you great support to run for miles. It may be the most comfy thing you’ll ever run in! You can see the New Balance Seamless Dress as a favorite pick in this month’s Fitness Magazine, “perfect for a stylish stroll, running laps or just running errands”.

You’ve probably seen more women in running skirts, too. I’ve worn the New Balance Flex Skirt to work out at the gym. I have three of them! The built-in seamless short and side vents make it easy for me to move around. And I can wear it afterwards to almost anyplace I need to go. Mostly, I like the skirt’s fun summer look! Check out all the styles and colors for New Balance Running Skirts. They are so cool you may get addicted!

--Julie

Komen for the Cure® - Peggy Bryant

On NBwebexpress.com, every few months or so we feature a new survivor on our Lace Up for the Cure® collection web page. When I first read Peggy Bryant's story entry for this month, I was floored. Her incredible tale of survival literally brought me to tears at my desk. Peggy also happens to be the Survivor Chair for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Quad Cities.

Peggy's story is not only hopeful for cancer patients, but is also very honest. She talks of her fears, hopes, and dreams for her future as not only a Breast Cancer Survivor but as a wife and mother. Her battle with cancer was much more than a "one time" shot or experience, she was actually diagnosed with cancer two times; the second time she was diagnosed the cancer spread to her liver. She re-tells her sometimes scary and uncertain story with incredible strength.

During a speech Peggy gave about being a Survivor, she spoke about what the word 'survivor' actually means. There is a dictionary definition but there also is the "real" definition of a survivor. She asks "Am I a survivor because I have outlived some of my friends, or is there something more?" Peggy Bryant goes beyond a "Survivor", she is an inspiration to all.

Thank you Peggy!

(Peggy pictured above with her husband, Kelly; photo by Greg Boll)

--Cassie

Bras We LOVE

Searching for the perfect Sport Bra? New Balance may have the fix for you. Women's Health just featured several athletic style bras they "LOVE" and posted some reviews about the bra's performance. The New Balance Camisole Bra Top was one of the products in the spotlight. The brief article talked about the fit, feel and function of the bra.

Women's Health rated the bra top as "medium impact" and ideal for women with a cup size of C to D.

You can read more about the Camisole Bra Top on our website or you can visit http://www.newbalance.com/ for more information.

Try it on and let us know what you think!

--Cassie

New Balance Bamboo Biocool® Tee

We've had some previous posts about the benefits of the new Bamboo fabrication from New Balance, but I had to post again about the new men's and women's Bamboo Biocool® Tee that just arrived on NBwebexpress.com.

A good technical tee is important for training runs, but a tee can't do any good if it's not comfortable. So, the Bamboo Biocool® Tee is the best of both worlds; it's very technical with Biocool® body mapping (moisture wicking technologies that target core heat zones) and the cutting edge Bamboo fabric, but still comfy against your skin with a soft feel.

Check out the new colors for spring, too. They are bright, vibrant and bold, just in time for warmer weather...at last!

--Cassie

New Balance Camisole Bra Top

It's time to talk Sports Bras. New Balance is rolling out an incredible line of performance bra tops for women of all shapes and sizes. Now, there are more choices than just your standard cotton or spandex bra top and/or sports bra.

The New Balance Camisole Bra Top features precise cup sizing, adjustable hook and loop straps for custom comfort, and spacer cups for moisture management and modesty. But what do all of these features mean anyway?

Precise Cup Sizing: Say goodbye to small, medium and large when it comes to sports bras. Now you can find a sports bra that matches the same sizing as your everyday bra. The more accurate the fit, the better you will perform.

Adjustable Hook and Loop Straps: Make it easy to adjust the bra to fit your specific body frame. The hook and loop feature makes it easy to move and fit; so no more fumbling around with awkward latches or ill-fitting elastic.

Spacer Cups: This feature makes the camisole fit and feel like a regular bra. The cups offer fantastic support for larger busted women and some added coverage when wearing the bra alone. You should feel confident and comfortable when working out, and the camisole bra top does just that; keeps you looking and feeling good.

The camisole bra top isn't perfect for every activity or every body type. Women with a medium to larger size bust will get the best fit and feel from the camisole bra top. This top is also designed for low to medium impact activities; so, play golf, go to yoga class, walk, or even do some light jogging, but this top is not for marathon training.

More styles and fits coming soon, be sure to check back if you're in the market for your perfect fit!

--Cassie

New Balance Apparel on NBwebexpress.com!

We have some New Arrivals of New Balance apparel on NBwebexpress.com!

These pieces are innovative, comfortable and very fun to wear while you train. Here are a few of my favorites:

Storm Striker Jacket for men/women: A versatile jacket perfect for the elements, the Storm Striker is designed with BIOSHIELD® fabrication for extra weather protection. It's lightweight, great fitting, and features a music pocket for your MP3 player.

Women's 4'' Speed Short: This is a great short for race day with cool colors and a lightweight feel. Plus, this short features Lightning Dry® fabrication to keep you comfortable and dry so you can perform your best.

Men's Speed Tee: Feather-weight with a barely-there feel, the Speed Tee is great for high impact training. And with Spring on the horizon, who can't use a great looking top that keeps you cool? This top features lightweight mesh at center back and shoulders plus Lightning Dry® fabrication.

Tons more pieces have just been added to the site; these few were just the warm-up to a great workout of style!





--Cassie

New Balance Running Pants

It's now 2008 and time for those resolutions. If your New Year's resolution is to up your mileage or train no matter the weather, you might want to try the New Balance Reach Trackster pant.

This Reach Trackster pant offers ankle zippers for easy on/off and Lightning Dry® fabrication to wick moisture away from your skin.

Check out Runner's World for the review on the Reach Trackster and how the benefits can improve your stride. And if you are someone (like me) who must coordinate their running outfits, you can pair this with the Kaspian Half Zip for a cool look.

There is no reason why you shouldn't stay warm (and stylish) while reaching your goals in 2008!

--Cassie

Winter Apparel from New Balance

Check out the complete line of winter apparel from New Balance on NewBalance.com.

You can tell New Balance did their homework with performance apparel; the entire line is perfect for chilly weather running. And all the apparel allows for great mobility; there is nothing worse than feeling trapped inside your running jacket!

I personally am a huge fan of the fleece; it's cozy but not too heavy so you can wear it and still be active. They are also great for layering in the bitter cold.

Not only can you easily find information on Winter Performance Apparel, but you can also find updated information on Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the latest New Balance technologies.

And, you can get back to NBwebexpress.com via the link at the bottom home page. Just click on the link when you see the "Winter Apparel Collection" message appear.

--Cassie

New Balance Winter Running Gear

It seems like only yesterday I was posting on how to stay cool in the heat and now winter is around the corner.

Cold weather, snow and ice are no longer excuses for a lack of running this season. So, as the temperature drops, think of it as a new opportunity! A new way to run and workout even though the weather may be less than spectacular.

Colder weather means 'new gear' to most runners and New Balance will not leave you in the cold.

Here are a few new additions to the NB Web Express site made just for winter running:

New Balance 921 - Winter Trail Running Shoe (pictured above)

Traction where and when you need it the most, the 921 features removable spikes to help with those slick surfaces and snowy hills. The BIOSHIELD® upper gives great weather protection. I can see this shoe performing well during high mileage runs on unexpected terrain or snowy/hilly trails.


Thermal Max Jacket
Made for men and women, the Thermal Max jacket features a cozy fleece interior and reflective outer layer for safety. This jacket will hold in warmth as you run. Think of wearing this jacket over a long sleeve performance tee or insulated top.

Thermal Max Pant
Ultimate winter running pant designed for men and women with Thermal Max fabrication to hold in warmth. Pair it with the Thermal Max Jacket and stay cozy. You could even wear over running tights for maximum warmth if the conditions call for it.



XT Running Glove

Your hands will stay far from chilly in these technical gloves. The warm insulated fabric construction will keep your hands from freezing up, plus the high density gel on the palms will give nice traction; they will keep your hands from slipping so you can open a water bottle or tie a shoe with ease.

These were just a few of the winter weather items New Balance has come out with for the season. More will surely come as temperatures continue to drop.

Stay warm out there!

--Cassie

Baby, it's Cold Outside!

As winter approaches and the temperature drops, it's time to start thinking about your winter wardrobe. To keep cozy during the big chill, New Balance has a new line of women's comfy fleece to keep you warm.

The Anorack Fleece (pictured to the left) is lightweight and designed with warm microfleece fabric. The side hand pockets will warm your chilly hands and keep your keys safe at the same time. In the winter, I live in New Balance fleece, but you could also wear this on a fall day or on chilly morning walks.

The updated Fleece Half-Zip Jacket is cozy and versatile enough to wear with jeans or during a cool morning workout. The contrast binding at the neck gives great detail and makes this top stylish.

So, whether you are looking for early gift ideas for the holidays or looking for a cozy top for the winter, try on this new line of New Balance fleece.

--Cassie

New Balance and Cocona™

Searching for "greener" fabrics? For fall 2007, New Balance released a new fabric called Cocona™ which is constructed with "coconut shells salvaged from food industry waste." It is created through excessive heating that transforms the shells into activated carbon, which is then fused into polyester fibers. Pretty neat, huh?

This revolutionary fabric uses natural technology to provide evaporative cooling, odor resistance and UV protection.

The men's and women's Cocona Run Zip Neck and men's Cocona Reversible are two styles this fall that feature this cool new fabric.

--Cassie

Wear Tested - New Balance Tempo Tee and Bonita Run Skirt

Tempo Tee: Over the past few months, I've added the women's New Balance Tempo Tee to my running wardrobe and I can safely say I will never go back to the typical cotton t-shirt.

The Tempo Tee is a great basic piece that really moves with you when you run. It doesn't stick to you as you work up a sweat. The Lightning Dry fabrication does exactly what the name says it will do, keep you dry...fast.

The only downside to the Tempo Tee: if you purchase the white color (which I own) it tends to dull slightly in your typical sweat/heat zones. If you wash it frequently though, you shouldn't have too much trouble keeping it gleaming white.

Has anyone else gone from wearing cotton t-shirts to performance fabrics recently? Quite a difference!

Bonita Run Skirt: I've also added the Bonita Run Skirt to my weekly rotation of running clothes, and this skirt is a cute alternative to typical running shorts. It actually has compression shorts underneath, so it really feels more like shorts than a skirt, but a more casual look for running. It is very comfortable, and the skirt doesn't irritate your middle thigh area like running shorts. The material is quick-drying and very lightweight. The shorts underneath make it very comfortable, even for long distances.

The downside of the Run Skirt: If you have solely worn running shorts, you may have to get used to idea of running in a skirt. It actually looks more like a tennis skirt. After a run one evening, I ran into the grocery store on my way home from the park and someone asked me where I play tennis...it really does look similar to a tennis skirt. But this skirt is definitely made for running with the front pleats for forward motion, than the side pleats on a tennis skirt.

Have any other ladies tried running in a run skirt? Do you like running skirts more than running shorts? I wear both, but the Bonita Run Skirt could be a cute and fun addition to your typical running clothes.

--Cassie

Road Tested - Men's Tempo Tee and Vega Short

Tom, our elite wear tester, took the men's Tempo Tee and Vega Short on several test runs over the last few months. In order to give the items a proper review, he wore each piece in both warmer and cooler temperatures. Here is what he had to say:

The men's Tempo Tee is a great basic top for running. It holds up well in cooler weather and warmer weather. But this is not just a top for running, it would be great for all outdoor activities. I really enjoyed the wicking properties and the ability of this shirt to keep me dry. And priced at $28.99, this shirt is a great value.

Other things to keep in mind:

The top also washed really well in cold water.

Here is Tom's review on the Vega Short:

Like the Tempo Tee, the Vega Short is also very comfortable in cooler or warmer weather (variety of climates). Some special features of this short are the Phantom Waistband™ for a comfortable fit (you don't even know the shorts are there, they are that comfortable) Cadence light fabric for a lightweight feel, and Lightning Dry™ fabrication to keep you even more comfortable. This is an excellent running short for the elite as well as the novice runner. The mobility is great, and with 5 inch inseams, it gives adequate leg coverage. This is the most comfortable short I have ever tried!

Other things to keep in mind:
This short also washed really well in cold water.

From the looks of our reviews, the Tempo Tee and Vega Short might be worth trying out for summer running. On the Wear Tester grading scale:

Overall Grade (1-26.2 Miles)
1-8 Mile(s)(Good) 9-17 Miles (Better) 17-26.2 Miles (Best)


Tom gives this outfit (tee and shorts) a grade of 24 miles!


Any other runners out there tried the Tempo Tee or the Vega Short? If so, let us know how it performed!

--Cassie

Look Great, Perform Even Better

When you head out to the gym or out for a run, what are you wearing? Do you grab an old T-shirt and pair of gym shorts or do you have clothes just for your workouts? What about fit? support? How does it hold up in the wash?

When I ran competitively, I had special outfits for certain workouts and weather, but with motherhood and lack of time I used to just grab whatever "seemed" clean in the laundry room.

Just recently (within the last 8 months I'd say) I have discovered the beauty of fitness apparel. There is really nothing like a great looking outfit just for a workout. It's not just the look either, the materials and fabrics really do keep you dryer than those old cotton tees. And guys aren't immune to this trend of functional fitness fashion either, my husband just tried the New Balance short sleeve Ultra tee and Jersey Shorts, he swears by them. He is not a runner, but this outfit works for his weight lifting workouts.

I came across this very interesting article on Shape.com that discusses the importance of fashionable workout apparel. If you look good while working out, you just might work out more often. This article features some tips on what to look for in fitness apparel and how to dress for certain activities. And it's not just for women, men should feel good while breaking a sweat, too.

So, what is your favorite workout look? I'd have to say mine is the Bonita Run Skirt and Tempo Tee There is just something about looking good while you run, you just feel more in shape.

--Cassie

Women's New Balance Mira Short in May Issue of Runner's World

The New Balance Mira Short is featured in the May issue of Runner's World magazine.


"The Mira's feathery fabric makes them feel lightweight, even with the extra coverage offered by the 4.5-inch inseam. Roomy leg openings and a slightly indented side notch give the shorts shape while allowing a full, unencumbered stride. Testers loved the feel of the seamless liner and soft waistband, but not the shallow internal key pocket integrated into the liner on the right back hip..."

--From "Runner's World Magazine"
May 2007