2011’s Top 10 Gifts for Runners

It’s that time of year again. Time to get out the list and check it twice, and if you know a runner who has been extra nice, reward them with the gift they really want—New Balance gear. Here is a list of the top 10 products on runners’ wish lists this holiday season.

1. NB Minimus. For the runner who prefers a minimalist experience, less is more with NB Minimus. This low-to-the-ground, barefoot-inspired collection offers options for runners of all types, including NB Minimus Road, two trail versions--NB Minimus Trail 10 and NB Minimus Trail 20--plus a recovery/post-run version, NB Minimus Life.

NB890

 

2. New Balance 890 with REVlite. Introduced in 2011, this model is New Balance’s lightest trainer yet. It features unique diamond cutouts on the midsole and a new-sew, molded upper to eliminate what runners don’t need and reduce the weight of what they do.

3. The top-rated New Balance 993. One of Shop New Balance’s most popular running shoes, the New Balance 993 is made in the USA and provides a comfortable, stable ride. Plus it’s available in military styles, including army, navy, marines and coast guard versions.

NBx Windblocker Jacket

4. A good running jacket. The NBx Windblocker Jacket, for men and women, protects runners from wind and rain while wicking away moisture. Reflective accents round out the benefits of this cold-weather runner’s best friend.

5. High-performance running pants. The NBx Windblocker Tight pairs perfectly with the NBx Windblocker jacket to offer runners protection from the elements during the cold winter months.

6. The ultimate sports monitor. Give your runner the tools he/she needs to succeed. The N9GPS Trainer allows runner to track their location, speed, distance and heart rate all from one convenient tool.

NB 1400

7. The New Balance1400. The competitive runner on your list will appreciate this speedy race day road flat. It is ultra lightweight, features a full ground contact sole and, in bright, neon colors, is sure to get noticed.

8. Performance sunglasses. Serious runners don’t let anything get in the way of their run. New Balance Interchangeable Lens Sunglasses help reduce glare three ways—with smoke, copper or clear lenses.

9. An all-purpose gear bag. Back and forth to the gym, on race day, or for a quick change at the track, every runner needs a good gear bag. The Momentum Duffel, available in large and small sizes, will keep up with them, wherever their training takes them.

10. Let them choose! When in doubt, let the runner on your list decide what they need most with a Shop New Balance gift card or eGift. Denominations start at just $25.

Proudly wear your support for a cure during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

If you’ve browsed the Internet, turned on a TV, or visited a store this month you’ve probably seen the signs…Pink ribbons, pink clothing, pink everything. It’s hard to miss Breast Cancer Awareness month.

This important reminder of prevention, courage and survival is honored at Shop NewBalance with its Lace Up for the Cure® Collection. A line of footwear, apparel and accessories that proudly display the Running Ribbon, the Lace Up for the Cure® Collection offers the best in performance wear and a chance to lend your support: New Balance will contribute 5% of the suggested retail price of sales from the Lace Up for the Cure® Collection with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000 each year to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® through 2012.

The collection includes running shoes, toning shoes and walking shoes, so whether you’re attending a Komen walk, race or want to show your support every day, you have a lot of options to choose from.

Through October 31, Shop New Balance is also offering free shipping* with any purchase from the Lace up for the Cure® collection.

Browse the entire collection at www.shopnewbalance.com/laceup today and pick out your favorites. From hats to shoes, you can show your support from head to toe while supporting a great cause.

-- Shoe Girl

shopnewbalance.com

The Running Ribbon and Lace Up for the Cure® are registered trademarks of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

*Free Shipping with any Lace Up purchase ends October 31, 2011 at 11:59 PM ET. Order must include at least one item from the Lace Up for the Cure Collection to qualify for free shipping. Free shipping applies to UPS Basic Shipping to the 48 Contiguous United States.Free shipping applies to USPS Priority Mail to AK, HI, PO boxes, U.S. Postal Territories, and APO/FPO addresses.

From plastic bottle to a shoe with personality. Reimagine Recycling with newSKY.

Wait! Before you throw out that plastic water bottle, consider this possibility...Rather than condemning it to sit in an already overloaded landfill, give it a second life as part of a New Balance shoe.

Founded on the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, the New Balance newSKY is made entirely from Eco-fi – a high quality polyester manufactured from 95% PET plastic bottles. On average, approximately eight bottles creates one pair of newSKY shoes. (Based on 20oz recycled PET bottles.) That’s eight fewer bottles to take up space in a landfill.

Take just one look at the newSKY and you’ll quickly see that environmental benefits are just one of its many charms. It has a contemporary look that makes going casual all the more fun with some styles featuring pops of color on the outsole.

Its lightweight feel will also impress you with the women’s version weighing in a just 4.1 oz and the men’s version at 5.5 oz. Though it’s strictly a lifestyle shoe, designed for casual wear, the New Balance newSKY design borrows elements from the NB Minimus, using a less is more approach to shoe design. The shoe is built on the NB Minimus last and utilizes the same minimal outsole.

The result is a shoe that looks and feels great. And makes you feel good about wearing it!

Whether you decide to own them for looks, comfort or to make a difference, the newSKY is sure to quickly become one of your favorite shoes. Order your pair online now at Shop New Balance.

-- Shoe Girl

shopnewbalance.com

*Every pair of newSKY incorporates an average of 8 PET plastic bottles into the upper materials.

Don’t forget the accessories!

They may be the last thing you think of when you’re putting together a running outfit, but without them, you just couldn’t get the job done. Accessories…the often overlooked, but much needed, advantage every athlete needs.

Think about it. How many runners do you know that would give up their favorite socks? (Unless the shoe called for it, like the NB Miminus, of course!) Many would be lost without their sports monitors. Not to mention the unmentionables – the active underwear that supports you along the way.

Because accessories do play such an important role in athletes’ success, New Balance has infused theirs with a lot of the technology and thoughtful attention to detail that you’d find in any of their running shoes or apparel.

New Balance started as an insole company, so they know a lot about helping athletes succeed, from the ground up. It all starts with getting the right fit. Whether you need extra cushioning or additional arch support to combat Plantar Fasciitis, Morton’s Neuroma, Metatarsalgia or other foot conditions, New Balance offers an insole that may provide relief.

The sock line is just as comprehensive with moisture-wick technology, compression fit and diabetic options to choose from.

Lacing can also make a difference in your run. Bubble laces feature a wave-like pattern that help them stay tied on a long run. Or if you prefer no ties at all, New Balance offers Yankz laces as an alternative. A modern approach to keeping shoes in place, this fun stretch cord system offers a worry-free, secure fit.

Protection for your eyes is just as important and New Balance has a great assortment of sunglasses to keep yours covered, from polarized options to reduce glare to interchangeable lenses that let you choose your level of protection.

And, if you’re a runner who likes to be inspired by music while you run, New Balance headphones will keep you company. Choose from over-the-ear styles, ear bugs and more.

So when building your next workout outfit, you may want to seriously consider the accessories that complement it.  From insoles to active underwear, they could just offer you the advantage you need to beat your personal best!

-- Shoe Girl

shopnewbalance.com

Make easy work of choosing workout apparel. Shop by Outfit.

When you’re shopping for running and fitness apparel in a store, it’s easy to put together an entire outfit. You can just look at the mannequin and purchase what it’s wearing. New Balance has made shopping for outfits online just as simple with its Shop by Outfit tool.

Available for men and women, Shop by Outfit allows you to view an entire outfit on a model, by sport. Choose from running, fitness, yoga—and even lifestyle—outfits. Whatever your fitness goals, you’ll find apparel and accessories to inspire you.

How the tool works: Simply scroll through the options using the arrows on the right and left of the tool. Then, when you see something you like, click on it. A new view will show you all of the items featured in the photo, one by one. Select the items you like and add them to your cart. It’s that easy! All the hard work of matching colors, styles and accessories has been done for you.

Another advantage of the Shop by Outfit tool is that it allows you to see the apparel on a model, giving you a better idea of how each piece will fit.

With so many choices in fitness apparel today, finding what you need can be overwhelming. Take the New Balance Shop by Outfit tool for a spin and see for yourself how it can save you time and hassles.

-- Shoe Girl

shopnewbalance.com