The Custom US993: New Balance’s heritage running shoe, made just the way you want it.

In 2011, New Balance launched its first-ever custom shoe, the Custom US574. Response to the shoe was overwhelming, prompting New Balance to welcome in 2012 with a new model, this time based on a high performance running shoe: the Custom US993.

A member of the heritage 990 running series, the 993 is built for high-mileage runners with a dynamic combination of responsive cushioning materials and a durable outsole that is designed to last. All of these qualities can be found in the Custom US993 version as well.

Available in 23 base colors and multiple widths, the Custom US993 allows you to customize 19 different areas of the shoe, from the heel to the laces, in the colors of your choice.

You also have the option of including a personal message on the left and right heels of the shoe so you can truly make your pair of US993s all your own.

New Balance's custom shoes are Made in the USA. That means you get them fast—typically in as fast as 4-8 business days. It also means you can count on high-quality American craftsmanship in every pair you order.

To test out the custom shoe tool, visit shopnewbalance.com/us993. You’ll have the option of saving your design, purchasing it, or sharing it via Facebook, Twitter or email.

Or, if you need inspiration, visit the 993 Design Gallery to view custom shoes created by other customers. If you see something you like, you can even order a version in your size.

So test out your design skills and create a premium running shoe that reflects your unique style. Visit the Custom US993 design tool today.

-- Shoe Girl

shopnewbalance.com

For winter running, bring on the heat—MegaHeat®.

NBx Windblocker Jacket

 

Cold weather running…you either love it or hate it. If you love it, you long for those cold winter months when you don’t have to worry about sunburn or excessive heat. But even if the cold isn’t your thing, you can stay warm and enjoy a good winter run, IF you have the right gear.

It’s all about layering and staying dry. MegaHeat® from NewBalance, a new technology used in their premium running apparel, can help protect you against the chill of cold winter months. It wicks away moisture, ensuring the fabric stays comfortable and dry against your skin. Even more amazing, it’s lightweight and breathable. Not what you’d expect from apparel that keeps you so warm!

You’ll find the MegaHeat® technology in New Balance several styles, for both men and women: the Megaheat Half-Zip pullover, Megaheat Competitor Long Sleeve top, Megaheat Competitor Pant for men and Megaheat Everyday Pant for women.

For additional warmth, add an outer layer. The New Balance NBx Windblocker Jacket is a good choice. It’s windproof, waterproof and features Lightning Dry® fabric to wick away moisture. Top it off with the New Balance NBx Emissive Skull Cap and you’ll be ready for any weather.

When you’re shopping for your cold weather outfit, whether base layers or outerwear, make sure the fabric that touches your skin has technology that will keep you dry. MegaHeat® or Lightning Dry® from New Balance are two great options. They’ll make you almost look forward to that next cold snap!

-- Shoe Girl

shopnewbalance.com

The 860v2: One of the few times a sequel is better than the original!

When the new New Balance 860 Running shoe debuted earlier this year, replacing the 760, runners were impressed. And they had reason to be. For those seeking moderate stability, it delivered the support and cushioning needed. Now there’s even more to celebrate. New Balance has found a way to improve upon perfection with the release of the New Balance 860v2.

Assembled in the USA, this stability runner offers a combination of premium cushioning with New Balance’s proprietary N-ERGY® in the heel, ACTEVA^TM LITE in the midsole and ABZORB® in the in the forefoot.  Combined with a dual density medial post and Stability Web®, it also delivers the moderate stability to keep you moving confidently.

New Balance 860v2 - online exclusive

The critics seem to agree about the many merits of this exceptional shoe. The 860v2 was named “Editor’s Choice” in the December 2011 issue of Runner’s World.

From Runner’s World: “A well-cushioned and flexible shoe that gets all the basics right, the 860 layers lots of foam padding underneath the foot and snugly wraps the arch with an elegant upper design that accommodates an expansive toebox. New Balance reconfigured the support components in the sole to create a soft yet stable landing that's ideal for high-mileage workouts. It's the rare instance when a shoe's $10 price increase is justified. We recommend it as a workhorse shoe for heel-strikers and beginners.”

The New Balance 860v2 won’t hit stores and sites in early 2012, however, Shop New Balance is one of a select few retailers who can offer it early. Be one of the first to own it by visiting shopnewbalance.com.

You’ll find a men’s and women’s version in silver and blue, as well as a tribute shoe to the NY City Marathon featuring bold taxicab colors. Whichever you choose, you’ll be glad you added this premium shoe to your running routine!

-- Shoe Girl

shopnewbalance.com

New Balance Hi-viz– the apparel to be seen in.

A burst of color on the sleeve. An arresting stripe on the leg. While they may get you noticed during your run, those bold color bursts you’ll find on New Balance apparel are not just for show. They serve an important purpose – to help you be seen.

Hi-Viz accents are built into many items in the new NBx running apparel line. Combined with other reflective accents, they could help improve your visibility to others in low light conditions.

Look for tops in Vibrant Yellow for men, like the NewBalance’s men’s Icefil® Short Sleeve or Long Sleeve Top and NPShort Sleeve Top which provide front and back reflectivity. The men’s NBx Windblocker Tight and NP 9” Running Short also feature this attention-getting color.

In women’s, hot pink accents provide the same benefit. This bold and bright color can be found in the women’s NBX 2” short, NBx WeldedHalf-Zip, NBx Windblocker pant, NBx Welded Capri and NBx Adaptor Short Sleeve top.

But hi-viz accents aren’t just reserved for apparel. They’re also in many accessories, too – a big advantage during color weather running. From the Hatchback NB glove to New Balance Icy Arm Sleeves, vibrant yellow and shocking pink accents are hard to miss.

The Tri-Viz Running Cap is another low-light running favorite. In addition to hi-viz accents, it is built with powerful LED lights that light the path ahead.

And, like all New Balance running apparel and accessories, each piece is designed with moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you comfortable throughout your workout.

So the next time you’re admiring that color pop on your favorite apparel, feel good knowing it’s also working to help you stand out on the track or trail.

View the entire collection of reflective and hi-viz apparel now.

-- Shoe Girl

shopnewbalance.com

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.