Daddy Ben Affleck in the 992's!

A picture that will warm your heart, just in time for Father's Day!

Check out this recent picture of actor Ben Affleck with his young daughter Violet. Looks like he is spending some quality 'Daddy' time with his little girl at a park in Brentwood, California. Too cute!

And of course he is wearing his New Balance 992's!

NB Zip - Wear Tested, Runner Approved!

Tom, our elite Wear Tester at NB Web Express, finished a few months of training in the NB ZIP™ (M8505SN). While training, Tom put together some comments and tips for those who are looking for a new type of running shoe:

The NB ZIP in the heel provides durable responsiveness while dispersing shock from initial heel impact. This shoe also features ABZORB® SBS in the forefoot for shock absorption while resisting compression set. The full length ABZORB® Stroebel Board maximizes shock absorption and comfort. New Balance has also added ACTEVA™ LITE (which is 24% lighter than standard foam) to the midsole increasing the overall comfort and lightweight feel of this shoe.

Recommendation:

The NB ZIP is ideal for neutral runners who do not have any motion control issues. This shoe is also great for runners seeking a firm and resilient running experience.

Overall, Tom rates this shoe with the highest official Wear Testing score:

26.2 Miles! The best!

Any other runners out there taken a test run in the NB ZIP? If so, let us know your thoughts. Your feedback is what we want to hear!

NCAA National Track and Field Championships

For you track fans, this week June 6-9, is the NCAA National Track and Field Championships in Sacramento, CA. Mary, our new intern and resident elite Cross Country runner, has made her personal favorite picks of athletes/teams to watch out for this week:

Women:
Teams to watch (Winners from each region):
Virginia Tech, LSU, Arizona State, Texas A&M

Individual Events and Mary's Personal Favorites:
5K: Michelle Sikes (Cleveland, OH native who runs for Wake Forest)—Won East Region 5K in 15:52.55
400m: Natasha Hastings: Fastest qualifying time in this race (50.23)—runs for South Carolina
1500m: Brie Felnagle, Fastest qualifying time in this race (4.11.86)
4 X 100m: LSU has top qualifying time

Men:
Teams to watch (Winners from each region):
Oklahoma, Southern California, LSU, Florida State

Individual Events and Mary's Personal favorites:
10K: Galen Rupp (Oregon)—Fastest qualifying time in this race 27.33.48
800m: Andrew Ellerton (Michigan)—Fastest qualifying time in this race 1:46.84

All results listed in this post were taken from regional results and meet heat sheets/start lists for women's and men's events.

So, for those of you following this event, who are your top picks, teams, and individuals? Who are the favorites?

Support your Arches and they will Support you!

Experiencing foot pain? Johnnie, one of our veteran Customer Care Specialists, has extensive experience working with foot problems and different types of arch supports. Over-pronation is one of the leading causes of foot discomfort. Your feet are the base and support for your whole skeleton. As you step down your arch flexes and stretches to accommodate the rolling motion of heel to toe. Adding an arch support to a shoe will roll the foot up into the correct position. As a result, unnecessary pressure will be lifted off your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

Johnnie's personal experience with foot ailments started back when she worked for a local shoe store. She was required to wear slip-on dress shoes for hours. These uncomfortable shoes had no support and wreaked havoc on her feet, knees, and lower back. She tried an arch support for extra cushioning and comfort, and after a week of wearing them, the pain started to ease up. Keep in mind at first the arch support may hurt a little, but after they are broken in and your feet get used to them, they will help.

So, are Arch Supports right for you? Over-pronators, people who tend to work longer hours on their feet, or those who have current foot/knee problems could benefit from an arch support.

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