New Balance 840

What shoe do you choose if you're an extreme terrain runner with a neutral running gait? But wait, you still want something that looks snazzy and performs just as great? The New Balance 840 trail running shoe just hit the site and it looks pretty incredible.

I am one of those runners that needs good traction when they start a run. I want a shoe that will make my feet feel secure. What if you hit a rocky area on your run? Or what if the terrain is unpredictable? What if it's 100 plus degrees outside and your feet start to sweat uncontrollably? If you have smooth outsole, you may not feel as "safe" and any shoe without moisture managing features will leave your feet with blisters. The 840 gives incredible traction with its N-Grip outsole, plus the PHANTOM LINER on the inside of the shoe will keep your feet comfy in the heat.

Any ultra runners out there? What do you do to keep your feet comfortable? Would you say traction is the most important? Let us know your thoughts...

--Cassie

The New Full Length Zips

If you’re a big fan of the New Balance Zips, you’ll LOVE the new 1306 Full Length Zip Running Shoe and the new 1315 Full Length Zip Cross Training Shoe. These styles are just in and they’re smokin’ hot!

What makes them on fire you might ask? The biggest change is the NB Zip responsive cushioning technology that is now full length instead of just the heel. So you get the powerful “heel to toe” energy for an added burst to heat up your runs and training. And, the removable full-length insert with ABZORB® cushioning and BIOCOOL® mesh upper will keep your feet cool and comfortable for a soft ride.

Some of the same great features from previous Zip styles are carried over, too. The ACTEVA™ LITE premium lightweight midsole foam keeps you light on your feet for your lengthy journeys. And, the N-Durance® rubber compound helps your shoes last even longer.

The new extended Zips are perfect for the athlete looking for a cutting edge design who wants to go faster, stronger and longer. If you take a run in these new Zips and they ignite your energy, tell us about them. We want to hear from you!

-- Julie

New Balance Sesame Street Collection

You can take just one look at these cute shoes and know kids will love wearing them! Elmo, Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch - three of the most adorable Sesame Street characters shine in this great new collection!

As a sponsor of Sesame Workshop, New Balance introduces these new kicks designed on the 574 Classic Running Shoe. They're all sure to be favorites! With googly eyes and a soft blue fur liner, Cookie Monster is yummy. Elmo's contagious smile stands out and his red fuzzy liner will make kids laugh. On grouchy days or happy ones, Oscar's soft green suede upper and peeking eyes make him a winner.

These fun styles are also designed to be comfy so kids can play in them all day long. They come in multiple widths for Infant, Pre-School and Grade School sizes. For a closer look, check them out here at NBwebexpress.com. Let us know what you and your kids think of them!

--Julie

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

New Balance Gifts for Father’s Day

The count down is on! There’s only 10 more days until Father’s Day, which means you still have time to think about the perfect way to show your dad just how much he means to you. Whether the dad in your life is into running, working out, working hard or just kicking back, you can find some great gift ideas right here at NBwebexpress.com.

Here are a few of my favorite picks!

920 Water Shoe
This is the perfect time of year and a top pick for any dad with an adventurous outdoor spirit! This quick-drying water shoe was just awarded the 2008 Best of Adventure Gear by the editors of National Geographic Adventure Magazine. It’s the ultimate shoe for unpredictable wet or dry lands. The innovative design flows water out but keeps sand and pebbles from seeping in. So your feet feel dry faster and won’t hurt. The grip from the outsole also protects you from slips.

MP3 Arm Wallet
For your music loving dad on the run, check out one of the MP3 video holders. Dad can grab his iPod and hit the road with this convenient holder that has an adjustable arm band. It has a space for the MP3 dial and a clear screen to check your song choice along the way without needing to stop. This is so convenient and user-friendly, it’s ideal for the dad who enjoys music on the go!

N5™ Max
If your dad wants to keep track of all his fitness goals, take a look at this training monitor. The N5™ Max recently earned the 2008 Great Gear of the Year Award from shapeyou.com! Its health focused with lots of easy to use features like an exercise calorie count that even shows total fat burned. The heart rate monitor stores data so you can keep records from every workout. This is just the thing for dads who are competitive runners or fitness enthusiasts.

Storm Striker Jacket
Not all jackets are created equal! Some stand up to wind and rain better than others. This jacket is so versatile it’s a must-have item for any dad. Designed for extra weather protection, it’s lightweight, great fitting, and features a music pocket for your MP3 player. A detachable magnetic hood gives you more options and the 360° reflectivity ensures safety during early morning or evening activities.

Shop by Outfit
You can’t go wrong with an entire outfit for dad! And you’ll be proud to see him sport a new look. Check out a variety of complete sets in one easy-to-shop place at the New Balance Shop By Outfit section. You’ll find awesome outfits for every dad whether he’s on the run, on the court or on the hammock!

Check out these gift ideas and let us know if any of them make a big hit with your dad! How ever you choose to show him how much you care, have a great celebration and treasure the time you spend together!

--Julie