Rack Up the Miles in the New Balance 850 Series
Here at Running Shoes Research, we go straight to the runner to get the best word on sneakers. Today, we’ve profiled one runner has been loyal to the 850 Series by New Balance.
Name: Maureen
Age: 22
Location: Washington, DC
Biggest Running Feat: A 32 km run through Pavia, Italy
Shoes of the Moment: New Balance 856
Why she loves these shoes:
“I’ve been with this model since it was the 851…I like it because it’s a sturdy shoe and really controls my landing to minimize injury. It’s not designed for speed and it’s not particularly light or cushioned, but its sturdiness and rollbar support make it perfect for a distance runner who wants to pound a lot without making her knees and shins suffer the consequences. I run particularly heavy on my feet and need to watch out for shin splints and runner’s knee when I start upping my mileage – so the New Balance 856 has been a good model for me because it seems to have minimized those injuries.”
The New Balance 857, New Balance’s newest shoe, features a TS2 dual density medial post and an ABZORB SBS cushioning system that may make this version softer than the last. This stability shoe weighs in at 11.3 oz for women, and 13.7 oz for men. It runs about about $90-$95. More information on the 857 and other shoes can be found on the New Balance website.
New Balance: Balancing Great Shoes and Commendable Labor Practices
Long has negative publicity surrounding shoe manufacture labor practices in developing countries plagued the athletic shoe industry. New Balance, however, has been paraded as the exemplary brand for runners concerned with fair labor practices. Unlike other athletic shoe producers, New Balance rarely outsources production. In fact, 100% of New Balance’s manufacturing plants are located in the United States. At the height of public awareness about labor practices in the athletic shoe industry, New Balance was the clear choice for socially aware runners. But, it turns out, New Balance also makes a fantastic running shoe. Regardless of manufacturing labor practices, runners love New Balance.
So, you’ve decided a New Balance shoe is for you. But which one?
Supportive Cushioning Models
- 2001 (Men’s Styles Only) The New Balance 2001 a Heritage style built with N-ergy V 2.0 system midsole technology and a full footbed of ABZORB SBS for the mild to moderate pronator.
- 992 The New Balance 992 is a Heritage shoe featuring Abzorb® cushioning and Encap® built for the mild to moderate overpronator who requires a combination of cushioning and stability.
- 991 The New Balance 991 is a Heritage shoe featuring Abzorb® cushioning and Encap® built for the mild to moderate overpronator who requires a combination of cushioning and stability.
- 1041 (Women’s Style’s Only) An innovative trainer with a unique foxing construction and N-ergy system midsole technology developed for the mild to moderate overpronator.
- 766 The New Balance 766 named “Editor’s Choice” by Runner’s World. The New Balance 766 is a supportive trainer featuring the “Transitional Support” system and ABZORB in the heel and forefoot which offers a combination of cushioning and stability. The 766 is available in a regular and water resistant version.
Stability/Motion Control Models
- 1221 The 1221 is a high mileage trainer designed with integrated medial ROLLBAR and TS2 midsole technology offering the ultimate in support and cushioning.
- 1122 (Men’s Models Only) The New Balance 1122 is a high mileage trainer for the runner who requires maximum motion control, stability and cushioning.
- 856 The New Balance 856 is a high mileage trainer with ABZORB SBS cushioning, ROLLBAR and dual density medial post to accomodate the moderate to severe overpronator.
- 855 A high mileage trainer with ABZORB SBS cushioning, ROLLBAR and dual density medial post to accommodate the moderate to severe overpronator.
- 587 The New Balance 587 ia a highly stable Heritage trainer for runners who require maximum motion control, support and cushioning.
Lightweight Models
- 901 The New Balance 901 is a lightweight training shoe developed with added support for the performance runner looking for a fast-paced trainer.
- 900 The New Balance 900 is a lightweight training shoe developed with a dual density post providing added support for the performance runner looking for a fast-pace trainer.
New Balance 1060 Review
One of the most well-known flexibility shoes out there is the New Balance 1060. This neutral-cushioned shoe is meant for middleweight to heavier runners. It offers a number of technologies that help runners with high arches. They include the following:
-An Abzorb SBS® system in the outsole that helps ‘absorb and disperse’ impact throughout the foot, a must-have for under-pronators
-The Blown Rubber Outside in the heel which helps keep the shoe light and cushioned
-An Abzorb FL midsole that makes the shoe even more resilient
This shoe is known as one of the softer flexibility shoes and gives a smooth ride with a little bounce. It is about $110 and weighs about 12.6 oz for men, 10.5 for women. For more information, visit the New Balance website.
